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Presonus

DJ-Tech i-Mix

Mixtrack Quad & iDJ Pro

Eris 5 High Definition Monitors

Synthesizer Competition

Focusrite Scarlett Studio

Presonus

DJ-Tech i-Mix

Mixtrack Quad & iDJ Pro

Eris 5 High Definition Monitors

Synthesizer Competition

Focusrite Scarlett Studio

Plus: Up for grabs...

CASIO XW-G1

Boss RC-505

Plus: Up for grabs...

CASIO XW-G1

Boss RC-505

The Responsible Artist pt.4 The Responsible Artist pt.4

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ISSUE 70NOV|DEC’13

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CONTENTS3BEATS PEOPLE MUSIC• •

W EDITOR’S NOTE

NOV/DEC 2013 | EDITION 70

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EDITORS NOTE & INFO

COVER FEATURE: NUMARK MIXTRACK QUAD

& IDJ PRO

GEAR REVIEW: PRESONUS ERIS 5 STUDIO MONITORS

INSTRUMENT REVIEW: DJ-TECH I-MIX DJ CONTROLLER

CASIO TURN UP YOUR NOISE COMPETITION

GEAR NEWS

GEAR REVIEW: BOSS RC-505

STUDIO: FOCUSRITE SCARLETT STUDIO

TUTORIAL: TIPS ON RISERS

TUTORIAL: MIXING AND MASTERING

EDUCATION: THE RESPONSIBLE ARTIST PT.4

ith festive season approaching and [hopefully] that Sticking with the budget and/or keenly priced goodies, David bonus due in December, now’s a good time to also tested out the awesome Focusrite Scarlett Studio which delve into the wonderful world of DJing and/or packages a soundcard, a condenser mic and a set of studio producing. With this in mind we’ve looked at some headphones together for a very, very good price. This is definitely really cost effective gear that won’t break the bank worth checking out for those wanting to kickstart their home-but will certainly give you hours and hours of producing career. He’ll give you the lowdown on Pg. 16.creative joy. Lastly we have also reviewed the new Boss RC-505

On the cover we have two Numark controllers. The Mixtrack loopstation. Now looping devices are not new but what makes the Quad is the big daddy to the number one selling Mixtrack Pro, RC-505 interesting is that it is aimed mainly at two markets; except this has 4 decks and a bunch of extra features. What it has in beatboxers/vocalists and/or the EDM market. Nic Roos gives it a common with the 2-track pro version though, is the excellent build thorough test on Pg. 14.quality and keen pricing. It’s a good upgrade option if you want to We also have the usual suspects imparting their invaluable move from 2 to 4 deck control although if you’re a first time buyer, knowledge in our tutorials section so be sure to read up on this you’d do well to consider 4-deck from the outset as Dave Skinz too.points out on Pg. 4. iPad owners should seriously look at the iDJ Pro FREEBIES! We all love a good competition don’t we? Check if you’d like to turn your iPad into a proper DJ device. It comes with out our Casio Competition on Pg. 9. We’re giving away, compliments a host of pro features and again, Numark comes up trumps with an of Casio South Africa, an XW-G1 Groove Synthesizer as reviewed excellent price point. in our last edition. This instrument is the ideal tool for DJs and

However if your budget is a little tighter you can also check producers to get their groove on so be sure to enter. “If you ‘ain’t in out the I-Mix from DJ-Tech. Fairly new on the SA market, it gets a it you can’t win it!” [Where’ve I heard that before?]solid thumbs up from Dave too.

Presonus, better known for their mixing consoles and preamps Enjoy summer and be sure to make those beats fly!have introduced a range of cost effective nearfield studio monitors to their product line. Available in both 5 and 8 inch derivatives, our

Dave Macother Dave [there’s a few of us around here], David Scott spent a week with the 5-inch model in his studio. You can read his opinion Editor-in-Chiefon Pg. 6.

NUMARK MIXTRACK QUAD & iDJ PRO CONTROLLERS

4 COVER FEATURE By Dave Skinz

TWO OF THE TOP OFFERINGS FROM NUMARK

R

WHAT IS IT? has a pair of RCA outs on the back for your The pitch faders are positioned at the master output while your headphones have top corners of the Mixtrack Quad far away

Mixtrack Pro Quad a choice of either jack or mini-jack output from the central four faders and 3 band ports and they share their space with a EQ's for each channel. The crossfader felt After the runaway success of the original 2-single jack in for your mic with a gain on the quite tight and fits nicely in line with the channel Mixtrack Pro, Numark have kept right side edge of the Mixtrack Quad. Sync, Cue, Play/Pause and Stutter buttons at their finger on the pulse of the scene and

the bottom of the controller. The Navigation have not only released a rebooted version - The best parts of the controller for me section is at the top of the Quad with a the Mixtrack Pro 2, but have now used that include the excellent platters from the large infinity rotary and folder browsing same new template to bring you the 4- Mixtrack Pro 2 each with top and side buttons.Channel Mixtrack Quad. And with that extra control as well as colour changing rings that

four-deck space Numark have given you a can be switched via the bundled four-deck The entire housing is the same durable stack of extra backlit buttons to hot cue, Virtual DJ LE software and the 16 backlit plastic as the Pro 2 with the face of the sample and effect to your heart’s content. multi-colour drum pads each with a palette Quad looking quite striking in black, offset

of 16 colours to easier distinguish your with silver EQ's, lines faders and platters, Just like the Mixtrack Pro, the Quad function and status. A bank of four rotaries adding to the ambiance of the multi-colour handles both the MIDI and audio parts of are level with the 8 pads per side which pads. your operation in one class compliant further enhances the effectiveness of the device that connects via USB with no pad setup. transformer necessary. Your audio section

5

Price: Mixtrack Quad: R 4,227.00

iDJ Pro: R 5,091.00Supplier: Viva AfrikaTel: (011) 250-3280

Web: www.vivaafrika.co.zawww.numark.com

playing on. Even pitching it in the budget category is a bit of a harsh hand in my opinion as it punches way above its class. It really is a fantastic controller, the layout is great for the space and the only real critique I have is that the EQ's and faders can feel a little close to each other.

