There's lots going on in the sequencer world right now. Whew!  Emagic's announcement has thrown everyone off base.  What the heck is a die hard logician to do?  What does all this mean?  Well I've been working overtime to get you guys the info you need to make informed choices.  I've updated my reviews of sequencers, explored what going to Cubase SX would be like, and have a "Going Mac, Now?" page. Gee.  Just when everything was settling down from going to Windows XP, now we have issues of going to Mac OS X.  As Mac users know, we are at the beginning of this platform, and the seas are bound to be rough for a while with driver updates and code rewrites.  

Three years ago, plugin FX were all the rage.  Two years ago, plugin drum machines and simple synths ended up in our sequencer mixer strips.  Last year, massive full blown software synths and software samplers came about.  This year, we now have whole virtual studio racks complete with their own sequencers landing on the platform of choice.  You can now run sequencers within sequencers if you want.  See my latest article on using Reason within Logic. The really amazing thing is that all of it is sounding better and better.  Soft synths rival hardware synths and the sonic difference between hardware and software samplers is really down to taste.   And the pace gets hotter.  With Logic 5 for example, users will get a full blown software automation system and mastering tools.  Sort of like having a fully automated digital console and mastering studio on your desktop.  This brings more power to your mouse than has ever been known.  More than ever, it becomes critical that you learn about what advanced hardware tools do so you can begin to understand their software equivalents. 

Speaking of plugins, your resident Tweak just did a major plugin overhaul.  I spent major cash to get the best out there.  Now I can tell you about it.   I wrote a page all about plugins and made some recommendations.  Go check it out. 

Right now, on the PC platform, Windows XP is hot. You haven't upgraded yet? Well, it's now safe to do so.  Just about everyone has their issues sorted out.  Even the studios with massive PC based rigs have changed  over.   It's already changing the game as it's making older software obsolete.  Manufacturers that had the foresight to make their applications win 2000 compatible are smiling because their products are typically still working in XP.  Those that rely on win98 code are definitely not so thrilled.  There's still trouble in sequencer-land with older plugins.  Buyer beware.  You will be safe with the majors.  Logic 4, Cubase 5 and Cakewalk Pro audio9/ Sonar.  It's just a matter of updating to the most recent version.   Read more on issues with XP. 

The whispers circulating the web is that DAW Notebooks are on the way, and the industry is hoping you will trade in your desktop for one of these expensive leg-warmers.  I added one to my rig, just to have a sequencer with me for the holiday travels. I learned a lot, and tell all!  Read Tweak's article on Goin' 'Mo-Bile: Notebook Audio Workstations, it's cool, funny, and based on real life experiences as I put my new notebook through the rigors of testing.  Only now is it feasible, I mean really feasible, to make the jump.  In case you haven't noticed, Notebooks, what used to be called Laptops, with 1.7 gHz processors are here. They are no longer the sluggish, short session word processors of the last few years.  Unless you've been sequencing in a distant barn in the backwoods, you probably already know that the need to have a full tier rack of hardware synths and effects is no longer.  With some good softsynths and soft samplers, a slim line audio interface, and a decent mic you could actually work sitting on a blanket at the park. At least that is the promise.  Reality is not so willing to go along. You're on the bleeding edge with a PC laptop.  Tweak says, be careful. 

Have to admit, the idea of doing my music out on a sidewalk cafe is something to think more about. Sort of the modern day equivalent of taking your guitar along.  Heh, maybe one could be a street musician with Logic audio, sunglasses and a tin cup for spare change from amazed passerbys.  Yes, a new claim to fame, groupies, and new loves? (insert mental pic of favorite sex object here) Lots of possibilities here.  Connect and amp and actually play it on a gig.  (always wanted to recite my dark poetry over extreme music and effects...hmmm...nah better keep that in the closet, lol)

Ok, you might not be ready for Tweak after Dark.  Then maybe you will be ready, the manufacturers hope, for a hardware front end for your sequencer of choice.  Cakewalk started this trend a few years ago with the Peavey studio mix.  Then there was the Tascam box.  Now we have... 

 

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Control Freaks, sign in...

Houston, a 9 touch sensitive motorized faders, 8 rotary encoders with LED position indicators, Large illuminated LCD display, Full transport controls, Jog & scrub wheel, Numeric keypad.  I've seen it, touched it, smelled it and wanted to lick those candy coated buttons.  It looks like an absolutely beautiful piece of hardware. 

Logic Control is coming soon and looking very cool.  Simply connect Logic Control via MIDI to get hands-on control over hundreds of MIDI and audio functions, including the all-new automation system in Logic Audio 5. It offers simultaneous control over multiple parameters of software instruments and plug-ins for unmatched realtime creativity.  You know Emagic has been touring the USA demonstrating these units at Local music stores.  You ought to check one out.  Tell 'em Rich the Tweak sent ya. Gotta cable modem or DSL?  Once LC is officially released, come back to TweakHeadz Lab for a review.  You can read my personal preview on the LC.  Yep, I have one here in the lab right now! 

