Category 
Audio & music gear
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List of user reviews
Audio & music gear
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Characteristics 
- The Martin & Co DXM is dreadnought acoustic guitar that isn't an acoustic/electric, so it doesn't have any pick ups or setting controls. The body of this guitar is made out of both wood and polymer and the neck and rest of the body is made out of some sort of laminated material, which is the reason that this guitar is so cheap. Like all Martin guitars, this was made in the USA and I believe that it has somewhere between twenty and twenty-two frets.
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Utilization
- The overall feel of the Martin & Co DXM is pretty good. While it doesn't compare to the other guitars that Martin makes, it is definitely playable and isn't uncomfortable on the fingers at all. I would just say that is lacks a certain fluid feeling that is prevalent in most Martin guitars. However, of course this is trade-off that you make with a lower end guitar. Getting a good sound isn't too hard as this guitar definitely has a full bodied tone that is perfect for a wide variety of music.
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Sounds
- While this of course doesn't have the same sweet sound that has made Martin famous, it definitely has a nice overall. It is full bodied and overall pretty thick sounding. I have mostly used the guitar for practicing on as I don't own it and have used a friend of mines. I probably wouldn't recommend this as a primary recording guitar, but for live shows and practicing this is a perfect guitar for someone on a budget. It is suitable for all sorts of music that you would want an acoustic guitar on including rock, folk, pop, and country.
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Overall Opinion
- I first used the Martin & Co DXM about a year ago and was immediately impressed with it considering how cheap this guitar is. While a guitar at this price will never sound as good as one double or triple this, it overall has a pretty good sound is easy to play. While I wouldn't recommend the guitar for professionals or experienced players, I would definitely recommend it to someone looking for a cheap acoustic guitar that still sounds good and is playable. I would have expected the Martin & Co DXM to be a lot more than it is and because of this it is definitely a good deal and is a guitar that all beginners and intermediate players should look into.
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Getting Started
- I use a Macbook with Logic 9 and Ableton 7. So far it functions perfectly, no compatibility issues. I have not used the manual for this unit yet. These Arturia plugins are modeled physically after the real unit, so it would be best to study up on the actual unit first, in my opinion.
Well, the setup and configuration is not very simple at all. There are a lot of buttons, knobs and cable jacks so be prepared to work against a fairly large learning curve. If you are familiar with arpeggiators, sequencers and modular synths, then this shouldn't be too much to handle. If not, study up on those and it will help a lot.
Typical functions are easily accessible. They are all right in front of you.
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Suitability/Performance
- The Arp2600V works great in Logic, Ableton and as a Standalone. I have never had a crash or a problem using and saving presets. It is very stable.
This unit is AWESOME. I have never used an actual Arp 2600 so I can't give you a honest comparison, but despite that, I think this things sounds AMAZING! The fun you can have with this unit is endless. From the first moment I touched the key for the first preset, I was in love. If you do electronica (especially industrial) and Experiment/British Rock type music, you will love it. I give this a 10 out of 10, its just so much fun.
I have only been using this plugin for a few months but plan on spending a lot more time on it in the future.
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Overall Opinion
- What I like most about this unit is the Sound and arpeggiator controls (they are very usable and accessible). I also must mention that, unlike the Moog Modular by Arturia, I can use the 2 finger scroll option on my Macbook to scroll up and down the window that contains the unit.
What don't I like? Well, nothing so far. This thing is a gem.
We got this in an Arturia Synth Pack for a few hundred dollars. I would probably spend all of that on just this plugin, I love it.
Again, I have never played the original unit. That being said, I think it sounds great and responds to my midi keyboards perfectly.
I believe this might be the only ARP 2600 plugin available, so yes, it is the only one I have ever used.
I would definitely purchase this unit again.
IT Rules!!
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Characteristics
- The Crown Sound Grabber II is a PZM (pressure zone microphone) that can be suited for both live shows or in the studio. I personally only have experience with this microphone in the studio, although it is definitely suitable for use outside of the studio. The mic is definitely a unique one and those who don't know about PZMs, basically all you need to do it place it in a room in order for it to do its job and pick up everything around it. The mic has a hemispherical polar pick up pattern and will pick up frequencies between 50 Hz and 16 KHz.