Other than that slight speed bump, the platters and buttons are excellent and the navigation and mixing sections are comprehensive. The audio outputs are solid and

being a class compliant-device means you really can Plug-and-Play with the Virtual DJ LE bundled software. Numark have even supplied Traktor Pro users with a ready-to-go map.

iDJ Pro is an innovative piece of kit that already has

headphone outs are stereo signals. The IDJ Pro changed what other manufacturers offer on entire device is housed in a solid brushed

This 2-channel iPad controller has walked their gear but what this controller really aluminum case. But bear in mind with all

away with numerous international awards offers is a chance for the guys who have an these outputs and buttons the iDJ Live runs

for its innovative way of connecting your iPad to try their hand at DJing with more off a 12V DC transformer that is supplied in

iPad with your controller. It’s not just Wi-fi than the touch screen interface to learn and the box.

or Bluetooth, your iPad actually fits into the play on. The concept of using a physical Another of the great innovations the iDJ Pro and together with Algoriddim's djay platter to control your music is as deeply

iDJ Live brings to the table is by actually or vjay app (which is available on the SA ingrained on the psyche of DJ consciousness using the iPad as much as the iPad is using App iStore and sold separately) uses the as the very Technics SL turntables that still the iDJ Live, so you can access the cloud for iPad’s screen interact with your levels, wave inspires the trend today. And one wonders music on the fly, and make use of Airplay or display, library and effects while you still if maybe that perceived line between Bluetooth devices to stream your output have physical buttons, faders, knobs and genuine and wannabe exists around this wirelessly! platters for mixing, browsing, effects, and very thing; that decks brought to everyone

looping. who played on them offered a sense that you were touching the very music you were Another unique thing about the iDJ performing. Like playing an instrument. Pro is the die-cast aluminum volume knobs.

Rotaries might feel a little clumsy if you've Both controllers are excellent choices never mixed with that style line fader for very different reasons. If you’re in the The Mixtrack Quad is an excellent piece of before, but you quickly learn how much market for a 4-channel device, the Mixtrack gear that would be my pick for guys who more subtle a rotary fader can be from a Quad is a no-brainer to try out. If it’s iPad want get into a four deck headspace at a pure mixing standpoint because it avoids DJing you’re after, but with the tactile feel or bargain price point, and perhaps even for many things, one of which is line fader doing it properly with platters and hands on those first time buyers who want a piece of flicking. EQ’s, tempo sliders etc, then the IDJ Pro is a gear they can grow into as they improve

very good option.their skills. Any level referencing worry is quickly put to rest with a ring of green lights The iDJ Pro I consider as a pro around the knob and the great iPad retina accessory for those guys that have an iPad display for a 10-segment level meter per and want to take themselves seriously if side. You have a large set of Cueing and they want to start DJing more professionally. Looping buttons and it’s nice to see the It would very interesting to somehow gauge Sync button as one of the smaller buttons people’s responses to a DJ performing with on the unit. just an iPad or one that is playing with the

iDJ Pro. My gut tells me people in general The iDJ Pro has a pro grade audio and perhaps even the DJ themself would interface built into it with a choice of either feel way more connected to the actual balanced (XLR) or unbalanced outputs entertainment experience with an iDJ Pro.(RCA), jack or mini-jack headphone outputs

and with a single set of RCA inputs and 1/4” jack input for a microphone with gain and tone knobs.

The Mixtrack Quad is the best budget four-What's cool about having an on-board deck controller I’ve had the pleasure of audio card is that both the master and

WHO SHOULD OWN ONE?

THE VERDICT

PRESONUS ERIS E5 ACTIVE STUDIO MONITORPRESONUS ENTER THE LOUD SPEAKER MARKET WITH A BANG

6 GEAR REVIEW By David Scott

Prices:

Eris E5 - R 4,600.00 / pair

Eris E8 - R 7,398.00 / pair

Supplier: Tuerk Music

Tel: (011) 792-8402

Web: www.tuerkmusic.co.za

ANATOMY

VERDICT

WHO SHOULD GET THEM?

HOW DO THEY SOUND?

W hen I hear Presonus I There's also a 'Low Cutoff' three-way have noticed on my current monitors, but my think of awesome switch, which offers a roll off at 80Hz and ears got fatigued a lot quicker than usual. preamps and digital 100Hz - useful if you want to add a sub to the mixers, so I was system.surprised to hear that There are also three input options: RCA, they're now entering the jack or XLR which is very useful if you're going realm of studio to be using different input sources. monitors. This is quite a Someone who doesn't have the luxury of a

brave move from their part, as this is a market treated studio environment, but wants to which is already flooded with entry level produce quality music in the room that they monitors, but time will tell how they fare have. If you save up one day to get professional against the competitors. monitors you could always keep the E5s as a

Overall, I found that the Mids and Highs were The Eris E5's which I'm reviewing are the reference. very prominent, bordering on harsh, and I smallest of the range, but if you need would've enjoyed a bit more presence in the something with a little more 'oomf', there's also low end [they are 5 inch woofers! Ed].They have plenty of volume on tap and when I cranked them loud the lows became easier to

