INSTRUMENTS
I have four guitars. One 6-string electro-acoustic guitar (brand: Seagull), one 12-string electro-acoustic guitar (brand: Takamine), one Fender electric guitar and one Cort bass guitar.
SEAGULL S6
Electro-Acoustic Guitar
This is the first serious guitar I've ever owned. As an acoustic guitar, the sound is warm and nice. Its cutaway shape allows for an easy access to the highest notes. The neck is rather wide, which is perfect for my large fingers. Its body is well-balanced and it does not lean forward when carried with a shoulder strap. It is rather light and the body is not too large, which makes it comfortable to play, either when sitting or standing.
It's perfect to play with during friendly parties. On the down side, the neck is slightly rough, preventing the hand from sliding smoothly, as it would on an electric guitar for instance. Bar chords are also a bit more difficult to achieve than with an electric guitar because the strings are more tense, and after a while, I get a cramp in the left palm :-)
FENDER STRATOCASTER AMERICAN DELUXE
Electric Guitar
I had previously owned an electric guitar of an unknown brand (some cheap imitation of a Stratocaster) and I can tell you that the difference is huge. The genuine Stratocaster from Fender has obvious qualities. It is relatively light and very well-balanced, the shape of the body allows for a very easy access to the highest notes, the neck is very comfortable and the hand can easily slide on it. It feels immediately easy to play with it, as soon as you try it.
The sound is typical from Fender, that is to say it is crystal clear. I love to play with it, and it is the guitar I pick to compose my songs, 90% of the time. During rehearsals, that's the only one I bring along. Very versatile, it allows to play ballads with a clean sound as well as hard rock. The "crunch" sounds are my favorite sounds, and the Stratocaster is perfect to obtain them. I chose a Chrome Silver robe for my guitar, as shown on the photograph.
TAKAMINE TAN16C12
Electro-Acoustic Guitar
I bought this guitar several years after buying the Seagull and the first contact was a shock. I had never played a 12-string guitar before and I entered a new sound dimension. Thanks to the 12 strings, the sound is rich, dense but also clean. Played with a pick, this guitar offers a very powerful sound, way louder than the Seagull's. That is a bit of a problem in my appartment, as the neighbors take full advantage of what I play! On the other hand, the sound is great!
It takes a while to get used to playing it. At first, it's difficult to hold the bar chords properly because of the 12 strings. It gets tiring very quickly. Comparatively, my 6-string electro-acoustic Seagull guitar seems easy to use. There are 6 pairs of strings, and it also takes some time to get used to that special feature, in order to really take advantage of the rich harmonics this guitar provides.
Like my Seagull, its cutaway body shape allows for an easy access to the higher noter, even though not as easy as with the Seagull. The neck is wide and the hand easily slides. A tuner is embedded in the guitar body, which is very convenient. The manufacture quality is excellent and the strings provided with the guitar are good as well. Unfortunately, this guitar model is not available everywhere (I could not find it in France) and I had to order it in Germany (at Thomann's). I do not regret this purchase, even though I cannot play it as much as I would like to because of its powerful sound...
CORT ACTION BASS
Electric Bass Guitar
This is my first bass guitar, so I cannot really compare it to anything, but I must say I'm pretty satisfied with it. It's a down-market model from a good brand, and alhough it does have flaws, it suits me fine. I am not a bass player but I wanted to buy a bass guitar to play with my songs, without using synth basses or samples. So I chose an unexpensive but good model. The sound is warm, round and soft.
Concerning the flaws, the strings tend to quiver when you play and you have to be careful to prevent that from happening. Luckily, you don't hear it in the recordings. Another issue is that the strings are mounted high and the gap between the neck and the strings is rather big in the middle. Maybe that could be fixed by adjusting the neck? Nevertheless, the sound quality and the cheap price of this bass guitar make it worth buying (less than 250 euros).
EMU XBOARD 25
Keyboard
I use this small 2-octave master keyboard (25 keys, from C to C) from EMU. It does not bear any sounds, but allows me to play with sounds picked from my sound software (synths within Sonar from Cakewalk). This USB keyboard is compatible with Sonar and is very convenient thanks to its small size. Enough for my needs.
HARDWARE
I use a PC for my recordings. On this PC, I connect an Edirol audio interface, an M-Audio preamplifier, two Shure microphones and I use a pair of active audio monitors from Event Electronics.
EDIROL FA-101
Audio Interface
After spending years with PCs equipped with various Sound Blaster sound cards, I found out that those cards are great for playing video games or watching movies, but are completely retarded as for serious sound recording and mixing at a professional, or semi-professional level. The design quality, the quality of the components designed for the sound recording or sound reproduction, are far more advanced in dedicated audio interfaces than in Sound Blaster-like cards. It is definitely another world, that you cannot be aware of unless you start getting interested in it... which compels you to learn a whole bunch of new notions about sound, frequencies, signal-to-noise ratios, phantom power, firewire and XLR sockets, line and microphone entry level, etc, etc. This is confusing at first, but once you get into it, you view things differently, and the concepts of "recording" and even "sound quality" take a different meaning.
