Home Recording News, Tips and Articles

Primacoustic Voxguard Bonus!

2012-11-27T16:29:00.000-05:00

Great news from Radial Engineering! Every Primacoustic VoxGuard Vocal Isolator now includes a free set of TriPad Mic Stand Isolators.
Buy VoxGuard in the Revolution Audio online store.

Sony Pro Audio mail-in rebates

2012-11-26T13:53:00.001-05:00

From now to the end of the year Sony is running some great mail-in bonus offers to users.

Buy a PCM-D50 and get a free set of MDR-7750 in-ear headphones ($350 value).
download rebate form (pdf)
Buy a PCM-M10 and get a free docking case ($95 value).
download rebate form (pdf)
Buy a PCM-M10R (red) and get a free wind filter ($65 value).
download rebate form (pdf)
Get $15 back after buying MDR-7506 or MDR-7510 professional headphones
download rebate form (pdf)

Revolution Audio has competitive pricing on these Sony pro audio products.

Featured Equipment: Samson Airline Micro Camera Wireless lav mic set

2012-11-02T17:58:00.000-04:00

Samson Airline Micro Camera Wireless lav mic set
The AirLine Micro Wireless Camera System utilizes the latest in lithium-ion battery technology and high-quality audio and RF components, representing a breakthrough that is ideal for all video camera applications requiring outstanding audio, including DSLR video. The result is our smallest wireless system ever.
To eliminate continually changing batteries, Samson has designed this wireless system to be fully rechargeable with lithium-ion batteries for both the AL2 transmitter and AR2 receiver. The AR2DT double-docking station provides power to both units via a USB DC input, as well as a 3.5mm balanced audio output for the receiver. With AirLine Micro, the days of replacing batteries in your wireless camera system are over.
Find out more: Samson Airline Micro Camera

TOP FEATURES
AirLine Micro Wireless Camera System

Wireless system with micro-sized AL2 transmitter, AR2 receiver and double dock
Tone squelch and auto mute for clear operation
Includes a system carry case, hot shoe mount, 3.5mm and XLR camera connectors, AC adapter and charging cables

AL2 Transmitter

Beltpack transmitter and LM10 omnidirectional lavalier microphone
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (7-8 hours of operation)
USB DC input for recharging
Single button operation for power, mute and volume
Multi-color LED displaying RF, low battery and power

AR2 Receiver

Low-profile wireless receiver (2.36” x 1.67” x .51”)
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (7-8 hours of operation)
USB DC input for power and recharging
3.5mm balanced mic/line level output
Multi-color LED displaying RF, low battery and power

AR2DT Double Dock

Provides secure base for AL2 transmitter during recharging and AR2 receiver during operation and/or recharging
USB DC input for power and recharging (cables included)
3.5mm unbalanced audio output

Buy Samson Airline Micro Camera at Revolution Audio

Mixing Acoustic Guitars

2012-11-02T17:44:00.000-04:00

Acoustic guitars are one of the most dynamic and expressive instruments used in modern music. They have a broad frequency range covering almost the entire audible spectrum. The instrument can serve many different roles in an arrangement as a harmonic, melodic, or percussive element. All of these factors will affect how you approach both the recording and mixing acoustic guitars.

Context
The first thing to do is think about its role in the song/mix. Is the guitar the main harmonic instrument? Is it supposed to enhance or thicken other harmonic instruments like electric guitars? Is it enhancing the melody, playing arpeggios or single notes? Is it a percussive element more like a shaker just to fill out the rhythm section? Figure out the goal, then you can begin processing.

Tone control
Depending on the guitar, microphone, pick, player and role in the arrangement, acoustic guitars always require at least a little equalization to fit in a mix. Cutting of nonmusical sub frequencies (everything below 100Hz) is a must. A low shelf may be required to tame the remaining low-end. In the midrange, take out any unflattering frequencies causing 'boxiness' or anything that might mask the vocals. A broad, gentle high shelf boost can enhance articulation and an overall more sparkly sound. The general strategy is to remove what you don't need, then enhance what you do.

Dynamics
An acoustic guitar performance is often extremely dynamic, which is often a problem. A compressor will even out the differences between loud and soft notes and help keep the level more constant throughout the track. It's easy to take it too far, so keep the gain reduction to no more than 3-4dB. The compressor's attack control will allow you to clamp down on the beginning of the notes, or when set slower (about 20-50ms) will enhance the transient which helps it stand out more in the mix.