The E5's are the perfect monitors for the not mix, and I was impressed with how tight the so perfect environment. Yes, they might not bass was even under high volumes. But I had to

the 8 inch E8. sound as great as my R14k monitors in my endure some pretty hectic mids and highs treated studio, but if you were using them in an I really like it when I look at the back panel of a while mixing the lows and found that my ears untreated bedroom, I think they would fare a monitor and I can understand what each knob took a bit of a hammering. lot better than most fancy monitors with the and switch does without having to read the I wasn't expecting much bass response in help of the handy adaptable settings on the manual. So often the settings are so encrypted entry level 5 inch monitors at low volume, but back panel. Do they stand out against the other that you need to take out the manual and paired with my sub it was actually really nice to competitors out there? I think with the control decipher the settings with fear of blowing the mix with, because I could turn the gain down a you get using the 'Acoustic Tuning' and thing up. But PreSonus have taken a very bit and still hear the low end. 'Acoustic Space' settings, there's a lot of appeal pragmatic approach to the various switches I'm not used to mixing with such and could sway my decision if I needed lots of and knobs, which is great. prominent mids and highs, but there were tweakabillity within my mixing environment. Most monitors have an output gain knob, elements that I could pin-point easily in the

but this one has 'input gain' which allows you higher frequencies that I normally wouldn't to control the level of the source coming in, rather than the level of the sound going out. This helps to attenuate any noise that may be coming from the signal source.

I really like the 'Acoustic Space' switch which compensates for different room environments. If you have your speakers setup against the wall at an angle towards you, you use setting A. If you have them pointing straight on, and close to the backwall, you use setting B. And lastly, if you have them straight on but away from the backwall, you use setting C. This is a clever feature, as it takes into account that not everyone buying these monitors will have the best studio acoustics.

The 'Acoustic Tuning' controls allow you to tweak the mid and high frequency response to your taste. The High control shelves all frequencies above 4.5 kHz with a 6dB cut/boost, while the Mid control is a parametric EQ that boosts or cuts frequencies centred on 1 kHz.

http://www.ase.co.za

DJ TECH I-MIX8 DJ GEAR By Dave Skinz

COMPACT CONTROLLER THAT IS RUGGED ENOUGH TO GO WHEREVER YOU CAN.

Price: R 1,999.00Supplier: Kolok Pty LtdTel: (011) 248-0371Web: www.djtechpro.com www.koloksa.co.za

WHO SHOULD OWN ONE?

THE VERDICT

WHAT IS IT?

easy to see what’s going on in the dark.

The Cue and Play/Pause buttons are the biggest buttons on the i-Mix and are found to the bottom left of each jog wheel and each side also has 3 buttons for looping (IN/OUT/ RELOOP) and 4 for Effect control (SELECT, 1,2,3).

The i-Mix comes with a choice of two software packages to run with; Native Instruments Traktor LE and MixVibes 3DEX LE - both are very solid and reliable entry level DJ applications.

The i-Mix is an entry level device so its best suited to those just getting into the DJ thing. It's compact enough to be stashed into a school or laptop bag, and adding a sound card at a later stage will really bump this controller’s functionality up a couple of notches.

It would be easy to dismiss the i-Mix as just another compact DJ controller, but when you get to grips with it, this controller is a sturdily assembled device that’s sure to be able to take the knocks of being carried around in backpacks and the like. The jog wheels are solid and have a good high-resolution feel to their response, and all of the 5 faders, 10 knobs and 48 backlit buttons feel durable.

The layout is very easy to follow and Each CDJ side of the i-Mix is mirrored there are just enough functions like Looping

so both of the pitch faders are positioned to and Effects to keep the mixing fun and the right of the jog wheels which often leaves interactive for guys getting into the swing of it. Channel 1's pitch fader quite close to Channel I really liked the dedicated install guides for 1's Line fader, so you have to be conscious of both Traktor LE and MixVibes 3DEX LE, as that when pitching and mixing. The jog wheels this is often the biggest stumbling block when

DJ Tech is a relatively new player to the DJ are quite large for the size of the controller it comes to getting things going and MixVibes market and they produce a wide range of and come with scratch buttons if you wish to in particular can present quite a detailed computer DJ products as well as mixers and engage scratch mode on the platter which I install process. loudspeakers. know lots of people prefer rather than the For the more advanced guys there is a

This review focuses on the i-Mix, a 2- “auto-top and side” setting some platters full MIDI chart in the manual if you would like channel MIDI-only DJ Controller. The basic have. to reconfigure some of the assigned buttons layout and interface is focused on the mixing DJ-Tech have taken an interesting like track skip and scrub. The black finish with aspects of DJing, so it’s a really good starting approach to music browsing with the i-Mix so silver pots and faders with backlit buttons is point for guys looking to learn the craft. each side of the controller has its own really fetching and I would consider this unit

Each channel has a gain pot and three- browsing system with an infinite push-in one of the more attractive compact band EQ including kill switches. The line faders rotary controlling your file surfing and controllers out there. are nice and long for intricate mixing and the selecting, with a back button right below the The i-Mix should provide hours of feel of all the faders is very smooth just like pot that doubles as the reverse button for the reliable home entertainment but a good the pots on the i-Mix. There is rotary gradient platter. Each side also has dedicated track sound card is going to be needed if you want adjust for the crossfader which can be found select and search buttons, as well as monitor, to take this controller out of the bedroom on the back on the unit along with the USB auto-mix, auto-BPM and pitch bend buttons and into venues and clubs.connection. The i-Mix can run solely off USB to make it a little to easier to track and BUS power or you can purchase a remember which side you are playing on. All transformer if you feel the need. of the 48 buttons on the unit are backlit so it’s

9

Designed for the DJ and club performer the XW-G1 features a step sequencer and sample looper for capturing performance patterns and instruments.

The six oscillator monophonic solo synth engine offers an endless tapestry of sounds and was designed with the performer in mind.

