The Recording Studio Dream Being Realized

The Recording Studio Dream Being Realized

 

Haven’t named the studio yet, but it will be representative of the location or the people behind it.  I have so many ideas running through my head as to how to finance the finishing touches of the recording studio.  It should be fun.  Maybe we might make a compilation CD of the neighborhood talent; I have some new musicians and producers lined up to assist me, being I admittedly find myself ole school, which is not a bad thing as ole school is new school in today’s market.

 

But this project really is not about the next series of hits or about me, as I will not accept a salary as President and CEO, until the organization develops into something extraordinary.  Sure people will get paid for their services if they are earners, but I am not in this one for the money or should I say immediate gratification.

 

The idea of a non profit organization with a recording studio located at the headquarters, making it a non profit recording studio, does not mean it cannot turn a buck, it only means people will not get rich off of the labor of others unless they actually participate, there will be no stock holders.  All the money goes to neighborhood related causes and the staff and labor, therefore the artist should make a higher percentage of the money made due to their talents and pay less to record, because at the end of the fiscal years all the money has to be spent. 

 

If it was about money the saying would be true that we are as good as our last hit record, because every year we will start from scratch so to speak but not absolutely, because this thing of ours will build through reinvestments until we have a top quality studio.  They say a true religion starts in a storefront; it looks like we will be much more fortunate than that as we will start in a commercial building, as the Community Network and Coalition brings the community together.

 

People who I never thought would care are showing interest, I guess a good idea is a good thing.  I think this is a winner!  The DAW makes this all possible in the new millennium.

Propellerhead Record/Reason Duo

Propellerhead Record/Reason Duo

 

Hyperlinks on the top and bottom

 

At first glance I had a lot of unanswered questions about Record, I was determined to ReWire Record into Cubase and use the VST effects on my audio tracks, and however to the best of my knowledge Record does not support third party plug-ins.  But that is not all bad news, because the Record/Reason Duo is a Monster, which has become from unanswered questions to important future research. 

 

When Propellerhead said they designed this program with musicians in mind and not necessarily engineers, I believed them but the understanding of the devices of Reason and its wiring system configurations are a plus and for professionals perhaps a must.  Perhaps but not necessarily so, because there is so many presets that you can actually learn your own way by learning to duplicate what is preset to use and then doing your own thing.  This is me talking, but in a moment the Reason User will know as much as I know about Record.

 

My two concerns were could I punch in and punch out in Record as I do in Cubase.  Propellerhead went a step further, you can use a razor to make that perfect clip or you can resize which has a hidden advantage to punch in and out.  I use a Reflection Filter opposed to a sound booth; therefore a certain amount of noise is imbedded into my audio.  However I have SoundSoap Pro 2 and with the resize feature I can slightly expand the audio track with vocals a little to take advantage of the feature in SoundSoap Pro 2 called “Learn Noise,” but still have the privilege of resizing first to copy and paste my chorus for example and then pull out the razor for the perfect clip.  Personally I order the tutorial “ASK” has a monopoly on it for now, but I am sure in the future other companies will put out information about Record/Reason Duo.

 

Hyperlinks on the top and bottom

 

 

Propellerhead Record/Reason Duo

 

Propellerhead Record the Pros at $249.99

Propellerhead Record the Pros at $249.99

 

I am actually excited about the release of Record, it automatically configures with Reason 4.0.1, they become one program that can ReWire into third party programs, so you can use Cubase 4.5.2 as a host and Record/w Reason tied to it as a slave.  While you will be running three programs you will be running two programs.  The reason I need Cubase is for my VST effects in Antares vocal tools collections for added vocal effects, and for using VSTi and in this configuration all of this is possible, and then again I could use Record and Reason alone, but Cubase is my foundation.  I have to think about it further, I mean Record will time stretch your vocals meaning you can sing a slow song and give it feel and covert it to a dance song by a changing the tempo this is unheard of and all in the same  key or pitch.

 

The Propellerhead Record Slideshow hyperlink

 

But the comparison is Cubase and VST/VSTi verse Record and Reason or all of them together.  I think I will get it, for the massive mixing board and additional effects usable hopefully in Reason.  I was offered to be a Bata user, but I do not want anything they will take back, I just assume wait and talk to my Guitar Center Dealers on the subject and wait and watch and see if it does everything I promises.

 

I would have to run a USB hub and hope that certain keys need not a direct connect, like my audio interface needs its own USB, but the rest of the stuff connected to the back probably can be connected together to one us  USB hub.  This why I do like all of these protection keys and they can break, you have to very careful with them.  

 

Regardless Record offers a lot for so little it goes for the SRP of $299.99 and guitar center is marketing it for $249.99.  If nothing else it should make mastering vocals easier.

Propellerhead Record is a Hit?

Propellerhead Record is a Hit?

