RODE NT1000 Vocal Condenser Microphone Review

I went shopping for a Rode NT1.Rode mics use superb capsules mounted in machined housings you could drive a truck over, and the NT1 is a great mic for male vocals.The guy at the store suggested the NT1000.I recorded myself on both, and there wasn't much difference, but the 1000 just sounded a little smoother.But, the NT1 had a painted finish (may have changed since), made out of aluminum.When you screw the mount on it feels rough, like screwing in a light bulb with an aluminum base.The NT1000, though, feels rich and expensive, a nickel-steel finish (I guess) more like the expensive Neumanns.And when you screw the parts together they feel precise and elegant.It was a hundred bucks more than the NT1, but with the slightly nicer sound, and the much nicer look and handling feel, it seemed worth it.

The only problem I've had with it is weight.It's fairly heavy, and can't be extended very far on my boom stand without falling over.

Great dynamic range, low noise, very detailed.

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Product Description:
The Rode NT1000 brings new standards to the recording industry.When today's musicians and recording engineers demand clarity and dynamic range, they demand large capsule performance. The Rode NT1000 is superior in both vocal and instrumental performances. Voiced forapplication versatility, the NT1000 has been hailed by many as the ultimate drum over-head and grand piano mic selection. The NT1000 is also equally at home as a first call vocal mic. With its Australian made 1 inch HF-2 capsule incorporating internal shock mounting, the NT1000 boasts a 134 dB dynamic range, and 140 dBA SPL capabilities and a 20 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response. Includes mic stand mount, and zippered pouch.Rode NT1000 FeaturesHF2 1 inch capsule with gold-plated diaphragmUltra low-noise transformerless circuitryCardioid polar patternHeavy-duty cast metal satin nickel bodyHigh-strength welded and heat-treated mesh headInternal capsule shock-mountingTrue externally biased condenserFull frequency response

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Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Review

I paid just a little over $280 for this audio interface, and that is a really good price. This machine:
-is USB 2.0
-has 4 inputs in the front for an XLR cable or 1/4" jack (mic and guitar)
-supplies phantom power (essential if you use a condenser microphone)
-has really good quality pre-amps
-has two separate inputs for the headphones (which you can control separately, if you want)

Also, it comes with a version of Ableton Live Lite.

In general, it is easy to install (I use Windows XP) and to operate.

The control panel is not particularly useful if you use Ableton, since you can control everything from Ableton.
By the way, the only glitch I encountered was that the control panel did not open properly, so I called support and they told me it is a problem they are trying to fix. If you encounter the same problem, it can be resolved this way:
Start > Run > type 'regedit' > scroll down on the left of the window until you find 'M-Audio' > open 'MAUSBFTUCpl' > delete 'MAUSBFTUCpl'.

P.S. I had to contact the support after I switched to a new laptop running Windows 7, and I must say their online customer support is simply awful. I think they are awful on purpose, so one will call their phone support. In fact, after the first 30 after purchase, all calls to customer support are $2.50/minute. Ridiculous.

Then open Control Panel > double click on M-Audio Fast Track Ultra, and the control panel will open just fine.

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Product Description:
The Fast Track Ultra 8 x 8 audio/MIDI interface takes M-Audio's acclaimed mobile recording line to the next level with high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity MX Core DSP mixer and four preamps with award-winning Octane technology. Featuring both analog and digital I/O it allows recording on all eight channels simultaneously with pristine 24-bit/96kHz fidelity--while M-Audio's mature low-latency drivers ensure rock-solid stability and performance. The on-board MX Core DSP mixer processes eight hardware inputs and eight software returns to the eight hardware outputs delivering flexible routing and monitoring with delay and reverb. Compatible with most major audio software Fast Track Ultra lets you record the way you wan--?in the studio or on the go.

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Cakewalk Studio Instruments Review

Cakewalk Studio Instruments are a great foundational set of instruments to add to a persons home digital recording studio. Drums,Bass,Keys,Strings. The salt N pepper that most music requires at a great price and easy function.
I am a confessed Gear-a-holic. I love to find things like the studio instruments kit that don't cost an arm n leg, but that will "Broaden" your color pallet of sound. It's a tool that is fun to use, visually easy to understand and the sound is pleasing. What more could you ask for?

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Product Description:
Can't play bass drums piano or violin? No problem! Just point and click and you are making music. It's that easy!Introducing Cakewalk Studio Instruments the world's first easy-to-use and affordable software instrument collection for Mac and PC. Cakewalk Studio Instruments includes a high quality Drum Kit Bass Guitar Electric Piano and String Section that can be played stand alone or inside your favorite music-making software such as Cakewalk Music Creator Apple GarageBand Magix Music Maker Deluxe SONY ACID Music Studio and more (see list below for complete list of compatible products).Cakewalk Studio Instruments include pre-recorded patterns played by ace session musicians so you can build sections for your songs practice or just have fun jamming along.And Studio Instruments sound great because they're from Cakewalk makers of the most popular music creation software in the world used daily by Grammy® winning musicians and producers. Start making music today with Cakewalk Studio Instruments!Format: WIN XPVISTA/MAC 10.4 OR LATERUB Genre:PRODUCTIVITY UPC:787537171044 Manufacturer No:10-CWSI1.00-10C

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Small Diaphragm Condenser Mic Review

I own other Audio Technica products in my home studio and thats why I considered adding a new one to suit my needs. If you are looking for a small diaphragm cardioid condenser mic look no further. This little mic is superb!
Ive never had better captures of my acoustic guitar.

This mic is intended to record acoustic instruments like strings, piano, choral groups, brass instruments even drums.

Dont get fooled by its size this is a real monster.

As with any condenser mic this requires phantom power be sure your audio card, recording interface /mixer has it or else buy a mic preamp or a phantom power supply.

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Product Description:
The PRO37 has established itself as a versatile solution for studio recording and live performace. With a low mass element for superb transient response and a low-profile design, this mic excels in high SPL apllications.

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