Sound Design Down Under

TotalFinder brings tabs to you Mac finder

2012-01-21T10:07:00.001+11:00

If you have fallen in love with tabbed web browsers, you may have wondered why the people at Apple haven't adopted this for their technology and workflow as core to their OS. The good news however, is that one solo guy (Antonin) who operates as BinaryAge has seen this as a fundamental feature for any finder workflow. Antonin as a result has created TotalFinder. TotalFinder runs as a Finder plugin and enables the tabbed browsing of your finder windows. As a workflow solution, this is amazing as it allows the user to have multiple finder windows open - perfect for auditioning sounds, copying files and general house keeping. You can also run in 'Dual Mode' which allows you to run not 1, but 2 x tabbed window sets side by side! And if you use Lion and don't like Terminal, it allows you to view ALL system files (in Lion these are now hidden by default).

Some of the key features include:

· Tabbed Browsing

o Add tabs on top of Finder. The same tabs as seen in Google Chrome.

· Dual Mode

o Display two Finder windows side-by-side in dual mode.

· Folders on Top

o Don't make me think. Folders should always go first in list view.

· Show System Files

o Show me all files on the disk. I'm not afraid to see the cruft.

· Visor

o Convenient system-wide Finder always one key-press away.

· Cut & Paste

o Use keyboard shortcuts to move files around. Faster than drag & drop.

TotalFinder is compatible with both Snow Leopard and Lion and is available as a 14 day trial and is priced at only $18US. Well worth it! And if you have 2 other friends who would like this, you can get 3 licenses for only $36. Maybe a great birthday gift for someone??? I have been using TotalFinder for a few weeks now and there is no way I will be going without it again.

2012 MPSE Nominees anounced

2012-01-21T09:36:00.001+11:00

Best Sound Editing: Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue and ADR in an Animation Feature Film

The Adventures of Tintin
Cars 2
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango
Rio
The Smurfs

Best Sound Editing: Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue, ADR and Music in a Feature Documentary

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
Cave of the Forgotten Dreams
George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Lemmy
Pearl Jam Twenty

Best Sound Editing: Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue and ADR in a Feature Foreign Language Film

1920. The World's Most Important Battle
Circumstance
The Flowers of War
In the Land of Blood and Honey
Sarah's Key
The Skin I Live In
Tropa de Elite 2 (Elite Squad 2: The Enemy Within)

Best Sound Editing: Music in a Feature Film

Drive
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Hop
Hugo
Priest
Super 8
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
The Tree of Life

Best Sound Editing: Music in a Musical Feature Film

Footloose
The Muppets
Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll
Pina

Best Sound Editing: Dialogue and ADR in a Feature Film

Abduction
The Help
Moneyball
Quarantine II: Terminal
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Super 8
War Horse
The Way

Best Sound Editing: Sound Effects and Foley in a Feature Film

Drive
Fast Five
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Super 8
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
War Horse

Best Sound Editing: Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue and ADR Animation in Television

Fanboy and Chum Chum "A Very Brrr-y Icemas"
Futurama "Law & Oracle"
Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas
Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil "Truth or Daredevil"
Kung Fu Panda: The Legends of Awesomeness "Sight for Sore Eyes"
Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace
The Penguins of Madagascar "The Return of the Revenge of Dr. Blowhole"
Phineas and Ferb "Across the 2nd Dimension"

Best Sound Editing: Long Form Documentary

Gettysburg
Harlistas: An American Journey
Koran By Heart

Best Sound Editing: Long Form Music in Television

The 12 Dates of Christmas
Alphas "Pilot"
Avalon High
Magic Beyond Words - The JK Rowling Story
Terra Nova "Occupation/Resistance"

Best Sound Editing: Long Form Dialogue and ADR in Television

Big Love "Where Men and Mountains Meet"
Cinema Verite
Homeland "Marine One"
Terra Nova "Occupation/Resistance"
The Walking Dead "What Lies Ahead"

Best Sound Editing: Long Form Sound Effects and Foley in Television

Cinema Verite
Homeland "Marine One"
Red Faction: Origins
Terra Nova "Occupation/Resistance"
The Walking Dead "What Lies Ahead"

Best Sound Editing: Short Form Documentary

Above The Ashes
Man Made "Bugatti Super Car"
Tim Tebow: Everything In Between

Best Sound Editing: Short Form Music in Television

Camelot "110 - Reckoning"
CSI: Miami "Crowned"
Damages "Failure is Lonely"
Fringe "The Day We Died"
Justified "Brother's Keeper"
Raising Hope "Prodigy"
Revenge "Pilot"

Best Sound Editing: Short Form Musical in Television

Glee "The First Time"
Grey's Anatomy "The Song Beneath the Song"
The Playboy Club "Pilot"

Best Sound Editing: Short Form Dialogue and ADR in Television

The Big C "A Little Death"
Game of Thrones "Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things"
Hell on Wheels "Bread and Circuses
Leverage "The Van Gogh Job"
Person of Interest "Witness"
Smallville "Dominion"
Sons of Anarchy "To Be, Part 2"
The Walking Dead "Save the Last One"

Best Sound Editing: Short Form Sound Effects and Foley in Television

The Borgias "Death, On A Pale Horse"
Breaking Bad "Faceoff"
Fringe "The Day We Died"
Game of Thrones "Winter is Coming"
Homeland "Pilot"
House M.D. "Bombshells"
Rizzoli & Isles "Can I Get a Witness?"
Smallville "Dominion"

Best Sound Editing: Computer Episodic Entertainment

Aim High
Dagedar
Polly Pocket
Warehouse 13 "Of Monsters & Men"
When You Find Me

Best Sound Editing: Computer Interactive Entertainment

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Diablo III Cinematics - Black SoulStone "Doom" and Intro "End of Days"
Gears of War 3
Need for Speed "The Run"
Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Cinematics

Best Sound Editing: Direct to Video - Animation

Dragon: Gift of the Night Fury
Kung Fu Panda 2: Secrets of the Masters
Megamind: The Button of Doom
Quest for Zhu
The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol

Best Sound Editing: Direct to Video - Live Action

Beethoven's Christmas Adventure
Love
Street Kings 2: Motor City

Best Sound Editing: Special Venue

Rocky Mountain Express
Tornado Alley
Wildest Weather in the Solar System

Verna Fields Award in Sound Editing for Student Filmmakers

Alma
Inferno
The Maiden and the Princess
The Pride of Wade Ellison
The Secret Numbers

Adobe - Rubbadub

2011-10-25T11:46:00.000+11:00

Having used many forms of audio editing software over the years I have been yet convinced that any of the Adobe software is comparable to other software such as Avid Pro Tools. I find that with any audio software made by "visual" software developers they miss the point with "creative flexibility" of there audio software. Sure you can record edit and mix, however I always feel constrained, and all creativity is lost and it is purely "technical" software. For most video editors wanting to knock up a quick audio mix than this is fine, but for creative sound designers this is like working 15 years ago.

I am always open to new technology, and especially technology that is not only allows for creativity, but also technology that streamlines workflows. Adobe have just showcased a new piece of software which could redefine dialogue editing and ADR editing in particular.

Having used Vocalign for many years for various tasks including tightening lip sync and backing vocals on music tracks, I have found that I end up making as many edits either using vocalign or just using time stretch from Pro Tools. Adobe now have something that looks truly amazing, something quite mind blowing indeed! Check out Rubbadub... you won't believe your eyes.

Pro Tools 10

2011-10-25T11:29:00.000+11:00

Avid have released the next installment of Pro Tools. PT10 includes many new features including:

Speed up editing and mixing with Clip Gain, and easily adjust and match gain levels, pre-mixer (watch the video)
Use multiple audio formats in a session—including interleave—without file duplication
Record and master higher resolution sound with more headroom in 32-bit floating-point format
Get great responsiveness on slower hard drives with the enhanced disk handler
Record in low-latency mode, with direct monitoring when using third-party audio interfaces
Get the sound of System 5 console EQ and dynamics with the Avid Channel Strip plug-in

Get access to over 500 additional Pro Tools commands when using EUCON controllers (watch the video)
Work more easily with AudioSuite-rendered clips with reverse processing, handles, and more (watch the video)
Create extra long-format projects for sequential versioning with the extended 24-hour timeline
Open fade-heavy sessions faster and get better responsiveness with real-time fades
Export mixes directly to SoundCloud to share and promote your music to the world

Available in both PT10 and PT10HD, I am glad to note that owners of Complete Production Toolkit also gain many of the HD features as with PT9.

Go Behind The Scenes At Røde Microphones

2011-10-07T09:41:00.000+11:00

From the very beginning RØDE was created to be a company of difference.

At a time when the only recording solutions available to artists and engineers were either incredibly expensive or generally poor quality, RØDE set out to change the status quo, offering world class recording tools for everyone.

Almost 20 years later and still here in Sydney, Australia, RØDE manufactures some of the world's very best microphones, regardless of price.

And for the first time, you can see how this is done

INTENSIVE MASTERCLASS + WIRED EARS Opportunity for emerging artists…

2011-09-30T10:05:00.000+10:00

On Saturday 29th October The WIRED Lab will be hosting Wired Open Day. Now a biennial event Wired Open Day provides the general public with the opportunity to interact with the ‘wires’ and witness its vast array of creative applications.

In the lead-up to Wired Open Day Alan Lamb, David Burraston and Sarah Last will facilitate an intensive masterclass for 12 artists and musicians. This funded masterclass, a continuation of our WIRED EARS professional development program, will provide emerging artists with the opportunity to work with core members of The WIRED Lab including Alan Lamb, a pioneer of experimental Australian music, David Burraston, a widely recognised computer scientist/artist and Lambs core collaborator over recent years, and Sarah Last experimental curator/artist.

During the three day masterclass participants will learn about the wire instruments and the interdisciplinary strategies Lamb, Burraston and Last employ to realise their compositions. Masterclass participants will also be integral to realising a new composition by Lamb, Burraston and Last which will be premiered at Wired Open Day.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS: WIRED EARS

(EMERGING ARTISTS RESIDENCY SCHEME)

The WIRED EAR Scheme provides financial assistance for emerging artists from around Australia to attend WIRED Lab workshops and initiatives. For this intensive masterclass we will be offering funding support to assist 12 emerging artists with the costs to attend the masterclass. Artists who consider themselves to be ‘emerging’ are invited to submit a brief expression of interest (EOI) detailing their arts practice and how they feel they will benefit from being a WIRED EARS participant.

On your EOI please cite the cost of your return travel to/from Cootamundra NSW and keep your EOI to 1 A4 page. Also note that we don’t follow standard industry definitions of ‘emerging’ we expect you to determine where you place your practice and experience. Interdisciplinary artists are encouraged to apply.