ENTER TODAY!GO TO WWW.BPMMAG.CO.ZA

OR scan this TAG to enter from your Smartphone

CASIO TURN UP YOUR NOISE COMPETITION

IT'S TIME TO GET YOUR GROOVE ON WITH THE CASIO XW-G1 SYNTHESIZER

Win the brand new Casio XW-G1 Synthesizervalued @ R 9,499.00

COMPETITION

CASIO SA CASIOSA

Crystal Method at the XW-G1 launch

YEARS

http://www.breathesunshineconference.com

http://www.capetown.sae.edu

GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWS12 GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWS BPM Reports

ROLLING THUNDER OPENS NEW CONCEPT STORE

TV AUDIO SECURES BEAMZ AGENCY

BELDEN BRILLIANCE 2221 COMPACT

DIGITAL MICROPHONE

CABLEFor applications where full-size microphone cables are just too big, the Belden 2221 Compact Microphone Cable is an ideal solution. Oftentimes, hand-held solid-state recording devices (SSD) use miniature microphone connectors from Lemo, Neutrik or Switchcraft (such as the Switchcraft TA3F/TA3M). The Belden 2221 Compact Microphone Cable is an excellent choice for those connectors as well as for the hand-held SSD recorders that use Bantam or TT jacks as the balanced line input. With an impedance of 110 ohms, the cable can carry digital audio and its ultra-low capacitance (13 pF/ft.) makes it the finest performing digital cable available today.

Supplied by: Jaycor International

(011) 444-1039 | (021) 447 4247www.jaycor.co.za

Rolling Thunder Distributors recently expanded their business into retail stores.

Working closely with South African distributors and international suppliers their primary goal they say “is to showcase and promote world leading audio, lighting and DJ Brands.”

Their first concept store has opened in Cape Town where they plan on also doing workshops, promo days and demonstrations of their brands. Using these marketing tools they say “we aim to educate not only consumers but retail stores that purchase our brands.”

Rolling Thunder has partnered up with Scratch Lab and the SAE Institute by supplying them with DJ hardware from Vestax and Ortofon. Leading DJ software Serato has also been included in their curriculum to help Scratch Lab educate those who would like to learn how to DJ.

Their first store is located at:

Shop 2 Hirsch’s Centre, 454 Koeberg Road, Milnerton, Cape Town.

TV Audio, one of South Africa’s leading broad-line electronics distributors announced recently the securing of the Beamz lighting agency for this territory. The distributor has one of the largest catalogues of affordable products in South Africa along with a range of premium products too. The company was established in 1982 and has continued to expand its product catalogue and has seen remarkable growth in this area over the past several years.

Beamz is a brand that offers a massive range of lighting at incredibly competitive prices.

Products include:

Triple Flex centre Pro LED DMX - A high energy DMX Triple Flex Centre LED lighting effect with three scanning heads, hence each corner of an area will be illuminated. With stepper motors for smooth and quick movements and 24 long life LEDs each scanning head (RGB). Includes built-in programs, three operational modes, strobe function etc.

Carpo Laser Moving Head Fat Beam Red - The moving head features a single bright fat beam laser diode. This 6-channel DMX red laser can reflect the high lightness of laser effect and due to the high-grade optical technology it emits wider, more visible and more powerful beams with high lightness. For use in disco, pubs and all kinds of parties etc...

Jupiter Blue Laser 450mW DMX - The Jupiter is a new blue laser effect with a 450mW laser. Advanced algorithmic routine design with more than 63 beam effects and graphics. After 5 seconds without sound the laser effect will be shut down automatically. Ideal for bars, discos, casinos, clubs, family parties etc.

Supplied by: TV Audio| (011) 805-9910 www.tvaudio.co.za

13

THREE IS KEY: M-AUDIO RELEASES M3-8, NEW 3-WAY STUDIO REFERENCE MONITOR

NEW 2-WAY ACTIVE STUDIO REFERENCE MONITORS FROM SAMSON

RELOOP ANNOUNCES KEYPAD AND KEYFADR CONTROLLERS FOR ABLETON LIVE

SA Distributor: Midi Music(011) 403-0199 | www.midimusic.co.za

Reloop's new Keypad and Keyfadr are (they're said to be plug 'n' play with compact MIDI controllers that are Ableton's software). designed specifically for users of Ableton Live. The keyboard section on the Keypad

Both offer 25 velocity-sensitive also has two unique modes: mini keys, eight faders, 16 rotary knobs ! Chord feature: easily play the most and eight endless encoders, with the common chords in this versatile Keypad also adding 16 velocity-sensitive modebacklit drum pads. Transport controls

! Scale mode: choose from four are included on both devices, too.different scales and always hit the

The Keypad is one of the deepest right key.mini keyboards yet to be seen - in fact, it's almost square - but it appears to pack in plenty of control. Both products have an onboard arpeggiator and ship with a copy of Ableton Live Lite 9

SA Distributor: Tradelius Music Group (031) 502-3080 | www.tradelius.co.za

Adding to their industry-leading studio M3-8’s high- and mid-frequency monitor line, M-Audio announced in drivers are coaxial, with the mid September the new 3-way M3-8 studio surrounding the high, allowing for a reference monitor, which should be compact standard-size monitor that available in South Africa shortly. offers incredibly rich audio detail and a Featuring an innovative inline design and wide ‘sweet spot’ for accurate mixing. superior imaging, M3-8 is compact yet The inline design provides truly delivers an immersive audio experience spectacular three-way sound in the with dedicated low-, mid-, and high- same space as a standard two-way frequency drivers, each with its own monitor. With the high- and mid-dedicated amplifier. frequency drivers delivering sound along

the same focal plane, M3-8 delivers “They’re meant to stand out both improved time-alignment for fatigue-free visually and acoustically,” says JC listening. Sutherland, Product Manager, M-Audio.

