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Compyfox

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Posts posted by Compyfox

  1. Dunno. It only has one tape slot, if that;s what you mean...I'll try and get a picture when I can.

    If there`s written "multitrack" on it, then it's a multitrack recorder. DAT has an own symbol. If its neither of both, it's a normal tape recorder.

    Also, are you suggesting plugging the mics into the respective preamps, running those two into a MIXER and then into the EMU? or running one into the EMU directly and then switching them depending on which one I want to use? And then I would run my sound out into a mixer and then into the monitors?

    Well I have a 24track mixer here.

    Everything is lined up to the mixer (hardware synths, mic, guitar amp, etc - though I still have probs with the GuitarPort - but that's okay, I barely use it anyway).

    I use my "group" busses for recording (4 mono subgroups, meaning 2 stereo bussed). Sometimes even the "insert" slots for direct outs (I have a EWS88MT). The rest is processed in the PC.

    And yeah, I use the mixer for monitoring too. The Output of my multitrack card (4 stere channels) have their own ports on the mixer. My Mixer is then hooked up to the amp and my speakers.

    So yeah. That's a commong thing. I'd use a digital mixer, but the Behringer Digital and the Yamaha Digital mixers are still expensive as hell. Though they have 2 advantages:

    1) They can be used for automation

    2) Everything is recorded digital (S/PDIF) and routing possibilities are fairly simple

  2. Right, you do.

    Well then another question. Do you want to record with the mixer,then you can't get off with a 50bucks Behringer. I'd recommend digital mixers lately, but theyre still pricey. But a Behringer 12something where you have a send channel, is a good start. Enough ports for mixing "analog" and recording properly with the EMU cards.

    Then... I'd exchange your tube-preamp with the TubePac Amp/Compressor, as it's more rich sounding. With the NT1 from Rode you have a fairly good microphone (large membran if I'm not mistaken). For the rest you can use your old preamp.

    Dunno... it really depends on your preferences and what you want to do. I'd hook it up in parallel mode (meaning all run through a mixer - the outboard hardware at least) and record it as needed.

    Else you gotta experiment a bit. Routing and the like. Maybe you find a middleway.

    Ah yeah, is the Tascam PortaOne a MultiTrack device, or DAT? Just curious.

  3. The best guide in my opinion is the "quickstart guide" bundled with SX3 (it's a PDF). If this doesn't help, the best tutorials I found for Cubase SX3 are from ASKVideo.com - 3DVDs, very cheap and they cover everything from the basics to some more advanced stuff. (the videos are in QT, so it runs fine on a Mac).

    Or you try to find something on the internet. A good start might be this page:

    http://www.sx-tutorials.de/

    Though it is aimed at SX1 and it's in german. But very detailed in terms of screen snapshots.

    YOu might also get some answers at www.cubase.net , the official boards. But here you need a USB Key number or your posts will all be locked. You need to be registered unfortunately and the support is also meh (at least at the moment). However you can still read all sections, even without being registered at their boards.

    If you have more specific questions, just ask. But I really advice you to read at least the quickstart guide of Cubase first.

  4. I wonder where you folks all take the money for these samples. I mean. It's 995USD, sure is no cheap cake.

    And actually, as good as it might sounds, it is "too dramatic" and has too much reverb. 9DVDs for a choir that only fits into "uber-large orchestra" environments is just not my thing. Then again, I'd love to have a wordbuilder for Miroslav or Siedlaczek choirs.

    And no, don't come with that "but those samples aren't realistic" crap. Cause I don't give a frack!

  5. First... there is no "official Cubase thread", cause the "majority" thinks, that there's nothing like that needed, not to mention that this board is mainly aimed at "Fruity Loops" and "Reason".

    *to those who don't get it, that was sarcasm!*

    Second...

    Cubase exists for years now, and also has the most different forms, names and the like. If you can tell us which version you use, we might give you more detailed hints.

    Third...

    Speaking of hints. Your question is pretty general. But if you have a specific question, some of us Cubase users might be able to help you a bit better.

  6. 27" 1024x768 LCD TV. Crisp as nails.

    Sorry Xerol, but how can this screen be LCD if the borders of the screen indicate that this is a CRT screen/TV hybrid (a friend of mine has a Pioneer VGA/16:9 flatscreen TV hybrid, which is why I'm a bit puzzled)? LCDs are usually flat. Then again, CRTs show the "Hz flickering" in worst cases on pictures.