At this point you may want to adjust the sound envelope further though use of a transient shaper. This tool can increase or decrease pick attack, and separately adjust sustain.

Depth
Sending your acoustic track(s) into a stereo reverb will add space and distance to the sound. The trick here is to not wash out the sound in a ton of reverb, but just to move the move the mics back a bit into an imaginary room. Usually, a short room type verb with the highs rolled off is the best bet. Try to make the reverb sound like an office or large bedroom - short decay with and a bit of early reflections. The predelay control will separate your source from the room.

Summary
And so, following the above strategy you should now have an acoustic guitar track with a balanced frequency response, even dynamics and sense of space around the instrument, (if that was what the track required). The track is ready to be put in the mix with the other instruments. Tweak the EQ in context with the other tracks, adjust the reverb send amount, and even EQ the reverb if needed.

Examples
Acoustic Raw
Acoustic Processed

Featured Equipment: IK Multimedia Total Studio 3 software bundle

2012-10-15T13:57:00.000-04:00

IK Multimedia Total Studio 3 software bundle
The Total Studio 3 bundle is the most complete solution for any DAW available on the market today, with a collection of 8 award-winning plug-ins, including 5 virtual instruments and 15 multi-sampled instrument Xpansion Tank 2 titles, plus 3 essential effects plug-in suites — with over 170 accurately modeled effects — covering every guitar, bass, mix and mastering need. The bundle is available at an amazing price that’s 80% lower than the cost of buying the components individually.
Find out more: Total Studio 3

The Total Studio 3 bundle includes:

Virtual Instruments and Sounds:

SampleTank 2.5 XL
Sonik Synth 2
Miroslav Philharmonik
SampleMoog
SampleTron
15 Xpansion Tank 2 Multi-Sampled Instrument Collections

Guitar & Bass Gear:

AmpliTube 3
including:
- AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix™
- AmpliTube Metal
- AmpliTube Custom Shop

Mixing & Mastering:

T-RackS 3 Deluxe
Mastering Suite
CSR - Classik Studio Reverb

Get IK Multimedia Total Studio 3 at Revolution Audio

Featured Equipment: Primacoustic London 8 acoustic treatment kit

2012-10-02T14:24:00.000-04:00

Primacoustic London 8 acoustic treatment kit
The Primacoustic London 8 is the perfect ‘studio in a box’ for those that have small rooms but plan on growing! It features a selection of 14 high performance Broadway panels for optimal sound absorption and maximum control.
Find out all the details: Primacoustic London 8

TOP FEATURES

Complete recording studio in a box
Live-end, dead-end (LEDE) room design
High performance fabric covered acoustic panels
Includes easy-mount hardware and screws

Find out more and buy Primacoustic London 8 acoustic treatment kit at Revolution Audio

Featured Equipment: Presonus Central Station with remote

2012-09-24T15:30:00.000-04:00

Presonus Central Station with remote
Central Station is a pro quality monitoring solution for studios. Presonus packed in a ton of features into this single-rack mount unit. Passive master monitor controller with LED Metering, 5 inputs including digital options, 3 monitor outputs, 2 headphone outputs, and talkback. The included CSR-1 remote puts all the essential controls just where you need them on your desktop.

Find out more

With Central Station, you can easily switch between three sets of stereo, analog input sources with individual level controls. Two stereo S/PDIF digital sources connect via one coax and one Toslink optical port. You can audition these sources with up to three pairs of speakers, with individual trim pots for each speaker—recessed to avoid accidents. You also get a pair of line-level main outputs, a pair of line-level cue outputs to feed a headphone-distributions system (such as our HP60 or HP4), and two screaming-loud headphone amplifiers with individual level controls.

Finally, with the included Control Station Remote (CSR-1), you can remote-control the Central Station's main volume, input select, output select, talkback, mute, dim, and mono functions from your desktop. The CSR-1 wires to the Central Station via a DE15 connector, enabling you to keep the Central Station in your rack and control it from your work surface, providing maximum convenience with minimum wiring.