After comparing many interfaces, I finally decided to buy the Edirol FA-101. It is not the best sound card out there, but the quality/price ratio was rather good and it does its job correctly.
I plug my guitars and microphones into it, and it trustfully records what I feed it with. It allows me to simultaneously plug up to eight microphones or instruments with analog jacks, which goes beyond my actual needs. It is small enough so that I can carry it away with me and it can be used without a computer, which is rather convenient to record a rehearsal for instance. Just plug everyone in, add a sound recorder at the other end and there you go!
As for the flaws, the two microphone preamplifiers are usable, but pretty weak. It is recommended to add an external preamplifier to compensate this issue. Otherwise, it's a good machine. I can get low latency (5ms and even less if needed) within Sonar, and the drivers are very stable with Windows XP. I haven't tried it with Windows Vista or Windows Seven.
Alesis IO/2
Audio Interface
This audio interface is slightly smaller than the Edirol FA-101. It has two inputs (jack and XLR, for instruments or microphones) and two outputs, as well as phantom power. The Alesis IO/2 plugs into a PC (or a Mac) through a USB port. I use it along with a laptop computer. You don't need to plug it into an outlet, as it's powered from the USB port. The preamplifiers of this interface are very good, much better than those of the Edirol FA-101, so it isn't necessary to add an external preamplifier to get a decent sound level.
M-AUDIO AUDIO BUDDY
Pre-Amplifier
The purpose of this object is to amplify the sound from a microphone when recording it. Without it, the sound volume would be too low. This is a very cheap preamplifier, probably one of the most unexpensive you can find.
You can simultaneously plug two microphones (or instruments) and it provides phantom power for static microphones. Anything a home studio user may need. And I actually appreciate it. It's unexpensive, it does not generate any noise and it correctly amplifies sound.
With more experience, I realize that it has flaws. It is so "transparent" that it does not warm up the recorded sound, but on the other hand, it does produce a neutral sound, a bit flat though. Anyway, this 100 euro piece of equipment cannot compete against professional tube preamplifiers that can cost several thousand euros! Unfortunately, I can't afford that!
SHURE SM57 and SHURE SM58
Microphones
For voice recordings, I use two microphones: the highly versatile Shure SM57 (drums, instruments, vocals) and the Shure SM58, a very solid microphone, often used on stage. These microphones are not the best ones for recording vocals, but they get the job done. My home studio is not sound-proof, so I cannot use a static microphone. If I did, I would get all the ambiant sounds, like the humming of my PC, dogs barking in the house next door or neighbors flushing the toilets above!
EVENT ELECTRONICS TR8
Near-field monitors
These are active monitoring speakers. They don't need to be plugged into an amplifier like hi-fi speakers, because they have their own amplifier. You just plug them into a mains outlet and connect an audio source into it (CD player, audio interface...) through jack or XLR connectors. Unlike hi-fi speakers, monitoring speakers were created for recording studios, and their sound curve is as flat as can be in order to not enhance some frequencies that would prevent from mixing correctly.
Therefore, these speakers have a more analytic -yet better- sound than hi-fi speakers. Sounds are more detailed, qualities and defects alike. Some CDs suffer from this because you can distinctly hear the poor quality of the recording. On the other hand, well-produced musics benefit from these speakers, and you can hear details in the music that you would not hear on normal speakers.
Comparatively, my hi-fi speakers sound duller, less defined and therefore less pleasant. Listening to music for a long period of time is also less tiring than with hi-fi speakers.
Event Electronics TR8 have all these qualities, at an affordable price. They're relatively large and bulky, and also a bit heavy. Bass sounds are well reproduced (down to 35KHz) and the frequency curve seems to be rather flat. It is comforting because you can mix with these monitors and be assured that your music will sound fine on other kinds of audio systems: car radios, hi-fi systems, walkmen, mp3 players... But of course, the speakers do not do the job alone: you have to know how to mix. At least, the result will be true to what you do.
SOFTWARE
SONAR 8.5 PRODUCER EDITION
Digital Audio Workstation
This is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) from Cakewalk. I use it to record my songs, track by track, and I also use it to mix. I find this software easy to use. Like most DAWs, it is possible to add VST plugins, which are additional software for specific functions. Sonar is the main audio tool I work with. New versions of Sonar are released every year (version 8 was released at the end of 2008), but the differences are minor from one version to another and it is not necessary to buy the newest available version every year.
I greatly appreciate the fact that it was one of the first DAWs to use multi-processor capabilities, which allows for more power. You can then use more effects simultaneously and in real time.
MIROSLAV PHILHARMONIK
Virtual Orchestra
This IK Multimedia software is available as a stand-alone piece of software or as a VST to use it within a DAW like Sonar. It is a complete virtual classical orchestra. So you have at your disposal a comprehensive classical orchestra in your computer!
