M-Audio / AirMusicTech release IGNITE V.1.2.1

Good morning folks

M-Audio / AirMusicTech have released another *minor* update to IGNITE - they are now at V.1.2.1

More info......... click here .......

..or this link

http://community.airmusictech.com/airmusictech/topics/ignite_version_v1_2_1_update_available

Gibson RIP - Echo Audio Software and UPDATING to Firmware V.5.80

While I was "in the mood" for performing updates;  I checked in with ECHO-AUDIO to see if any updated drivers / firmware were released for the Gibson RIP interface; (Robot Interface Pack - aka RIP) for my Dusk Tiger.

http://echoaudio.com/pages/windows-drivers

The GIBSON website is *AWFUL* and is RARELY updated with newer packages, so its' best to do this yourself.

Listed, there was an update from January 2013 - Version 5.8...  I was running the previous version 5.7.x (from Jan 2012), so time for an update.... me thinks !!!

"In case you are wondering, the RIP is a product of Echo Digital Audio, which introduced its first sound card for PCs over 20 years ago.   The company now makes a complete line of audio interfaces for Mac and Windows computers; RIP can run concurrently with other Echo Digital Audio devices (..or for that matter - any ASIO interface) if you want to expand the total amount of inputs and outputs."

The Gibson RIP interface (Firewire 400) is mainly used (in conjunction) with the Gibson Robot Software bundles such as the Gibson Chameleon Tone Editor, modifying presets, tone, 4 band EQ and tunings, and for performing firmware upgrade of the guitar itself !

Nice video here >>>>>  Gibson Chameleon Editor - VIDEO

The Robot Interface Pack (RIP) can send all "Dusk Tiger" signals (magnetic pickups, piezo pickup, and hex pickup) into the computer for recording purposes, or directly out for live performances.

PLEASE NOTE : There are TWO versions of the RIP interface - one with POWER / CHARGING (For the Gibson DARK FIRE) - and one without POWER / CHARGING (Indicated by a BLUE dot on the bottom of the UNIT);

The one with the BLUE dot is for the DUSK TIGER - as the battery pack is removable and chargeable using the supplied BATTERY CHARGER (and two batteries);  whereas the DARK FIRE required the guitar to be plugged in (to be charged for use).

It's very cool actually !!!!!!!!

Anyway................  head over to Echo - and download the latest software pack v.5.8

1) Download and run the "SetupEchoFireWire_5.8.exe"

2) Once updated - run the "Echo Firewire Console" - and choose the "SETTINGS" tab, and then "ABOUT.."

You can choose "Copy to Clipboard" and save these details for later.

Here is my RIP - with version 5.8 software - but you will notice that the FIRMWARE (ARM firmware) is still an older version - e.g. Version 5.7.3)

WDM driver 5.8
ASIO driver 5.8
Console 5.8.1
ARM firmware 5.7.3
FPGA 1.0.5

3) So, we need to update the RIP firmware - OK?

- Open Echo Firewire Console - Settings, ABOUT - and choose "Update RIP"

The device will run through a number of firmware steps (Check, Erase, Write // Verify)

When FIRMWARE is upgraded - power off / power on RIP

4) Now - Open "Echo Firewire Console" - Settings, ABOUT.......

Your RIP should now be ARM firmware version 5.8 to match the Firewire Console Version e.g. 5.8

WDM driver 5.8
ASIO driver 5.8
Console 5.8.1
ARM firmware 5.8
FPGA 1.0.5

..and a nice little screenshot (HAPPY DAYS !) - another day, another firmware upgrade..........

DAW furniture - modification

So, I spent some time designing how best to accommodate the AXIOM AIR 25 within the current DAW furniture design;

I really liked the idea of adding a large sliding drawer which could hold the controller / keyboard (when in use) but could be packed away when it wasn't needed.

The inspiration came from a CAKE !  Add a layer, and move everything upwards !

We hit the local hardware stores, purchased the wood, rails and bits - and set to work !!!!  A few hours later - and our work was done.... ! *GRIN*

I'm really pleased with the results - see the updated Page for pictures.

http://sixstringzuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/home-studio-gallery.html

M-Audio / AirMusicTech release IGNITE V.1.2

New version of IGNITE v.1.2 RELEASED

BUG FIXES // Support for some of the newer AKAI and Alesis controller keyboards

What's NEW in IGNITE v.1.2?