 

Check out the promotional video, it looks like fun and Record Rewire’s with Reason 4.0.1.  It requires an ignition key a dongle key or protection key as does programs like Cubase, which I think is a down side to these programs.   Hopefully Propellerhead will come to their senses and upgrade out of the ignition key.

 

The major downside to Record is that it does not use VSTi or VST effects.  So for a user of Reason only it is great and there are people who use Reason only for their music creations, in which case Record would complete the package and add audio tracks to the package and Record and Reason would in fact be a complete package.  I do not know but the limitations to exclude VST is a major downfall and might make me hesitant to purchasing Record.  In any case check out the video it is fun, maybe if they made one with P. Diddy, Janet Jackson, Prince or Alicia Keys or somebody I might be persuaded.

 

In any case Propellerhead set a new precedent in making music software more commercial and the ad is great.  I think if it used VST and the commercial went television the idea would sweep the market.  I am looking forward to more music software commercials.  As when I was a kid there was a band on every block that has been replaced by home recording studios.  I think in the computer age it is a good thing and an opportunity for main stream artist to cash in as they introduce new material.  As music in the new millennium will become a mainstream avenue to middle class-hood.   It’s better than slinging biscuits. 

After further investigation I am sold, well maybe, Record actually automatically integrates with Reason instead of Rewire as in third party apps and it is a slave to a host application.  Meaning Record is simply an addition to Reason, still I have a problem with the ignition key, minus the ignition key I would say this is a beautiful idea.  This is actually exciting.  But honestly I do not know!

The under $40G Home Studio DAW – Room not included

The under $40G Home Studio DAW

Room not included

 

Soundproof Booth

 

 

ISOPAC E

6′ wide x 6′ deep x 6.5′ high

$1,730.00

IsoPacs E, F, and G are fully enclosed voice over booths that can also function as an instrument isolation booth. They are offered in a 4’, 5’ and 6’ diameter size.

The IsoPac H is a portable, small sized vocal / voice-over booth that is best suited for interpretation functions or as a voice over booth. The booth has a 5.5′ height, is 5.5′ across and 4.5′ deep.

These voice over and vocal booths are lightweight and portable. The acrylic wraps around the front of the booth, while the Sorber panels wrap around the rear. Since Sorber panels don’t actually connect to the ClearSonic Panels, you can simply use one side of an S5-2 (two sections hinged together) as a “door” for easy entry.

 

 

Hardware:

 

PC Audio Labs Rok Box Pro Desktop Computer  $1,999.00

 

Steinberg FireWire Interface, Cubase 5, and Cubase Controller Recording Package 3  $1,999.99

 

JBL 5.1 Surround Sound System $2,599.00

 

Novation X-Station 61 MIDI Controller $739.99

DoubleSight DS-1900S 19 Inch Dual Monitor  $729.99

AKG C 4000 B Stage and Studio Condenser Microphone  $649.00

SE Electronics SERF Reflexion Filter 3.5  $299.99

Two Sets Grado RS1i Reference Series Headphones  $695.00 each.

Primera 62743 Bravo II DVD & CD Duplicator  $1,999.99

 

 

The Foundation applications I think are best

 

Steinberg Cubase 5 – included in above package

 

Propellerhead Reason 4.0.1

 

Ableton Live 8

 

Sony Acid Pro 7c

 

Adobe Audition

 

Steinberg Wave lab 6

 

Bias Master Perfection Suite

 

Bias SoundSoap 2.2

 

VSTi

 

Native Instruments Komplete 5

Cakewalk the Ultimate Synth Rack

Native Instruments Kore 2 Collection and Software

 

VST

 

Antares Vocal Collections

Bias SoundSoap Pro 1.2.1

 

 

Loops

 

Acid

REX2

Some Wave Construction Kits

 

Reason Refills

 

Reason Refills

Sonic Refills

Other brands

 

 

Cubase 4.5.2 & Reason 4.0.1 are Vista 64 Compatible

Cubase 4.5.2 & Reason 4.0.1 are Vista 64 Compatible

 

I tried a lot of combinations with software recording applications, because I built my home studio based on trial and error.  There is a lot of stuff out there and based on your OS, there is no one shoe fits all.  My best bet turned out to be Cubase 4.5.2 and Reason 4.0.1 as a music creation and studio software and Adobe Audition 3.0.1 does a fine job for editing, I am sure there are better applications to edit but this is what I have along with SoundSoap Pro 1.2.1.  The Cubase DAW (Pronounced DAA) has an excellent none destructive editing environment.  I think it defeats the purpose to use its destructive editors, let the others do the dirty work in the mastering phase.

 

Sony says Acid Pro 7 is Vista 64 Compatible, but does not guarantee stability and my experience with Acid Pro 7c with Vista 64 bit is it is not stable it crashes too often.  My computer is about as good as a PC gets, the nomenclature need not be mentioned but trust me on this, I have a powerful processor.  Acid Pro 7c needs to be updated to 7d with a Vista 64 specific bit driver.

