Featured Equipment Of The Week: Audio-Technica ATH-M50

Audio-Technica ATH-M50
With the ATH-M50 professional studio monitor headphones, Audio-Technica has achieved an exceptionally accurate response and long-wearing listening comfort. Designed especially for professional monitoring and mixing, these studiophones feature an efficient collapsible design for space-saving portability and storage.

Circumaural ear pieces swivel 180° for easy one-ear monitoring and luxuriously padded ear cushions create an outstanding seal for maximum isolation. The adjustable headband is generously padded for ultimate comfort during long mixing sessions. A coiled cable at the left earpiece terminates to a gold-plated mini plug with included screw-on 1/4" adapter.

Audio-Technica's sophisticated driver technology and superior components deliver exceptional power handling and very high SPL capabilities while maintaining clarity of sound throughout their extended range, with deep, accurate bass and outstanding high-frequency extension. The headphones feature propriety large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems for ultra-efficient signal transfer.

Read more: Audio Technica ATH-M50

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Features:
Exceptional audio quality for professional monitoring and mixing
Collapsible design ideal for easy portability and convenient storage
Proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems
Closed-back cushioned earcup design creates an outstanding seal for maximum isolation
Adjustable padded headband for comfort during long mixing/recording sessions
Single-sided coiled cable terminates to gold-plated mini plug with screw-on 1/4" adapter

Buy Audio Technica ATH-M50 Headphones at Revolution Audio

Featured Equipment Of The Week: Samson Airline Micro wireless mic system

The Samson AirLine Micro Wireless Earset System gives you wireless freedom without the bodypack. The Airline Micro utilizes the latest in lithium ion battery technology and small, high-quality audio and RF components, representing a breakthrough that brings freedom and convenience to a new level of performance. The result is not only our smallest wireless system, but also Samson's most comfortable, reliable and versatile system ever.

Find out more | Samson Airline Micro

FEATURES

• Wireless UHF 600 MHz system with micro-size AH2 transmitter and AR2 receiver
  
• Tone squelch and auto mute for clear operation
  
• Includes a convenient system carry case
  
• Includes AC adapter and charging cables

Buy Samson Airline Micro at Revolution Audio

Battle Of The Beat Makers 2011

Battle of the Beat Makers 2011
Canada's Producer Pro Audio Conference and Competition

The Battle of the Beat Makers is way more than just producers battling it out for bragging rights and $10,000 in cash and prizes. It has become an international forum where ideas can be exchanged, the latest technology is showcased and career-building networking opportunities present themselves to provide a glimpse into the entire world of the modern producer. This year's program has expanded from a one day format into a full blown 3-day conference with events featuring Grammy Award winning producers and industry heavyweights.

Both Boi1da and T-Minus, (shown above) are past competition Champions and have gone on to produce for many successful artists such as Drake, Rihanna, Eminem, Ludacris and Nicki Minaj. They are returning this year as guest judges alongside fellow Grammy winner 9th Wonder.

Special Events:

• Beatz meet Rhymez - Producer and Artist Networking Party
• Producer Position Lottery - The announcement of the 1st round matchups
  
• Bonus Event - Too be announced
• Pro Audio Conference 2011 - Panels, workshops, product demos and more
  
• Battle of the Beat Makers 2011 - Producer competition with 32 contestants
• Champion Sound - The official Battle of the Beat Makers after party
  
• Production Auction - Bid on some of the best beats from the top producers
• The Wonder Year - Film screening of the 9th Wonder documentary
  
• "The Wonder Year" After Party - Celebrate with famed producer 9th Wonder spinning music

INFO: Battle of the Beat Makers | Registration | FL STUDIO 10 | Wonder Year Trailer

SONAR X1c update available now

New features in SONAR X1c
You can read more about these features in SONAR’s online help by clicking Help > Help Topics.

Bus Selection
Busses in SONAR X1 are now fully selectable and quick group-able.  Additionally the following commands have been added:

• ALT+CLICK on a bus will select that bus as well as all upstream sources
• ALT+CLICK on a track will select that track as well as all downstream destinations

Independent Snap settings in the Piano Roll view
The Piano Roll view now has independent snap settings that can be used to override the global snap value.

Last Note Selected for Draw Tool
The duration of the last clicked note is now remembered when the ‘Last Selected’ item is checked in either the Control Bar or HUD.  When the draw duration is set to ‘Last Selected’ the draw duration will be whatever the last note clicked on in the Staff, Piano Roll or Inline Piano Roll views.

23.976 FPS Timecode format
SONAR now supports 23.976 frames per second on the time ruler.

UI Updates and Fixes

• New UI for Step Sequencer
• New UI for Loop Construction View
• Various UI enhancements

Featured Equipment Of The Week: Mackie Onyx 1220i Firewire Mixer

Mackie Onyx 1220i Firewire Mixer
Onyx-i Series FireWire Production Mixers combine the benefits of a powerful computer interface with the tactile, hands-on control of a premium analog mixer, creating an easy-to-use system that’s perfect for studio or live applications. Qualified by Mackie for use with all major DAWs including Pro Tools® M-Powered™ 8*, the Onyx-i Series opens up a new world of options for anyone interested in computer recording. In addition to an ultra-high quality 24-bit/96kHz FireWire recording interface, Onyx-i mixers offer professional analog features like boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps, classic “British-style” Perkins EQ and pre/post assignable aux sends, all of which can be flexibly routed via integrated FireWire.
Find out more: Mackie Onyx 1220i firewire mixer

The 12-channel Onyx 1220i delivers stunning performance in a size that is decidedly desk-friendly. Premium analog features like boutique-quality Onyx mic pres, smooth 60 mm channel faders and the proven tone-sculpting capability of Perkins EQ allows for performance that is unmatched in this category. The 16x2 built-in FireWire interface will simultaneously deliver all 12 channels, all auxes and the master L/R signal straight to your favorite DAW with zero routing. How easy is that? You can even return a couple of channels from the DAW right back into a channel strip for mix integration. It’s easy, it’s professional…it’s the Onyx 1220i.

