Music with Computers 
A social-cultural revolution as well as a technical one, information technology has obviously not ignored the music world, to the extent that it is now at the heart of most Studios and Home Studios. Allowing one to work with extreme precision and flexibility, it has managed to provide equivalent software for a lot of professional audio equipment: the multitrack recorder has become a software sequencer while audio effects and instruments have changed into plug-ins.
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List of user reviews
Music with Computers
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Getting Started 
- The Audio Ease Altiverb 6 Regular plug-in is an extremely in depth reverb modeling piece of software. It comes in pretty much all formats as you can get a TDM, RTAS, VST, or AU version of it. I didn't have anything to do with the installation of the software, as the studio that I used it in already had it installed and running. The interface of the software certainly has a lot of features and options to offer, but I still found it to be user friendly and easy to understand. The plug-in has so much control over your sound that it would simply take too long to list here, but just know that this is one of the most in depth reverb plug-in I've used. It also offers up a lot of different preset rooms, so you have a starting point. I've never had access to the manual for this plug-in, so I don't know how helpful it would be.
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Suitability/Performance
- I have run the Audio Ease Altiverb 6 Regular on a Pro Tools LE system with a powerful Mac computer and a Digi 003 audio interface. I can't say that I've had any issues running the plug-in, but I've only run up to three instances of the plug-in within a single session, as I always run my reverb plug-ins on auxiliary channels to save processing power. This is definitely a plug-in that will take up more processing power than most, but as long as you use the power wisely and don't go too crazy with it, a good system should be able to support it without a hitch.
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Overall Opinion
- I can't say enough about how much control you have over your sound with the Audio Ease Altiverb 6 Regular plug-in. It has a top notch sound quality as well, as everything is sampled from a real environment as far as I know. The price is about the same as TL Space or any other in depth reverb, so this shouldn't be a deterrent. If you looking for a top of the line reverb emulation plug-in, look no further as I know you'll thoroughly enjoy using Altiverb 6.
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Getting Started
- The Waves Ltd MaxxVolume is a unique dynamic processor with a variety of capabilities. The plug-in was easy to install, as it was just as basic as a process as installing any plug-in out - simply follow the step by step instructions. I can't say that I had any compatibility issues along the way, or any other problems with getting this plug-in up and running. The interface of the software is generally easy to follow, as each feature is split up into different sections, containing sections for low level and high level compression, as well as gate and an overall leveler. Both the high and low level sections have parameters for threshold and gain, while the gate and leveler are simply sliders controlling how much of each you would like. Lastly, the plug-in has a 'soft' button which will make the compression less harsh if you so choose. I can't say anything about the manual for Waves' MaxxVolume as I've never had a need to check it out.
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Suitability/Performance
- I'm currently running the Waves Ltd MaxxVolume 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 a Digidesign Micro Box depending on where I am. I can't say that I've had an issue running this plug-in at all within this configuration, but I should say that thus far I've only had a need to run one instance of this plug-in with a session at a time, so I don't know how well it would run beyond this...
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Overall Opinion
- Overall, the Waves Ltd MaxxVolume is a very powerful piece of software. It is great for getting the loudest volume possible from your mixes, building on the success of the L2 and L3 maximizers. This is certainly more versatile than its predecessors, as you have a lot more to work with here, and I'd also say that it sounds cleaner than them as well. The price for the native version of the plug-in isn't too expensive, but certainly isn't the cheapest plug-in out there. If you want the TDM version, as always it will cost considerably more. All in all, the Waves Ltd MaxxVolume is definitely worth trying out if you're looking for any sort of loudness maximizer!
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Getting Started
- The Trillium Lane Labs TL Aggro plug-in is a compression plug-in based on a FET (field effect transistor) type of compressor. I wasn't involved with the installation process of Aggro, but in my time using the plug-in it hasn't presented me with any issues related to compatibility or installation. The interface of the software is pretty easy to follow if you understand the parameters associated with compression and have some experience with using them. The plug-in has knobs for threshold, attack, release, and post gain. It has a slider for ratio which ranges from one to ten. It also has a bass comp section which contains parameters for frequency and a bypass switch. TL Aggro also has some nice metering options, offering a programmable VU meter with options for input, output, or gain reduction. I don't believe that a manual is necessary, but I haven't seen one so I can't say how well put together it is or not.
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Suitability/Performance
- Thus far while using the Trillium Lane Labs TL Aggro, I haven't had any problems at all getting good performance from the plug-in. I have run the plug-in in a Pro Tools HD system that runs with an Apple G5 computer, a Digidesign 192 I/O interface and Apogee converters. I'm able to run a number of them at once within the configuration, but have only needed to run three or four simultaneously to this point, so I can't speak to beyond this. As long as you currently have a system where you're able to run plug-ins on without an issue, I think you'll be fine running this one.
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Overall Opinion
- Overall, I find the Trillium Lane Labs TL Aggro plug-in to be quite versatile in terms of the sounds that I'm able to get from it. All of the tones are pretty great as far as a FET plug-in emulation can take you. It is certainly easy to use and to navigate through the interface. This is the only compression plug-in that I've used made by TL Labs, and might even be the only one that they have to offer as they are definitely better known for their reverb and accessory plug-ins. However, if you're looking for a great sounding compression plug-in that isn't too expensive, I'd definitely recommend throwing the TL Labs Aggro plug-in in the hat.
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Characteristics
- The Apogee Ensemble is an eight channel firewire based audio interface. It has four built in microphone preamps, which each also have 1/4" TRS connections. There are four more channels of inputs in the form of 1/4" TRS as well. In addition to these inputs, there are eight 1/4" outputs as well as S/PDIF and ADAT optical connections. It also has two firewire ports and word clock connections. On the front of the interface, it has 1/4" connections for headphones. The Apogee Ensemble is designed for the user looking for top of the line conversion inside of a audio interface. This will take up only a single space in a traditional rack space.