WIRED EARS expressions of interest are due Friday 7th October
INTENSIVE MASTERCLASS DETAILS
Wednesday 26th, Thursday 27th and Friday 28th October

with live performance at WIRED Open Day on Saturday 29th October
* The workshop is offered for free to 12 WIRED EARS participants

* This is a national initiative artists from around Australia are encouraged to apply

* Previous WIRED EARS recipients are eligible to apply

* Successful EOI’s will be confirmed Monday 19th October

* Costs of your travel to/from Cootamundra to be paid for by The WIRED Lab (please schedule to arrive on Tuesday for a Wednesday morning start)

* Accommodation to be provided by The WIRED Lab

* Materials will be provided by The WIRED Lab

* Lunch will be provided by The WIRED Lab and a per diem for your other daily meals

For further information about the location of The Wired Lab and travel information please email workshops [at] wiredlab.org to be sent an FAQ

The Wired Lab and its programs are supported by:

The NSW Government through Arts NSW

and

The Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body

Motion Picture Sound Editors now on YouTube

2011-08-16T09:50:00.000+10:00

Subscribe to the Motion Picture Sound Editors YouTube channel

OSX 10.7 Lion and some new Mac models out now

2011-07-21T10:41:00.000+10:00

Well the release of Lion and two new Mac models have been highly anticipated and today they have been officially released. If you are running Pro Tools do not rush to install Lion as it is not yet qualified! Lion doesn't bring many more features to the table, however it does offer quite a few refinements, including re-sizable windows from any corner. You can read more here.

Appart from Lion, Apple today also released a new range of MacBook Airs and Mac Minis. The Airs now come with Core i5 and i7 processors claiming speeds up to 2.5 times as fast as the previous model.

What I was interested in was the new Mac Minis. These too have had the i5 and i7 upgrade and now appear to be a desktop version of the MacBook Airs. This includes the redesign of the housing to EXCLUDE the internal DVD drive. I was completely optimistic in hoping that this model may of included Blu-Ray as many people are using Mac Minis for home theater use. Apple have been having licensing issues with the inclusion of Blu-Ray drives, however I had hoped that this may have been resolved. Now if you want a Mac Mini you need to purchase an external SuperDrive separately. Something that MacBook Air owners have already been doing. I feel that Apple will lose sales on the Mac Mini on this detail alone... unless they release an external Blu-Ray drive in the near future. If you are wanting the mini for a HTPC you may be better off buying the recently outdated generation... it will be cheaper and includes an internal DVD drive!

iTunes Australia just got 20% cheaper

2011-07-14T10:21:00.000+10:00

Apple has adjusted the international App store pricing to reflect current currency exchange rates. For Australians this means that the $1.19 apps are now selling for $0.99. This is also reflected on some of the more expensive Apps for example V-Control also being reduced quite heavily. With Apple on the verge of releasing the new Lion operating system and new hardware models, hopefully we can also see a reduction in prices reflected here. Now we just have to wait for these new HIGHLY anticipated hardware models!

Neyrinck V-Control Pro for iPad

2011-06-03T15:17:00.000+10:00

Neyrinck have just released an update to their V- Control for ProTools. Version 1.1 now adds dual surround panners and peak hold meters to the already impressive interface. Having used version 1.1 for a few days now I have to say that I am very impressed indeed. I have tried and worked with various control surfaces over the years, however for the size of an iPad and quality of this software, this is hard to beat.

My initial impression was that V-Control was a gimick, a toy, and something used just to show your friends as I was quite dubious about not having "actual" faders to push and pull. However this is not the case. This is actually a very serious piece of software and the response of the touch faders is excellent. Panning using the virtual pan pots takes some getting used to, however the new surround panners compensate for this. It also supports flip mode, sends, a scrub and shuffle, group suspend and many more features...

At US$49.99 or AUD$59.99 V-Control on the iPad is now a far cheaper option than any other control surface.... plus you can check your email, read the paper and play games in your downtime! even factoring an iPad, the price and flexibility of this configuration is amazing!

Do you run 2 monitors on your mac?

2011-04-19T17:54:00.000+10:00

If you run 2 monitors on your Mac and are sick of always having to go to only one monitor to get to your menus then there is a solution! Andreas Hegenberg has created a nifty little app called Secondbar.

Apple Magic Trackpad and Pro Tools

2011-04-06T11:06:00.001+10:00

After hypothesising about the new Apple Magic Trackpad in July last year, I have now had a chance to have a proper play with it in conjunction with my Pro Tools setup.

I have been using a Kensington Trackball ever since I started my working career, so jumping across to the Magic Trackpad was rather peculiar to start with. I have a MacBook so using it's inbuilt Trackpad always seems so limited when working within Pro Tools. In many cases I would just connect my trackball to keep my work flow efficient. The Magic Trackpad is quite different however. Although seeming to be a bigger version of the laptop trackpad, the Magic Trackpad is so much more.

After setting up the Magic trackpad via bluetooth the system preferences allow some customisation of the gestures which now allow you to control and customise your magic Trackpad. I did find these very limited, and the settings are all global controls meaning that you cannot have specific gestures for specific programs- something that Kensington allow for with its Trackballs. The program BetterTouchTool, a freeware application opens up these gestures by having this program sit on top of the Apple System Prefs. This allows for specific gestures for specific applications. Once BTT is running, the Apple Magic Trackpad comes into it's own. This makes the Magic Trackpad ideal as an editing and mixing peripheral, as you can fade, pan in surround and edit far quicker than using a conventional mouse. I also have BTT setup to switch between Pro Tools and AudioFinder, with a gesture (single click in middle at top) setup to export my AudioFinder sounds straight into my Pro Tools timeline! Very Cool indeed!!!

After taking a couple of days of getting use to and setting up gestures, the Magic Trackpad has now become my new "must have" editing and mixing tool. Because you can also import and export gestures from BTT, I can now easily use the Magic Trackpad with my laptop with no differences in my workflow.

Free ProTools plug-in from Soundtoys!

2011-03-21T10:14:00.002+11:00

Want a free ProTools plug-in?
Soundtoys are giving away an audio level destroyer - for free!
All that you need to obtain this goodie is an ilok...

Here is the link

- link has now expired -

AudioFinder as a Plugin Manager

2011-02-15T11:27:00.000+11:00

Although AudioFinder was reviewed in my previous post as being a great sound library database tool, I wanted to touch on another features of the software.

Firstly, AudioFinder can be used as a plugin manager. What does this mean? Well quite simply you can create sets of your plugins and have AudioFinder activate and deactivate your plug in sets. Why is this handy? Well if you are running a swap of plugins and you don't happen to want say your "Waves" plugins loaded as your dongle is on another machine, you can simply omit these from one of your sets. You may also have sets set up for particular tasks you are doing. ie - editing or mixing. Another great aspect of the AudioFinder Plugin manager is that each plugin is listed with tits release version, making this easy to check for any updates/ clashes etc.

AudioFinder: audio library and production database software

2011-02-10T22:05:00.001+11:00

While wanting to speed up my editing time, I decided that I was going to purchase an audio library database application. Looking for a recommended industry used and affordable sound effects library database I studied the features of SoundMiner and Netmix Pro. These are two of the leading industry database software platforms for sound design in film. In my research however I also came across a lesser known cheaper software application, Audiofinder. Visiting the website of Iced Audio, Audio Finder it is apparent that this software is not produced by a large company. Theer are not multiple versions of the software at varying prices, it is just one product and one price.

At only $70US, I decided to download the demo to see if this would suffice my needs. Being time limited to 20 minute blocks I soon became frustrated with the software, so much so that I bought it as I was interested in pushing it. Although appearing to be set up for music libraries, I soon learned that Audiofinder is just as fluent with SFX libraries. A few limitations were annoying with the first version I downloaded, however I have since trialed a new beta version of the next release of the software and these annoyances have been answered. The software works seamlessly with ProTools with the spotting of sounds directly into your sessions. If you work with the ProTools Workspace - STOP. Get Audiofinder as it is incredibly fast for searching and auditioning your sounds. You can audition files, select a snippet right click and instantly the audio is imported into your ProTools timeline. Audiofinder also works the same way with Logic. You can also pitch on the fly, and process using your plugins.

What I also like about Audiofinder is that I can bring in my own sound effects recordings and use the slice tool, and embed meta data for even quicker more precise library searches. This software is quite simply, amazing value for money and a MUST for any sound editor.

Some features include:

• Sophisticated Metadata Database
• Groundbreaking Mac OS X Finder Integration
• Integrated Sample Tool trim/loop/fade editor with beat slicer
• Browser, bookmarks, history, favorites, and navigation tools
• Database Notes for keeping track of things.
• Play multiple sounds at one time and explore layering.
• Instant playback with mouse and MIDI input for pitch control
• Peak analysis and pitch analyzer tools
• Find Duplicate sounds by analyzing the sound content.
• Drag-and-drop integration with Finder and all audio apps
• Direct Pro Tools and Logic support for spotting sounds to the track/cursor location.
• High-quality sample rate, depth, and format conversion
• Most operations available in automated batch processing mode
• AU/VST/MAS/RTAS plugin manager and AU presets management
• Create single sample EXS instruments with one click
• Direct connect with SoundCloud.
• 100% Non-destructive, AudioFinder will not modify your files. Instead it creates new files when processing leaving the originals intact.
• Supports ReCycle/REX playback and export to AIFF
• Apple Loop, BWF and ACID Wav Metadata display
• Formats: Apple Loops, CAF, AIFF, AIFC, SDII, BWF, WAV, REX, RX2, MP3, ACC, M4A, SYX, MID, FLAC and OGG Vorbis

Keep your web browsers in sync

2011-01-19T10:59:00.000+11:00

Do you work on multiple computers?
Do you browse the web on a mobile device?
Would you like your bookmarks and web history to be in sync across all devices?

The impending release of Firefox will see the ability to have all of your Firefox browsers and mobile devices synced with Bookmarks, Passwords, History and Tabs. Although not yet released officially, you can already download the Firefox 4 beta version from here. Firefox Sync is the only service with end-to-end encyrption. Sync’s advanced security measures mean you’re never vulnerable to online bad guys or companies that will sell your information.

Although Firefox doesn't run native as an app on the iPhone, it syncs with the Firefox Home app, giving you access to the sync features on your desktop. Only having used this for a couple of days, I am liking the sync functions. Be warned however that if your current version of Firefox is running 3rd party add-ons, these may not yet be compatible with Firefox 4. Zotero for one is not compatible.

