So the place where I create my music and recordings is called OddioWorx. It is a separate room set up in my home for the simple purpose of self-entertainment. But seriously folks, just wanted to share my gear with you, and give you a bit of insider's scoop into the world of 1Dray.
First up, I have an old outboard mixer that has been a staple now for over 20 years! Yes..20 years! The Mackie Micro Series 1202 has been with me from my old analog recordings all the way into the digital age. In the past, I've used this workhorse for live venues, DJ mixes, and for recording mic inputs for multiple singers. Currently I use it for it's warm analog inputs for my vocals, for recording multiple singers, and for adding live effects. If has a few scuff marks, but until this thing totally blows up, it's still a great device.
In order to get my analog sounds to my computer, I use one of the most tried and true converters on the market---the M-Audio Fast Track Pro. I love this piece of gear so much, that when the old one blew a circuit, I went online to find a new one. It converts sounds so smoothly, and I've rarely had a hitch with this device. It also is a great sound device for my computer, and everything comes through crystal clear. I especially like the input connection from my mixer to the Fast Track. You have to be careful when recording that sweet spot, because the inputs are really sensitive to extreme loudness. But once you find your input balance, this baby works nicely! I also use it to connect my MIDI keyboard and direct mic inputs. Can't say enough about the simplicity and efficiency of this audio interface.
Is there really such thing as a band in a box---And can that band have incredible sounding mixers, compressors, reverb, and drum machines built right in? I can answer that with a resounding Yep!!---And the name of this incredible computer DAW (digital audio workstation) is called Propellerhead Reason! Now for those who don't know, Reason has been around since December of 2000 and there have been many updates and changes to the software since then. I believe it is now upgraded to version 9, and one day I may take the plunge and upgrade to the new bells and whistles. But for yours truly---I still use the still-running-smoothly version 4.5. I cannot tell you how much this software has meant to my productions. With Reasons I have been able to create new sounds, movie tracks, a variety of genres of music, and I am still finding a variety of ways to grow with this version. Reasons has allowed me to create most of the tunes and sounds used for 1Dray Productions, so you know I am 100% proud to endorse such a solid DAW!
For years I had recorded most of my tracks using a pair of Nady live speakers. I didn't understand the importance of monitor speakers, until I started to educate myself on the purpose of getting speakers designed for home recording. I was truly blessed one day to walk into a pawn shop to find two lightly dusted Behringer Truth monitor speakers sitting on the shelf beckoning me to take them home. You talk about the difference between night and day with my recordings. I had gone too long with the wrong kind of speakers! Yes I had learned to survive with what I had, but purchasing dedicated monitor speakers is a top priority for any home recording enthusiasts. You can skimp on a lot of things in the recording world---but not here! Monitor speakers will give you the best audio sense of what your mixes will sound like, and you should do yourself a favor and find a pair that you can swoop up NOW! Hands down one of the best investments you can make!
For my separate mixing and post production, I use a high-end software called Steinberg's Nuendo 4. Nuendo is now updated to version 7, and even on sale at Sweetwater or Amazon, the software will run you from $1200 - $1800! Yikes! For the brave of heart, it is packed with some of the most rich-sounding effects, the ability to add tons of plugins, and the ability to mix and edit video and film. You can find Nuendo's more affordable cousin, Cubase for more direct audio production. I have used Nuendo 3 and Nuendo for and I enjoy the flawless design, quick workflow, and the ability to rewire Nuendo to Reasons. Although there are a lot of online choices of plugins, the Nuendo stock plugins are excellent! I often use the stock compressors, reverb, delay effects, and equalizers to get the sound I enjoy!
Well, besides wires, cables, my computer, and my bongo drums, that's the simplicity and the heart of OddioWorx studio. Remember it's not about the amount of gear that you own, it's about whats being used at the right time you use it!
Dray
Well, besides wires, cables, my computer, and my bongo drums, that's the simplicity and the heart of OddioWorx studio. Remember it's not about the amount of gear that you own, it's about whats being used at the right time you use it!
Dray