Passive Audio Path - no op amps or IC's in main audio path
Five stereo inputs (2 digital and 3 analog)
24-Bit/192kHz DAC (>117dB dynamic range) via SPDIF and TOSLINK
Three sets of monitor outputs; each with passive volume control
Talkback microphone with volume to feed headphone and cue output
Accurate dual 30-segment LED for metering
Two front panel headphone jacks with separate volume control
MAIN and CUE stereo output have independent input source
Included Control Station Remote (CSR-1) provides remote control of:
- Main Volume
- Input select
- Output select
- Talkback
- Mute
- Dim
- Mono

Find out more and buy Presonus Central Station at Revolution Audio

Acorn Instruments Masterkey series MIDI keyboard controllers

2012-09-18T14:01:00.001-04:00

Acorn Instruments is a new line for us. They make super affordable, bare-bones USB MIDI keyboard controllers for home studios.
Available in 3 sizes, they have a great synth-style action, a handful of essential controls, and come bundled with Presonus Studio One Artist!
Find out more

Masterkey features
• 25/49/61 note, velocity sensitive, synth-style keyboard
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels (assignable)
• 1 assignable fader
• 4 assignable knobs for real time control
• 3-character red LED segment display
• 1 sustain foot switch input jack, type-sensing (foot switch not included)
• Quick-toggle between real-time functions Octave, Transpose, Program Change and MIDI Channel
• Advanced MIDI functions
• USB class-compliant. No driver needed
• Includes Presonus Studio One™ Artist

Acorn Instruments Masterkey series keyboard controllers are available in the Revolution Audio Online store.

Why RME Rocks. Ultra Low Throughput Latency

2012-09-18T13:21:00.002-04:00

Looking for a high-end audio interface with ultra low latency? Have a look at RME and get the best performance for your home or project studio DAW.

RME UFX 30 i/o USB2/Firewire audio interface

RME Germany: AVID, well known and respected manufacturer of the ProTools system, just released a HD Native Thunderbolt bridge to their interface PCIe link port. The AVID webpage is accompanied by a chart comparing the 'Throughput Latency' of AVID's syst ems to Apogee's Symphony 64 system, and to 'Top performing FireWire' and 'Top Performing USB systems'

At 96 kHz sample rate and a buffer setting of 64 samples their chart shows the best USB interfaces to have a 'throughput latency' of 7.0 ms. The term 'throughput latency' here seems not to be used for direct monitoring, but the complete input - DAW software - output chain. The total value depends mostly on the buffer size used, but has been given in this comparison already as a fixed 64 samples. RME would recommend a setting of 128 samples. With this setup RME's USB interfaces (Fireface UC, Fireface UCX, Fireface UFX, Babyface) measure a total roundtrip time of 365 samples, which - at the given sample rate of 96 kHz - equals 3.8 ms - half of what Avid thinks a 'Top Performing USB interface' can achieve. RME FireWire interfaces have a similar performance.

Conclusion: RME's FireWire and USB interfaces are double as quick as the industry leader in music production tools and hardware expects.

Check out the full line of RME audio interface at Revolution Audio

Featured Equipment: Audio-Technica AT4040SP Mic Pack

2012-09-10T14:41:00.000-04:00

Audio-Technica AT4040SP Mic Pack
The AT4040SP Studio Pack offers two of Audio-Technica’s renowned 40 Series studio condenser microphones: the AT4040 large-diaphragm side-address condenser and the AT4041 cardioid condenser. Each microphone is transformerless, resulting in exceptional transient response and extremely clean output signals; each is engineered to meet the most critical acoustic requirements of professional recording, broadcast and live sound. A shock mount, stand clamp and windscreen are included, along with a protective wooden carrying case.

Find out more: Audio-Technica AT4040SP

AT4040 Side-address cardioid condenser microphone

Technically-advanced large diaphragm tensioned specifically to provide smooth, natural sonic characteristics
Externally polarized (DC bias) true condenser design
Exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range and high-SPL capability for greatest versatility
Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients
Precision-machined, nickel-plated brass, acoustic element baffle provides enhanced element stability and optimal sensitivity
Open acoustical environment of the symmetrical housing assembly minimizes unwanted internal reflections
State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards
Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad

AT4041Cardioid condenser microphone

Smooth, extended frequency response with a slight rise occurring in the high-frequency region
Ideal for drum overheads, acoustic guitar, piano, horns and under snare
Low-mass diaphragm improves transient response, increases response bandwidth and reduces handling and mechanical noise transfer
Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients
State-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards
Switchable hi-pass filter and rugged turned-brass microphone housing

Buy Audio-Technica AT4040SP at Revolution Audio.

Re-amping Explained

2012-06-17T21:29:00.000-04:00

Re-Amping is a technique used by recording and mixing engineers to process recorded audio with analog hardware specifically guitar equipment.
In our direct box basics article we explained the use of a direct box in the studio, a re-amp box is used to take that clean direct guitar or bass signal and run it into a guitar amp if needed later on in the production process.
See all DI and Re-Amp boxes at Revolution Audio

What does a re-amp box do?
It is often said that a re-amp box is just passive DI box in reverse, which is untrue. A DI box converts a high impedance, unbalanced instrument level signal to a low impedance, balanced mic level signal. A re-amp box converts a low impedance, balanced line level signal to high impedance, unbalanced instrument level signal.