Australias CineSync acheives Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences honors

2011-01-11T09:44:00.001+11:00

Australia's Tony Clark, Alan Rogers, Neil Wilson and Rory McGregor have been recognised for their software design and continued development of cineSync, a tool for remote collaboration and review of visual effects. Easy to use, cineSync has become a widely accepted solution for remote production collaboration.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences will honor the CineSync at the Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation at the Beverly Wilshire on Saturday, Feb. 12.

The MPSE present "TRON Legacy - The Sound Show"

2011-01-10T17:32:00.001+11:00

Pro Tools 9 -released-

2010-11-06T12:38:00.000+11:00

Pro Tools 9 redefines the world’s most popular, most advanced music and audio production platform with a completely re-architected, open version of Pro Tools software.

Work with an audio interface—or without. Create bigger, better-sounding mixes with more tracks, Automatic Delay Compensation, and other pro features included as standard. Open your workflow to projects created in other audio and video software—and to the entire Avid Artist Series and Pro Series (formerly Euphonix) console/controller line.

Features include:

* Work with your favorite Avid audio interface, third-party Core Audio/ASIO interface (up to 32 channels supported), or standalone
* Create bigger mixes with more simultaneous audio tracks—up to 96 or 192* voices
* Get coveted pro features such as multitrack Beat Detective, OMF/AAF/MXF interchange, DigiBase Pro, and full Import Session Data dialog as standard
* Create better-sounding, phase-accurate mixes with Automatic Delay Compensation
* Expand your hands-on control options with EUCON integration for Artist and Pro Series consoles/controllers
* Work with video more easily with the Time Code Ruler and variable stereo pan depths, and mix in surround with the updated 7.1 surround panner*
* Create complex mixes with 256 internal busses, 160 aux tracks, and 512* total audio tracks
* Share your music mixes with anyone with included MP3 Export

* Feature/spec only available in Pro Tools HD 9 software and Pro Tools 9 software with the added Complete Production Toolkit 2 option.

For more information: visit the Pro Tools 9 product page.

No this is not a sound article. But it is still pretty cool...

2010-10-26T16:24:00.001+11:00

Here is a cheap HD camera for all you adrenalin junkies... and for only $400 AUD!!!
The GoPro camera range is designed for and already used by many professional film and TV producers, athletes and enthusiasts. GoPro have now developed the new High Definition HD HERO, a full blown professional-grade wearable camera, at consumer price.

...it was only a matter of time

2010-10-07T15:22:00.000+11:00

Avid have released a new addition to their Pro Tools range - the new HD Native. Many people have been expecting this immanent addition to their range and now it is here. No pricing or upgrade paths are listed on the website yet.

* Rolling Stock* coming soon

2010-09-23T17:17:00.000+10:00

A series of art happenings on a vintage train moving through the landscapes of Junee (SW NSW)
Featuring artists: Chris Watson (UK), Renny Kodgers, PVI Collective, Kate Murphy, Alan Lamb, Dave Noyze, Public Assembly, Pip Shea, Shannon O’Neill and more…. website & further updates coming soon…

STEPHEN O’MALLEY (Sunn O))), Khanate, KTL) residency + DIY Wires Workshop & WIRED EARS Funding Opportunity for emerging artists…

2010-09-23T17:15:00.000+10:00

Resounding through The WIRED Lab landscape will be the low frequency reverberations of Sunn O)))’s STEPHEN O’MALLEY….That’s right THE STEPHEN O’MALLEY will be rolling with us!!!

Spring time in these high hills is going to be oh soooo gloriously LOW + S L O W

O’Malley tells us that Alan Lamb’s work has long been an inspiration, with tapes of Alan Lamb’s work being circulated amongst the Seattle music scene in the 80’s & 90’s. Meeting the “…crazy outback wire guy” has been a long term goal of O’Malleys and we @ WIRED Lab are very pleased to make this happen… 10 days of collaboration with long form reverb & bass reckoning may well produce sounds of hellfire imaginings but it is our idea of sonic heavenly blissfulness. More about O’Malley can be found here. <http://www.ideologic.org/>

You too will get an opportunity to meet O’Malley. Over Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th October The WIRED Lab will be hosting its annual in situ DIY Wires: Construction & Recording Workshop, AND on Sunday dark lords O’Malley and Oren Ambarchi will provide a rare insight into their practice and techniques. This workshop series is your chance to learn how to build your own æolian instrument, custom recording and LF music making techniques. The weekend will also include performances by Alan Lamb & WIRED Lab members, Ambarchi & O’Malley.

The WIRED Lab is located on a farm in regional NSW (between Gundagai and Cootamundra) and is the site of the latest ‘Wire’ instruments built by Alan Lamb, along with collaborators Sarah Last, Dave Burraston, Garry Bradbury and Robin Fox.

WIRED EARS (EMERGING ARTISTS RESIDENCY SCHEME)
The WIRED EAR Scheme will provide financial assistance for NSW based young and emerging artists to attend selected WIRED Lab workshops. For our annual DIY Wires workshop we will be offering $150 to assist 8 emerging artists with the costs to attend the workshop. Artists who consider themselves to be ‘young and emerging’ are invited to submit a brief (1 page maximum) expression of interest detailing their arts practice and how they feel they will benefit from being a WIRED EARS participant. Keep it brief and note we don’t follow standard industry definitions of ‘young and emerging’ we expect you to determine where you place your experience
WIRED EARS expressions of interest are due on FRIDAY 1ST OCTOBER.

WORKSHOP DETAILS
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th October
The workshop is offered for free to 25 lucky participants and will give you the DIY skills to build your own wires and pickups, held over two days, the workshop will include:
* Alan Lamb, Dave Burraston & Sarah Last will teach people how to build their own wire system and demonstrate ways to interact with the wires (eg. bowing and singing into polystyrene boxes, which work as reverberant amplifiers!).
* Permanent WIRED Lab resident & electronics wizard Dave Burraston will discuss his observations of The Wires when recording and will demonstrate how to custom build and attach piezo pickups.
* Alan Lamb will demonstrate percussion, bowing and techniques with the wires.
* Opportunity to interact with and record the wires.
* O’Malley and Ambarchi will share some dark sound secrets.

NOTE: workshop places are strictly limited, with a maximum capacity of 25 people. Places will need to be reserved ASAP, with bookings on a 1st come 1st served basis.

Avid release new MBox family

2010-09-15T10:23:00.000+10:00

Avid have released a new family of Mbox's. This is not just a face lift with the Avid brand replacing the former digidesign brand, in fact some of the hardware has been upgraded.

Conversations With A Sound Man

2010-09-06T17:18:00.000+10:00

iTunes- Easiest way to get album art

2010-08-05T09:46:00.000+10:00

Over the years I have been using various methods to acquire the album art for songs in my itunes collection. Now that I have permanent wifi access, getting album art for current CDs is not a problem, however I have copied many of my CDs to iTunes long before I had a permanent broadband connection. In getting album art for retrospective CD transfers I have tried various widgets and scripts. Most of which work, however most take quite some time to use as you can only go album by album through your collection. Well, here is a FAST method.
Firstly you will need to run an iTunes applescript called "tracks without artwork to playlist". This does as the name says, and creates a playlist based on tracks without artwork. Next you will need the iTunes applescript/application "Fetch Art". This allows the user to find and download the artwork to any selected tracks- despite the songs coming from one album or even various albums! This means that you can select all tracks in th e"non artwork" playlist and download their artwork in a matter of seconds.... much quicker than alternative methods. It is important to also note that all of this is free!

NEW ONLINE SOUND ART RESOURCE

2010-07-30T10:16:00.000+10:00

PRODUCED BY THE WIRED LAB

The WIRED Lab’s new wiredlab.org website documents the activities, history and research surrounding the 'The Wires', a unique and distinctly Australian invention that primarily exists in rural landscapes.

The WIRED Lab site provides unprecedented documentation and access to the remarkable work and legacy of Alan Lamb and ‘The Wires’ a distinctive large-scale æolian instrument he has been developing since the 1970’s. Sound designers from around the world have featured Lamb’s atmospheric and intense ‘Wire’ music in cult films such as Wolf Creek, Julian Donkey Boy, The Boys and Herzog’s Scream of Stone. Legend has it that Lamb shared his techniques with sound designers from the original Star Wars series.

Based in rural South West NSW The WIRED Lab is an Artist Run Initiative, established to ensure the legacy of 'The Wires' an inherently interdisciplinary instrument with foundations in sculpture, land art, sound, music, interactivity, bio resonance, physics and complex systems sciences.

The public can now share in the concerts and experiments conducted at The WIRED Lab’s residencies with artists such as Alan Lamb, Chris Watson, Robin Fox, Oren Ambarchi, Garry Bradbury, Sarah Last, and David Burraston.

The launch of the website was celebrated with the live performance by Wired Lab members David Burraston and Garry Bradbury performing a live set of compositions derived from the wire systems at SuperDeluxe@Artspace performance series at the Biennale of Sydney on July 24th.

The WIRED Lab: http://www.wiredlab.org

Could this better sound editing?

2010-07-28T08:46:00.000+10:00

How many of us are always trying to find the perfect way to work? When editing sound, the traditional mouse is the first peripheral to go due to bad ergonomics. Most editors work with trackballs, however even this tends to have slight problems depending on your desk/ chair height combination. Apple today released the Magic Trackpad. Could this be our next favorite editing tool? With only a quick look at it and no actual physical testing, I am unsure of how accurate cursor movements will be. If they are acurate, than this may be a handy device to have.

Free Pro Tools plugin update checking app!

2010-07-16T11:23:00.000+10:00

Plug Tools is an app that can help you figure out which of your Pro Tools plug-ins are out of date.

This cracked me up...

2010-06-16T08:59:00.001+10:00

Read about Waves vuvuzela noise reduction - yes it is serious!

Effective remote working

2010-05-28T09:53:00.005+10:00

cineSync + iChat video conferencing

Working remotely is becoming ever more increasing within our industry. Having a fast internet connection now allows crew members to literally work together from all corners of the globe. 2 application which allows this process to be easier are cinesync and Apple's iChat.

cineSync was developed to address the issue of remote reviews and approvals, allowing directors, producers and supervisors to perform live run-throughs of work being carried out in another country, another city, or even the building next door, without needing to leave their office. It’s a simple, effective and inexpensive tool for assisting the management of distributed post production projects with a minimum of fuss.