..or click on the link below - and choose the Documents LINK from the right hand side of the webpage.

http://www.airmusictech.com/product/ignite

HOWEVER - 

We are still waiting for the HYPERCONTROL for ProTools

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.hypercontrol&prod=axiomair

Supported DAWs

• Ableton Live - Coming Soon
  
• Pro Tools - Under Development
  
• Cubase - Available Now (click here)
  
• Apple Logic Pro 9 - Available Now (click here)

Studiospares S580 Dynamic Hypercardioid Vocal / Instrument Microphone

Some time ago, I was given a paper / printed edition copy of MusicTech magazine (http://www.musictech.net/)- which is a monthly specialist magazine for producers, engineers and recording musicians.

Over time, I had found myself reading the same issue over and over, each time learning something new;  it really is an enjoyable read.

This month, I decided to become a subscriber to the magazine - and looked into a 12 month sub.  Nowadays, often, magazine's offer some kind of introductory special offer / free gift etc.  and I was quite surprised to find that MusicTech were offering a nice vocal / instrument microphone*1 for anybody signing up for 12 months of magazine subs.  Namely, the Studiospares S580 Dynamic Hypercardioid Vocal / Instrument Microphone. *1 - UK customers only.

Was this some cheap gimmick?



Was the free gift actually any good?

Well according to reviews I've seen on the music forums - YES the S580 is a good mic !  I've personally not tried it out yet - as I don't have any spare cables...........  but will post my comments soon.

I don't currently own a vocal mic / instrument mic - but  I was contemplating purchasing one  for capturing the occasional acoustic performance, and some vocals;

Of course, I was looking at the "industry standard" SHURE SM58 - which [by all accounts] is the "go to..." unidirectional (cardioid) microphone..... and a top choice for vocalists.

Whilst the Studiospares S580 is deemed as a "CLONE" of the Shure SM58 - quality is comparable.......   I read a number of comments where SM58 owners had A/B'd the S580 / SM58 - and achieved the look and sound but at HALF the cost.

If you were to purchase an SM58 - they retail around £140 GBP - with the Studiospares S580 coming in at around 65% cheaper.  £50 GBP.

On both - the frequency response is tailored - with brightened mid range and bass rolloff.

Build quality seems excellent on the S580...................  and for my occasional use - it is unlikely to get abused.

Long story - short.......................GET A GREAT MAG AND A SUPERB FREE GIFT !  

1. you get a great magazine / printed copy and delivered to your door
2. you also get the "digital subscription version" to read on your computer / tablet / phone etc.................
3. PLUS you get a pretty damn good microphone - which is worth about £50.........

If you sign up for Direct Debit subs - the cost for 12 months is £53.90 - so with the *FREE GIFT* of the microphone - that makes your 12 x printed copies work out at £3.90 / 12 = which is around £0.33 pence per magazine copy.  #NOBRAINER

Some conditions apply - but if you are signing up for 12 months anyway - you get to keep the GIFT, and you get a great mag.

If you are interested in this offer - clicky LINKY below with the relevant promotion code filled in.  I don't work for the magazine,  but I did want to share this great offer with you all !  

http://anthem.subscribeonline.co.uk/home/music-tech-magazine?offerCode=GIFTWEB13

Would love to hear comments from owners of BOTH - SM58 / S580

How do they compare? Post your views.............

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure :-

S580 // Storage bag // Mic Stand adapter with standard 5/8" thread, but also includes a 3/8" thread adapter

No surprises - XLR cable not supplied.......

Package in the mail from Grovers !

My postman just turned up on my doorstep with a small envelope sent from the United States...

The envelope was marked "Grovers Tuners"............  so excitedly I opened the package.

As promised, the helpful chap from Grovers "honoured" his promise, and has sent me 11 x new / replacement screws for my locking tuners !  I only need six, but I guess there are a few overs just in case........

As an added bonus- they also threw in a nice little credit card sized / die cut - 4 x picks.......

As I always say...........  you can NEVER have too many picks !

KUDOS to the guys at Grovers for replacing those ridiculously soft screws with new ones !

Setting up the AXIOM AIR 25

So there is nothing more satisfying than opening a box with your new "thing" inside it......

For me, yesterday was all about setting up the AXIOM AIR 25........  and getting hands-on with it.

..but before the FUN can begin - you have to do some work first.....

Namely.......

1) Register your Controller / Keyboard to obtain the M-Audio (AirMusicTech) IGNITE software Download.     REGISTER at http://www.airmusictech.com/download-ignite

When you have completed registration - the software download LINK is emailed to you.