    Can you clear us up "what" this thing exactly is?

  7. --Bandwidth issue on user upload - some remixers might not be interested in that for what it's worth, especially if using FLAC. But would it have any benefit for remixers to have a site full of lossless/higher encoded versions of their works?

    Remixers are usually not getting paid for their work (unless the remix is commercial) - most of the people don't really care, don't feel the hassle and the like. In other words... they want to get their stuff to the masses. Audiophiles might think different, but the majority goes the mp3 way.

    --More standardized lossless forms will eventually come. I heard that FLAC is the most compressed lossless format right now (might be wrong), but then that just leaves the question of whether or not there will be way better/standardized lossless formats in the future anyway.

    Dolby HD is the future, according to Dolby. Same counts to MLP or DTS+, or in short: the new formats for BlueRay and HDTV. Though as with the eternal struggle between "DVD-A and SACD", even here there's no set standard yet.

    --I'd say the majority of people don't care or don't even know anything about kbps. That doesn't mean it won't be more enjoyable at much higher quality rates, though.

    It's a fact that the majority still uses boomboxes (aka crappy amps, portable systems, CD players, mp3 players). And those systems can't reflect everything perfectly anyway. Only highend studios can level that out. Testing the files with "special testing tools" is another thing, but without completely perfectly setup room/environment, you can forget to hear anything drastic in terms of "artefacts".

    I mainly thought of doing this for myself, but might as well have others benefit. It would help if I had some examples between a 128kbps-160kbps remix and 320kbps MP3 or FLAC of the same remix. I definitely won't be taking any source files themselves.

    Like I said... it depends on the system you listen to, and in this case even on the encoder. For this "audiophile babling", there's Hydrogen Audio. Ton of crackheads who ate the wisdom with spoons and flame everybody who thinks different (I had to feel the wrath of them a while ago, this is why I wrote "flame war" and "deja vu", as this discussion turns out the same). It also depends on the music material.

    For example: An orchestra track that is in -14dB to -12dB RMS (like the Chrono Symphonic project) can sound totally awesome in 128kbit, while rocksongs in -8dB to -6dB RMS can sound totally messed up. Depending on the encoder of course and each listeners tells different things (like I said: different environments, not to mention preferences).

    Difference technically between 320kbit and FLAC. *pft*

    I barely know anybody who can distinguish the mp3 from the FLAC. Well if we talk about dynamic and not "squarewave pushed" music again.

    I see where you come from, but I don't see any practical use in this "crusade", if I may say so.

    I'll never want to get stuff in FLAC or OGG format really, because of one reason - they don't work on my mp3 player and I don't want to have to convert.

    I totally agree here. I used tons of mp3 players so far. Most of them can't even play something different than mp3 in 44kHz. I'm lucky that my latest one can play mp3s in VBR and 48kHz 24bit, which is rare. But "getting inspiration" is so much easier this way. Most players can play mp3 VBR however, but only in 44kHz. And we don't wanna talk about DRM (WMV and AAC) issues here.

    Anyway... just my 2c on this issue. Do whatever you feel like to do. But don't expect too much from the mixers. I stick to mp3 however, in the kbit I want, not somebody "forced" me too. Same counts to FLAC - so "sorry" from my side already.

  8. Well there's another problem. There's always screaming "OMG I want FLACs!" or "OMG I want OGGs cause they're the future", etc. But it depends on the one who submits the track, too.

    As example:

    If I say "okay this track is fine as is, and it's only for internet purposes", then I sure wouldn't go the FLAC way, but the mp3 way (VBR encoding up to 192, encoders are as good already and without oscilators and very detailed FFTs you don't recognise a difference at all).

    On the other hand, if I really want to produce in high-end, I go with 48kHz and save the files for later use (Redbook Audio) on data DVDs. Storing possibilities are kinda endless nowadays. But it still counts: if it's for the internet, mp3 is where it's at. FLAC is a nice possibility but you can be sure that 95% of the users won't send you source files or anything. Like already mentioned, it's also a bandwidth issue. (even with 6MBit DSL I need 5-7hours to upload a RAR packed audio CD pack with 500-600MB!).

    At the moment, the Fraunhofer institute is working on "lossless Dolby" formats, and a new "user format" that is lossless too, but this still takes a while - and will also include certain licenses.

