1. Flux Bittersweet 2 – http://www.fluxhome.com/products/Freewares/bittersweet2
2. Flux Stereo Tool – http://www.fluxhome.com/products/Freewares/stereotool
3. Brainworx BX_Solo – http://www.brainworx-music.de/en/plugins/bx_solo
4. Brainworx BX_Cleansweep V2 – http://www.brainworx-music.de/en/plugins/bx_cleansweep_v2
5. TT Dynamic Range Meter – http://www.brainworx-music.de/en/downloadrequest
6. Massey Plugins demos – http://www.masseyplugins.com/ (download the demos) CT4, L2007, Tapehead & TD5 are excellent
7. Massey Tools (Mac only) – http://www.smassey.com/plugin.html
8. Studio Devil BVC guitar amp – http://www.studiodevil.com/download/downloadBVC.htm
9. Kontakt 4 player – http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/kontakt-player/
10. KORE 2 player – http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/kore-player

All plugins are RTAS compatible with Mac or PC except Massey Tools which is Mac only.
I hope you find the list useful.
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Listen to the lecture here: http://chuck-russom.blogspot.com/2010/03/gdc-2006-field-recording-lecture.html
There are some pictures near the bottom of the post that go along with his presentation.

Who is Chuck Russom?

Badass mofo Freelance Sound Designer and SFX Recordist.
Credits include a number of top game franchises including: God of War, Call of Duty, Medal of Honor, James Bond, and others.

Chuck’s website is definitely worth following for anyone interested field recording, game audio, sound design. He often posts some of his interesting sound captures and goes into details of how it was recorded.

I’m starting to get interested in sound design & field recording and all the things that go along with it so expect more posts on those subjects (unless you don’t want me to post about those things, speak up!)

theaudiogeek

• Quoting a chat with @sydneygalbraith – “projects without producers go nowhere, Schrodinger projects”
• @AbletonTutor http://gamingbolt.com/2010/03/05/amazing-god-of-war-3-footage/ Wilhelm @ 0:42
• @Obiwonder you have schizoptweetia. Who are you replying too!!???
• Just finished interviewing & chatting with @AbletonTutor for the next Home Recording Show podcast.
• I’m still on the fence about this idea, though I didn’t live with my parents before college. RT @gmgranka: http://trunc.it/63pra
• Looks like the best/only way I’ll get my Structure patch folder organized is to start from scratch and download them all again.
• Maybe I’ll go to the mall to buy fat pants
• My Saturday went from hectic to boring real quick. I might even get some chores done.
• Listening to Sonic Talk 167 http://www.sonicstate.com/sonictalk
• @chuck_russom I hope you’re not giving away some trade secrets with that one. [in response to:

  What do I do when I have a hard time making a sound? I scream the Fword and other obscenities over and over again until it is magically done]
• RT @chrisprotools: Pro Tools File Management Basics ~ A video series for new Pro Tools users: http://www.showmeprotools.com/
• RT @musformation: Gary Numan In Conversation With Music Machine http://bit.ly/aCujd2
• There’s not enough me to go around this week. Everyone wants a piece of this.
• Too true, I’ve given up trying to fight it. RT @sonicfedora: The myspace music player seemingly UNMIXES your mixes.
• @monkeypusher69 TBH if the artist cared enough they’d just use a better player with files hosted elsewhere.
• New episode of The Home Recording Show is up. Jesse records a resonator guitar and Ryan talks Vox Booths. http://bit.ly/9kdOvr
• New AGZ post: MoReVox new drum sample library bundles http://cli.gs/9rbJG
• New AGZ post: Getting “Further” with Outasight http://cli.gs/YZPAy
• RT @theDSPproject: Cool video on sample layout for drumming on a pad controller http://vimeo.com/9102030
• RT @AbletonTutor: RT @nordmach: A Minimalist approach to songwriting | MusicSoftwareTraining.com: http://bit.ly/aHxvt6
• New AGZ post: Weekly Tweetdump 20 http://cli.gs/n7ynQ

• The Creative Bundle

Includes : Elektromorph I & II + Kaleidoscope

• Quick Bundle

Includes : Pocketslam Acoustic 01 + Drumbuster

Prices

The Creative Bundle : $ 289

Upgrade from Elektromorph Bundle to The Creative Bundle : $ 59

Quick Bundle $ 49

For more info : http://www.morevox.com

“I haven’t had a day job since September of 08! And I ain’t ever going back!”