The goal of the re-amp box is to make the amplifier react in exactly the same way a live guitar would, but with a pre-recorded audio source. Without the re-amp box there will be an impedance mismatch and loss of tone. Hearing your guitar rig play itself can take some getting used to!

How to?

Once you have the clean DI recorded, set the track's output to analog out 3 of your interface (you will need an interface with more than just monitor outputs). No other tracks should be set to this output. Connect output 3 of the interface to the Re-Amp box with a TRS to XLR-M cable. Connect the Re-Amp to your pedals or amplifier with a standard instrument cable. Check that you are getting a good signal to the amplifier, adjust the output level to match a live guitar input.
If the signal is noisy, try the ground lift switch.
Record the amplifier as normal with one or more microphones.
Double check your routing to prevent feedback.

Why Re-amp?
The decision to re-amp could be for a number of reasons:

Convenience - You may like to write and record guitar parts at 3 AM but your neighbours don't just don't understand. Record with an amp simulator silently and re-amp through your big rig later.
Budget - There are many professionals with big amp collections offering a Re-amping services for much less than the cost of even renting the amp of your dreams.
Experimentation - After you've got the perfect take captured you can experiment with different amp, cab, mic and positions as much as you like.
Plan B - All too often we are rushed in the studio, it's easy to make a mistake with mic position or perhaps just a bit too much overdrive than we'd like. If the performance is fine we just have to tweak the amp.

For best results
While there are many fancy direct boxes, if you are planning on re-amping you will likely find the best results are achieved through the simplest direct capture. A Tube DI or Tube preamp may be too colored and change the sound of your amp. Warming up the sound of the mic on the amp, rather than the DI is the better option. Feel free to experiment of course.

Usually the signal you send to the amplifier will be completely unprocessed, however you may wish to experiment with gating, light compression, and EQ.

Much like the way your guitar volume affects the character of the amp, sending the right level out of your DAW can be critical.

Options
The Canadian company Radial Engineering offers several Re-Amp devices for home and professional studios:
Radial REAMP JCR $199.99
Radial X-Amp Active Re-Amp $199.99
Radial ProRMP $119.99
Radial Re-Amping Kit (includes X-Amp and J48 active DI)

Shipping Policy Update

2012-06-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Revolution Audio Customer
Recently we changed our shipping charges:

Orders up to $199.99 (before tax) are charged $14.95*
Any order over $200 ships free*

* Important Note: heavy or large items are subject to a small oversize shipping charge. This charge is clearly displayed at the bottom in the product profile.

International orders still require a custom shipping quote.

Featured Equipment Of The Week: Presonus AudioBox Studio Pack

2012-06-12T15:40:00.001-04:00

Presonus AudioBox Studio Pack
The AudioBox Studio Pack includes all the essentials to get started with music production on your computer: an Audio Interface, a quality Condenser Microphone, Headphones, Studio One software and all required cables. All this at a great price!
Add a desktop or boom stand and you are ready to record.

See all the details: Presonus AudioBox Studio Pack

Includes

AudioBox computer recording interface
M7 studio condenser microphone
Studio One software
HD7 studio headphones
3 meter XLR Cable
4+ GB of third-party software, loops, and instruments

See all the details: Presonus AudioBox Studio Pack

Featured Equipment Of The Week: AKG K44 Closed Back Headphones

2012-05-29T17:10:00.003-04:00

AKG K44 Closed Back Headphones
AKG K44 are affordable closed-back headphones with supraaural (on the ear) cups that provide great isolation and sound quality for the price.

These popular low-cost recording headphones perform great all around the studio. Solid bass and clean highs at a value price.
Find out more here

The AKG K 44 are cost efficient headphones for various applications, as Project Studios and Home Recording. These closed-back, supraaural headphones are a true all-round performer with solid bass and clean highs at a value price. The AKG self-adjusting headband, leatherette ear pads and gimbal suspension ensure good comfort.
For professional and semi-professional users the K 44 is equipped with a 3.5/6.3 mm stereo adapter.
The K 44 is designed for ambitious and rugged use. The leatherette ear pads are easy to clean.
The K 44 are designed and engineered in Austria.