“One of the biggest upsides to having a “Because of the coaxial design, three-way design is accuracy in the we're offering a three-way speaker in lower midrange frequencies - M3-8 has the same footprint as a two-way with all a dedicated driver for that often-muddy of the benefits of having time aligned range, which can be too high for a mid and high drivers,” said Sutherland. woofer and too low for a tweeter to “Having a dedicated driver for mid-handle. M3-8’s three-way coaxial design range makes a huge difference when successfully addresses that challenge, mixing.”and does so at an unprecedented price point.”

Samson continue striving to provide power amps and electronic crossovers the market with keenly priced, that provide accurate tonal balance functional music gear, a good example and are specifically designed for each of this being the new RESOLV SE model. Their new woven carbon fibre studio monitors. The new SE series is woofers (5, 6 and 8 inches) provide a redesign of the Resolv A-Series tight and controlled low frequency offering more accurate sound response, while their 1.25-inch soft reproduction and a stylish new look, in dome tweeters give the high three distinct models. The Resolv SE5, frequencies a true, natural sound SE6 and SE8 all utilise the latest without unwanted resonance. innovations in speaker engineering, Resolv SEs each include a 4-which can be used with multiple position high frequency lift control monitors to provide superb stereo that allow you to optimize your setup imaging for recording, post-production for different mixing environments, and and other multimedia applications. are AV shielded for operation near

The Resolv SE5 (70 watts, computers.50Hz–27 kHz), SE6 (100 watts, 45Hz–27 kHz) and SE8 (100 watts, 40Hz–27 kHz) include dedicated

SA Distributor: Audiosure

(011) 790-4600 | www.audiosure.co.za

nown more for their guitar based button that flashes in time with the set tempo. of each loop. From here you can balance effects units, Boss take a step closer Each record button is surrounded by a semi- volume, bring loops in and out, overdub on top to the EDM market with the circular measure indicator that tracks the of existing loops, create and automate playlist release of the RC 505 Loop Station. progress of the loop to help you keep track of styled loop sets. You can also add FXs to the Unlike most floor-based foot pedal your measures. tracks after they’re recorded. For example you loopers which are aimed at can simulate record scratching with the Vinyl Loops and various parameters can be

instrumentalists, this is the first tabletop loop Flick effect or glitch up your drum loops with stored in 99 slots of presets or 'phrases'. These station and is aimed more towards beat the Beat Scatter effect. I particularly like the phrases can be set up to play each of the 5 boxers, vocalists and EDM producers but also glitchy dirt of the Granular Delay which tracks simultaneously as normal or can be set still accommodates instrumentalists. imparts a wide variety of tasty degradation to up in a sort of playlist type mode where, for

the mix.example, one track can fade in over a measure when hitting playback, or playing one track A very nifty feature is the ability to send stops another - useful for setting up verse and the Rhythm track output to headphones only chorus loops. so that you can use it as a metronome and

keep time while creating loops live.While the RC 505 is mainly aimed at The RC 505 has 5 independent tracks for beat boxers and vocalists who would usually recording, overdubbing and playback. It features have at least one hand free to control the unit, 25 effects ranging from filters, flangers, granular it is possible to send some parameters to an delays and beat shifting, 21 of which can be optional footswitch when recording other routed to the input while all 25 can be applied instruments.to each track. A master compressor and reverb I can really see how the RC 505 could come in

are also present to balance the overall sound handy for solo EDM performers and MCs as of the unit. It has mono or stereo instrument well as being incredibly useful for song writing. inputs, a mini-jack aux in and unlike many It is fantastically intuitive and flexible, allowing loopers a balanced XLR microphone input. precious little to get in the way of you getting

There are stereo ¼ inch outputs, a your ideas down. This is a fantastic musical tool.Using the RC 505 couldn't be easier. Hook up headphone out, midi in and out, an input for a mic to the mic input, or a drum machine or and optional footswitch and a USB connection guitar to the instrument input, set the input and Sean Ou Tim [Mr. Sakitumi, Lark and for loading and unloading wave files from a output levels and tap tempo, press record on a several other projects] - winner of the Boss computer or syncing to a DAW. Aside from the track and lay down a beat. While that plays hit Loopstation Finals W. Cape had this to say, “It’s 5 recordable tracks there is a Rhythm track record on the next track and lay down a bass almost designed for someone like me, who digs that comes preloaded with many, many line. Select the Guitar to Bass effect from the looping a mixture of instruments in a more different beats in a wide variety of styles and input effects selection and sing a bass line into electronic music style environment.feels. the mic. This effect drops the pitch by two I could probably do an obscure improv There are master controls such as a octaves and fattens the sound perfectly for that gig making up stuff all night on one of these. [It] play/stop all button, and intelligent undo/redo purpose. was a lot of fun; was making up loops and button, a tap tempo that lights up and a Carrying on in this fashion makes it jamming for a while, evolving ideas, morphing Rhythm stop/play button that activates a immediately apparent how good the effects into different tempos which allowed me to rhythm track. sound and how effective it is to apply them to morph into different genre styles (more

Each channel has a volume fader, stop the input: it really helps differentiate the sound electronic genres).”and edit buttons and a large playback/record

14

BOSS RC 505HANDS-ON LOOPER FOR MODERN PERFORMERS

GEAR REVIEW By Nic Roos

Supplier: Musical Distributorswww.musicaldistributors.co.za

IN USE

CONCLUSION

FEATURES

K

http://www.roland.com

FOCUSRITE SCARLETT STUDIO

16 DJ/STUDIO GEAR By David Scott

THE PERFECT STARTER PACK FOR BUDDING PRODUCERS

Price: R 3,395.00Supplier: Rockit DistributionTel: 021-511 1800Web: www.rockitdistribution.co.za

ANATOMY

WHO SHOULD GET IT?

VERDICT

WHAT IS IT?