 

In any case you can ReWire Reason 4.0.1 as a slave with Cubase Studio 4.5.2 as the Host as well as loop Acid and REX2 files using the new loop browser with the ability of tempo change.  Cubase 4.5.2 is the writer composer version of Cubase you might want Cubase 4 to produce other people, I understand there is a Cubase v4.1 SP1 put on the market recently.  I use Cubase Studio 4.5.2 which is proven to work in the Vista 64 bit environment.

 

I have several VSTi and VST effects that I managed to find drivers or upgrades for most of them to operate in the Vista 64 bit environment.  A company named Big Fish Audio is a popular dealer of Acid /Wave, Wave & REX loops.  Also I believe Sony is the pioneer of Acid loop files.  With Cubase you can use the Acid and REX2 files with tempo change, but you cannot change the tempo of a Wave file in Cubase, whereby you can in Acid Pro 7 but it is not stable in Vista 64 bit environment.  The good thing however is that most of Big Fish Audio Loops are in Wave, REX2 and Apple Loops on the same DVD and Sony is pure Acidized loops.  So in most cases you can run Big Fish Audio in REX2 opposed to Wave on Cubase or Reason and run Acid on Cubase.  This is the option I chose to run loops.

 

Reason 4.0.1 has excellent devices such as the ReDrum, Thor, NN-XT, NN-19, Malstrom, and Subtractor and of course the Dr. Rex Player to run REX2 files, there are too many VSTi and VST to mention that run on Cubase and Vista 64 bit.  The bottom-line is that the only limitation, with a good microphone, Audio Interface and MIDI controller and I use a reflection filter and SoundSoap one opposed to a soundproof booth, is the imagination and ability, because the capability is there.

Acid Pro 7c not compatible with Vista 64

Acid Pro 7c not compatible with Vista 64

 

I am on the verge of going with a new home studio arrangement, because Acid Pro 7c does not support Vista 64; it crashes constantly, I decided to replace Acid with Adobe Audition 3.0.1.  There are pros and cons to this decision.  The main plus is I get to use my Acid files seamlessly and get to use more VSTi and VST in the setup.  Audition is superior to Acid.  As with Acid I can Rewire Reason 4.0.1, the con is I cannot Rewire Audition with Cubase Studio 4.5.2 which is my program of choice to use as a recording studio.  Hopefully in the near future Sony will come up with a Pro 7d that is compatible with Vista 64 bits OS.

 

Another dimension tot the pro is that though Cubase supports Acid Loops it is not seamless, you have to copy and paste or copy and paste repeat and it does not always align the way you want it to.  Audition will draw the loops like Acid Pro as the FX is more readily available on the Audition tracks.  In my opinion Audition is like having Acid and Sound Forge in one.  The transition will be a learning experience but I think it will be well worth the training.  I guess my configuration simply outgrew Sony.

Be a Cubase Power User Instantly

Be a Cubase Power User Instantly

I never endorsed a particular DVD tutorial, I usually find them either boring or too complex or even worst too simplistic.  I like to learn what a program has to offer using a DVD tutorial and then use the book as a reference and historically that was basically all a DVD or CD tutorial had to offer.

However Steinberg Cubase ™ 4 Essential Training with Matthew Loel T. Hepworth, computer based video tutorial is wonderful, it has  have over 45 lessons in this 8 hours DVD tutorial for the generous price of SRP $34.99, I paid $29.99 at J&R Computer World.  I have to say this was the best by far DVD tutorial I ever used, it was fun to use and very informative.  Cubase Studio 4 is designed with the composer and songwriter in mind and Cubase 4 is designed for Producers, I am trying put something together to be included in Janet’s next project as a songwriter.  Now I am confident I can put down what is running through my mind.

Maybe it was my approach this time that made the difference as I used two computers separately to run the tutorial and the Cubase Program Application separately.  I would suggest anyone using this tutorial to use to separate computer, you need a computer DVD drive to run the tutorial, and it will not run on a DVD connected to your television type.  If you have a laptop and Cubase on another computer you will find it very convenient.  You will find yourself trying new things in no time.  I had Cubase for awhile, but had no idea it was such a powerful program.

I use Cubase Studio 4.5.2, Reason 4.0.1 and Acid Pro 7c, with the VSTi and VST I have Cubase can do it all, however it Rewires and reason is still a beautiful program app and Acid Pro has a use still in running Wave files with tempo changes, Cubase will run Acid files and REX2 files, known as ReCycle Files.  I mean I learned so much, I am sold to Cubase now because of these lessons.  I am not going to try to explain the tutorial other than that it is great, I now know so much about Cubase that my problem is now I think I know too much and the great thing is that I can always refer back to a lessons at any time as they are listed.

Steinberg Cubase ™ 4 Essential Training with Matthew Loel T. Hepworth, computer based video tutorial is a winner.