The economy is crapped out. So is the music business. One could easily be tricked into thinking it’s a bad time to be in the business. EMI almost sold Abbey Road Studios at a discount, and other big three similarly desperate.

What’s good is that now people have to use their brains instead of their chequebooks to “make it”. Acts like Lily Allen all the way to Drake have achieved success with the bargaining power on their side of the table. Getting big on their own dime, and having labels beg to sign them.

Outasight is an enviable position. Through strategic placements of his songs and good old word-of-mouth, he’s gotten over 250k downloads of his debut album Further, and he’s just inked a deal with Warner Music. We could all learn something from him.

How important do you think that fan interaction has been in getting this far?

I personally love interacting with fans who reach out to me, as it’s important in the growing stages to build a relationship with the people who can support and help your career all the way through.

When did you first start to have fans that you didn’t personally recognize?

Over the past few months that has really started to happen, random stuff, you know people coming up to you at events and parties, and even a few times in the street. It’s really flattering, especially knowing that I still have a long way to go, and I certainly appreciate it.

How early in your career was online marketing a part of your marketing campaign?

From the beginning of me taking my career serious online marketing was integral. A few years ago the dream started with a MySpace page and a couple songs.  Now more than ever there are a million (free) mediums to try and expose your music to new people all over the world, and I definitely took advantage of that from the get-go.

I first heard your music as the closing music on a high subscription YouTube channel called BreakingNYC. How did that come about?

Ray reached out to me through a public email saying that he has been a fan and would like to use some of my music. I was unfamiliar with his work and a little confused at first, but the exposure has been incredible… He has a loyal and awesome fan base that really took a liking to what I do as well, and I am thankful for such a great exposure opportunity!

How many downloads have you reached on your free album?

As of right now, because of Ray’s help, and also all the major hip hop blogs support, we are over 250,000 downloads of “Further”. It’s almost too good to be true really, every time I see or hear a new number I have to shake my head like, “Did I hear that correctly?” Haha.

If you give away your music for free, where do you expect the money to come from to support yourself?

Artists today release music for free to gain fans and exposure, and if your good enough, work hard enough, and get some lucky breaks, you can turn those fans and exposure into a financial gain.  It’s a little sacrifice for the big picture.

Where do you expect to be career-wise in 3 years?

Well, I just signed to Warner Bros, so my goals right now are to get my music ready for a mainstream audience and push through to millions of listeners. So in 3 years, maybe a Grammy or 2, sold out shows across the world, and a great fan base that I will always work hard for!

If you weren’t in music what would you do?

Most likely creative writing, with a focus on fiction and short stories.

When were you able to quit your day job?

I haven’t had a day job since September of 08! And I ain’t ever going back!

What would you tell a young musician looking to market him/herself effectively?

I would say first focus on your music. Artists have become better at marketing than music in some instances, and I think that’s the backwards way of going. If your music is solid, and it’s something you continue to work on and get better at, then the ideas for marketing will come because you will know what you want to do.  Persistence is also a huge key, stay on it, keep growing, and be honest to your craft and if you’re good, things will happen…

Check out Outasight here: http://www.myspace.com/iamoutasight Follow Outasite on Twitter @imOutasight

theaudiogeek

• Printing mix stems….
• Spent the afternoon redoing some mixing examples for Epic Sounds
• LOL awesome :D RT @gmgranka: There’s an overturned car on fire outside the workplace. I’m guessing we won something?
• New AGZ post: Understanding Pro Tools – New video tutorial series http://cli.gs/z5nVP
• OK tweeps – I’ve fixed my comments form on my site, go try it out. http://audiogeekzine.com
• Me too! :D RT @chckn8r: I find that there’s something satisfying about starting a new jar of peanut butter …

