Issue #1
Joe Meek ProChannel VC3
The ProChannel VC3 is a mic pre-amp/compressor/enchancer all rolled
into a half rack sized box. To me it is the perfect addition to my
home studio. It not only gives me great sound for instruments I
want to plug right into my computer, but it improves my input sounds
on my 4-track as well.
Joe Meek is a California company whose full line of compressors
and mic pre-amps are based on designs originally used by Joe
Meek. He was a British producer/engineer who built all of his
own studio electronics. Joe died in the late 60's and his designs
were preserved by his friend Ted Fletcher
Although some of Joe Meek's devices can get quite spendy, the VC3
is relatively inexpensive. If possible, look for the VC2, which is out
of production but offers some nice input meters not available on
the VC3
Lucas Arts - Jedi Knight : Dark Forces 2
I'm sure most of you are familiar with this already, but I'm having
a blast playing with it. Once I got the light saber I was hooked.
The design is similar to Quake/Doom, but there are many new ideas
used here such as underwater scenes that make your stomach turn.
The other night I started playing around 9pm and it was 5am before
I broke out of my game haze. I'm not even much of a game player but
I'm addicted.
My Mac friends are pissed as usual about having to wait for its
release.
Turtle Beach
Pinnicle/Project Studio Sound Card
I've had this soundcard for about 5 months and it has been great.
Now I just got an upgrade which added a separate digital I/O card
and a second Kurzweil synth card for a total of 64 killer voices.
I have had some technical problems and their customer support sucks,
but the sound is so good it makes up for it.
The sequencer upgrade that came with it is also excellent. It is
the Voyetra Digital Orchestrator Pro. This easy to use program
allows you to easily control your midi and digital seamlessly from
one interface. I hate to read manuals and this program allowed
me to get to work without opening a book. How's that for laziness?
Pickle Jar
Voice Processor
Friends of mine have known about my infatuation with this device
for over 10 years. The first time I was caught using one I was
the object of jokes for weeks. To me this is what makes the
Mountain Singer sound. I just put a Shure SM-58 into an empty
pickle jar and turn up a little midrange eq to emphasize the
sound. Unfortunately you can't use this on stage. The feed back
would be painful.