The version of IGNITE that I received was Version 1.1.1 (This requires you to FIRSTLY update the Firmware of your AIR 25 to Version 1.1 Firmware).  IGNITE is quite a large download around 860MB.......  and supplied as a single ZIP file.

2) From the M-AUDIO website - you will also need.............

• Device Drivers for Windows (Version 1.0.2[PC])
• FIRMWARE Update (Version 1.1)
• NOTE : There are TWO versions x86 (32 bit) and x64 (64 Bit) Firmware Upgrading tools.  Make sure you download the right one for your OS.
• *OPTIONAL*
          - Any software updates (e.g. Hypercontrol for CUBASE);  this is not required for IGNITE or ProTools.  (At this moment in time, you cannot use the AIR with Pro|Tools easily - as there are no HyperControl bundles);  As of June 2013 - these are still "under development" with no release date.  http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.hypercontrol&prod=axiomair

GO TO the Download Page at M-AUDIO

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=support&tab=driver&serie_ID=3&PID=d13006393e7d9f4fdfcede688c9448f4&x=8&y=11#tabs

As I'm using Windows 7 for my DAW - I downloaded the following (as shown in the PICTURE below).

So, the steps I followed.

1. Connect the AIR 25 to a *spare USB port*
2. Install the Windows Drivers
3. Run the FIRMWARE Update v.1.1 - and then follow these steps...
1. After the firmware update has completed, close the Firmware Updater.
2. Manually reset the Axiom AIR keyboard by following these steps:
3. a. Turn off the Axiom AIR keyboard power.
4. b. While simultaneously holding down both OCTAVE UP / DOWN buttons (located above Pitch and Mod wheels), turn on the Axiom AIR keyboard.
5. c. Continue to hold down both OCTAVE buttons until you see “Full Reset” on the Axiom AIR display, then release both buttons.
6. d. Wait for the Axiom AIR to cycle through a complete factory reset (this typically takes 7-10 seconds). The Axiom AIR display will briefly say “Done!”
4. Install IGNITE v.1.1.1

Run IGNITE and have fun !

There are some pretty good TUTORIAL videos available from the "HOME" screen of IGNITE...  click the BLUE ICON for Video Tutorials.

More to come soon !

Quick Update on the "soft screws" problem - Grovers Locking Tuners

Do you remember the problem I mentioned with the "soft screws" that were supplied with the Grover Locking Tuners?

...well, I finally had an email reply from a nice chap @ Grovers !

My initial email was not received (apparently, *cough*)

..anyway - I resent the email, and within a few hours - I had a reply from Grovers - asking me for my postal address.

So, fingers crossed - a nice set of replacement screws will be with me very soon !!

Will keep you posted.

M-AUDIO Axiom AIR 25 - released, ordered and delivered TODAY ! (UPDATED)

Wow, well my sources were right !  The AIR 25 came into stock at a number of UK based musical instrument, recording, production and DJ stores !!!!

I placed an order yesterday evening (21st May 2013) and the AIR 25 was delivered to me (TODAY) by courier.

After a little shopping around - I found the best deal at West End DJ - website -  

http://www.westenddj.co.uk/

£229 GBP + Free Shipping..........  that is a whole £20 cheaper than ANYBODY else !!!!

Have to say I'm impressed with the speed and efficiency with which my order was processed;  never used these guys before - and I'll definitely use them again............. first impressions are excellent !!!!

The AIR 25 arrived nicely packaged - in a large outer box;  with the M-Audio packaging / box inside of that.  Pictures below.

My working day is nearly over - so I can take the AIR 25 for a trial run.

The picture below does not show the full "beauty" of this unit;  it is a high-gloss white with a mirrored central panel (with the transport controls);  You can see the size of the controller keyboard - e.g. compared to the size of the included software on a CD (Ableton Live).

IMPORTANT NOTE : *You DO NOT get PROTOOLS EXPRESS with the AIR 25 (25 key) as was previously stated*.

According to the M-Audio website - only the 49 and 61 key versions will ship with PT Express;  the AIR 25 gets Ableton Lite !!!!

The other software wonder is IGNITE - which you have to download from the Air Music Tech Website (following registration).

http://www.airmusictech.com/download-ignite

Grover Locking Tuners Upgrade - Part 2

In part 1 - I had prepared my Yamaha Pacifica 112X (PAC112X) ready to start fitting the new GROVER tuners;

Grovers Mini Locking Rotomatic Tuners (6 in a line!) version....... (Website Link below)

https://www.grotro.com/Grover/2154a941-6e5d-484f-a28c-2640779e7038/LOCKING-ROTOMATICS/Mini-Locking-Rotomatics-406-Series

The Model is 406-C6.  