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Overall Opinion
- I've been using the Crown Sound Grabber II PZM microphone for a little less than a year and I have found it to be an effective PZM mic. I don't usually use this microphone as the only mic around to pick up sounds, rather I use it as a supplemental microphone. I often won't use the sound in the final mix, but sometimes I find that it sounds great and is perfect to blend with. Beyond just using it to pick up all of the sounds in a room, it is also good for some specific applications like piano, as it is easy to place on the inside of the cover of the piano. I find that this does a great job of picking up the signal, but unless there are other things going on the in room I will generally again, use this a supplemental microphone with a condenser or a more detailed microphone. While this isn't the best PZM microphone that I have used, it definitely gets the job done and because of its reasonable price, it won't break the bank. This is the perfect microphone for someone who is looking for a PZM on the cheap, but who also doesn't want to get something that will break easily as I have found Crown to generally make reliable products, including the Sound Grabber II. All in all, the Crown Sound Grabber II is a unique microphone and is the perfect way to try out a PZM microphone.
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Getting Started
- I use a Macbook with Logic 9 and Ableton 7, so far not a single compatibility issue. Works Great! I have not looked at the manual, actually, I'm not really sure if came with one, but, like many of Arturia's instruments, it is a physical model of the actual instrument and there fore most all of the functions are right in front of you. Most questions can be answered by studying up on the workings of an actual Modular Synth.
Is the config/setup simple? Well that depends on how experienced you are on Modular synths. This thing was a little daunting for me, and still is to be honest, due to the massive amount of options and modules. If you really want to use this thing properly, study up (good site for some info is www.synthesizers.com). The typical functions are very easy to access, they are all right in front of your face.
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Suitability/Performance
- The software works great in Logic 9 and Ableton 7 as well as it works great as a standalone. This software is very stable, it has never crashed on me nor has it ever failed to save or load a preset.
Well, this is obviously a digital representation of a beautiful Analog Monster. If you are trying to compare it to the real deal, you will be disappointed. But, if you weigh that against the fact that the plugin costs thousands less, makes damn good sounds and can go with you anywhere you take your laptop, it gets a 10 out of 10 for me. I have been using this plugin for about 6 months. I am still pretty much a novice at it, but spending an hour on this unit once in awhile will yield some great sounds.
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Overall Opinion
- What do I like most about this plugin? It sounds fantastic for what it is. The options are virtually endless (or at least seem that way to me right now) and it fits right into my laptop. What don't I like? Well, its so large it doesn't fit entirely on screen. Instead of creating a Scroll bar that you could operate via mac's 2 finger scroll option, or even the arrow keys, you have to click on the unit and drag. Its not a huge problem, but when playing live, the former options would have been much better.
I believe my studio partner got this is an Arturia synth pack for a few hundred bucks. Every synth included rules so I say its worth every penny.
Again, sound quality suffers in comparison to the real deal, but that is to be expected, especially when its a Moog (best synths in the world).
This is the only Moog Modular plugin I have ever used.
I would definitely buy this unit again, its a lot of fun despite the amount of time it takes to use.
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Getting Started
- The URS N4 Series EQ is a pretty new six band software equalizer. The process of installing this plug-in was brief and easy as I didn't have any issues at all. I didn't have any compatibility problems and had the plug-in up and running within a few minutes. The interface of the software also only took a few minutes to understand as everything is pretty straight forward. In terms of parameters, the middle four bands of EQ have parameters for frequency and gain, as well as a button to choose a few options concerning the bandwidth. The outer two bands are a high pass and a low pass filter, each only have a parameters for frequency. There are also buttons for in/out for each of the bands as well as an overall input gain knob. Unless you are unfamiliar with how to use a basic EQ, I don't think that a manual is needed for this plug-in.
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Suitability/Performance
- I can't say that I've thus far had any problems running the URS N4 Series EQ plug-in on my machine. I am currently running it on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I run the plug-in in Pro Tools LE 7.4 that runs with a Digi 002R audio interface or an Mbox Micro depending on where I am. The plug-in definitely doesn't take up too much processing power as I am able to run a high number of these at a time within a single session if I choose to. While I've only been using the plug-in for a few months, I think that this is enough time to determine if it will run well, and this plug-in definitely does run well.
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Overall Opinion
- While I am admittedly a huge fan of the plug-ins that URS makes, I can definitely say that the URS N4 Series EQ is one of their finest EQs yet. It offers up a great tone that is not only warm, but very realistic sounding for a software EQ. It is somewhat similar in sound to the other EQs that URS has to offer and also offers a similar user friendly interface. The price of the URS N4 Series EQ is reasonable as is the case with most of their plug-ins, especially if you buy it within one of their bundles. If you are looking for an all around great sounding EQ that is pretty fool proof in terms of using it, the URS N4 Series EQ plug-in is absolutely worth a look at.
