Featured Equipment: Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56 Firewire Audio Interface

Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56 Firewire Audio Interface

Liquid Saffire 56 is Focusrite’s new flagship 2U multi-channel firewire audio interface. Liquid technology combines with Saffire PRO firewire interfacing to deliver a host of authentic pre-amp flavours, seamless software integration, excellent routing flexibility and future-proof, rock-solid driver stability.
Find out more about the Liquid Saffire 56

Key Features

Two Liquid Pre-amps
The marriage of a hugely flexible analogue front end with cutting-edge dynamic convolution DSP, each Liquid Pre-amp lets you choose from ten different classic pre-amp emulations, with an eleventh ‘flat’ option.
Six High Quality Award-winning Focusrite Pre-amps
Six award-winning Saffire pre-amps complement two Liquid pre-amps. All eight pre-amps demonstrate the same wide bandwidth philosophy behind the early vintage Focusrite units.
High Quality 24-bit/192kHz Firewire Interface
Professional digital conversion and JetPLLTM jitter elimination technology; pristine audio quality and reliable synchronisation are guaranteed.
Total I/O Count of 28 Inputs and 28 Outputs
A host of i/o options are provided*, including a unique loop-back facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire Mix Control.
Suite of Focusrite VST/AU plug-ins
Upgrade your standard sequencer effects and bring a touch of class to your session with Focusrite Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins.
Two separate headphone buses
Two artists can receive independent and fully customised monitor mixes. Each output has an independent level control available on the front panel.
Saffire Mix Control Zero-latency DSP Mixer/Router
Routing flexibility and intuitive one-click set-up solutions; Saffire Mix Control provides an 18 x 16 DSP mixer with excellent output routing and monitoring capabilities.
Front panel 5-LED metering
LED metering for each of the analogue, ADAT1, ADAT2 or S/PDIF inputs offers accurate viewing of levels direct from the front fascia.

Find out more about the Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56

Featured Equipment Of The Week - M-Audio Sputnik MultipatternTube condenser

The M-Audio Sputnik was one of the few mics we relied on in the Revolution Audio studio. Vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, percussion, this mic impressed us in almost every situation. Loads of character and very versatile.

SPUTNIK OVERVIEW
M-Audio’s Sputnik mic signals the end of microphone envy. Based on a classic vacuum tube design and manufactured in modern facilities to exacting standards, this multi-pattern, large diaphragm studio condenser delivers the lush, classic sound normally associated with rare and expensive vintage mics like the Neumann U47 and AKG C12. Sputnik’s combination of military-grade vacuum tube, ultrasensitive evaporated gold Mylar diaphragm, solid brass construction, and multiple polar patterns makes it ideal for a wide variety of voices, instruments, and applications—especially putting that signature sound in the spotlight. Engineered from scratch, we designed Sputnik with input from top recording industry studio engineers—and it’s an instant classic in their hands.

M-Audio Sputnik Tube Condenser Microphone

SPUTNIK FEATURES:

• vintage tube design
• 3-micron evaporated gold Mylar diaphragm
• low-current 6205M dual triode tube
• cardioid, figure-8, and omni polar patterns
• -10dB (attenuation) pad
• 80Hz high-pass filter
• solid brass body with polished nickel finish
• dedicated power supply with included 7-pin cable
• professional shockmount
• soft cloth bag
• custom flight case

M-Audio Sputnik Tube Condenser Microphone

FL Studio 10 - Available now

FL Studio 10 is a complete software music production environment, representing more than 12 years of sustained & focused development. Everything you need in one package to compose, arrange, record, edit, mix and master professional quality music. FL Studio 10 is the fastest way from your brain to your speakers.

FL Studio 10 is shipping now. You can buy FL Studio from the Revolution Audio Online Store.



What can FL Studio do?

• Audio editing and manipulation including pitch correction, pitch shifting, harmonization, time-stretching, beat-detection & slicing, audio warping and standard audio manipulation (cut/paste etc).
• Automate most interface and all plugin parameters by recording, drawing, spline-based automation curves, automation generators with formula based control of links.
• Be hosted in other DAWs as a VST or connected through ReWire.
• Live music performance including video effect visualization.
• Mix and remix audio including apply realtime audio effects including delay, reverb & filtering.
• Multi-track audio recording.
• Record & play MIDI input recording from keyboards, drum pads and controllers.
• Sequencing and arranging.
• Synthesizer & effect plugin hosting (VST 32 & 64 bit, DX and FL Native format)

Why choose FL Studio?
Image-Line, the company behind FL Studio, love what we do and our considerable experience means we understand what it takes to rock your world, creative freedom:

• Free to choose - An 'open standards' and 'modular' design mean you won’t be stuck in a production dead-end. FL Studio supports industry standard plugin formats so you can use instrument and effects form 3rd party manufacturers including VST1 to 3 (64 or 32 bit). Import and export all popular audio formats such as .wav, .mp3 and .ogg, among many others. Importantly, upgrade FL Studio and add features if and when you need them.
  