• @allenwagner re:secret service computers – Proof that you don’t need to upgrade every year :) [in response to:

  The Secret Service computer system runs on a 1980s IBM mainframe with a rock-solid 68% uptime http://tinyurl.com/yart6kg ]
• I so need some Powerthirst today.
• Watching the new tutorial video from @joegilder Understanding Pro Tools – http://bit.ly/cbY4Yu
• Anyone know what happened to How Audio? http://howaudio.com – I hate to see good content gone to waste.
• RT @sydneygalbraith: @shadowhills : coolest gear manufacturer ever creates coolest gear site ever: www.shadowhillsindustries.com
• New AGZ post: Protest The Loudness Wars – Dynamic Range Day is March 20 http://cli.gs/ZmZ6L
• Disk Image? RT @sonicvalentine: @SlauBeSharp ya. There just isn’t a better way with masters. How long till they figure that one out?
  • @theaudiogeek @SlauBeSharp I have a hard enough time getting them to be able to download mp3 refs let alone disk images!!
  • [Slaubesharp] @theaudiogeek Ah, I mean to the clients who might not have a way to open the file and burn to disk.
• New AGZ post: Steven Slate Drums Multi-channel Pro Tools Template http://cli.gs/N7146
• Protection for your iPad: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41296440
• New fingers RT @ianshepherd: @alunvaughan: @ianshepherd Any thoughts on removing excessive finger noise on gtr tracks?
• Has everyone gotten the free eBook Killer Home Recording: Setting Up? http://recordingreview.com/102.html
• I love this plugin sequencer. [PC VSTi] http://trunc.it/5ocjb I’ve wanted something like this for long time.
• New AGZ post: 10 reasons why home studios suck http://cli.gs/RZpUL
• RT @rcanestro: The next episode of The Home Recording Show. outboard gear vs. plugins and why your studio sucks. http://bit.ly/bWFZUC

• @SlauBeSharp did you find that it likes to forget plugin settings? [in response to:

  Getting my mind around Apple's WaveBurner… in some ways it's great, in some ways… hmm…]
  • @SlauBeSharp did you find that it likes to forget plugin settings?
  • [SlauBeSharp] @theaudiogeek Oh, is that something I can look forward to, eh? :)
  • @SlauBeSharp http://trunc.it/5ro2d and http://trunc.it/5qnlw
• this makes it all better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A_tSyJBsRQ&feature=related
• New AGZ post: Home Studio Corner is a great resource for Pro Tools users http://cli.gs/ng5Yv
• Home from work. Relaxing with some Meshuggah. It’s one of those kinda days. New blog post coming in a few seconds….
• @gmgranka Darwin invented hot dogs for a reason. [in response to:
  Pediatricians call for a choke-proof hot dog http://usat.me?37616232. Really? ]
• New AGZ post: Weekly Tweetdump 19 http://cli.gs/dgBru

http://www.homestudiocorner.com/unde…ls-pdc/?id=agz
*** This is an affiliate link, buying through this link supports Audio Geek Zine ***
Remove “-pdc/?id=agz” from the link if you don’t want to support my site.

It’s 3 hours of beginner tutorial content split up across 9 HD videos (Quicktime). $39 to download.

Topics covered:

• Video #1 – Overview – This introductory video explains what I’ll be covering over the course of Understanding Pro Tools and gives a basic overview of Pro Tools itself.
• Video #2 – Track Types – Learn all about the five different track types in Pro Tools. Learn what they are and why you would use each one.
• Video #3 – Mix Window – Learn the ins and outs of the mix window.
• Video #4 – Edit Window – Learn the ins and outs of the edit window.
• Video #5 – Recording – Learn how to record both audio and MIDI.
• Video #6 – Editing – Learn what to do with the audio and MIDI once it’s recording. I discuss the various different edit modes and editing tools available.
• Video #7 – Mixing – While this video isn’t intended to TEACH you how to get a good-sounding mix, I do show you all the mechanics of setting up a bouncing the final mixdown.
• Video #8 – Mastering – After talking about mixing, it only makes sense to briefly explain what mastering is.
• Video #9 – Preferences & Troubleshooting – This is a catch-all of topics and advice that weren’t covered in the first eight videos.