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Getting Started
- I can't speak too much about the installation process with the Waves Ltd. Q-Clone as the one that I have used already had it installed and I wasn't involved in the process. I can say that since it has been installed I haven't encountered or heard of anyone else encountering any problems related to compatibility, installation, or otherwise. The interface of the software didn't take me all that long to figure out as everything is laid out nicely. The plug-in is really two in one - the one with the graph and parameters itself and another one that allows you to import hardware EQ settings. I have mostly thus far used the presets as they sound pretty great, but there are really endless possibilities with this plug-in and this new type of technology. The manual is helpful and is definitely a good idea to have around if you are unfamiliar with how to use this.
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Suitability/Performance
- So far I can't say that I've had any problems at all running the Waves Ltd. Q-Clone plug-in. I have been using it a professional studio that has a Pro Tools HD system and an Apple G5 computer. I can't say that I've thus far had any problems running the plug-in, although I haven't used more than a few of them at a time. I think that as long as you have an adequate system that you are able to run the plug-ins that you already have on well, this won't present any problems. I've only been using the software for a matter of months as it is a relatively new product.
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Overall Opinion
- Overall, Waves Ltd. Q-Clone is a very impressive plug-in. Just the idea of it itself is new and exciting and when you hear the results I promise that you will be even more exciting. While it can sometimes take some time to make sure that you have imported everything the right way and that it is effective, it is definitely worth it as the sounds are some of the best that I have heard from a plug-in. The price of the Waves Ltd. Q-Clone plug-in isn't unreasonable considering the versatility that this has to offer. Waves Ltd. Q-Clone is absolutely a plug-in that I recommend checking out if you want to try some new technology out or are looking for a great software EQ.
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Getting Started
- I am running with a Macbook with Logic 9 and Ableton 7. So far, no compatibility issues whatsoever.
The configuration and setup is fairly simple. It helps to have some experience using hardware synths to really feel comfortable with this unit right away, being that it is literally a model of the physical unit. Having all the presets to start you off is a great thing, with out them, I imagine I would have spent a lot of time just figuring out how to make unique sounds on this puppy.
As for the manual, I don't think I have ever looked at it. Again, this is modeled after the real deal so for the most part, what you see is what you get. Creating your own presets and saving them is very easy thanks to the always present menu bar that houses those options as well as other ones you will eventually want to mess with.
All the functions are right in your face so I would say Yes, they are easily accessible.
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Suitability/Performance
- So far, this software has worked flawlessly. No issues with crashes or lost presets, very stable.
I have never played a real Mini Moog but I have spent a lot of time using Moog gear such as a voyager, taurus and many moogerfoogers. With that said, I think this thing sounds great!! Of course you will never be able to match the quality of the real deal, but I have had many folks come to me after a performance and ask where the Moog was. So I give it a 10 out of 10 for being the closest I will get to real moog sound with out shelling out over a $1000.
I have been using this plugin for around 6 months.
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Overall Opinion
- What I like most about the Minimoog is the sound. As mentioned earlier, I am very pleased with it. What I like least about it is whenever you click on a knob or parameter to grab it with your mouse, it changes to exactly where the mouse is hovering. This proves a pain during live performance or even when working in the studio if you are experimenting, trying to find the right sound. I haven't looked into finding a change for this because I have attached a Axiom midi controller to control the unit. It would be nice though if the initial click of the mouse just selected the knob, then moving the mouse changed the parameter.
I believe my studio partner bought this plugin and a few others for under $400. All together he got 3 plugins. If you can't afford the real deal, then spending a 1/10 of it to get the closet sound I have found so far is not so bad.
Precision and Quality of the sound is extremely good, considering the fact this is a digital reproduction of a synth heralded for its perfect analog sound.
I have used many different synths that have had Moog presets, but no, I have never used another plugin modeled after a specific Moog product.
I would definitely make the same choice, this plugin is great for basses, pads and leads and I would have a hard time replacing it.
Good buy!!!