AKG K44 closed back headphones

Featured Equipment Of The Week - Sony PCM-M10 portable recorder

2012-05-22T15:14:00.000-04:00

Sony PCM-M10 portable recorder
The Sony PCM-M10 is a compact handheld stereo recorder capable of 24/96 recording. Two omnidirectional condensers are built-in for high-quality on-the-go audio capture. Memory is expandable with micro-SD or Memory Stick Micro storage.
The PCM-M10 is also available in red finish.

Top Features

solid-state storage
Built-in high quality electret condenser stereo microphones
built-in speaker
cross-memory recording
digital pitch and key control
digital limiter
low-cut filter
track mark functions
5-second pre-recording buffer
A-B repeat capability
USB high-speed port for simple uploading and downloading
native .WAV or .MP3 format record
durable construction
long battery life using conventional AA alkaline batteries

Find out more: Sony PCM-M10 portable recorder

Long Distance Music Collaboration

2012-05-16T16:48:00.001-04:00

I recently started a long distance collaboration project with a friend in Australia. It's going well but it took a little while to get workflow and organization figured out. There are different considerations than I normally deal with day to day in a studio with musicians coming here. We're both recording and mixing as we go and transferring a lot of files back and forth, taking turns adding parts.
This article will go over some of the things to consider when doing long distance music collaboration.

Collaboration Screenshot

Use the same DAW
If all collaborators are using the same DAW it makes things much easier. Use the stock plugins wherever possible. Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, it doesn't really matter which one but it's a big advantage to use the same one. We chose to do these projects in Reaper as this is my main DAW and one Joel has been wanting to learn, and can demo free.

Transferring files and backup
Normally I would recommend Dropbox for collaboration, I've used it before and actually ran the projects right from the shared folder. It's nice because you don't have to worry about transferring or backup. Because this project is going to be 4-6 songs we'd likely run out of space quickly especially when we get real drums on the songs. So for this project I just set up an FTP account and use the storage that comes with my website. Backup is taken care of automatically as all files are now saved in 3 places.

Versioning
For each turn in the project as it gets passed around gets a new version number. "Project 01-4" would be the forth time something was done on the project. Doing a "save as" for the project file avoids confusion as to which is the most recent. We're keeping it simple but you could take this further, odd numbers for you and even version numbers for the partner.

Printing FX
It's unlikely that you'll have an identical system and set of tools as your collaborator. You will want to use the best or most familiar tools you have available to get the best sounds. To make this more collab friendly, you have to commit and print these effects as audio files. Sometimes that means using the freeze or render function, or routing the audio internally to a new track. You don't have to delete the originals of course, but if it sounds good why not just stick with it? For our project this means rendering the virtual drum patterns as audio files, and printing my special reverbs as audio.

DI Tracks
Similar to the above, with guitars and bass with virtual amps, it's likely you will want to tweak or completely change the sound later on as the ideas turn into a song. Even if you're recording with amps and mics, splitting the signal with a DI will give you both options or at least a backup.

Communication
One thing we've found to help keep excitement and momentum for the project is all the ways we can communicate these days. We use Twitter, Facebook, email, and Instagram to talk about the project share photos and prod one another if we're taking too long for a turn. It's a lot of fun and we're pushing each other to play better and be more creative.

Don't let geography get in the way of music making. Find people you want to work with and just do it. Be open to experimentation, play your best and be honest with your partner. Most of all have fun.

Featured Equipment Of The Week: IK Multimedia iRig MIDI

2012-05-16T14:23:00.001-04:00

IK Multimedia iRig MIDI
iRig MIDI is an ultra-compact standard Core MIDI interface for iOS that connects any MIDI compatible device to the iPhone®, iPod touch® and iPad®.

iRig MIDI is the only compact iOS MIDI interface sporting 3 MIDI ports: IN/OUT/THRU. These connect to any standard MIDI jacks using the included 2 x 1.6m/5.2’ cables. iRig MIDI also has 2 LEDs for displaying the MIDI activity on the IN and OUT ports.

iRig MIDI also exclusively provides a micro USB port – with included cable – that connects to any standard USB power supply source so that the iOS device can stay fully powered during long sessions.