Based on Apple ® QuickTime technology cineSync allows you to annotate directly onto the frame – you can point or circle objects in the frame, draw new elements into the frame and write text notes – all synchronised in real-time with everyone else in your review. You can transfer media for review quickly and easily from within the cineSync interface and export all your saved session information to your project management system, so you can easily keep records of every review.

iChat allows for conference video chats of up to 4 members. What has happened in the past is that video chatting has only been 2 way. Yesterday we screened some scenes of a film whilst running cinesync and iChat simultaneously on the same computer at all ends. 3 users were connected, and we suffered zero drop outs for the entirety of the screening of about 2 hours. Another user was on Skype, and they had about 3 dropouts during the screening. The bandwidth for iChat is more than Skype, however the quality and stability are worth it.

If you are using iChat and having problems connecting using video, make sure that you have the appropriate ports opened through your firewall. My previous iChat post lists the ports.

Home made stereo Hydrophone for less than $10

2010-05-18T17:21:00.005+10:00

Last weekend I decided to build my first hydrophone. I live on a lake and there are always interesting things going on around and in the water. Having been invited to also work on several art installations themed towards water, rivers and nature, I figured that something missing from my kit was an underwater microphone.

Not wishing to part with too much cash I decided to build my own. This was also because I wanted a stereo mic, and one built to my own specs. One built cheaply would also allow me the luxury of experimenting with several differing versions.
The microphone I decided to build was based on some Panasonic capsules hosted inside a set of stereo headphones, and then smothered in silicone. I also tied a fishing sinker to the mic so that it would submerge and be steadier in the water. I have to say I am extremely happy with my 1 hour build! The sound is so clear... and for only a few $$$.

I also used cable ties to keep both sides locked together so as not to have them hit each other in the water. The sinker is behind, and also held tight so as not to hit the microphones. The advantage of using the cable ties also allows flexibility in adjusting the angle on the microphones.

Guitar rig on your iPhone

2010-05-14T19:05:00.002+10:00

AmpliTube for iPhone

With AmpliTube for iPhone, you’ll have an entire guitar/bass rig at your fingertips, comprised of 3 recombinable simultaneous stompbox effects, an amp-head plus cabinet and a microphone.

With AmpliTube for iPhone fully loaded, you will be able to choose between 5 amps (clean, crunch, lead, metal, bass) with full controls, 11 stompbox effects (delay, flanger, phaser, overdrive, distortion, filter, wah, fuzz, octaver, chorus), 5 cabinets and 2 microphones (dynamic and condenser).

* Real time guitar and bass mobile multiFX app
* Full rig made by 3 simultaneous stompboxes + amp + cabinet + mic
* 11 Stomps, 5 Amps, 5 Cabinets, 2 Mics available
* Import and play with songs or backing tracks with real time effects
* 36 presets can be saved/recalled on the fly
* Includes tuner/metronome
* Free, LE and Full versions available
* Free and LE versions expandable with a-la-carte downloadable gear
* Same low-latency as Mac/PC systems

AmpliTube for iPhone will be available in 3 versions: FREE, LE and FULL.

For more info click here

iZotope OS X 10.6

2010-05-08T11:23:00.002+10:00

Attention Mac OS X Users:

Under rare circumstances, installing an iZotope product or demo and then applying any Mac OS X 10.6 update can cause some computers to experience problems booting. We have identified the cause of this issue and have provided a simple fix below.

Please download and install this patch immediately, even if you have not experienced any issues at this time. Also, make sure you delete and re-download the latest iZotope installers for Mac OS X. Please note that as of today (May 7, 2010), all of the Mac OS X installers on the iZotope website have been updated so that they no longer cause this issue to occur.

iZotope Mac OS X 10.6 Patch
If you suspect your computer has already been affected by this issue and you are unable to boot your computer, please follow the steps to fix in the iZotope Knowledge Base.

PTHD1 vs PTLE + Complete Production Toolkit

2010-04-22T09:41:00.003+10:00

Are you deciding if you should buy a PT LE system with complete production toolkit or if to buy a PT HD1 system?

After upgrading my DV Toolkit2 to Complete Production toolkit I have had the chance to work on both systems side by side with the exact same sessions. I have to say that I have been blown away by how easily the sessions can be exchanged between the two systems.

My HD rig is a HD1 running a 96io on a Mac Pro 2 x 2.8 Quad Core (4gig Ram), with my LE system running a 003R from an iMac Intel 2.16Ghz Core 2 duo (2gig Ram).

For my testing I ran two different sessions (1 with pics + 1 with no pics) across both systems for a comparison.

Test 1:
A session using 96 voices of 5.1 tracks with no video.

Result-
PT HD system did play it back well, although had a few "pci" bus errors. I also had to use 3 DSP chips to fix this problem.

PTLE played back with no errors and only with system usage meters only showing 2% usage across all parameters.

Test 2:
A session with 81 voices using mono tracks with 5.1 outputs and running video

Result-
PTHD - All worked well
PTLE- All worked well

Conclusion
Despite being deficient in a few of the features of PTHD, I have to say that the Complete Production Toolkit has blow me away. I do use trim automation and VCA's, and unfortunately these do not come across to an LE session- however knowing this allows the user to factor this into their initial session setups. At a fraction of the price, and with performance as good as (if not better) than PTHD, I would have to say that from now on I will be using an LE system for all of my work. If I was going to be doing large 5.1 mix sessions (greater than 96voice) than I would use a HD2 or HD3, but for the work that I do on a HD1 system, the LE system is a perfect cheaper alternative.

New ProTools website - wtf?

2010-04-19T12:45:00.003+10:00

After recently receiving an advanced email about the unification of all Avid products on one central website, I sighed with relief. My sigh was due to the fact that the (previous) digidesign website was not what you would call, the best as far as it's navigation was concerned. The email, as far as interpreted, explained that the new"Avid" website would fix some of these problems, and thus present the public with a new, easy to navigate site under the avid banner.

Well... today I was trying to install my "Complete Production Toolkit" software, and was greeted by window after window of countless links - and in fact the pages just kept me going around and around in circles... to no avail and still not to a link of the software. It all started when I inserted my PTLE 8 disk to do an install from disk. When I found the folder with the "additional installers" I was greeted by a text document which mentioned that the installation is a link found in my digi account.

The first mission was to go to my digi account. I found the link which said "my Account" and my login and password were accepted. Good start. I was then taken to a new "Avid" login page which wanted a new email login and password. After placing my details in again I was directed to a page - my new "my account".

The problem now is, I have NO software backlog of my previous "my account" digi downloads and thus there is No record of any of my purchases, meaning I have no link to download the "Digi Complete Toolkit". What there is however is a link saying Avid downloads. Clicking on this brings up a list with all the Avid downloads. This enables me to then search the entire Avid website for "Digi Complete Toolkit". The problem is.... the search function doesn't find it. Actually, it doesn't find any thing for "complete" - and the only software it finds for "toolkit" is PT7.4.

OK, so I spent about another half an hour digging around the website. This proved to be slightly fruitful. I did manage to find the new Complete Toolkit product description page. I even found (under More resources) a download like to the file. Unfortunately though, the link seems to be broken...

WOW I am so blown away by this new easy to navigate website. NOT!

Got some zombies to kill? Aliens to autopsy? Vampires to disembowell?

2010-04-16T10:38:00.003+10:00

Tim Prebble from New Zealand releases "Vegetable Violence" - a sound effects library for horror, gore and all things violent.

Check out the trailer!

A promo for a new sound FX library available from
http://hissandaroar.com
please visit to get yourself a free copy of the sound library

Solo exhibition

2010-04-06T15:42:00.002+10:00

iPod/ iPhone remote

2010-03-28T08:39:00.002+11:00

Ever since getting my first ipod touch I have been interested in it's use as a remote control. This includes controlling the TV, DVD player, Amp etc, but more importantly I have been interested in it's use to control my computer. One example is that I currently use my ipod touch to remote control my mac when I record in the studio. I do this by setting up a local wireless network and using the ipod as a remote mouse/ keyboard. This is very cool as I can control my cpu in the control room with it's noisy fans from the studio floor.

This guy however has taken the use of the ipod/iphone to a whole new level...

are these cool ???

2010-03-02T16:16:00.002+11:00

I saw these on Ebay and couldn't work out if they are cool or not... I don't think I could buy a pair but I am sure there is a market out there...

2GB MP3 Player Bluetooth Sunglasses Headset:

Works for Non-Bluetooth mobile phones from Samsung, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, iPod.Wireless hands-free talk with your Bluetooth Cell phones,Listen to your iPod, PDA, MP3 Player, MP4, TV, Radiow/o tangled wires with a bluetooth adapter,Listen to MP3 music if your cell phone has MP3 function,Non-Bluetooth cell phones can be used with a bluetooth adapter,Designed for all outdoors activists: drivers, cyclists, skaters, hikers, golfers, sunbathers

... And the results are in

2010-03-02T15:51:00.002+11:00

Well the results have come in from our survey, with some interesting statistics. Just click the images to be taken to a size which is readable!

Thanks to all of you for filling this out- we had 37 people in total!

There are some interesting statistics in regards to how long people have been working in the industry for, the difference in pay rates, and how people feel they are valued by both producers and colleagues. It is encouraging that as a sound team, people feel supported by their colleagues.

Having a "creative" job also is beneficial as often this adds to other rewards within the job, not obtained by money or working long hours.... There is a saying, that if you love your job - you never have to work.

If anyone is after a good read to do with work/ life balance I can recommend James O'Loghlin's "How to Balance your Life". and no I don't have an invested interest in this book...

Australian Sound Post Production Survey

2010-02-03T10:02:00.007+11:00

After reading many blogs and discussions on the Yahoo Australian Post Production Industry digest I decided to create an online survey so that we can all get a better understanding of what is happening in our industry, in the way of pays and working weeks. Many of us do not like discussing the ins and outs of these areas in person, so this is a good way to do it whilst remaining anonymous. This survey is set up to be completely autonomous - and as such I will be able to post the results here on this blog or through the Yahoo Australian Post Production Industry digest.

Can I please get all Australian Audio post production people to fill this out. You will need to make sure that you do not have pop-ups blocked.

Click here to take survey

This survey ends February 28th 2010.

Disclaimer: This survey is for the intention of gauging work conditions for those working in Audio Post Production in Australia. The survey results do not represent the opinion of the author, with the author not being held responsible for the result outcomes. As the author also works in academia, the survey results may be used as data in print publications, journals, magazines and online. As the survey is completely anonymous, no user data is collected or stored on surveymonkey.

The iPad has landed...

2010-01-28T07:12:00.003+11:00

Finally after much speculation Apple has released it's much anticipated tablet- the iPad.
Apart from looking like a giant iPod Touch/ iPhone - already I can see where this device will find it's market. To be honest, I was dubious at first about the similarities to the iPod touch, however after some more thinking I can see where this device will be an awesome addition to a musicians arsenal.