  
• 
  Free your audio - Route any group of instruments and soundcard inputs to any mixer track. Mixer tracks, in turn, can send audio to any number of other mixer tracks and a soundcard output. Create sub-mixes, effects chains or just insanely complex and creative mixes. FL studio’s flexible architecture sets audio free.
  
  
• Free your workflow - Choose your preferred workflow, compose using the step-sequencer or piano roll. Create in pattern or track mode, then arrange your ideas in the free ‘palette’ Playlist. The Playlist presents timeline as a virtual  ‘canvas’ where each Playlist track can simultaneously hold any number of score, audio and automation events. Now that’s freedom.
  
  
• Free updates - Buy online or register a Boxed copy of FL Studio and you get an online account from where you can update FL Studio each time a new version is released, for free. Just stop an think for a moment how much money is wasted each year when our competitors hype their latest version and charge anywhere from $149 to $199 for the update. The latest version of FL Studio will always be yours free, leaving you more money to spend on what matters to you.
  

FL Studio 10 is shipping now. You can buy FL Studio from the Revolution Audio Online Store.

Win an IK Multimedia iRig Mic!

Announcing Bi-Monthly Newsletter Giveaway!
In each newsletter there will be a giveaway for cool recording gear. A different prize each month.

The first giveaway starts NOW! Winner will be announced in the May 1 newsletter.


The Prize - IK Multimedia iRig Mic for iPhone/iPad

IK Multimedia iRig Mic

How To Enter - Simply reply to the newsletter we sent April 14 with your full name. Not on the list yet? Sign up to win. All new subscribers to the newsletter as of April 15 are automatically entered.
Bonus Entry - Get a friend to sign up for our newsletter (Send them here), they get entered in the giveaway and you get an extra chance at winning! Just email to let us know who you referred.


Rules, terms and conditions: 1 prize will be awarded to a random eligible Newsletter subscriber. Must be a Revolution Audio Newsletter subscriber living in Canada. DO NOT spam your friends to get them to sign up.

Vocal Processing And Mixing Tips

Vocal Processing And Mixing Tips
Last time we shared some tips for recording great vocals, now lets get them sitting right with the rest of the track.

Cleanup - Before anything, clean up the vocal tracks. Go through and trim the silence around each phrase. Remove any noise, thumps, clicks, pops and gasps. Fade in or out on each edit.

Pitch Correction - Gentle pitch correction with software like Melodyne is a big part in getting that professional sounding vocal we all strive for in our home studio productions. Be careful with this! Doing it right takes time and practice. Over tuned vocals are about as bad as out of tune vocals (you can hear both on American Idol).

EQ - There are no rules and every voice is different but here are some starting points. A high-pass filter (low cut) can be used to clean up the very lows (below 100Hz). 200-600Hz can be gently boosted or cut depending on the voice to add thickness or compensate for proximity. 1kHz-3kHz is usually where the clarity of the vocals is. Above that is brightness, bite, air but look out for sibilance. How much you can boost here depends on the song.

Compression - When it comes to controlling vocal dynamics, using two compressors doing less individually often yields the most transparent result. Use a compressor with fast attack and high ratio (10:1) working just on the peaks, ignoring everything else. The second compressor is set with a 4:1 ratio, a slower attack and release and threshold set so it is always compressing about 2-4dB.

Reverb - Reverb is an effect you'll want on a separate channel (aux track in Pro Tools, FX Channel in Cubase) rather than having it right on the vocal track. Use a send to add the reverb to the vocals. The reverb time should be related to the tempo of the song, it can really clutter the mix if it's not. Hall and Plate are the most common types of reverb for vocals. Shaping the reverb sound with EQ is recommended. The UAD EMT-140 plate reverb plugin is great for a classic vocal reverb sound.