Find out more: iRig MIDI

TOP FEATURES

Standard Core MIDI interface connects any MIDI hardware device to Core MIDI-compatible apps like SampleTank FREE and GarageBand
Directly connect MIDI keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines, drum pads, pedal boards and more using the included 2 x 5.2’ (1.6 m) MIDI 5-pin DIN cables
3 MIDI ports: IN/OUT/THRU
2 LEDs for MIDI IN/OUT activity display
Micro USB port can charge the iOS device while in use
Free apps included*: SampleTank FREE the powerful sample-based sound module app and iRig MIDI Recorder FREE

Buy IK Multimedia iRig MIDI at Revolution Audio

Alan Parsons Master class recording workshop in Toronto

2012-05-09T15:33:00.000-04:00

On May 26th at Noble St. Studios in downtown Toronto, a very cool event is happening. GlobalMusicDepot is putting on the Alan Parsons' Master Class and Training Session.

It's a one of a kind studio session with legendary producer Alan Parsons, a team of pro players in one of Toronto's top studios.

This limited seating event isn't free of course, GOLD level admission costs $400 and gets you a seat in the Noble Street lounge with A/V feed of the event. The PLATINUM level ticket for $800 you get into the control room with Alan as the magic happens.
Both ticket levels include the $150 value Art & Science of Sound Recording 3 DVD set.

Order GOLD level admission to Master Class
Order PLATINUM level admission to Master Class.

Global Music Depot is proud to announce the first Canadian Master Class Training Session with Alan Parsons, at the fabulous Noble Street Studios in Toronto on May 26, 2012.
Attendees of this incredible experience will have the rare opportunity to participate in a recording session with the legendary Alan Parsons in the producer’s chair. Session musicians for the event feature the acclaimed Toronto band, the David Barrett Trio (plus one).
This 1-Day hands-on session is suitable for those with some knowledge of DAW recording and experience as musician, engineer, or producer. Also fitting for music production/recording students and home studio enthusiasts. Live tracking; vocals and basic mixing will be covered. Attendees get to witness all stages of a recording session with Alan Parsons, from tracking to overdubs (including lead and backing vocals) to mixing.
All attendees will receive a free copy of the Alan Parsons’ 3 DVD set – The Art & Science of Sound Recording (Retail Value $149.99) as well as a “By Invitation Only” ticket to the evening’s VIP “Meet & Greet” event.
Alan Parsons has been conducting these Master Classes for the past 3 years and they consistently sell out!! GOLD-level seating is extremely limited. Don't delay!

Here's a video recap of the recent LA Master Class session

Featured Equipment Of The Week: QuikLok Z-600 Dual level workstation with rack

2012-05-08T15:27:00.002-04:00

QuikLok Z-600 Dual level workstation with rack
An ergonomic and efficient workspace is incredibly important. Think you can find a great home studio desk at the local office supply store? Not likely!

The QuikLok Z-600 is a dual level workstation designed for DAW production in mind. The top shelf can be used for nearfield monitors and computer screen. Below the shelf is an 8 rack spaces to keep your interface and processors within easy reach. A large contoured work surface provides ample space for a MIDI controller and computer peripherals.
The matching Z-612AM extension rack fits neatly to left or right of the Z-600 giving you more work surface and 12 more rack spaces.

See all the details: QuikLok Z-600 $450 at Revolution Audio

12 ways to use your iDevice in the studio

2012-05-03T03:51:00.000-04:00

In recording sessions it's usually a good idea to keep the phone on silent and keeping it out of sight until it's actually needed. Avoid the distraction. This goes for engineers, musicians and especially interns. Give the client your full attention. If your phone goes off in the session, guess who's buying the first round.
Aside from being a tremendous distraction in the studio, the iPhone actually does have several helpful uses for music making.
Here are 12 reasons why an iPhone or iPad are useful in the studio

Sound sources - There are an enormous number of synths, drum machines, sequencers, samplers and more available very inexpensively that can be used for songwriting or integrated into your DAW.

Rhythm Studio
Handy recorder - Want to capture a sound or idea anywhere? The FiRe 2 app turns the iPhone into a great field recorder. With an iRig Pre (shipping next month) you can now use your studio condensers for much improved audio quality.
Transport controls - Play, Stop, Record remote control away from the computer. Great for the drummer or guitarist that records himself.
Touch automation controller - Using an app like Touch OSC or AC-7 you can also have mixer and plugin control over wifi.
Lyrics and notation pad - It's not uncommon to have singers and rappers come into the studio and have all their lyrics with them on their phone. The iPad works great for sheet music.
Photos, video and documentation - There is now no excuse not to take a photo to document amp or pedal settings, make notes or just capture the moment. Fans and audio guys love seeing behind the scenes studio photos and video.
Musical calculator - There's a great free app called Backline Calc that can handle a 23 common conversion and calculation tasks that come up in the studio. Timecode, delay times, pitch to MIDI note number,
Virtual guitar amp - Use the IK Multimedia original iRig or new iRig Stomp to get studio quality guitar tones anywhere with the free Amplitube app.
Vocal effects - The iRig Mic is a handheld condenser mic that is great for podcasts and interviews but combined with the VocalLive Free app, you can have studio style vocal effects anytime.