Apart from being able to what you would expect: email, web, itunes, iphoto etc.... I think the iPad will be able to be unleashed as a multi faceted virtual instrument/ interface. Depending on what apps are created, I predict that the iPad will be able to be used for virtual keyboards/ synths, virtual drum kits, virtual tactile response interface and even a virtual mixer (maybe in conjunction with being connected to a PowerMac/ Macbook etc)... it will also be intersting to see if some of the big music software companies embrace this product as a control surface for their proprietry software.

Julian Smith Turns A Car Into A Musical Instrument To Make The Music Video Techno Jeep

2009-12-21T12:38:00.000+11:00

SoundWorks Collection

2009-12-11T22:53:00.001+11:00

The goal for the SoundWorks Collection is simple; we are dedicated to profiling the greatest and upcoming sound minds from around the world and highlight their contributions. The SoundWorks Collection is produced by Director Michael Coleman of Colemanfilm Media Group in a partnership with MIX Magazine, several audio focused college schools and programs, and the support of the online sound community worldwide.

The SoundWorks Collection takes you behind the scenes and straight to the dub stage for a look into audio post-production feature films, video game sound design, and original soundtrack scoring. This exclusive and intimate video series focuses on individuals and teams behind-the-scenes bringing to life some of the worlds most exciting projects.

SoundWorks Collection Promo from Michael Coleman on Vimeo.

Apple Magic Mouse - Good for sound editors

2009-10-27T13:17:00.003+11:00

Apple have recently updated some of their products including a new iMac, MacBook and a new mouse - the Magic Mouse. With the new iMac sporting cheaper pricing than their predecessors, what grabbed my interested was in fact the new mouse. At first I thought it just to be a new gimmick, however after viewing the Apple video demonstration, I soon saw a potential use for sound editors.

As a sound editor myself, I loath using the conventional computer mouse and as a result use a Kensington trackball. My problem with the mouse is that continually scrolling across a desk all day long brings on shoulder and back pain. Using the trackball eliminates this problem with an added bonus of giving me specific function buttons which I can set up shortcuts on.

The Magic Mouse seems (from the video) to allow the user to scroll both horizontally and vertically without having to physically scroll the mouse itself across your desk. The top shell of the mouse is an entire multi touch sensor. Thus working similar to an iphone/ipod touch touch screen. This will allow the user in ProTools (or any app for that matter) to easily screen scroll.

Chris Watson visiting regional NSW

2009-09-28T12:31:00.001+10:00

From 11-19th October The Wired Lab <http://wiredlab.ning.com/> will be hosting UK artist Chris Watson as artist in residence. Watson is a founding member of the influential experimental music group 'Cabaret Voltaire', and since the 1980's has worked as a sound recordist specialising in nature and the natural world around us. He records wildlife, the sounds of animals and habitats from around the globe.

Watson has recorded and produced the sound for a number of acclaimed documentary series such as David Attenborough's "The Life of Birds and The Life of Mammals" films, "The Big Cat Diary" and Bill Oddie's "Wildside" bird watching series. He is a renown BBC sound recordist and artist working all over the world. He has worked extensively throughout Central & South America which habitates over half of the planets wildlife.
On Saturday 17th October Watson will give a performance at the Cootamundra Creative Arts and Cultural Centre (CCACC). This will be your opportunity to hear Watson provide two live surround sound mixes from his 'Midnight at the Oasis', a 20 minute time compression from sunset to sunrise in South Africa's Kalahari desert. Along with; 'Oceanus pacificus' recorded on location around the Galapagos Islands 1000Km off the coast of Ecuador, and 10m below the sea surface.

The performance is open to all ages. Come along and be sonically transported to two of the worlds most extreme and complex environments.

WHAT: Chris Watson & The Wired Lab concert
WHERE: Cootamundra Creative Arts and Cultural Centre <http://www.ccacc.org.au/>
16-20 Wallendoon Street, Cootamundra
TIME: 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start
COST: $5-10 door fee, with proceeds to the CCACC, a volunteer run facility.

Keep your Apple 3rd Party Apps up to date

2009-09-08T10:09:00.002+10:00

Here is a Mac widget which will allow you to keep your 3rd party apps up to date. It supports Apple’s software directory, MacUpdate and Version Tracker. It will present you with a tidy link list of all the updates found, enabling you to read release-notes and download the the updates quickly and painlessly.

Amongst the key features are automatic update checks once per day or week, Growl notifications, powerful configuration possibilities, support for Apple’s download pages, MacUpdate and VersionTracker and an extensive documentation built right into the widget (but you can also read the documentation in your browser).

Line6 Pod Farm for free!

2009-09-03T10:34:00.001+10:00

Limited time! Line 6 is giving away POD Farm™, the premium tone plug-in – a $99 value! Get the tones you need for pro-sounding recordings. For FREE!

Pro Tools 8 Keyboard Shortcuts

2009-09-02T18:36:00.001+10:00

What is Qwikn?

Qwikn - an app that lets you effortlessly search and store keyboard shortcuts.

An App to help reset PT Prefs on Mac

2009-08-26T14:37:00.001+10:00

Here is a link to a user friendly GUI (Pro Tools Prefs and Database Helper) for resetting you Digidesign prefs and databases when things are not going well.

How some basic electronics can save you some $$$

2009-08-24T12:03:00.003+10:00

I wanted to write about how some basic electronic repairs has saved me in excess of $100.

Firstly, I have had a Jim Dunlop Cry Baby guitar "wah" pedal since being a teenager (yes... quite some time). Anyway due to a lack of use, living by the sea and collecting dust my attempt to use the pedal recently was quite futile. The pot inside which creates the iconic "wah" sound had inherited a nasty cheese grating crunch noise, every time I pressed on the pedal! After a quick diagnosis it was apparent that it was just a dirty pot, but a dead pot. Looking around Ebay the replacement genuine Hoy Potz pot was going to cost around $50 AUD. Thinking that this was a bit steep for a part which gets used once a year I decided to test a "non genuine" pot instead. Going to Tandy and ordering a $2.75 part with the same specs had me feeling quite confident. After installing this new pot, my confidence had soared as the sound was identical to the Hot Potz in it's glory days. The only change I had to make was that the nut on the pot has to be tightened as much as possible, as it a slightly smaller fit that the original. But hey, for $2.75 - you can' tell the difference. If you want to know the part I used, it was a 100K ohm linear flat shaft pot.

Whilst feeling confident in this repair, I also had an apple laptop with an external power supply which had frayed cables where the plug inserts into the laptop. Having a second power supply allowed me to simply chop off one cable and splice on another cable (in almost new condition). This doner cable had come from the original power supply. However the power supply decided to internally combust one day after being plugged in for 12 hrs. Many people would simply have thrown these power supplys out and bought another one, however for 10 minutes work I have saved another $50 or so.

Cheap HD TV recording option. And very Good!

2009-08-22T11:18:00.003+10:00

With the introduction of digital television into Australia, I have been been procrastinating in my purchase of a video recorder or the like. NOt having even a VHS recorder to my name, I have seen the advertisements in catalogues showing the new DVD recorders, and Hard Drive recorders for sale. What has deterred my from making a purchase is that I didn't want to spend $1000 on a Hard Drive/ DVD/ HD recording device - as I wanted all of these options... not just one or two.

Having an old G4 laptop (circa 2002) in my posession, I wanted to put it to some use without having to retire it to the top of a cupboard. I was ecstatic to read the box of the Elgato EyeTv DDT
which I recently saw perched upon the shelf at my local Apple store. The box mentioned that the USB digital tuner/ recorder (the size of a USB thumbdrive) was compatible with G4 Power Pc's (at SD quality). I don't know about you but this is good enough for me, and at only $130 delivered it beats any $1000 dedicated device!!! Owning an Intel MacBook, I am able to record at HD quality should I wish.
After purchasing the EyeTv over 2 weeks ago I have thoroughly tested the device on both G4 and Intel computers. I can report that my old G4 1Ghz, 768 meg ram runs without a hiccup at SD. I have also set up an external self powered 40 Gb hard drive which I have targeted. Having Roxio Toast installed, I am able to record, edit and burn straight to DVD with only minimal mouse clicks. So if you are wanting a hard drive/dvd recorder and have an old Mac lying around I highly recommend that you check out the Elgato EyeTV.

Share links using Zotero

2009-07-30T16:23:00.003+10:00

Last post I mentioned the use of Zotero as a great resource for the sharing of research articles and links. I have set up a public group for those of you who wish to join.
http://www.zotero.org/groups/australian_sound_designers

Please feel free to contribute to this group by adding your own favorite resources!

A few FREE Mac Apps worth mentioning

2009-07-24T17:49:00.003+10:00

It has been quite a while since my last post. What I wanted to share today are a couple more small applications which have made my workflow much easier- especially in regards to online collaborations.

Firstly I wanted to mention a Mozilla Firefox extension called Zotero. Zotero is a web based research tool which allows you to manage, collect and cite research sources. Although this is not necessary for the average sound professional, what makes this fantastic is the ability to sync web sources. This is is extremely useful for users with multiple computers, or for workplaces who want to share "common sites". I have used del.icio.us for this same purpose before, however Zotero is far quicker, due to links living locally after sync.

DropBox is another app which I am tending to use more and more. DropBox is a cross platform + web based file sharing system. For free you are granted 2Gb of fully sync-able data! I have a folder set up on all of my computers and any documents or files which I always need access to are only a click away. DropBox also keeps a backup of your data on the web incase of any accidental deleting. This works just like any other folder in your finder.... except it can be shared and synced to anyone you wish - or kept private. Some uses I have had are: contact lists, app udates, picture updates, or just sending audio! This is truly one cool app!

Remote Pad an app for the iPhone and a computer which allows you to use your iPhone/ iPod touch as a remote touch mouse over a wifi network. Great for presentations!

What is great about the mentioned applications is the fact that they are all free!

Cheap stereo location recording

2009-06-02T12:27:00.003+10:00

Lately I have been doing a lot of sound effects and atmosphere recording in country NSW. The locations are quiet, free from traffic and abundant in birds.

Over the years I have generally borrowed high end microphones and location mixers from colleagues whenever I have needed to record in stereo in the field. Not wanting to spend big money or always depend on borrowing high end schoep microphones off friends, I generally use my Rode NT5 matched pair. These are setup on a T-Bar and allow for the recording of stereo atmospheres. The problem with the NT5's is that wind is very difficult to control due to the mic set up and the lack of any windshields (except for my home made stereo pair wind socks).