TOP FEATURES

* 12-channel premium analog mixer with integrated 24-bit/96kHz FireWire I/O
* Qualified by Mackie for use with all major DAWs, including:

o Pro Tools® 9 o Logic® o SONAR™ o Cubase® o Ableton® Live o Final Cut Pro®

* 4 Onyx boutique-quality mic preamps
*3-band Perkins EQ with sweepable mids on mic/line channels
*3-band Perkins EQ on stereo Line channels
*16x2 FireWire allows for simultaneous streaming of all channels, auxes and master L/R
* Built-in DI on first two channels for direct connection of guitars, bass, etc.
* Individual 48V phantom power switches on all mic inputs
* Talkback section with built in mic and flexible routing
* "Planet Earth" switching power supply for worldwide use
* Optional rack kit available
Find out more and buy Mackie Onyx 1220i Firewire Mixer

Fixing Small Studio Acoustics Problems

This weekend I moved my home studio from one room to another. From a nearly 200 square foot living room to a 100 square foot bedroom. It's been a long time since I've thought about room acoustics and because this is a common situation for home studios, I thought I'd share my experience.
This article will help you understand and overcome the challenges of a dedicated studio in a small room. It will be most helpful to those with symmetrical rooms (no weird angles) and to those that don't need all the usual bedroom stuff, at the very least it will be a starting point to making the best of the situation.

Corner bass trap and broadband absorbers plus foam above.

 The Problems
Small rooms are more likely to have acoustic problems than larger ones, primarily flutter echo, room modes and early reflections that are too short. In my room, I knew there was a very bad flutter echo problem and room modes may be a problem but were predictable. The room is symmetrical also which was an advantage the old room didn't have. The measurements are approximately 11ft long x 9ft wide x 8ft tall. There is a door and a closed on the back wall and 6 x 4 window on the front wall.

Radial Engineering Factory Tour

This week I took a trip out to Port Coquitlam, BC to meet with our rep Dave Collins and have a quick tour of the Radial Engineering factory and warehouse.

View from the street

The Radial factory is where all the Radial DI boxes and Tonebone guitar pedals are built. With an assembly workforce of about 6 they build an average of 100- 200 boxes each day. Impressive.
If you've ever used a Radial product, you know that the quality is exceptional and very rugged. It was very cool to see the gear being built and tested.
This building is also the offices and warehouse for Primacoustic acoustic treatment products for home and pro studios. These products are designed here in Canada but constructed overseas.

Links to Radial gear in our shop: 

• Radial DI boxes, ReAmps and other studio tools
• Tonebone guitar effects pedals
• Primacoustic Acoustic Solutions
  

FAQ: Do you still have classes?

Yes!
No... sort of.
Well not like we used to...

In the old Mississauga storefront we regularly hosted small classes and events for the local home recording enthusiasts. In our current situation this is not possible, (we miss it too).

The current options are:

1. Online 1 on 1 lessons and support - Need help with your system? With little more than an internet connection we can offer personalized lessons to suit your needs. Find out more
2. On-Site 1 on 1 support in the Greater Vancouver Area - Contact Jon in the Vancouver area and ask about his 'Home Studio Rescue' and other lessons.
3. Small group lessons in the Vancouver area - Jon leads the Vancouver Home Recording Meetup group which regularly meets to share tricks and learn about audio concepts.

Featured Equipment Of The Week: Roland UA-101 Octa-capture USB2 audio interface

Roland UA-101 Octa-capture USB2 audio interface
With ten inputs, ten outputs, eight VS PREAMPS, and superb 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality, OCTA-CAPTURE sets a new standard in portable USB 2.0 audio interfaces. Designed for high-level audio production, it combines premium components, Roland-quality engineering, and proprietary preamp and streaming technology. With its compact design and pristine audio quality, OCTA-CAPTURE is not only the perfect interface for multi-channel computer-based production, but also a great solution for expanding the I/O capability of the V-STUDIO 700 and V-STUDIO 100.Brimming with quality and performance that far exceeds its size and price, OCTA-CAPTURE is the next-generation audio interface.
Find out more about the Roland UA-101

TOP FEATURES

• Eight premium mic preamps built in (VS PREAMP)
• AUTO-SENS function intelligently sets optimal input levels for all preamps
• Extremely stable low-latency VS STREAMING driver
• Four independent software-controlled Direct Mixers for creating custom monitor mixes
• Supports all major DAW platforms on Mac or PC, including OSX 10.6 and Windows 7, through ASIO 2.0/WDM (Windows) and Core Audio (Mac) drivers
• Rackmount ears included
• Bundled with Cakewalk Production Plus Pack

Buy Roland UA-101 at Revolution Audio