S tarting out as a music producer pop filter for the microphone to complete a mics are noticeably horrible, but the can be a daunting experience. I basic studio setup. recording was surprisingly clear. I AB'd it know this first-hand. I used to against my Rode NT1-A, but it lacked the record audio with my computer sparkle that the Rode had. Even so, this mic because that was the only would be a useful mic to have along with way I knew how to record stuff. I anyone's studio collection. Without the pop-did all my mixes using my dad’s filter, beginners are going to have a hard time

I'll start with the Soundcard. Focusrite are old listening headphones (which recording quality vocal takes so perhaps this well known for their soundcards. I'm a proud sounded cool on the headphones), but I is something they can include in their next owner of the Focusrite PRO 24 DSP, which didn't know why my mixes sounded so bad studio package, or they could at least suggest has stood me in good stead over the years. when I played my stuff to my friend’s through a pop filter on the box.

speakers. The Scarlett 2i2 has 24bit recording, The bundle comes with a lite version of and I couldn't hear the difference in sound It took me a couple years before I Cubase. For the purposes of a beginner it quality when comparing it to my fancier realised I needed a soundcard, a decent mic does enough to create a simple song. There's soundcard. It has 2 dual XLR/jack inputs so and some decent reference monitors and/or also the Focusrite plug-in suite with you can switch between mic and instrument headphones, if I was going to produce music compressors, gates, FX etc, so there's enough inputs. I like that there's a manual switch for that was any good. The next part was trying software to make decent recordings with. switching between line/inst, because on my to figure out which equipment I should get fancier soundcard you have to make the with my limited budget. It was all very time switch on the digital software which is consuming and scary.sometimes a mission. I must say, it could have It's as if Focusrite have heard the cries done with more than two line outputs, but I of confusion from many desperate beginner Without a doubt this is the perfect set for guess that's all you need when starting out. producers. They've tailor-made a starter pack any budding producer. For the amount of I'm a fan of the sleek and simple design. called 'The Scarlett Studio' designed to get money you'd normally have to cough up for

My first impression of the headphones you on your feet if you're starting out. each piece of equipment separately, it really is was that they look and feel a lot like my AKG

a no-brainer. Even if you quickly outgrow the MkII headphones, which are pretty high-end.

equipment in the bundle and want better They don’t sound amazing, which is actually a

gear, it's never a bad thing having extra tech. good thing - because it seems Focusrite have made a mission to not colour the sound too

The 'Scarlett Studio' is a studio bundle much, so you get a true representation of the containing 3 pieces of Focusrite studio gear : sound response. The headphones translate in The 2i2 soundcard, a pair of HP60 mixes pretty well as far as headphones go, headphones, and a large diaphragm CM25 but you obviously won't be able to produce The Scarlett studio is a well rounded microphone. It also includes a USB cable to a polished masterpiece with only using these selection of studio gear which is great for connect the soundcard to your computer, as headphones (you'll need some monitors for beginners. You'll be saving yourself a lot of well as a 3m XLR cable and microphone that). But if you'll be using them to make time and money if you're looking for an entry stand attachment for the microphone. demo material, they're perfect. level soundcard, headphones and mic.

Although the box says it's a 'complete I was surprised at how good the professional recording package', to be honest microphone sounds, given the price of the you’ll still need a microphone stand and a entire package. Normally cheap condenser

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TIPS ON USING RISERS AND SWEEP EFFECTS

20 TUTORIAL By James Copeland

D

JAMES COPELAND AKA BROKEN TOY, SUPER EVIL AND SAD PARADISE IS ONE OF SA'S LEADING INTERNATIONAL PSYTRANCE PRODUCERS. KNOWN FOR HIS WICKED BASSLINES AND TWISTED LEADS, COPELAND TAKES US THROUGH THE STEPS OF CREATING A 'HOOVER' TYPE LEAD CERTAIN TO GET YOUR PRODUCTIONS ROCKING...

Picture 1: Synth rise

Picture 2: Noise sweep

ance music would hardly have any of the drama, anticipation and impact that it has without the use of risers and sweep effects.

Whether used to create subtle lifts in tracks or manic searing

intensity, each genre incorporates these essential elements in different ways to help create a journey and also, ahem, to cheerlead the dance floor to synchronised and unified beat-drop heaven.

You can slice, dice and time-stretch the excellent selection of ready-made effects available on sample packs or tailor make your own. Here are some basic tips on using them.

BUILD YOUR OWN USING A SYNTHThe main advantage to this method is the end point of the rise can be in key to the track. You can also make more complex rises or even dips where you choose, as well as gating the effect by putting in different note sequences. Choose any kind of synth with any kind of lead or pad sound you like for this, but just make sure the pitch bend up and down values are set to at least 1 or 2 octaves.

In Picture 1 you can see an 8 bar segment with a 4 bar note rising, changing to a simple sequence for 3 bars and finally holding the note for half a bar before diving into what would be the drop of the track. Under the pitch bend automation

using time delay effects like automated MORE TIPSyou can see a cc1 Modulation wheel feedback and rate on a Chorus effect or

automation which could be mapped to ! Using a sidechain effect on risers creates Phaser. The more stereo processing the

something like LFO rate for pitch or cutoff a nice pumping effect and also helps better. See Picture 2 for a basic example.

filter modulation to make the sound more create space in the mix during otherwise dynamic. LFOs that increase to extremely congested build ups.fast rates toward the end like in the !PITCH PROCESSING AUDIO If you want more impact on your drops , example can create a really intense riser. edit and cut the risers to fall silent and Taking pieces of your track - like beats ,

create some “hang time” just before. Also vocals, synths or even a bounce of your avoid reverb to make this more effective.main mix - and applying post pitch USING WHITE NOISE AS A

!processing on it can create quite a dramatic All these build ideas can also be used in RISEReffect too. If you do a vinyl style pitch shift reverse to create “downlifters” - useful

White noise is like a blank canvas on which where timing isn’t preserved you can also when transitioning into a break.you can smear effects and get results. Take a get rhythmic effects or sequences to appear ! Use combinations of all these tips and chunk as an audio file or generate it from a to speed up like the famous dub delay effect layer them as you please to create synth, use fades if necessary and get it to heard in a lot of tracks these days. something unique. “rise” using a resonant filter sweep or also

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SIMPLE BASIC STEPS TO A BETTER MIX AND MASTER

PART 1

I

22 TUTORIAL By Donovan Leon from Oaksfield College

For parts 2 & 3 of this tutorial I deal with in the mix and mastering.

