lowdown

1 hour ago, northcountrybob said:

Thanks so much! This is exactly the kind of advice I was after. Really appreciate it. 

 

I won't be using my setup to record a whole lot of mic'd up amps and vocals, so DT990's seem like the way forward. I live in the standard issue tiny London flat so if I need to be loud it means going to a studio. 

 

I didn't think about syncing via USB. I only have the HX Stomp and Context 2 that accept midi and I've never tried doing anything with the midi on either, but having those synced to the DAW seems like it would be a good idea. I was thinking that clock distribution would have to happen over a variety of cables... like sending midi clock to the HX Stomp via USB, but then from the midi out to the Context 2 via a 5 pin to TRS cable. I didn't consider clocking everything over USB but I can give that a go... might need a little USB hub. 

 

I've got some of the free Spitfire plugin's. A reverb I think? I can also pick up Helix Native with a discount since I own the stomp, which seems like it might be worth it. 50 quid i think. And yeah... shopping around controller and their software bundles is a great idea. 

 

Studio monitors I'll have to kick down the line a bit which is a bit of a bummer! 

It's always worth having a look at the Native Instruments 'Free' offerings. Some decent Instruments and FX to get you going, plus they always have good upgrade prices and sales going on.

Another vote for the Motu M4 here. I've had mine quite a while now, it is very solid and works great at very low latency for recording.

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/catalog/free/

Very sad news to read.

R.I.P. OHM

51 minutes ago, Mykesbass said:

Isn't this what some people have bestowed the ghastly name 'Yacht Rock' to?

I thought 'Yacht Rock' was a term relating to West Coast music between 1974 and 1984?

I'm quoting the time frame from Wiki and other sources saying early/mid 70's through to the early 80's - but that seems about right to me considering the songs that are associated with the term.

'The Way It Is' was released in 1986, so if 'some people' want to label that as 'Yacht Rock', I'm happy for them.

The other two were released later, 1991 and 2002.

'Southern Soft Rock Country Blues Piano Hooked Pop Music'...

More free libraries for Kontakt.

Unfortunately, these particular libraries are only for the full retail version of Kontakt.

Muze Deals for Kontakt

There is a list up on the Native Instruments website with some of the free libraries available from 3rd party developers (for both Kontakt and Kontakt player).

Also in the (so far) three pages of comments, some posters have included some more links.

Free Kontakt Libraries

1 hour ago, dclaassen said:

Maybe the best quote ever!!!!!

 Isn't it just...

On 22/02/2024 at 21:55, BassTractor said:

In my limited experience, and coarsely speaking, Brits value quirkiness a little more, and Yanks value nice flow a little more.

"The English do not really care for music, but they absolutely love the noise that it makes".

2 hours ago, PaulWarning said:

if you saying what I think you're saying maybe you need a bigger screen.

In the directors cut, that's what Chief Brody said to us viewers watching Jaws on a then, fashionable portable TV.

I've only just seen this. Very sad...

R.I.P.

PROJECT SAM now has two free Orchestral libraries. The second library is updated each month with one new instrument.

If you use KONTAKT free, these two libraries will run in that because you are issued with serial numbers to use in Native Access.

There are some very usable sounds in both libs:

The Free Orchestra » ProjectSAM

'Monster Ethnica' - A free VST Rompler containing an Ethnic/World Instruments library.

The good bit...No email or download manager required and comes in under two gigs.

All the download and install instructions are pretty straight forward and are on the website of the developer.

MONSTER Ethnica, The Best Free Plugin of World Instruments - AgusHardiman.TV

Probably the best three (and all free), in-depth, Cubase tutorial channels on YouTube:

1) One Man And His Songs

2) The Digital Audio Manual

And of course, The official Steinberg YouTube channel.

3) Cubase - Steinberg

2 hours ago, BassTractor said:

Oh, I see now: I'd forgotten to use a winky there.
Sorry about that.

 

👍

Below is a video of the Left-Hand (knob twiddling) Traffic in action.

Also, it looks like Korg used the same Teak as Hohner used in their production of the upmarket Clabinet:

1 hour ago, BassTractor said:

Someone also played a Korg SP-3200 on that track.
I think it must have been the only one in existence: possibly a custom PS-3200, factory-modded for Left-Hand Traffic.

 

  Ah, okay, thanks for that info. I thought it was a mistake on my above screenshot, and should have read Korg PS-3200, and not Korg SP-3200.

I remember this album and there are some decent tracks on it.

You are both wrong regarding the Clavinet, though. . It was a 'Clabinet'...It says so on the below attachment, along with an an amazing list of top named musicians on this track. **

The Clabinet was an upmarket Clavinet that was housed in a stunning teak case.

I do remember reading somewhere that it was defiantly a Clavinet, and it certainly sounds like it is (under the FX/processing).

A very nice, free Spring Reverb from 'Klanghelm'. It's a direct download, no email address or sign up required. Also, not a download manager in sight.

👍

Klanghelm

A very nice free Modulation FX from ARTURIA, called 'Efx REFRACT'.

You will need to download their software Installer, but it is a very light App. Plus, there are a few other freebies from ARTURIA that might be useful via the Software Center.

Arturia - Efx REFRACT GIFT

I've not seen this, so I can't really comment. But, I do like a lot of the tunes from that era so I will defiantly give it watch/listen:

BBC iPlayer - Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution

I couldn't concentrate while watching that video. The open ended Decrescendo Hairpins were doing my head in:

5 hours ago, Cairobill said:

Used to use Logic, dove very deep into Ableton and now use Luna (Mac only)  after it came bundled with a new UAD Apollo interface that was needed for it to work. 

Apparently it's now free and you can use it with or without an Apollo (you pay for it by upgrading the plugins etc). 

I love Luna, I'm mainly sequencing DAWless nowadays and use it as a great sounding tape machine with all the editing/mixing done afterwards. 

I upload the link a couple of posts up. My oldest only opens up Logic for old projects since he got stuck into Luna.

In the end, he paid for the pro version to get the extra extensions after trying the free version. About £160 I think.

Mac only, but Luna is another DAW knocking around:

LUNA Digital Audio Workstation

Anthony Jackson

Marcus Miller

Rocco Prestia

6 hours ago, FlatEric said:

Once again, thank you all for the info - all good stuff.

 

Cheers. 😊

I've been a die-hard Steinberg user for many years so won't be jumping DAW anytime soon but, something caught my eye that my youngest has been trying out and I'm quite impressed.

The free version has plenty to offer and worth consideration to anyone starting down the Recording route.

Waveform Free | digital audio workstation band editing software - Tracktion

Most Audio/Midi interfaces these days come with free software to get you up and running pretty quickly (including a DAW).

It will be cut back and basic, but certainly enough to make some noise while you get you feet wet and investigate the prospect of opening your wallet and never closing it again.