IK Multimedia iRig Mic
Metronome - Every musician needs a click to practice with, a quick search in the App store comes up with 50 different apps including many highly rated free ones. No excuses.
Ear training - Quiztones is an app to help improve your listening and frequency identification skills.
Order takeout - There is nothing better at the end of a long workday in the studio than having pizza and wings or Thai food delivered as a reward for your hard work.

Bonus tip: If you're using your iDevice in a live situation, which is becoming very common these days, set it to 'airplane mode' to prevent notifications or phone calls from interrupting your set.

Check out our selection of iPhone and iPad accessories in the Revolution Audio Online Store.

Featured Equipment Of The Week: RME Fireface UCX

2012-05-01T17:34:00.001-04:00

RME Fireface UCX USB/Firewire Interface
The Fireface UCX is a highly integrated pro audio solution in an ultra-compact format for studio and live recordings. It continues RME's long tradition of designing compact high-end interfaces, packing into a half-rack size unit what usually would be spread out over two or three 19 inch panels.

The result is an awesome combination of RME's most successful products: Fireface UFX, Firefaces UC/400 and Babyface. The Fireface UCX is not just a smaller version of the smash hit UFX, with the HFX-core, the preamps and the complete effects engine, the UCX continues the tradition of RME's tremendously successful compact interfaces, and combines it with the great usability of the Babyface through the included RME remote.
Find out more: Fireface UCX

Top Features

Low Latency mastering grade converters with outstanding specifications.
Two mic preamps with the premium technology from RME's high-end recording bestsellers Micstasy and UFX, including the AutoSet overload protection.
A newly developed Hammerfall audio core, supporting USB and FireWire with the maximum performance and ultra-low latency operation, combined with the legendary RME driver stability and maintenance, on both bus protocols.
TotalMix FX with the complete Fireface UFX DSP engine, including all effects up to 192 kHz.
Monitoring Controller: combining the impressive flexibility of the TotalMix FX monitoring tool set and the included RME Remote Control.
RME's unique DIGICheck metering and analysis toolbox for Windows PC and Mac.
Plus support for RME's Advanced Remote Control, active jitter suppression technology, professional reference level support, advanced stand-alone functionality, full 192 kHz operation, and last but not least two high speed MIDI I/Os.
On top of it: The Fireface UCX is the first professional audio interface with Class Compliant mode to work with Apple's iPad, for perfect stereo up to 8 channel recording and playback, and the addition of truly professional I/Os.

Check out all the details: Fireface UCX USB/Firewire audio interface

Sony Professional Audio now available at Revolution Audio

2012-05-01T17:03:00.000-04:00

Revolution Audio is proud to announce the addition of Sony Pro Audio to our Online store.
Last week we began adding several Sony products to our shop.

Looking for a rugged professional handheld field recorder? The Sony PCM-D50 is among the best in the business. 24 bit, 96kHz capable and equipped with 2 rotatable cardioid condenser microphones, the PCM-D50 is a popular choice for professional users. The 4GB Flash memory is easily expanded with MemoryStick Pro-HG Duo cards.

Need something more compact? The Sony PCM-M10 is a compact handheld stereo recorder capable of 24/96 recording. Two omnidirectional condensers are built-in for high-quality on-the-go audio capture. Memory is expandable with micro-SD or Memory Stick Micro storage.
The PCM-M10 is available in red finish.

Sony makes a full line of professional headphones.
Sony's attention to detail and outstanding quality control have earned them a place in top studios worldwide. Professionals trust Sony headphones to provide accurately detailed monitoring day in and day out.