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Getting Started
- Installing Roxio Toast Titanium 8 was a quick and easy process for me as it only took a minute or two. Since installation I haven't had any problems with this software related to compatibility or otherwise. The interface of the software is quite easy to follow as well as everything is really user friendly and it only took me a short while to get used to all of the features and options available. I haven't seen the manual for the Roxio Toast Titanium 8 so I can't say if it would be helpful or not, however I don't think one is necessary either way.
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Suitability/Performance
- I am currently running Roxio Toast Titanium 8 on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I am able to run and burn CDs and DVDs at a very quick rate within this configuration and I've never had any problems running the software on my system in general. The only thing that might be restricted is how quickly you can burn discs, but this really just depends on what type of computer you are running it on and the hardware burner itself more than anything. I've been using Roxio Toast Titanium 8 for about two years and have also used versions 9 and 10 but don't own it and haven't used them on my system that I mentioned above.
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Overall Opinion
- Roxio Toast Titanium 8 is probably the most user friendly burning software for Mac that I have used. It is just that easy to use and does everything in a timely manner without problems. It has all the different modes that you have come to expect in a burning program, just meaning that you can burn onto pretty much any type of disc and burn them in a lot of different formats. The interface is user friendly and it generally only takes me a few seconds to get a burn started. The price isn't too expensive at all but also isn't free like some similar programs out there. I use Roxio Toast Titanium for burning all my CDs and DVDs and is definitely a piece of software that I would recommend looking into if you need a versatile burning program.
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Characteristics
- The MXR Distortion II is a distortion pedal designed for electric guitar but suitable with any electronic instrument. it has 1/4 inch connections and requires 9 volts of power. It is an analog piece of gear that isn't rack mountable because it is a stomp box.
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Utilization
- The make up of the MXR Distortion II is quite easy to follow as everything is clearly labeled and easy to understand. It simply has four knobs for drive, resonance, filter, and output and that is all that there is to the pedal. Even if you don't have much experience with distortion pedals, using common sense I don't think that you will have much of a hard time understanding how to use the MXR Distortion II. A manual isn't necessary for using this pedal at all and I can't speak to how well put together it is because I haven't seen the it.
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Sound Quality
- The sound quality of the MXR Distortion II is quite good overall. The pedal has a certain tone to it no matter how you set the parameters, which is part of what I like about it. This doesn't mean that it isn't possible to get a wide array of sounds, it just means that all of the sounds have a certain tone to them. I usually use the pedal for recording with a Fender Strat and a '76 Fender Twin Reverb and I'm able to get some pretty awesome sounding distortion tones within this configuration - both for lead and rhythm parts. The distortion tone can be described as chunky and fat overall and is definitely something that is good for playing classic rock, among other genres.
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Overall Opinion
- I've been using the MXR Distortion II for a number of years and it has always been a pedal that I come back to now and again because I like the way it sounds a lot. It has a cool look to it and gives you a really thick distortion tone in a compact pedal. The price of the pedal varies depending on when it is from but it isn't all that expensive for a nice distortion pedal like this even at the highest possible price. MXR makes qualities pedals and the MXR Distortion II definitely fits right in with this. This is definitely a distortion pedal to try out and consider if you are looking for a great sounding distortion pedal.
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Characteristics
- The SE Electronics Titan is a uniquely designed condenser microphone that is designed for use in the recording studio. It is a FET (field effect transistor) microphone and has a cardioid pick up pattern. It has bass roll off as well as a -10 db pad. It comes with a unique shock mount as the design and shape of the microphone is overall unlike most other microphones out there.
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Overall Opinion
- I've used the SE Electronics Titan a handful of times in a home studio setting and was overall pretty impressed with not only the sound of the mic but also with the cool look that it has. It is definitely something that will impress the clients which of course matters! The microphone has a nice and clean tone and is probably best suited for vocals, although it can be used with just about any acoustic instrument that you would be looking to get a detailed sound from like acoustic piano and guitar. It is also a good microphone for orchestral instruments like violin and cello as its extreme attention to detail makes it the perfect fit for applications like this. While it definitely has a nice sound it is by no means the best sounding microphone out there or the ideal microphone or the industry standard for anything. It is however a nice microphone to have in your collection as you never know when it might be the perfect fit for something. The price of the SE Electronics Titan isn't the cheapest as far a home studio microphones go, but also isn't as expensive as some other FET microphones out there. It is a perfect in between of quality and price and is therefore a great option for home studio owners. If you want a unique microphone to add to your collection the SE Electronics Titan is worth looking into, but probably isn't the ideal choice for an all purpose microphone.