The first thing to notice about the Grover Tuners is that they DO NOT have any locating pins.

The original Yamaha Tuners have two "locating" posts which help align the original tuners with the pre-drilled holes on the back of the headstock - making removal / re-fitting easy;

Unfortunately, not so easy with the Grovers !!!!  See pic. below.

The Grovers are SINGLE SCREW MOUNTED......AND THE SCREWS ARE VERY SOFT!!!!!!!  

Also in the pic - you can see the provided WASHER and BUSHING (per tuner).

Firstly - I perform a DRY FIT of all 6 Tuners onto the head-stock;  using "finger tightened" bushings. 

Don't over tighten (finger tight only)

You only need the tuners to "hold" in place while you flip the guitar over to mark the screw holes (one per tuner).

With the holes marked - you can now remove the tuners again (remove all 6)

To drill the small PILOT holes needed for the screws - I used my MINILOR (Dremel tool) with a 1mm drill bit (this is a very fine drill bit) - slightly narrower than the screw width - and make sure you only drill to slightly less deeper than the length of the screw.

CAUTION : IF you drill too deep - you'll end up drilling out the front of the headstock.  Please take care.

The provided SCREWS in the Grover's set are approx

1.5mm (0.15cm) (0.060" INCH) SCREW WIDTH 

SCREW LENGTH is around 9.7mm (0.97cm) (3/8" INCH in old money!)

As the screws are still a little wider than the pilot hole - I  firstly coat the screw thread in VASELINE (White Petroleum Jelly) to help the screw into the wood.

Using a good quality screwdriver - and appropriately SIZED.........  you will need a Philips head - screw the fixing home !

JUST A WARNING - THE SCREWS ARE VERY SOFT!!!!!!!

To be honest - I'm not happy with the quality of the metal / material used for the supplied screws;  and I'll be complaining to Grover's about it.

Cheap screws make me soooooooooooo mad !!!

(REPEAT the process for the other tuners)

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

CLOSING THOUGHTS

As you probably noticed, I mentioned the supplied screws are VERY SOFT !!!    I intend to write to Grover's and ask them about it.

If you are worried about that - you may want to get some better quality screws from your favourite guitar store or luthier.

I noticed a few folks on the Stew Mac shop complained about the same thing....  and they used replacement tuner screws (which colour match the chrome, and are of a higher quality metal).

Have a look at user comments (link below)........

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Tuner_parts/Replacement_Tuner_Screws.html

Well - that CONCLUDES my Tuner Upgrade article.........  Hope you guys find it useful?

Leave a comment if you wish............

Goodies have arrived..........

My parcel from Musikhaus Thomann's has just arrived with my order; about 4 days from Germany to the UK.

I've never used Thomann's before - but they were quite keen on their prices for the GROVER'S;  so I placed an order with them (and for some string sets!).

The box was well packaged, and all items were present and correct !   That's a good start in my book.

Here's what we have......

Some nice *FREE* Planet Waves picks in the D'Addario string set...... 3 pack

Mostly medium gauge........  but you can never have too many picks !!!!!

Authentic TOUR Picks from Joe Satriani, Mark Tremonti, Motorhead etc.

Yamaha Pacifica 112X CLEAN, CONDITION and PREP for Grover Locking Tuners Upgrade - Part 1

We all know how important it is to look after your instruments. 

It's been a while since I stripped my Pacifica down for a darrrrrrrn good clean..........  so after removing the old strings, I started by cleaning the rosewood fretboard with isopropyl (ISO-P) alcohol wipes............  to remove any built up grime and grunge..........

CLEAN

There seems to be some differences of opinion on this topic of cleaning a rosewood fretboard;  some folks use ISO-P wipes or liquid / spray onto a cloth - whilst another 'school of thought' seems to suggest that lighter fluid (Naphtha?) might do the trick just as well?

I've never used Naphtha on a fretboard *ever* - surely it would leave a nasty residue?  Whereas ISO-P wipes are pure // will evaporate quickly and leave no residue, right?

CONDITION

Once that was done - I applied some Planet Waves Lemon Oil onto a small fine microfibre cloth (the type used to clean your sunglasses!) and gave the fretboard the treatment.  You really don't need too much of the product;  use it sparingly..... remember Lemon Oil is a CONDITIONER *not a cleaner*

A little goes a long way..............  as they say !