All the details are on the site.

http://www.homestudiocorner.com/unde…ls-pdc/?id=agz

*** This is an affiliate link, buying through this link supports Home Studio Corner and Audio Geek Zine ***
Remove “-pdc/?id=agz” from the link if you don’t want to support my site.

This is an excellent intro for anyone new to Pro Tools, definitely worth checking out.

Dynamic Range Day is March 20th, 2010

Join us in a day of protest against the CD “Loudness Wars” – more info below

• Show your support – check out the Facebook Event
  and RSVP to say you’ll “attend”
• It’s easy to take part – just SHOUT (type in all caps)
  ALL DAY, EVERYWHERE !
• Use the Twitter hashtag #DYNAMICRANGEDAY
• And when people ask, tell them why you’re shouting

More info here: Dynamic Range Day

To save you some of the same headache, here is a Pro Tools Template I’ve set up using Kontakt 4 player. Use the import Session Data command to bring the tracks into your session.

*IMPORTANT* – Whenever you load a new Multi-patch in Kontakt you need to click the “reset out map” button. See image below.

Download the template here: DOWNLOAD

1. Less than ideal acoustically. More often than not the home studio is a spare bedroom or in the corner of the basement. Most home studios have little invested to improve the sound in the room.
2. Noise issues. Professional studios are constructed with extreme acoustic isolation in mind. They keep sound from escaping and outside sounds interfering, allowing them to operate at any time of day. In the home studio you have to deal with your neighbor mowing his lawn, children running around and other noises. Additionally you can’t work at a normal volume too early or too late in the day without neighbors or your family complaining.
3. Never ending money pit. You may think you have everything you need but it won’t be long until you succumb to G.A.S.
4. Low perceptions of quality. If you’re trying to use your home studio to make an income, there is a limitation on the kind of work you’ll get. A major label is not going to send a band to your bedroom to make a record. There is still plenty of jobs you can do at a quality level but you’re at a disadvantage from the start.
5. Pro studio owners HATE you because you take business away and put out an inferior product. Whether that is true or not can cause some heated debate.
6. A major distraction. You just wanted to make a quick recording of a song idea. You spend the next two hours doing software updates, scrolling through synth patches to find the perfect one and oops you’ve forgotten that great idea for a song.
7. It changes your role from musician to engineer. Instead of spending your time improving your playing and songwriting abilities you must spend your time learning recording techniques, troubleshooting,
8. Equipment that doesn’t match in quality or is low quality overall. Cheap mics into a cheap mixer into a built-in soundcard using cheap cables. If you want a professional sound there is a minimum level of equipment that must be invested.
9. Less respect for your time. I’m finding I sit around waiting for late clients much more in my home studio than as a staff engineer at a studio. Another side of this, a band spends two years recording their album in their home studio but could have gotten the same or better results in two week at a professional studio. Time has value.
10. It never ends. Without strict self imposed time limits you will never finish the album. A fear of commitment and the ability to tweak absolutely anything makes things take so much longer than necessary.

So there’s 10 negative sides to this Home Studio thing we’ve gotten ourselves into. Obviously these don’t apply to everyone, and some points are very general.

Without my home studio, this website and half my income wouldn’t be here. On the other hand I’d probably have a lot less grey hair on my head and a lot more money in the bank.

I’m well aware of the limitations of my studio (the room specifically) and what it is perfectly capable of accomplishing, however this doesn’t satisfy me.

There is a long of discussion of this topic on episode 65 of The Home Recording Show.

Comments? Agree or disagree? Tell Me!