    Then again... we consumers heard everything so far: Vinyl Records, Audio Tapes, the first era of CDs, then mp3s. From dynamic material to overcompressed material.

    To be honest... some really don't care what format it is in, as long as it's accessable (and mp3 is the majority, also in terms of portable players). Only the audiophiles are like "can't you release as FLAC?!" - then again, those people don't really buy CDs (anymore).

    Vicious cycle....

    And "this" is why I wrote that this discussion is very familiar. A wonder that this didn't turn out into a flamewar yet.

  9. I can only say it again, every question about sequencers, and even if it's specific about Cubase/Sonar, turns out into a "Get FL instead" crusade. So it's not me that starts this crap. I just give you an insight on "other tools" outside of FL.

    And you know what, zirc? I don't give a crap about FL. I don't use it, cause I don't like it. It's unintuitive, it limits me. If you want to take it into your grave with you - so be it. But for gods sake - LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE WITH YOUR "Pro's use this and that" crap, if you don't even know what Pro's really use or what "standards" they have (or the AES declared). Just my 2c.

    FFLeviatan has it's answers and if he has more Q's about Cubase, I'm glad to answer them. Do "your crusade" somewhere else, please.

  10. 2) My thought with respect to a notation editor was to make use of Finale PrintMusic which I already have and am extremely quick at using, do a midi import into a sequencer, and retouch/apply soundfonts. I should've worded my question to suggest that, not that I'd intend to use Cubase's built-in notation editor. The general concensus seems to be that piano roll or other forms of entry are faster than notation and produce better results.

    My experience with Finale wasn´t that great in terms of "saving MIDI". It's a bit troublesome, but possible. The most work you'll have though, is changing velocity. Else it's fairly acourate in terms of export/import into other sequencers. For this pupose, you can really use FL however. Especially if you want to apply Soundfonts only (as it has a built in SF2 player and tons of users in here can help you out - THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOU CAN START YOUR CRUSADE IN HERE AGAIN!). But if you want to do more spreaded material, I recommend something else.

    3) Compy, you mentioned that FLStudio's wave editing capabilities were limited. In what way(s)?

    First of all, it's Wave capabilities are fairly new. You can can apply some vocals to an arrangement, but I found it fairly intuitive (IMO). Others might tell you something else. But what I tried so far... Recording is not simple, arranging is difficult too. And automation? Oh well... This is why Cubase and Samplitude are so great in this section. They're aimed at Multitracking. Fruity Loops is still in Kindergarden in this section. Not that you "can't" use it. But it still lacks something.

    Again... others might tell you different - for sure. *oh golly will I love the flamewar!*

    4) You also mentioned SX4. Would it be worth holding out for that? Actually, I'd probably not end up waiting anyway since I should finish my degree (and hence not qualify any longer for the academic pricing) by the end of August.

    Well SX4 won't arrive till Q4 2006. So this is still a bit far from now. So you can go with SE3/SL3/SX3 without prob.

    5) Compy or others, any reason for preferring Cubase over Sonar, other than that you've been using Cubase for so long?

    This is a very tricky question which can result in yet another flamewar. Cubase is a very high standard, but lacks some support lately. This doesn't mean that it's "bad" - no... it just depends on what preferences you have.

    I also have to add here that Steinberg are the creators of the VST technology and Sonar is still hovering around with MFX (MIDI FX) and DXi. Cubase however can use the VST technology and the DX technology (so it'S a bit more versatile). Else they pretty much have the same stab at creating music. One tool isa bit better in one section, but less powerful in another, and the same applies to the other sequencer, too.

    In the end, it's up to you what you use. However Cakewalk agressively tries to get some customers. They recently released a software/hardware bundle with an Edirol USB Module for 475Euro which includes Cakewalk Sonar Studio. Steinberg however still has Cubase System 4 with Cubase SE and a hardware module for around 300-400bucks. Not to mention the "Studio Case II" with tons of bundled "LE versions" of most of their house-internal VSTi's. BUT... Cubase SE is limited in terms of VSTi usage (only 8 if I can still remember), the audiochannels are run down massively and a lot of functions and internal plugins are missing (I'm not sure on the notation, but you should better check on that). Nothing that can be waged up with free plugins however.

    So this might be another solution, too.

    6) I also tried to find a demo for Cubase, but Steinberg has pulled all demos off their site now. You have to spend $20 on their USB protection key to even access the demos. A local music retailer confirmed this. I also couldn't find a way to contact their support without being a registered user. I think I'd need some more convincing on why Cubase would be better than the best of whatever products I'm able to demo before I'd be willing to spend a lot on it.

