Daddy’s Blog

M-Powered Pro Tools and Interfaces

I was speaking with a customer yesterday helping him to choose the right recording system for his needs. He had heard of Pro Tools and wanted to purchase the software, but was unaware that he needed an interface to run it. I showed him M-Powered Pro Tools and explained that he can choose from a number of different M-Audio interfaces for it. It turns out he needed to use software synths as well as record vocals and other instruments that required a microphone or instrument inputs.

He settled on an M-Audio oxygen 8 controller, and an M-Audio Fast Track pro USB interface. Using these interfaces in tandem, he can play software synth while recording vocals at the same time into M-Powered Pro Tools. Not bad for a system under $500!!!

M-Audio has many interfaces for Pro Tools M-Powered ranging from small 2 input USB to mixer style or key control surfaces. This allows you to mix and match to suit your needs. Daddy’s has many of these in stock including the new Profire 26/26 interface!
This interface is AWESOME and features Octane preamp technology. If you need to record your band live, you should check this one out! Daddy’s has these in stock as well.

Some other cool stuff to check out…

Go to the Digidesign website and check out the article “Raise your level to Pro Tools HD” This is excellent information on taking the step toward the worlds best non host based system. Imagine, your computer will be soooo happy because it is free to process at lightning speeds due to the fact it is not being pounded with high track counts and tons of plugins! Your sessions will never freeze and your computer will not yell at you anymore!

.. as black and white as they seem. Remo and Evans both have new drumheads out. One head is white and the other, well you guessed it, is black. They have some similarities though. The Remo Vintage Emperor drumhead is a coated white reissue of the original, and now very popular, Emperor drumhead.

It features 2 plies of 7.5 mil film (the current Emperor heads are 2 plies of 7 mil film) to increase durability and add boost the low end. This drumhead would be recommended for bringin’ the rock! Also recommended for rockin’ and also constructed from 2 plies of 7.5 mil film, Evans has the new Onyx line of drumheads.

These heads feature a matte black finish which looks cool and doesn’t show stick marks the way a glossy head does. This heavier 2 ply head also offers increased durability and low end over the popular Evan’s G2 ( 2 plies of 7 mil film) series of heads. Stop in check ‘em out.

Michael Tocker-drums

..to the comfort side. We have just received the new TAMA Hydraulix drum thrones. There are 2 models and both feature a comfortable and smooth black velvet top and easy to set hydraulic height adjustment. The HT750C features Tama’s famous wide body Ergo-Rider top. This top is a cross between a saddle and round top throne.It has subtle indentations for support and posture and cutouts for unimpeded leg movements.The hydraulic lever is located on the base of the throne and adjusts smoothly to any height quickly. A hydraulic adjustable throne adds  a slight natural bounce to your groove. This throne is pretty big but still surprisingly light.

The HT650C Round-Rider features the same Hydraulix base as the HT750C but, for those who prefer more traditional throne tops, features a smaller , but still very comfortable, round top.It too is covered in a sweet black velvet like cloth. This top may fit easier in a hardware case than the HT750C top if that is a concern.

The HT750C sells for $149.99(a small price to pay for comfort I’d say) and the HT650C sells for $139.99.Rock out with your hydraulic out.
Michael Tocker-drums

In an effort to become more recycle and  economy friendly, Sabian has released SR2 cymbals. These cymbals are available through artist loaner swaps, store consignment and inventory swaps or even regular production non defective cymbals. The SR2 stock comes from cast cymbals in the AA,AAX,HH and HHX lines. They are divided up by weight(thin,medium,heavy) and priced by size. Another words all 16″ crashes, whether they are HH,HHX,AA or AAX, are the same price. The finish has a scratched look to it , from removal of all Sabian logos, which does not affect the sound. We’ve received a mixture of SR2’s sizes and weights so far and they all sound great.

Future FAQ’S about SR2’s

Q: If I buy an SR2 cymbal will I have enough money left over for a sandwich?

A:Since SR2’s are around half the price of a regular cast cymbal you’ll  have money left for a full dining experience with drinks and maybe even a movie with someone special.

Q:Will my friends/band mate’s make fun of me if I show up at a gig with some SR2’s?

A: Chances are if they made fun of you before they still will, but not because of  the SR2’s.

Supply of SR2’s is limited and is contingent on stock available to Sabian at the time.Stop in and check ‘em out.

Michael Tocker-drums