Automation - Automating the volume level of the vocals is absolutely essential to getting the vocal to sit right where you want it throughout the song. Automating the reverb send for the vocal will allow you to have just the right amount at any time. You can also automate effects like chorus and delays for the vocals to keep things interesting through the song.

iZotope Nectar - A great all-in-one tool for vocal processing is iZotope Nectar. Eleven high quality effects in one plugin including EQ, Compression, Auto and Manual Pitch Correction, reverb, delay and more. Worth checking out.

Pitch Correction With iZotope Nectar

iZotope Nectar is a brilliant mixing tool designed to handle all your vocal processing needs. Check out the video below for an overview of the auto and advanced pitch correction options in Nectar.



Buy iZotope Nectar in the Revolution Audio Online Store.

Universal Audio Premium Studio Upgrade Promo - Free UAD-2 Quad with 6176 channelstrip

Great News! From April 1st through June 30th, 2011, UA is offering a "Premium Studio Upgrade." Customers who purchase our top-of-the-line 6176 Vintage Channel Strip will receive our flagship UAD-2 QUAD DSP Accelerator Card package for FREE — a $1,499 value!

Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channelstrip
The 6176 is widely considered one of the finest all-in-one tube channel strips on the market, giving users a classic 610 preamp with a flexible 1176 compressor in a single, easy-to-use unit. From Chris Martin of Coldplay to Norah Jones, Wyclef Jean to James Mercer of The Shins, the 6176 has graced the sound of countless vocals over the past decade. Completely hand-built in UA's Scotts Valley CA headquarters, the 6176 is one of the best tube channel strips available, at any price.

Universal Audio UAD-2 QUAD DSP Accelerator
The UAD-2 QUAD DSP Accelerator Package, on the other hand, is the most powerful processing package in the UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins lineup. Bundled with the Analog Classics plug-ins, and boasting four Analog Devices SHARC processors, this is the premium entry into the world of UAD Powered Plug-Ins.


Promotion Details
Canadian Customers: Purchase a new 6176 Vintage Channel Strip from an authorized Canadian reseller, then complete the Mail-In Rebate and return with a copy of the receipt to HHB Communications Canada Ltd., 260 King St. East, STE 205 Toronto, Ontario M5A 4L5.

Featured Equipment Of The Week - IK Multimedia iRig Mic

iRig Mic is the first handheld, quality condenser microphone for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad designed for all of your mobile sound needs. Now you can make professional audio and vocal recordings anywhere on your iOS device.
iRig Mic is ideal for the singer, vocalist and songwriter on the move, but also perfect for recording speeches, instruments, performances or other sound sources in the studio, on stage or in the field.
iRig Mic also comes* with VocaLive free, IK’s new real time effects processor suite for the singer and vocalist, and AmpliTube free for guitar players and songwriters. iRig Mic also works with a multitude of other vocal and audio processing apps for the iOS platform.

More info - iRig Mic

TOP FEATURES

• Ideal for all vocal applications from singing to speech
• Great for all types of sound recording or processing in music or any other audio application
• Quality condenser-electret unidirectional capsule
• Dual mini-jack connector allows real-time monitoring on headphones, speakers, mixers, PAs
• Rugged, durable metal housing
• Easy to set-up for any sound source
• Can be handheld or placed on a standard mic stand
• Comes with apps for singers and songwriters
• Can be used with a multitude of other apps

See all the details on the IK Multimedia iRig Mic

Featured Equipment Of The Week - Novation Nocturn 49

Novation Nocturn 49
Nocturn Keyboard is an intelligent plug-in/sequencer controller. It has a high quality 'Fatar' keyboard, with 8 drum pads and a total of 33 assignable controls, which allow you to get hands-on control of your plug-in instruments, effects and sequencer.
Most keyboard controllers have two big problems: The idea of being able to control software parameters with knobs and buttons sounds great. However, the hassle of assigning them, and remembering what they are assigned to becomes so tedious that you always end up turning back to your mouse.
Nocturn Keyboard's Automap control software solves both these problems. To assign controllers, simply click on the parameter, touch a knob or button, and it is assigned! It also enables you to keep track of what is assigned to what - instead of using a small monochrome LCD screen, Nocturn Keyboard displays control information where you really need it: on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn’s control surface. The controllers themselves also tell you what is going on: LED rings around the 8 encoders show their current settings, and LED’s behind the buttons tell you if they are on or off.
Find out more about the Nocturn 49

TOP FEATURES

High quality professional keyboard
• Velocity-sensitive, keyboard from Fatar, with assignable after-touch. The Nocturn Keyboard feels like playing an instrument rather than a computer peripheral.