Check it out at bpmmag.co.za by selecting the TUTORIALS tab.

Hope you enjoyed this technique. Happy Producing!!

Da Don

This tutorial was brought to you by Donovan Leon from Oaksfield College - JHBDONOVAN LEON is a Producer/ Engineer for DCL Studios and Sound/ Music Lecturer at Oaksfield College JHB. He has had the opportunity to worked and collab with many artists/producers such as: Loyiso Bala, Crighton Goodwill (Good Noise Studios), Robin C Khol (Jazzworx), L’loyd Cele (2010 Idol Runner up), Jamali (Popstars), CH2, Denim, Thembi Seete (Boom Shaka), Kwesta, Zubz, Sasha P (Nigeria), Ziyon (Liquid Deep), 37MPH, L-Tido, Maggs, Mandoza and many, many more.

Oakfields College: Tel: 010 591-7314 | Cell: 082 42 66 400 | Email: dclstudioz@gmail.com / jhb@oaksfieldcollege.co.za

BBM Pin: 28ED7476 | FACEBOOK: DCL. STUDIOS OR DONOVAN DA DON LEON | TWITTER: DCLSTUDIOS

have a lot of people also deals with: Panning, equalization, our overall mix better separation. asking me what is mixing reverberation, effects and sometimes Whether you are using a single and mastering and how even editing audio. Imagine a track room verb for a drum snare or does one apply this to without any of the abovementioned percussion as well as using a vocal plate his/her song? Well in this elements, it would probably sound bland, verb on a vocal, immediately we can hear 3 part tutorial I’ve put boring and 9 times of out of 10 you an improvement to the depth and together simple steps to a wouldn’t want to listen to it. distance of our mix. Be careful not to better mix and master. overdo it though, as too much depth can

make the song sound very far away PANNING THE STEREO FIELD which will lose energy and drown itself if A quick and useful way of panning our not controlled properly. But then again

WHAT IS A MIX / MIXDOWN? tracks is to imagine yourself in front of a this depends on the music you are sound stage where all of the musicians Firstly, let us understand the difference producing and how the producer wants are placed on different parts of the stage. between the two topics: Mixing and it to sound. The drummer will tend to be in the Mastering. What is mixing or a complete centre and the guitarists to the left and mixdown?

THE CUBE MIXING RULE mostly right, with the bass player Well simply put, a mixdown is the With the use of panning together with somewhere between them. process whereby the final audio of our reverb used in our track, it can help Now imagine the lead vocalist is just track gets an overall balance while finding tremendously to picture our mix down off-centre, with the backing singers to the correct space in the stereo field and as a 3D cube. Where the panning is one side. This is a hypothetical situation is ready for mastering. Think of it as a considered to be the width of the mix, of course, but you can see how a setup moulding process where we get our the depth therefore is how far we use like this would be preferable to having track to really sound great! This way a our reverb in the mix and finally the everything play dead centre. Same thing good final mixdown improves the quality elevation would be any EQ, amplitude or applies to your mix. Having certain of a finished master. delay etc used in our mix. instruments panned not only creates If we have a badly mixed track there

Having a good understanding of this space for them in the stereo field but is only so much the mastering engineer diagram helps us intuitively to correctly also allows some interest in the mix! can do to fix it, so it is very important place each and every instrument in its that we understand how to mix a song own space. With experience, lots of for the music you are producing before REVERBERATION AND DEPTH people find that this method eventually attempting to even master it. Different

IN OUR MIX becomes instinctive no matter what type types of genres require different types of of music you are mixing, and it also helps The aim of reverberation in our tracks is mixing processes.you to make critical decisions about to create a sense of depth and distance

What is in the mixing process you certain settings quick and easy. while pushing certain instrument tracks a say? Well, mixing doesn’t only mean we

bit into the background which will give adjust the faders to a desired volume, it

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HOW TO:Labeling, grouping and preparing for the mix downI’ve prepared a song I’ve mixed for a client recently which has a full arrangement of instruments and vocals. In this tutorial I’ll strip down as much as I can and explain the process of what I did to make the track better than it originally was.

1) First thing I do when I get the separate tracks (Wav. / Aiff. format) from a client is I sit down and listen to the mix a few times and get a feel of the actual song making notes along the way already of what I can do to make it sound better as well as what type of music it is and what BPM the song is in. I then identify the main audio tracks that hold the track together as well as the lead vocals of the track. Also you’ll notice I’ve edited all the spaces out.

2) Then I set my playback settings to a high latency buffer (2048) so that I avoid glitches from my audio interface and in this case we won’t be tracking any audio so latency for recording won’t be an issue.

3) Next most importantly I sit down and label each individual track and colour and group them at the same time, this makes my work flow much easier so when I’m mixing I don’t need to still find things. Drums and bass - Yellow, Instruments - Red, Vocals - Purple, FX - Blue.

4) Finally I load by aux buss tracks and print track. Not knowing how many buss tracks I’ll actually be using, I normally have my own set template for this. I then route and name all my busses, from drum buss, parallel comp, reverb, delay, instruments, etc. My print track allows me to record my bounced down audio and compare it when I’m attempting a second mix. So all I do is mute the track and when I want to hear it from time to time I just solo it and compare it to the current version of that mix. Always remember to take a break when mixing and go outside and come back as mixing for long periods of time can really be straining on your ears.