- Lately I have been on a bit of a mission to find a good quality and economic outdoor field recording solution.

With much testing, my new low cost combination of choice is to use the Rode NT4 stereo mic inside the new Rode blimps. With this combination connected to a good field mixer and recorder, the audio quality is excellent! ... no more wind buffets and quite affordable.

However one downside is that you can't change the stereo spread of the microphone, but the portability and wind rejection qualities make up for this downfall.

Mac OSX 10.5.7 update

2009-05-18T11:26:00.001+10:00

Be very careful if updating to the new Mac OS X 10.5.7 update.... as the following bugs are just some of the problems starting to emerge.

MacFixIt Bugs

Playback MPEG and Vob files with audio!

2009-05-13T11:24:00.010+10:00

"The MPEG-2 Playback Component does not support audio playback for MPEG-2 files containing PCM, DTS or AC3 audio."

There are a couple of workarounds though.. .and this may even save you a few $$$. The option I use is to download the Squared 5 MPEG Streamer converter

This is a standalone application which will playback the audio! It also allows you to edit, (unlike QTime Pro with Vob files) and export to many other common file types. Not only that- but it can also playback full screen! So if you haven't purchased QT Pro, you can play back any format QuickTime can handle using this application, and the best news is... it is FREE!!! The only catch is that this application will need the you to have purchased the Apple Mpeg2 component plug-in. Talk about false advertising... you need to buy the Apple plug in in order to play VOB files, however the plug in won't playback audio so you need to download a free 3rd part application which actually works and does what the original plug in should do anyway... weird....
Since I am on the topic of Quicktime plug ins and codecs, I have mentioned this before but if you haven't already done so download Perian - The Swiss Army Knife of Quicktime Codecs.

Recording Cave Convolutions

2009-05-08T11:58:00.005+10:00

After being bitten by the "convolution" recording bug, I wanted to set a new challenge. My mission was to record the convolution of a cave! After all this sounds like fun.., doesn't it? Well yes in theory... One of the most difficult parts of convolution recording is the powering of the speaker(s) for playback of the frequency sweep. In the case of this cave another challenge loomed as there was also quite a walk into the caves. Being by myself this meant the carrying of quite a lot of gear- and at times in confined squishy spaces. Admittedly I was primarily there to record cave atmospheres, however since I made this an entire day trip I decided to take the extra gear and capture some convolutions whilst had the permission, time and opportunity.

My convolution recording set up included a pre made ProTools session (sine wave sweeps and record tracks labelled and spaced) running off a MacBook with an MBox mini. This allowed me to be able to have playback as well as a recording device all in one- with headphone monitoring. I then placed a powered speaker inside a large chamber in the cave. Because I had ProTools set up before hand, I set up my session to playback along the timeline with the sweep every 30 seconds. This allowed me with my handheld stereo field mics (plugged into the MBox) to walk around the cave and record many perspectives without having to stop and start. The cave was cold and very damp so I didn't want to take any longer than necessary.

The picture above shows my basic laptop set up with the speaker set up behind in the top left hand corner. The mics as mentioned were hand held as I walked around the space. I had a Rode NT4 mounted into a Rycote blimp.

SMULE and the Leaf Trombone

2009-05-04T13:42:00.009+10:00

If you haven't yet seen the preview for the upcoming Apple iPhone 3.0 software, then you may be unaware of a very cool application for the iphone/ipod. Smule proudly introduces Leaf Trombone World Stage, the world's first Massively-Multiplayer Musical Game. BLOW into your iPhone and slide your finger to create beautiful melodies. Or use TOUCH mode on your iPod Touch to play without wind. It's easy to compose and share your musical inspirations with the world using Smule's new online Leaf Trombone Composer. Not only will you be a composer, but you can also judge other users works with the use of emoticons.

See it in action!

My first convolution reverb recording...

2009-04-28T18:41:00.005+10:00

A while ago I started experimenting with convolution reverbs. Convolution reverbs are reverbs which "sample" the reverb of a given space. This is amazing technology as you are able to sample any physical space or even any old outboard equipment and replicate the reverb characteristics within your audio software.

Owning several convolution reverb plug-ins, I wanted to experiment with recording my own spaces. My first recorded convolution was recorded using the Waves IR1. Starting with baby steps, my first recording was of course a bathroom. I couldn't believe how quick and easy it was, and how realistic it was!

From the photo you can see an omni direction mic set up at the far end of the bathroom, and a speaker on the left hand side. From my studio I generated a frequency sweep which played through the speaker - and was captured using this microphone and recorded in Pro Tools. This new file of the recorded sweep was then loaded and analysed by Waves IR1. Within a few seconds of analysing, IR1 created a new convolution pre-set of the bathroom! After running some dialogue through this setting I couldn't believe just how well IR1 cloned the bathroom reverb!

I can now see myself recording many, many rooms and old reverb units as this is simply amazing!

Some of my thoughts on the new MacBook

2009-04-17T14:31:00.002+10:00

After having acquired a new Aluminium 2.4GHz MacBook I thought that I would write about some of it's features and flaws as they relate to a sound person.
Firstly as noted in may of the forums, there are no longer any firewire ports (unless you opt for the cheaper "white model"). This limits the user to only 2 x USB ports. Normally this would be OK, as after all this is a laptop. However my problem with this is that that the USB ports are too close together! So if you want to plug 2 peripherals in ie. an interface and a hard drive, than you may come across the problem of only being able to plug one in at a time. Sure you can fix this with a hub, but then you need to carry a hub with you at all times... Having no Firewire opens up quite a few problems for many as many people I know own firewire drives. Another obvious problem is that if you have a Firewire interface... An advantage of most of the firewire drives was that you could daisy chain several together, the problem with USB drives (well all the ones that I own - or have seen advertised) is that they only have 1 x USB port. ie You can't daisy chain them.
On to a positive note about the new MacBooks... One cool feature which is now standard is the illuminated keyboard. This makes working in the studio very easy now as all of the keys are backlit. Another cool feature is the new designed trackpad. This is not only larger, but it supports multi touch gestures. this includes scrolling, rotating and best of all zooming!!! The zooming is great especially when reading text in Word or on the web.
Overall I am happy with this laptop as the performance for the cost is quite amazing. Luckily I do have several ProTools interfaces and many hard drive configurations so the USB issue isn't too much of a deal... well at least not now that I have shuffled my files around accordingly.

Speak and Read glitch recording

2009-04-09T09:17:00.002+10:00

Here is a sample of my newly tweaked "Speak and Read"

Click here to listen!

Sound Electronics

2009-03-07T15:06:00.005+11:00

A few months ago... OK maybe about a year ago I started looking back at a hobby I had as a kid growing up - Electronics. Thanks to Dick Smith and his "Fun Way to Electronics" books I spent many available hours working on small electronic projects.... some of which included small stereo amps and even a beer powered radio!!! Fast forward a couple of decades and I have had the urge to try my hand at electronics once again. This time however, I am wanting to be a bit more ambitious and build projects which I will use for my sound design work/ music experimentations. My initial goal was to build a x0xb0x TB-303 clone synth. With a waiting list of a couple of years to buy this in kit form, I decided to source the parts myself in order to start the build whilst I still have the bug. After my initial purchase of parts which I could source within Australia I soon realised that I needed to source some rare (and expensive) parts from OS. In hindsight I should have bit the bullet and forked out the cash late last year when I first decided to go down this route... as now the Aussie dollar is so bad, that my project has already gone up 35% in costs!!! With this in mind I have decided to "slowly" acquire these rare parts should I find them at a bargain price on Ebay or the like.
With no set date to start the x0xb0x I decided to continue my quest into electronics by starting some circuit bending projects. After a scrounge around the local tip's 2nd hand section I found myself spending a total of $5 on a drum machine, a "Tickle me Elmo" and 2 x kids keyboards - enough to start tinkering with. Firstly I started on one of the keyboards. Although successful, I wasn't completely satisfied. What I wanted was a Texas Instruments "Speak and Spell". After several months of placing free classifieds I finally sourced a Speak and Read a couple of weeks ago! Although not being the Speak and Spell, it is just as good. So after a couple of weeks of wiring and testing, here are some photos of my new toy - albeit with some brain surgery! Sound files to follow soon...

New Macs released

2009-03-04T10:10:00.002+11:00

Apple has just announced new release versions of the Mac Mini, iMac and Mac Pro.

The Mac Mini claims to be the most green desktop computer with speeds of 2.0GHz or 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Further details can be found here.

The iMac is now NVIDIA based and is capable of up to 8Gb of Ram. Processor speeds are 2.66GHz, 2.93GHz, or 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor.

The Mac Pro is now based on Intel's Nehalem architecture. This new architecture apparently will not suffer from the current memory bottlenecks. Processor Speeds are as follows:
8-core: Two 2.26GHz, 2.66GHz, or 2.93GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5500 series processors
Quad-core: One 2.66GHz or 2.93GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon 3500 series processor

Ram is up to 32Gb.
8-core: Eight memory slots (four per processor) supporting up to 32GB of main memory using 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB DIMMs
Quad-core: Four memory slots supporting up to 8GB of main memory using 1GB or 2GB DIMMs

Spectrasonics releases Stylus RMX 1.7

2009-03-03T12:40:00.003+11:00

Spectrasonics has just released an update to the loop based virtual instrument Stylus RMX. Being a user of this plug, I find it compltetely brilliant and am excited to know that it now does "realtime" time signature changes on the fly, something Spectrasonics claims to be a world first!!! After watching the video, I am sure you will agree that this is a very cool new feature for those who work with loops.

Create beats on iPhone using Beatmaker

2009-03-03T11:38:00.001+11:00

Henny makes beat on iPhone 3G using Beatmaker!!! from THA BIZNESS on Vimeo.

Pro Tools 8cs2 release - all platforms

2009-03-03T11:35:00.001+11:00

Digidesign has release PT 8cs2 for all platforms. Click here for downloads.

Safari 4 (public beta)

2009-03-02T10:16:00.006+11:00

Apple has released the Safari Version 4 in public beta form. This is a public beta, which allows anybody to download and test the software ahead of an official release.

Some of the new features include:
Cover Flow - Cover Flow presents full-page previews of sites in your site history and bookmarks. Flip through them as you do albums in iTunes to find the site you’re looking for.

Top Sites - Top Sites lets you see all your favorite websites at a glance. One click opens a favorite site. And you can drag site thumbnails to customize your Top Sites page.