Brass, woodwinds, strings, percussions, solo or group instruments, more than 1200 combinations are possible. Real instruments were recorded, note by note, which offers a realistic sound and very pleasant sound.
All sounds are available in different versions. For example, violins can be played staccato, legato, vibrato... so you can have numerous nuances. Each instrument can be individually modified by tweaking various parameters (attack, decay, reverb...) in order to obtain the very sound you are looking for.
There are of course other orchestra sound banks with a superior quality, but they cost a lot more than Philharmonik. For an individual like me who does not have big needs, Miroslav Philharmonik has an excellent price/quality ratio. I composed all my musics for the theater with this software, and I am very satisfied with it!
BFD
Virtual Drums
BFD, by Fxpansion, is a virtual drum simulator. Its sound bank is made of samples recorded on real drum kits. A hard work was necessary to make all the recordings, but the result is amazing: you really can make a drum score that will fool most people who will think they hear a real drummer. Of course, music fans will not be fooled (but is that certain?), unless you really take your time and tweak all sounds, note after note.
With BFD, you can modify all parameters and change the sounds in a radical way: stretch the impact pads, place your microphones, set the reverb... You can also choose pre-made grooves from lots of different styles, use them within your own songs, and custom them as much as you want. If you are not a drummer and you don't know how to make a drum score, these grooves help a lot!
This is an excellent software. A new version, even more comprehensive got released at the end of 2007: BFD 2.
PLUGINS
VST plugins are software that need to be hosted within another software, a DAW like Sonar for example, and add specific functions. There are synthesizers, virtual guitars, reverb effects, compressors, amplifier simulators, etc.
In addition to Miroslav Philharmonik and BFD I described above, as well as the VSTs included in Sonar, I also use guitar amplifier simulators. They imitate guitar or bass guitar amplifiers in order to obtain guitar sounds which are more or less realistic, without having to buy real hardware (effects pedals and guitar amplifiers), which are both expensive and bulky.
You will find here links that lead to descriptions of plugins I regularly use for recording and mixing, along with audio samples:
ONLINE NEWS AND REVIEWS
Be advised that clicking on any of the sites below will open a new tab or a new window.
AUDIO FANZINE
THE music reference site for French speaking people. In French mostly, but a less-comprehensive English version exists.
News about new software and hardware, new instruments. You can also find tutorials, reviews, tips and a huge database, with comments from the users themselves. This allows to get different opinions and choose more carefully before buying. A very thorough forum also exists. You can find almost anything you need.
ZIKINF
News site, comparable to Audio Fanzine, but exclusively in French.
Yet, even non-French speakers will find this tool interesting: by clicking on a guitar neck, the tool will give you the possible names for the chord you've entered. You can even listen to the chord. Very convenient.
Find the name of guitar chords
MUSIC RADAR
Reviews of music hardware and software, interviews of musicians, tutorials... The content of this site is rather good. It's a British site.
SOUND ON SOUND
Sound on Sound is an American music site. This is the online version of a magazine about music software and hardware. The site is a bit messy, you have to pay for some stuff, but you can also find interesting free articles and reviews.
GEARSLUTZ
Although I find it really dull and messy, this site is a reference. This is a forum where you can find lots of information
Whatever it is you read, nothing can replace a try-before-you-buy experience. But sites as the ones presented above can help you choose a product by consulting various opinions.
ONLINE STORES
Be advised that clicking on any of the sites below will open a new tab or a new window.
PLAYBACK
Very comprehensive French online store. Large choice of products, correct prices.
The site is divided in different parts : Audio (studio or home studio gear, software, accessories...), DJing (turntables, mixers, headsets, flycases, software...), and Guitar (guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers, effects, strings, accessories...)
HOME STUDIO
Online site from a Paris store. Good choice, average price (good on some products, not so good on others, like all stores...). In French.
You can find: audio interfaces, software, keyboards, samplers, headsets, microphones, amplifiers, preamplifiers, effects, mixers, monitoring speakers... but no music instruments.
THOMANN
Thomann is a German online store. In English for the most part. Very comprehensive range of products, you can find almost anything you are looking for: guitars, drum kits, keyboards, home studio software and hardware, DJ equipment, lighting equipment, headsets, microphones, accessories... you name it. Prices are generally good. The shipment is rather quick and parcels are taken good care of. I ordered my monitoring speakers and my Takamine guitar there, without a problem.
MUSIC STORE
Thomann's German competitor, Music Store introduce themselves as "the biggest European music store". I don't know their physical store, but the online site is good, as are their prices.
DV247
British store, DV247 is a particularly interesting site because their aggressive pricing policy. They have a wide range of products and although not all prices are lower than their competitors', many are incredibly low!
DOLPHIN MUSIC
This is another British site, which is also rather interesting. I have never ordered there myself, but it seems to be a serious store.
Copyright Xavier Vibert 2010 - All rights reserved
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