Buying Guide

Virtual Instruments Buying Guide Virtual Instruments Topics: » What is a Virtual Instrument? » An Improvement over the Originals » What is a Plug-in? » VIs Versus Plug-in Processors » Types of Virtual Instruments » Choosing your Computer » Plug-in and Stand-alone » Using Virtual Instruments Live » Plug-in Formats Explained » What is ReWire? » What to Look For in a Virtual Instrument What is a Virtual Instrument? A virtual instrument (VI) is software that takes advantage of...
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Microphone Buying Guide There are many supercardioid, and dynamic mics. Proximity effect causes bass frequencies to become more pronounced as the sound source moves closer to the mic. This is desirable for singers who “work the mic” to create effects. A recording engineer might select a mic with a strong proximity effect for close miking an instrument...
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MIDI Controllers Buying Guide MIDI Controllers Topics: » What Is a Keyboard Controller? » Faders and Buttons and Knobs, Oh My! » Using a Keyboard Controller in Live Performance » Keyboard Action Types » Keyboard Controllers with Audio Interfaces: Do I Need One? » Alternatives to the Standard Keyboard » What to Look For in a Keyboard Controller MIDI keyboard controllers have become an important part of the music-making process...
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Audio Interfaces Buying Guide Audio Interfaces Topics: » What is an audio interface? » “Why isn’t my computer’s built-in sound card sufficient?” » Inputs and Outputs » Audio Interfaces for Pro Tools » Computer Compatibility » Connectivity » Software control » Do bit depth and sample rate matter? » What to look for… The world of audio interfaces can be a little overwhelming. With all the different input and output configurations, not to mention...
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