Why do should you want a Logic Control or Houston?  Eh, let me recount a few reasons.  Ever want to see the faders move in real time to a fully automated mix?  You have 2 hands.  You have 32 tracks.  Need I say more?  OK I will!  Into synths?  Well you can have a channel strip for each of your midi instruments within your multi-timbral synth--beats the heck out of mousing in numbers or dealing with tiny displays.  Are you into soft samplers like the EXS 24? Halion? Envious of megabuck studios running Pro Control on Pro Tools?  You won't be much longer.  Logic Control and Houston will hook right into the functions of their respective host sequencers for the total DAW experience.  I think we are about to see a major change in the way we use sequencers.  Lets see, we have software that emulates hardware, and now get hardware to control this virtual and seemingly infinite tangle of virtual cables.  There are more than mere digital mixers.  They are the surface for virtual studios that would be next to impossible to build in the real world.  Expand your thinking on that sentence to get a clue of what such power might do for your music.

My only question regarding these new control units is which one makes the best coffee? I think I need a little motorized bot that will go out and buy groceries too.  Then I'd never have to leave the studio.   All aside, these products will be a true test of each platform for intuitive design and latency free control.  Can they really enhance creativity?  We will soon see.  That is the touchstone of truth.    

Sneak Peeks

Logic Audio 5.0

Emagic writes:  One of Version 5's standout new facilities is a completely new track-based automation system, capable of dealing with 32 Bit resolution fader values. Automation is tied to individual Tracks, rather than Arrange window objects such as sequences and audio regions. When Arrange objects are moved or copied, the option exists to also automatically move and copy the automation data. Similarly, automation data, sections, or automation nodes, can be moved or copied independently of Arrange window objects.  Tweak: Take a close look at the screen shot by clicking the pic.  What we have here is DAW strength automation.  Read Tweak's preview of Logic 5.0

Cubase VST 5.1

  Version 5.1 will have new VST instruments and Effects plugins and optimized program code for Pentium 3 and 4 computers and also enhancements for Macintosh.  Optimized code, written for specific CPUs is a good thing.  It allows more things to get done faster.  And as we know, speed is critical on any machine that has to deliver music, on time, everytime.

 

Featured articles on Sequencers:

• Review of Logic Studio
• Review of Digital Perfomer 4.12
• Review of Logic Pro 6
• Comparative Review Of Waves 3.2 vs. Platinum
• How to Write a Sonar .INS File
• Review Sonar 3
• Review of Project 5
• Review of Kompakt
• Review of Spectrasonic's Atmosphere
• Review of the Akai MPD16
• Review of Kontakt
• Review of the FM7 Soft Synth
• A Look at Cubase SX
• All About Softsynths is UPDATED 7/29/02!  What's a VSTi, DXi?  Find out
• Mixing in the Virtual Domain of your Sequencer--2 Tried and true methods
•  Review of the Ableton Live Sequencer Instrument
•  Programming Original Drum Tracks with MIDI sequencers
• Preview of Logic Control
• Preview of Logic 5.0
• Mobile Audio Computers, the how, the why, and before you buy info you need if considering this option.
•  Upgrading to Windows XP what it is and what it isn't
•  Using 2 monitors with your digital audio sequencer.  Cheap and Simple!
• Sequencing with REASON and Logic.  Hot off the press.  I find Reason to greatly extend Logic's power and vice versa.  There's a few things you gotta know though so give this article A READ.
• Which Sequencer is Best? Updated 7/7/02
  Comparing  Logic,  Cakewalk, Cubase   Tough choice it is, but let the Tweak guide you through the maze of issues.  Looks like I will have to update it with info on Sonar. 
• Logic-Users!   A Pictorial  History  Emagic/C-Lab Sequencers  The Tweakmeister takes you back to the Atari days with screen shots and looks at C-Lab and Emagic through history.
• A Recipe for  song construction.  If you are new, this is for you.  Learn how to create new songs fast and efficiently.  Plus you get lots of Tweak's thoughts on the matter....he-he you can "think like a tweak" after you read it. 
• Doing it with Digital.  This is a primer that tells you how to make a fully digital recording with as few passes through converters as possible. 
• Tips on Using the Emagic EXS24 Software Sampler  Build a massive library of samples quickly and easily for use in Logic

More coming soon!

 

Download a Sequencer

Q) What's the difference between Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 and Sonar?

A)  Read this page at cakewalk   Download the SONAR trial version now.  Hey, I really like it.  Surprise, surprise!  First off, don't get confused by the name.  Sonar_is_Cakewalk.  A significant and needed upgrade, but still, the same dude with new clothes, with a rather large pocket of new tricks that jump ahead of Logic and VST in some respects.  Like "painting" loops like you do with ACID.  You can now set the track parameters a lot faster and intuitively.  And its a smooth operator in windows with well thought out right click menus.  Nice new reverb in the set too. Here check it out (short sample mp3.format).  Like that?  hehe.  But that is not what i think of Sonar.  Cake just hit a home run, and the fluidity of audio operation is starting to make Logic and Cubase look a little brittle. 

  Vintage Sequencers Go check it out and see the way it used to be

M-Audio Delta 1010  Tweak: Works with WinXP!  Do it Right.  Comes with Logic Delta and works with the full version of Logic even better.  Great converters. Punchy sound. Take it to 24 bit 96 kHz or run it 16/44.1.  It won't complain and neither will you. 8 analog I/O and s/pdif as well.  Great with audio and soft synths. Has new  98se/win2k/xp multiclient drivers at the midiman site.  Tweak has it and is not giving it back.Tweak's Pick

Q) Where can I find Atari Sequencing Software?

A) Well you must check out this site. Tim's Atari Page.    Did you know you can run old Atari MIDI programs on your PC?  Complete with MIDI i/o?  You can by installing the Atari Emulator STEEM on your PC.  It's a free download and many of the programs you see can be downloaded legally as well.

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