    Well you could try to get Cubase SE as Demo. As far as I know it doesn't use any dongle (USB stick) at all. Also, that with the "support hotline" isn't true. You can still call Steinberg even though you don't have a product registered there if you got some questions. Just ask yourself through.

    More convincing is a bit difficult. I can only say that Steinberg with Cubase, M-Audio ProTools and eMagic Logic are the most powerful and most versatile Studio Standards. If you want to do music on a hobby basis, you can nearly go with everything that's in your pricerange. But if you want to go Professional sometime, or also to an engineering school. You won't get around Logic/Cubase/ProTools.

    And no, I'm not getting paid for this.

  11. I'm just stating the obvious, as it happens really everytime if there is a question about "what sequencer to get", even if it's a specific question about Finale/Sonar/Cubase - there're ALwAYS "FL Crusaders" who hijack and kill the thread.

    I can only say it again... why not simply call this board "Inofficial Reason and Fruity Loops Support Board"?

    I sound like a whiny bitch? You know what? I don't f*cking care - go to unmod and start a new thread about it. Truth hurts.

    INTERNET - SERIOUS - BUSINESS

  12. Humbucker coils are coils where one is winded up to create a "negative" polarisation, and the other "positive polarisation". At least in the theory. So using 2 normal coils wouldn't work.

    Not to mention that you'd make the coil slots bigger (with a mills or something) to fit a humbucker in it. Too much work and a lot can go wrong.

    I wanted to do this with my guitar too (instead of having a single coil at the fretboard a humbucker), but my befriended guitar players all didn't recommend that and said "get a real humbucker instead".

    It's up to you.

  13. Slim Slow Slider Sidechain Compressor...

    Well... it's in VST standard and should work everywhere. If it doesn't in Live, then you're screwed.

    Here might be a good starting point for you. But don't expect to get everything for free. Sidechaining is not mandatory, it's more like a bonus feature.

    But before you say that Ableton can't use the Slim Slow Slider plugins you should ask yourself if Ableton is even able of using sidechain plugins. Cubase needs some special treatment, but it is possible. If you're a registered user, you might also take a look at the Ableton boards.

  14. 1) Is there anywhere to get a Cubase demo? I've downloaded demos already for the other sequencers mentioned in various threads here, but can't find one on the Cubase site or elsewhere.

    Go to www.steinberg.net (or com) and browse on their FTP. If you can't find a demo there, then write them an email or call the customer support and ask for a demo. I know there are demos,cause I have one with Halion 2, Halion 3 and the Waldorf Edition.

    2) How do FLStudio and Cubase compare? Is it worth the extra money to get Cubase, or save the cash for a decent set of orchestral samples?

    Cubase is way longer in business than FLStudio. Both tools are completely different in terms of approach. While FL has built in samplers like tracker (for example for drum pattern) and was first aimed at a 808 and 303 emulation (FL2 and FL3) it grew into a full fledged studio with VST/VSTi support later.

    It depends... what are your preferences. I for example use Cubase since v1.4 on the IBM PC while it was still aimed at "hardware only" and grew up with it. It can be a multitracker only, a pure software synth engine, I can use hardware/software/wav tracks, I do engineerings with it, etc. The possibilities are endless.

    Others might tell you the same about FL but still you have limitations. The WAV multitrack engine for example is fairly new and still a bit limited, you have no surround support (if you want to use it sometime), etc. Cubase is also shipped fairly blank (well it has 2 awesome synths by Waldorf, and SX4 is on the front door, too), while FL comes with a bunch of stuff "bundled".

    It's really up to you. But I prefer Cubase over everything else due to the possibilities I have - I'm not limited in any way.

    3) Is it worthwhile to get Cubase SX over SL?

    SX has a couple of more features than SL. For example: Surround, more VSTi slots, a couple of plugins that're exclusive to SX are not available, etc. There's a datasheet over at the Steinberg page that you can read for yourself.

    The worthwhile difference for you might be the price however. SL is only 399,- if I'm not mistaken, while SX is 799,-.

    4) As someone used to reading music notation, does that affect the choice of FLStudio vs. Cubase?

    It can. FL has no notation editor, Cubase has.

    In the end it's up to you. Hope I could help.

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