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EDUCATION

THE RESPONSIBLE ARTIST | PART 4

26 By David Maclean

C

The Unpredictable Drama of the Creative Mind HOW DO WE CELEBRATE OUR CREATIVITY, EARN A DECENT LIVING,

AND GET TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY SOCIETY AT THE SAME TIME?

E Gordon, author, boundary forge a path that takes them out of person’ will behave in ways that do not challenger, and the brain obscurity and into a career. Often the folks confirm to society’s norms of ‘good behind that facilitate other peoples’ ‘lucky break’ are behaviour’. Consequently it is assumed by www.theartofsound.co.za established professionals, who not only want many that creative people will be late, posed the question below: to see a return on their financial investment, inebriated, and unpredictable in their

but who also are not willing to take a risk performance. It is this very assumption that on recommending us to others if we are has most of the population believe that ‘Re: "The Responsible Artist", going to comprise their hard-earned there is no such thing as a career in the good read as always. However, how do you reputation and credibility. music industry, as ‘it is not a proper job’. We account for erratic behaviour, addictive

can be another generation that suffers for Therefore, responsible artists have to personality type, crises of self, narcissism and its art, or we can grow up, show up, and earn be aware that the very same creativity they chicanery (inherent in the creative industries), a decent living from our productions, have been blessed with can also be the and the unpredictable drama of the creative because the world takes us, and what we cause of their difficulty in making a success mind? These do not keep office hours or hold do, seriously.of their work. We have to find a balance etiquette in high esteem. I'm interested in your

between doing our creative thing while still Maverick and Renaissance man, David perspective.’fitting into the rest of the world and its Byrne has this to say ‘some folks believe that acceptable norms. These norms are always hardship breeds artistic creativity. I don’t buy

This is so true. However, creative people are far more conservative than we usually it. One can put up with poverty for a while still members of society who need the believe they are. when one is young, but it will inevitably wear a support and recognition of others to

person down.’As with many perceptions (versus encourage their effort and help them to reality), it is often assumed that a ‘creative

27

We’ll know that we’re doing our bit and being taken seriously when music production coexists effortlessly in society’s minds alongside medicine, law, and finance as career options for intelligent, discerning, self-respecting, and ambitious people. The reality is that tens of thousands of people are doing this across the world every day within the music industry. But, we creative and musically inclined types all need to be doing it to achieve the level of trust and recognition within society to make the positive perception sustainable. Let us not forget that listening to music is relaxing entertainment to most people; they have no idea of the level of skill and time that goes into the creation and production of the music they listen to.

The arrogance and swagger we see in many music videos does our reputation as music industry professionals no favours, because anyone who actually works in this industry knows that this portrayal couldn’t be further from the truth. It takes thousands of hours of deliberate work, to achieve the level of skill necessary to create productions that can compete on the open market. Really professional creators are in the studio or on stages working, not spending their days in coffee shops wearing very little clothing or down at the luxury car showroom.

In the same vein that many of us for our creative fires. If however one’s crises Punctuality and etiquette: without believe that ‘maths is hard’, we have of self are not in check, then they may well these, you will not achieve your goals inherited the belief that, in the creative arts, manifest as the blame, inertia, and drama through interaction with others - even in we are victims of the capitalist machine that that are all antitheses of productivity and the music industry! Busy people don’t have doesn’t understand or respect our peace of mind. time to waste if you are late for a meeting, contribution, and that we’ll never earn

or to endure a monologue about how enough to live comfortably and provide for Narcissists are exhausting. If your fantastic you are. If you’re late, inadequately those that we care about. Tell that to Black obsessive vanity makes your self-importance prepared, and inappropriately presented Coffee, Ready D, Goldfish, and countless more important than the record you’re (even in the music industry!) a discerning other South Africans whose work has producing, song you are engineering, band professional will not call you again. We all achieved significant success through their you are signing, gig you are playing, or disc want to work with discerning professionals - years of commitment and quality control. you are spinning, then your attractiveness to even in the music industry! They’ll agree that there may be easier others will be short-lived, if at all. You may

career pathways, but their success is have heard the term I-specialist? That’s If owning a sports car and being evidence that if you mean it, you’ll do it, and another word for narcissist. Don’t be a surrounded by a scantily clad harem is your reap the rewards through your stellar narcissist. It is disconnecting and unattractive, dream, that’s fine, but when you arrive for contribution. even if you think you’re awesome! work, leave that at the door because those

Narcissism and self-belief are completely that have come to work and not show off To provide more specific responses to different commodities; let us not confuse will leave you behind. CE G’s questions, let’s unpack them below:the two. Be creative, be unique, be talented, be A crisis of self is not unique to the music

Chicanery: what a great word. There on time, and be realistic! industry! If anyone can say they haven’t are times when a little chicanery is experienced this in their lives, then they are necessary to get the gig. However, incessant probably just visiting this planet. Self-doubt, For feedback, suggestions, and interaction, chicanery is a fast track to achieving a fear, and all the other self-depreciating join me on reputation for being deceitful. No one likes commentaries in our minds are completely https://twitter.com/TheMacleanBraina liar, so don’t be one. If in doubt, tell the normal. The good news is if they are truth. managed appropriately, they can be the fuel

David Maclean | A Brief Biography David Maclean is a mastering engineer, educator, writer, and business executive with two decades of experience in the music industry and tertiary education sector. David is the Director of SAE Institute in South Africa, within the SAE Group who currently has 57 campuses across the globe. David understands the attitudes and opinions of the professionals within the creative media sector, and the educators and authorities within Higher Education based upon his unusual portfolio of skills in business, education, and production.

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