Check out the full line of Sony professional headphones: Sony Headphones

Featured Equipment Of The Week - Presonus BlueTUBE DP V2

2012-04-24T14:20:00.002-04:00

Presonus BlueTUBE DP V2
The new Presonus BlueTUBE DP V2 takes the acclaimed Class A XMAX preamp with an additional/optional 12AX7 tube drive stage allowing you to dial in any amount of warmth and saturation.
Find out more

TOP FEATURES

Dual path mic/instrument tube preamp
2 input channels, each with:

High-headroom Class A XMAX™ mic preamplifier with 80 dB gain range
12AX7 vacuum tube gain stage
Tube Drive tube-saturation control
48V phantom power
80 Hz high-pass filter
-20 dB pad to reduce hot input levels
Polarity-reverse switch
Illuminated analog VU input-level meter

Input/Output

2 balanced combo mic/unbalanced instrument inputs
2 balanced XLR main (L/R) line outputs
2 unbalanced ¼” main (L/R) line outputs

Compact 1/2U chassis
External 12 VDC, 1A power supply

Find out all the details: Presonus BlueTUBE DP V2

Direct Box Basics

2012-04-16T17:41:00.000-04:00

What is a DI box?
A DI box aka Direct Inject or Direct box is a tool we use in the studio to bring a signal from an instrument (guitar, bass, keyboards) directly into our recording system.

An audio engineer (or home recording enthusiast) will use the DI box for silent recording, as a backup or to process along with a microphone on an amplifier.

Connections
The DI box typically has 3 input and output connections.

1/4" TS instrument input - electric guitar or bass connects here
XLR-M balanced output - connects to mic preamp
1/4" TS Thru - Continues the input path to connect to an amplifier.

For example, the DI box would be connected between an electric bass and audio interface mic input. The clean bass signal can be recorded without the need for an amp.

Functions
The DI box has a few functions.

Impedance change - The instrument circuit will react correctly as if it was connected to an amp, and the mic preamp on the other side of the box will react as if a mic was connected.
Without this the tone would be wimpy.
Level change - An electric guitar outputs a signal that is relatively low level but significantly higher than the average microphone. The DI box steps the signal down from instrument to mic level.
Unbalanced to balanced connection - Changing the unbalanced guitar signal to balanced mic level allows much longer cable lengths without signal loss or noise.
Pass through - The instrument signal is split and can be continued to an amplifier.

The Hi-Z/instrument input on your audio interface preamps do most of these functions well but a high quality DI box tends to work a bit better and allows you to split the signal to continue to pedals and amplifier.

DI Box options
There are a wide variety of DI boxes on the market today in passive, active, multi-channel, and vacuum tube designs. You can browse our DI box category here: DI Boxes & Re-amps.

A passive DI is just a transformer with a few jacks connected, it doesn't require any power. The Radial JDI is a very popular professional Passive DI Box.

An active DI is a more complex design that requires phantom power (supplied by the mic preamp).
The Radial J48 is a very popular professional Active DI Box.
Different designs, same price. Both proven professional tools used in studios worldwide.

Generally speaking, they both do the same job well. In specific uses or if you are looking for less transparency, one may type may be better than other.

There are also many designed specifically for bass recording with tone controls and overdrive or amp simulation circuitry.
The Radial Bassbone is an exceptional Bass DI/Preamp.

Featured Equipment Of The Week: Mackie 402-VLZ3 4x2 compact mixer

2012-04-16T14:59:00.003-04:00

Mackie 402-VLZ3 4x2 compact mixer
An affordable, high-quality, problem solving compact mixer.

The 4-channel 402-VLZ3 delivers pure VLZ3 quality in our smallest form factor ever, making it ideal when your input counts are low, or when space is at a premium. In a sleek, small package, you get the signature VLZ3 high headroom, low noise design, complete with 2 XDR2 preamps, premium EQ, and modern mix bus architecture, for the best-sounding, mini-est pro mixer on the planet. And the price is mini, too—in fact, it’s our lowest price in recorded history for a VLZ3 mixer. At last, you no longer need to buy more mixer than you need just to get the quality you deserve.
Find out all the details: Mackie 402-VLZ3

Top Features

Ultra-compact 4-channel mixer featuring Mackie VLZ3’s signature low noise, high-headroom design
2 studio-grade XDR2™ Extended Dynamic Range mic preamps with:
- Ultra-wide 60dB gain range
- 130dB dynamic range
- +22dBu line input handling
- Extended low frequency response
- Distortion under 0.0007% (20Hz
- 20kHz)
- Phantom power for studio condenser mics
4 high-headroom line inputs
2 selectable Instrument inputs – no DI box needed
2-Band Active EQ (80Hz, 12kHz) and Lo-Cut filter on mic channels
Phantom power for studio condenser mics
Dedicated Stereo Line Input and Tape Input channels
High-resolution 8-segment stereo meters
Sealed rotary controls to resist dust and grime
Sleek, rugged steel chassis
Includes Tracktion 3™ Music Production Software for Mac or PC

Get this and so much more in the Revolution Audio Online Store