Illuminated controls provide instant visual feedback
• Brightly lit 11 segment LED rings around the eight smooth encoders, and backlit buttons throughout provide instant visual feedback for every physical control.

Touch-sensitive encoders
•  All 8 oversized encoders are touch sensitive, bringing up mapping information and allowing you to ‘touch’ in automation data on DAW’s with a ‘touch’ mode.

Automap control Software
• Allows you to instantly 'learn' controllers to plug-ins. The GUI graphically displays Nocturn Keyboard's control surface on your computer monitor, enabling you to see exactly what is assigned to what, without using a tiny LCD screen.

8 Velocity-sensitive drumpads
• Nocturn Keyboard features 8 'softfeel' velocity sensitive drum pads. These can do more than just trigger notes and sketch drum patterns, all can be assigned to control software parameters.

Total of 33 MIDI assignable controls
• 8 trigger pads, 8 dials, 14 buttons, modulation wheel. Sustain and expression pedal control can also be added.

Speed Dial
• The 9th encoder is a unique 'Speed Dial' which allows you to instantly change the value of any parameter the cursor is pointing at, with no assignment needed whatsoever.

USB Powered
• Nocturn Keyboard is powered by USB saving valuable plug sockets. It can also be powered down without being unplugged, preserving battery power in laptops.

Find out more about the Nocturn 49

What's your favorite Vocal microphone?

Continuing with our theme of vocal recording this month, I thought I'd ask your opinion.

What is your favorite vocal mic?

I've had great results with a variety of mics over the years but the one that stands out in my mind is the M-Audio Sputnik Tube condenser. For the money, that mic is phenomenal. It's a little dark but there's still loads of detail, and does this sort of natural compression thing when you hit it hard. It's got a lot of character that works great for rock vocals. I'd love to have for my own studio.

Of course, there isn't a mic that's perfect for every situation, for recording crisp voice-over, an AKG 414 XLII is a much better choice. The AKG D5 is a great dynamic vocal mic for stage and studio. In my own small production studio I'm using fairly low cost mics, either a Rode NT1A or Audio Technica AT3035 (replaced by AT2035), one of those mics is clearly better in a given situation and I'm happy to have the options.

One mic I'm dying to try out is the Lauten Audio Horizon Tube Condenser it's getting great reviews.

Let me know in the comments below what your favorite vocal mic is.

5 tips for better vocal recordings

Last month we shared 10 tips for guitar recording, this month we will focus on Vocals.

5 tips for better vocal recordings

Try to isolate - Most home recordists can't afford the cost to construct a vocal booth, or simply don't have the space for one. The next best thing is some acoustic treatment that surrounds the mic such as the VoxGuard. These help reduce the sound of the room in the mic, getting you closer to that tight, dry vocal booth sound and quite affordably.

Always use a pop filter - A pop filter in an absolutely essential accessory for vocal recording. A pop filter doesn't look like much but they very effectively stop blasts of air from distorting the mic. For the pop filter to be effective it needs to be at least a few inches away from the mic*.

Use the right headphones - The best headphone type for vocals is circumaural** closed-back. Why? Isolation. This design blocks outside noise, and let's you listen as loud as you want without the music leaking into the mic. Semi-open heaphones can be used but watch out for sound leakage.

Choose the right mic - Set up all your mics and record a few phrases with each one***. Listen back and decide which one has the best tonal balance and least sibilance. You may be surprised that your most expensive mic isn't always the best mic for a particular song. Taking some time to experiment and choose the best of what you have is well worth it, also allows the singer to warm up a little.

Find the right distance - A vocal right up close on a mic can sound cool, it can sound good but not natural. The further away (within reason) the better the tonal balance the mic will have. 12-24 inches back from the mic is a good balance of closeness, and naturalness. The further back you are the less drastic tiny changes in angle and distance are compared to a few inches away. This helps the singer because they don't have to worry about staying in precisely the same position while singing, moving around a little is ok once you take a step or two back.

Try out these tips the next time you record vocals!

Notes
* - The technical reason is turbulence. It takes some space for the turbulence to dissipate after the air hits the filter.
** - Circumaural means around the ear
*** - This is called a shootout