History View - Take a closer look at your browsing history in the History view. Search for previously visited sites, drag web pages to your bookmarks, and clear individual items. Safari displays your history using Cover Flow, so you can flip through your search results as easily as you flip through iTunes album art.

With over 150 new features, the list is far too extensive to list here. Click here to visit the official Safari features web page.

Multiple Calendars on iPod touch/ iPhone

2009-02-15T15:27:00.003+11:00

If you own an iPhone or iPod touch and you are using it as your primary PDA/ diary etc, you are probably aware of some of the limitations in regards to the calendar. One of the most frustrating limitations being that it can only sync up to one calendar. ie iCal or Outlook or Google Calendar. There is however a workaround... a bit of work to set up but a workaround none the less. The basic concept is to have all of your calendars to sync into iCal - and then this iCal calendar will be the calendar which will sync to your iPod/ iPhone.

If your office computer is a PC and you are using Outlook, the easiest way to get Outlook to sync with iCal is to go through Google Calendar. Firstly, you will need to download the Google Calendar Sync software. Once installed on your PC you will then need to sync Outlook with your primary google calendar. You can select whether to sync one way or 2-way and the time interval for sync updates. The great thing with Outlook/ Google Calendar is the fact that it is a 2 way sync, unlike iCal and Google! Once your google Calendar is in sync you then subscribe to it within iCal. The subscription address can be found under your Google Calendar settings.

Now when you connect you iPod/ iPhone your Outlook, Google and iCal calendars will be synchronised!!! Be aware though, that any changes made to your iPhone/ iPod calendar under your Google Calendar sub calendar will not be uploaded to Google as iCal is only 1 way.ie download only (you will need to manually make changes to the Google Calendar using your iPod/iPhone web browser to work around this) . This however is a method for you to keep track of any Outlook, Google and iCal appointments etc...at any one time

Pro Tools 8 Playlists for ADR

2009-01-28T10:52:00.004+11:00

After having a bit more of a play on ProTools 8 I wanted to write about the new playlist features.

With PT8, playlists are far more functional than they were to this version. In particular is the ability to list all alternate playlist under the primary track as a collapsable group of tracks. This allows you to view all tracks at once, and not just simply cycle through the playlist tracks one by one. where this is particularly useful is when recording ADR takes. After going to your "preferences" and selecting "Automatically create new playlists when loop recording", Pro tools will create playlists for all of your takes. These takes can then be made visible, showing up lined up directly under the main playlist.
This is excellent for editing dialogues and ADR (and of course music). What you can do is solo through the alternate playlist (alternate takes) select the portion of the track you like and edit it into a "cut track" or "final edit track". Another great feature is that the main playlist will keep the track coloring from the original playlists so that you are always aware visualy where the edit selection came from. An example is below.

The green edits are original from the main playlist.
However as you can see I have taken edits from the other three alternate playlists and simply placed them on the main playlist. An easy method is by using the "separation grabber" This allows all automation to be tied to these tracks making it easier when shifting tracks (with alt playlists) to various sessions.

Pro Tools 8 - What I think so far

2009-01-08T15:36:00.007+11:00

Now that I have started to use Pro Tools 8, I wanted to give my thoughts on this upgrade.

To start with, when opening Pro Tools now you are greeted by a splash screen asking if you wish to open from a list of templates or existing session. (This feature can be turned off)

The look of Pro Tools has changed. No longer is the edit window a nice clean bright screen with fine lines and easy to read details, it now has taken a more dark appearance akin to that of Logic 8, with fine lines and text now seeming to be more bold.
A positive to the new look interface though is the addition of a db level range on the mixer.

Once you get over the new look, the fun begins.

Pro tools now ships with many more plug ins. With new virtual instruments including:

Boom drum machine and sequencer
DB-33 tonewheel organ emulator with rotating speaker simulation
Mini Grand acoustic grand piano
Vacuum monophonic vacuum tube synthesizer
Xpand!2 multitimbral synth and sample workstation
Structure Free sample player (RTAS)
FXpansion BFD Lite acoustic drum module

Also included are new reverbs, eq's, delays, frequency shifter and a host of new AIR plugins which more closely resemble a palate of guitar stomp boxes. Some of these new plug ins include:

AIR Chorus
AIR Distortion
AIR Dynamic Delay
AIR Enhancer
AIR Ensemble
AIR Filter Gate
AIR Flanger
AIR Frequency Shifter
AIR FuzzWah
AIR KillEQ
AIR Lo-Fi
AIR MultiChorus
AIR Multi-Delay
AIR Nonlinear Reverb
AIR Phaser
AIR Reverb
AIR Spring Reverb
AIR StereoWidth
AIR Talkbox
AIR Vintage Filter
BF76 Compressor
BF Essential Clip Remover
BF Essential Correlation Meter
BF Essential Meter Bridge
BF Essential Noise Meter
Celemony Melodyne Essential
Eleven Free
Lo-Fi
Maxim
Recti-Fi
SansAmp
Sci-Fi
TL AutoPan
TL InTune
TL MasterMeter
TL Metro
Vari-Fi

A new midi editor now sits below the edit window. (By default this is collapsed) It is very similar the the sequencer to that in Reason, with the advantage to be able to toggle between the midi editor and a score editor.

The top of the screen now houses a new customizable tool bar. This allows you to configure which tools and counters appear at the top of the screen. One handy configuration includes the Universe window.

These new features are only a few hand picked features which exist within this new update. I have been working on music remixes, and thus this initial review is more music related. Over the next few months I hope to write what new features in Pro Tools 8 are more suited to those who work in audio post production.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-08T15:29:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year to you all!

It has been a while since I have written on this blog due to work commitments and holiday time. I intend to now gear up the blog entries for the coming year. First up will be some initial thoughts on the new Pro Tools 8.

PT8 is here!!!

2008-12-18T09:29:00.004+11:00

The wait os over... Digidesign has released Pro Tools 8.

For further information on the many new features click here.

New Rode microphone blimps

2008-12-09T17:04:00.003+11:00

To compliment the Rode range of shotgun microphones, the release of the Rode Blimp is something to get quite excited about. Retailing for a fraction of the cost of other alternative blimps, this makes for a very handy addition to your recording kit.

Included with the blimp is:
- The windshield. (Including a quick release pistol grip and internal cable from the mounts to the pistol grip)
- Spare rubber shock bands for the mounts
- The "Dead Wombat" (The furry windsock)
- The "Dead Wombat" brush

New Mac Books

2008-10-15T12:27:00.003+11:00

After much speculation and anticipation, Apple has finally released it's newest range of Mac Books. As a sound editor, one limitation on the new Mac Book models is the lack of a firewire port. This makes using additional interfaces and drives, USB dependent. The Mac Book Pro on the other hand, does have one Firewire 800 port.

For further information, visit the Apple website.

ProTools 8 - Dialogue / ADR editing improvement

2008-10-14T11:45:00.004+11:00

If you are a dialogue editor, then you may wish to see what PT8 has installed for you and ADR recording/ editing...(providing it is recorded on a PT8 system). This video is based on vocals in a music track however it will be the same for dialogue tracks....

Digidesign | Products | Pro Tools | Pro Tools 8 | Get Ready for Pro Tools 8

click on "see it in action", log in to your digi account then select "Comp tracks to perfection"

Use your Mac as a mobile phone remote

2008-10-09T13:51:00.003+11:00

- Do you not have an iPhone?
- Do you hate typing text messages on your mobile phone due to keyboard limitations?
- Do you wish you could use your Mac address book to ring people directly on your mobile without always having to sync?

Well there is a solution. Mira Software have a cheap (USD$24.95) program BluePhoneElite 2 which connects your mac to your mobile phone via Bluetooth technology. This software makes texting and the management of calls a breeze. Check it out!!!

Pro Tools 8 announcement

2008-10-09T11:11:00.003+11:00

Digidesign has a publicly announced some of the new features added to the much anticipated release of Pro Tools 8.

Some key features include:
- Music score editor
- Elastic Pitch
-Collapsable Automation tracks
-"Check for Update" feature for Pro Tools and Plug-ins
- Quicktime HD support

Some of the biggest features will be in the expansion of Pro Tools LE, making it far more compatible with Pro Tools HD. Some of these new features include:
- Up to 128 Tracks
- 7.1 surround mixing

Click here to read more about the new features in Pro Tools 8

Track Magnification using scroll wheel

2008-09-27T11:39:00.002+10:00

If you are using a mouse or trackball with a scroll wheel, you can make the waveform display in your tracks zoom in or out by pressing " Shift" + "Option" and rotating your scroll wheel.

Also if you want to scroll along the timeline, hold down shift whilst using your scroll wheel.

Waves 6.0.1 update

2008-09-17T13:03:00.004+10:00

Waves has release 6.0.1 with the introduction of a free plugin to those who are covered by the WUP on either the Gold, Broadcast + Production, Platinum, Diamond and Mercury bundles.
The new plug being the MV2 Volume Maximizer.

Apart from upgrading the Waves bundle software, you will also need to reauthorize your iLok for the v6.0.1 update and for MV2 to take effect. Authorization is not an instant process! You need to go to Waves, click the update link in your user account, and enter your iLok details. Eventually a license will appear in your iLok account for you to download. In doing so, this process will remove the v6.0 Waves license and replace it with the new v6.0.1. Since my 6.0.1 license is yet to appear in my iLok account I am unable to tell if this v6.0.1 will be backward compatible with Waves v6.0 software.

___________________________________________________

The v6.0.1 ilok asset is backward compatible with Waves v6.0 plugins

ReBirth may be gone on OS X but this will make you smile even more!!!

2008-09-11T16:33:00.005+10:00

Owning some of the old analogue legends of Roland may be a dream or distant memory to some of us. Currently I am in the process of building a clone TB-303 since I sold my original a few years back. Propellerhead ReBirth gave us hours of entertainment when available on Mac OS9, however since OS X this software has not been upgraded. Instead you can download free refills for Reason - providing it is the full version and not "adapted". Today though I came across a website which blew me away. Not only does it contain an impressive arsenal of the vintage roland legends, it has been scripted in flash! Meaning that it will run on almost all computers, and is only limited to the web browser/ internet connection. It is extremely interactive- with you being able to patch into a virtual mixer, as well as program patterns and adjust parameters on the fly. This thing ROCKS!!!
Have a play on the Hobnox - Audiotool Demo

iTunes 8 Big Brother "Genius" -

2008-09-10T10:34:00.004+10:00

Today saw the release of some new music related products from Apple. These releases include new revised iPods as well as the release of iTunes 8. iTunes 8 introduces a new feature named "Genius", which can analyze your music playlists and give you recommendations for other music which may compliment your musical tastes. For this to work though, you need to agree that "Genius" will be sending your iTunes information to Apple, and the Apple Store in turn will send you new music recommendations. Unfortunately this "Genius" feature does not work as a stand alone feature on a host computer using your own music library as a resource pool. I for one am not a fan of Apple knowing my musical tastes and having them make music recommendations for me in the hope that I will purchase music from their iTunes Store. As a result I will be using my iTunes with "Genius" disabled.