Finally, I cleaned the body, neck and headstock with some Jim Dunlop Formula 65 polish and buffed to a shine.  This stuff is great - and the more frequently you use it, the better; as each application leaves a micro layer of protection preventing stain build ups.

UPGRADE THE TUNERS?

While my guitar was on the bench - I decided to remove the original Yamaha OEM tuners;  as I had already decided to replace them with Locking Tuners............

After some researching - I opted for Grover's Mini Rotomatic Locking Tuners. (6 in a line) 406-C6 in Chrome.  These tuners have an 18:1 Gear Ratio, are fully enclosed - and guaranteed for life !  They also have mini-buttons to allow for more finger room.

Locking tuners give you all the benefits of standard Rotomatic Tuners (PLUS the added bonus of positive locking by the Grover's internal cam post.)

Why do you need them?
Locking tuners help to speed up string changes and prevent de-tuning // tuning drifts - often associated with poor machine heads or incorrectly fitted / wound strings leading to string slippage.  

How do they work?
Insert your string through the string hole, pull to tension by hand, and start to tune-up your guitar.

As you begin tuning, only the locking cam in the string post turns. The string post begins to turn once the string is locked.  In under one string post revolution, you'll be in tune......... and you'll stay in tune.  *well hopefully*

Original Tuners Removed (FRONT)

Tuners Removed (REAR)

Check out part 2............  fitting the Locking Rotomatics (http://sixstringzuk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/grover-locking-tuners-upgrade-part-2.html).

M-AUDIO Axiom AIR 25 - most wanted !!!!

I've been looking to add a USB hybrid MIDI controller keyboard / pad (with transport controls) to my ProTools system for a while now........

At the Summer NAMM 2012; M-AUDIO announced their new range of controller keyboards - the AXIOM AIR product range...... and I was excited to learn about the new "Ignite" software that would ship with every AIR unit.

Designs have changed since Summer NAMM - and only the AIR MINI 32 made it to market.  (This is a bit too small for my needs!)

So, today - April 2013 - and still no  release of the 25 key, 49 key or 61 key versions........

I'm reliably informed that the AIR 25 will be shipping *very soon* to re-sellers in the UK - and is likely to drop mid-May 2013.

The design has changed since the Summer NAMM first "prototypes"?............  but functionally - the 25 key unit is very close to the original spec.  (Except the unit is now White, and not BLACK!) ...and has more PADS !!  It will ship with the "Ignite" software, in addition to "Pro Tools Express". *EDITED 22nd May 2013 (The AIR 25 *DOES NOT* ship with Pro Tools Express, only the 49 and 61 key versions of the AXIOM AIR)...  instead you get a CD with Ableton Live...  PLUS you have to download the IGNITE application which is not too bad as a mini-DAW app!

While we are waiting for the mid-MAY 2013 release date - here are some photographs to drool over !

Price will be around £229 GBP (UK pounds) from most online stores.

More info. from the M-AUDIO website
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/AxiomAIR25.html

ProTools 11 - Everything you wanted to know....

The guys over at Pro-Tools-Expert / airusersblog have uploaded a great video (about 45 minutes) which summarises the new features in ProTools 11.

If you are a Pro Tools user - you really should subscribe to their YouTube Channel;  

Right now, I am running PT 10.4 on the x86 PC platform - but I am seriously considering moving to PT 11 when it becomes available.

Kudos to the guys at Pro-Tools-Expert - AirUsersBlog!!!

http://www.pro-tools-expert.com/

Watch it in the player below... on watch on YouTube........

My Home Studio Setup and the guitars.............

Home Studio Setup :

See the TAB - "Home Studio - Gallery" - or click the link below.....

http://sixstringzuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/home-studio-gallery.html

Custom built DAW Workstation Furniture

Windows 7 x86 Laptop

Avid / Digidesign Eleven Rack (11R) with Eleven Rack Expansion Pack (ERXP) - as primary AUDIO interface

Behringer FCB1010 [with EUREKA PROM]

Avid ProTools 10.4 

Pair of Mackie MR5Mk2's Active Monitors

The guitars..... (click LINK below for the gallery!)

http://sixstringzuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-guitars-gallery.html

Gibson Les Paul DT

Yamaha Pacifica PAC112X

Fender Semi-Acoustic Vince Ray Unlucky 13

Takamine EG345c 12 String Electro-Acoustic