Perspective cuts- splitting quickly

2008-08-25T12:27:00.002+10:00

If you are needing to cut and split tracks for perspective, a quick method is as follow:

Group the tracks that you are wanting to split. (If you have many edits - it may be worth creating a region group first). Go through and place a cut to your region on the edit points. Then, using the "Grabber- object" tool, go through and "shift click" your regions which need to move down to a new set of split tracks (this could be every second region). Then drag these tracks down to the tracks used for the split. This is much faster then going through and dragging each region edit selection at a time!

Free Folder Sync Application

2008-08-21T11:34:00.003+10:00

Do you backup from one folder to another?
Do you need to clone folders?

Do you not use Automator for folder synchronization?

If you answer yes to these, then check out this free folder sync application!

About halfway down the page is an application created by Thomas Robisson and Philippe Galmel, named "SyncTwoFolders".
Alternatively, this is the link to the Intel Version.

Want to rename regions quickly?

2008-08-20T12:24:00.002+10:00

If you are wishing to tidy up your edit window, especially if your session is being passed on to another person, one thing that can make a huge difference is region names. Often regions have long descriptive names especially after processing with plugins. When you are printing charts or just wanting to find a region quickly, you want your region named concisely and as short as possible. Now you can rename a region simply by double clicking on the region. This is fine if you are only renaming a couple of regions, however if you are wishing to rename multiple regions, especially if you have checker boarded perspective cuts, then there are a couple of options.

If you want to give all of your selected regions the same name you can simply go to the region list menu and choose "Auto Rename". this will allow you to give your regions the same name with increments. The second method is to select the regions you wish to give the same name and simple go to the region menu and select Rename. Then type in your new name, copy it and press enter. The next region name will then automatically be displayed for you to paste the clipboard name.

Of course you can use region groups to do the same thing, however if you are charting, region groups will only work on single tracks. If there is silence between 2 regions, this will be incorporated into the region group, so this may not be the best solution.

Coalesce VCA groups

2008-08-14T16:43:00.003+10:00

When editing or mixing a new feature of ProTools is through the use of VCA groups.
This allows you to write volume automation using a VCA, which effects the tracks which are slaved to it. (The non VCA tracks which make up the group) If you need to remove a VCA from it's group, or a non VCA track from the VCA, it is possible to have the automation of the VCA coalesced to the "slave" tracks.

Under Preferences -> Mixer , there is a tickbox to "Coalesce when Removing Slaves from VCA Group"

This will automatically coalesce any VCA volumes to the slave tracks.
If this tickbox is not selected then you will get a pop up warning, like so:

You can see from the blue volume how the coalesced volume will effect the audio track.

Free file re-namer

2008-08-14T11:01:00.000+10:00

I have been using a freeware (Donation to Unicef if you wish) file re-naming application since moving to OS X. R-Name is a very powerful utility which is very easy to use and saves you having to write an Automator script to do simple file/ folder renaming. This is invaluable for me as I do a lot of field recordings and sound effects creating which I need to keep very ordered. Where I use this the most, is adding "key" words to my file names as I use the ProTools digibase for most of my SFX searching. I can also rename an entire folder with an abbreviation of the job title and any other relevant information. You can also preview your name changes before committing to the renamed file - which is very handy!!!

Some features include:
- adding characters to the start or end of a file name
- sequential file naming
- find and replace
- removing characters from the start or end
- changing extensions
- changing the case of the letters

and my favorite...
- append names pre and post extension

Click to download

The M-Audio Axiom

2008-08-08T10:24:00.004+10:00

I have recently purchased the M-Audio Axiom USB controller keyboard. Out of the 3 models (25, 49 +61 keys) I purchased the 25 key version simply because I wanted a "small desktop" keyboard. Up until this time I had been using a full sized midi keyboard which I had on a stand. The fact that this Axiom fits next to my mixer on my desk is amazing!

Some other features of this keyboard:
- it is USB powered and doesn't need external power - even if running through a USB hub!
- 8 x drum pads
- 8 x fully customizable pots (which can be used for soft synths or anything really)
-Pitch bend and Modulation
- Transport controls (In ProTools goto "Peripherals" menu, "Machine Control", and enable the tick box "Midi machine control slave")

You can also download "Enigma" from the M-Audio website which allows you to create and save patches and settings using your computer.

Free ProTools Plug ins

2008-08-08T09:19:00.003+10:00

Steven M. Massey, a former Digidesign and Trillium Lane Labs employee has released several plug-ins for free. That is right FREE!.
Here is the link to some "Utility based Plug-ins".
These include metering, backing up and other various plug-ins not necessarily audio based.

If you are after some more "Audio" based plug-ins then have a look at the Massey High end plug-ins. Here you can download demo versions of often used plug-ins. As the web page state, you have "unlimited usage period and introduces no mutes or beeps to the audio. Use it as long as you like."

Please read all disclaimers though in regards to the use of these plug-ins.

TL Space Impulses

2008-08-07T15:20:00.003+10:00

If you are using TL Space, this link will give you an assortment of extra impulse responses. This link was easy to find on the Digidesign site for a while, however over time it has been lost in the ether... A few colleagues of mine have been raving about this plugin, and I agree with them that as far as sound design is concerned this is one amazing plug in!

Here is the link to the extra impulses. Please read the descriptions as some of these did ship with the original instal. All up it is about 500 meg.

TL Space extra Impulses.

iChat video problems

2008-08-04T14:53:00.004+10:00

As more people are upgrading to Leopard it is becoming apparent of some issues that are arising between Leopard and Tiger machines using video iChat. Some of the problems are as a result of the modem/ routers being used as opposed to the operating system itself. In particular there are some issues with some of the D-Link products.

Here is a rough guide to what is compatible (as far as I am aware anyway):

Tiger to Tiger = Works
Leopard to Leopard = Works

Tiger to Leopard (LAN) = Works inmost instances
Tiger to Leopard (internet)= Works sometimes (Does not work with some D-Link products)

It is possible to fix the D-Link issue between Tiger/ Leopard however:
a) it requires upgrading the D-Link firmware and altering the modem/ router settings
b) most Tiger machines may be upgraded to Leopard soon (if you are not comfortable upgrading firmware or messing with your router, upgrading the Mac OS to Leopard may make for a simpler fix in the long run)

There are possibly (and probably) compatibility issues with other manufacturers, however this is what I have experienced to date.

______________________________________________

How to fix the D-Link problem:

You need to open up ports 16393 - 16402 on the firewall. Once this has happened, all should be good!

Digidesign A.I.R plugins now Leopard compatible

2008-07-30T11:21:00.000+10:00

http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?p=1267883#post1267883

Some often used Track View key commands...

2008-07-29T12:07:00.006+10:00

Control + Command + Click on Track name = Waveform View

Control + Command + Click on Volume = Track Volume view

Control + Command + Click on Pan = Track Pan view

Control+ Up/ Down Arrow = Selected track will go to next/ previous track height
Control + Option + Up/ Down Arrow = All Tracks will go to next/ previous track height

Control + Command + Left/ Right Arrow = Toggle through selected track parameter views
Control + Option + Command + Left/ Right Arrow = Toggle through All track parameter views

Control + Command + Up Arrow = Selected track fills screen

Screen Sharing Pt2 (iChat)

2008-07-28T16:18:00.004+10:00

Although being able to screen share using the finder, another method of screen sharing with Leopard is through the use of iChat. Today I performed some software optimisation and trouble shooting for a colleague who is working in the United States. What I was able to do, was to share his screen from Australia and by using iChat, perform the tasks at hand.
This will however only work if both computers are running Leopard.

Now not only can iChat be used to communicate with friends and family all over the world... but now you can be called up to fix their computers... just what you wanted!!!

While I am on the topic of ichat, something else I would like to point out is the new feature "iChat theatre". This new feature allows you to share such things as iPhoto albums and documents through iChat. This is a great if you wish to "show" someone either photos or documents without having to upload them. Your holiday slideshow can now play to family across the globe without having to upload/ download the raw files.

Leopard Screen Sharing

2008-07-18T10:54:00.004+10:00

This is not a tip... as much as it is praise.

Having used Leopard for a few months now, I have absolute confidence in it as a stable platform for running ProTools. I am running both an LE system as well as a HD system (both Leopard). One of the new Leopard features that I do love is screen sharing. Because I work in ProTools HD all day on a Mac Pro, my email and other business takes place on another computer. Now instead of having to go back and forth between computers, I can simply share the screen of my "business" computer and not have to leave my desk, go over and wake it from sleep and log in etc in order to respond to emails etc. I can now simply share the screen and type away on my work machine using a shared screen. I sometimes have iTunes playing from my business computer in the background - and now I can control it's itunes from my work computer. Brilliant!!! The possibilities are endless!

triggering Automator back ups... file management from the kitchen... running remote scripts...

Waves V6 - ProTools launch crash

2008-07-16T13:08:00.003+10:00

If you have installed Waves V6 and you are having problems opening ProTools (ie. Pro Tools freezes on the launch screen) you may wish to try the following:

Go into your user name Library folder, then go into the preferences folder and delete the Waves preferences. This should fix any problems.

Want Quicktime to be more diverse?

2008-07-16T13:04:00.002+10:00

If you are on a Mac and wish you could open more movie codecs - check this out!
http://perian.org/ . A free Quicktime component that opens just about anything!

Have you lost your Function Key Commands?

2008-07-09T09:34:00.005+10:00

If you have a new slim- line apple keyboard, chances are that the function keys are operating the Apple Dock and Expose parameters etc. In order for you to use these buttons for Pro Tools functions, you will need to disable the keyboard shortcuts and enable Function key functionality.

To do this:

Go to "System Preferences"

Firstly go to "Dashboard and Expose"
Disable the function keys

Secondly go to "Keyboard and Mouse"
Set the checkbox as below.

Then click on "Keyboard Shortcuts"

Disable "Keyboard Navigation" and "Dock, Expose and Dashboard"

Track short cuts

2008-07-07T11:09:00.006+10:00

For some short cuts that relate to viewing, hiding, scrolling and track activation - either Right Mouse click or "Control" click on the track name. A menu will appear showing several track related short cuts.

This is especially good for "Hide and Make Inactive"