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Utilization
- I don't find that using the Apogee Ensemble to be hard at all, as everything is pretty user friendly and straight ahead. I wasn't involved with setting up the interface, although I really don't think that I'd have an issue doing so if I needed to. You set the level of the pres on the front with the input and output knobs. Even if you're new to audio interfaces, everything is pretty self explanatory, although I'd recommend having the manual around if you're new to this sort of stuff.
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Getting Started
- In terms of the sound quality of the micpres and otherwise on the Apogee Ensemble, I have no complaints and only good things to say about it. As always with Apogee units, you're getting the best of the best in terms of A/D/A conversion, so you don't have to worry about that here. While the mic pres aren't the warmest sounding pres I've used, and they certainly won't match that of an analog console, they do have a very clean sound that will get the job done in more situations than not. The best part about this interface is that you can rest assured knowing that you are hearing exactly what you are sending into it and vice versa.
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Overall Opinion
- As far as compact audio interfaces go, the Apogee Ensemble is really one of the best out there. Of course it will cost you the price of a high end interface, but if you're serious about building a top notch studio without getting a huge console or investing a lot of money in top of the line preamps, this is one of the best deals out there. I highly respect Apogee from using their converters, and it is great to see that being transported to a compact audio interface like this one. Definitely check out the Apogee Ensemble if you're in the market for a high end firewire audio interface.
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Getting Started
- I primarily run this unit in Logic 9 and Ableton 8. It does have a stand alone feature but I rarely use it. In all modes there were no compatibility issues. Due to the fact that this plugin is physically modeled after a real analog synth, I had no need for a manual. The general configuration and setup is not very simple if you are not familiar with analog synth setups. If you are, than this is nothing new. It has a LFO, Oscillator, effects (filter/delay) and mixer sections. It also has a "Poly/Mod" section that is some what different. So all in all its a basic analog synth setup. Yes, all the functions are easily accessible as they are all laid out in front of you.
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Suitability/Performance
- Yes, in both Logic 9 and Ableton 8 the software works great. It responds well to midi signals and is very customizable. So far, the plugin has never crashed or lost and presets or custom banks. I really dig this unit, I give it a 10 out of 10. It functions well and it has some real powerful synth tone. I have been using this unit for around a year.
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Overall Opinion
- What I like most about this unit is two main things. One, it really sounds great. I have not had the privilege to use a real Prophet, but I imagine that this thing is not to far away in overall sound quality. Of course the true analog sound can't be beat by a computer, but this unit exudes some very convincing warmth. The other thing I really like about the Pro 53 is the 8 push button patch selector on the unit itself. This is really nice in a live situation and can save you tons of time (and cpu) if you need to switch to another sound mid song. Its fully customizable so you can put the 8 patches you use most in the selector for extremely easy access. All synth units should have this, its brilliant. I can't say there is anything I don't like about this unit. I guess some of the presets are not to my liking, but there are plenty of knobs to fool with to change that awful abrasive "techno" sounding synth into a creamy tasteful layering tool, or whatever you are into. Again, I have never used the real deal, but I give this a 10 out of 10. Everyone who has heard me play this is impressed with the sound. I have lots of other synths in my arsenal. I like to use this one when I want a ripping lead, a nice fat bass or some interesting sound effects. Yes, I would definitely buy this guy again.
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Characteristics
- I run into window hp through firewire port. I have used about 10 times since I bought it, primarily for vocals and drums. I originally bought it for the purpose of recording drums. I liked the fact that it had eight inputs, was portable, was futuristic in the 96/192 Hz recording capabilities and the fact that it had so many inputs and outputs.
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Utilization
- Drivers were not stable. Had a lot of issues getting it to work with Vista. I am able to record eight tracks at a time, but utilized on five at one time. Nice having the true phantom power for my condenser mics.
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Getting Started
- General set-up was easy enough. Had a lot of trouble though getting it to work with my laptop. Actually, never was able to get it working on my laptop. Finally decided that I needed to make this happen and his malfunctioned and has not worked since. Very disappointed in the quality aspects of the Alesis products.
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Overall Opinion
- The sound was great and the features were great. But it broke after 10 uses. Because it was past the one year warranty, support said there was nothing that they could do. Disappointing that something with so much potential could be made so poorly. I would not rate give this a high value as it broke without much use and I have seen others advertized on sites to remain nameless with same kind of issues. My belief is that there was a manufacturing or design flaw that was never taken care of. Alesis denies this but fact is that it broke without any abuse or mis-use on my part. For this reason, I would not get another one and would not recommend this product to anyone.
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Getting Started
- IK Multimedia's ARC (Advanced Room Correction) System is a unique plug-in designed to solve acoustical problem for mixing. This means that it aims to make mixing in any room possible, regardless of the acoustic treatment put up. The software will tune your monitors that you are working on to the room that you are working on it in. This is a huge breakthrough for home studio owners, as it no longer makes the room a disadvantage. It takes in an EQ setting for the room that you are using it in and this is reflected through your monitors. I wasn't involved with the installation of this software as it was already installed on the system that I have used it on. The interface of the software is pretty user friendly, but I'd recommend having the manual handy at first so you can get all of the features and techniques down.
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Suitability/Performance
- The system that I have run the IK Multimedia ARC software on is Pro Tools HD based, with an Apple Mac G5 computer. This isn't the type of software that will take up much processing power at all, so it didn't effect the session that I was using it with in any way. You only need to have one instance of the software open, so its not even like you could overload your system with this if you wanted to.
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Overall Opinion
- For those engineers who work in their home, or in less than ideal acoustical settings, IK Multimedia ARC is a god send. It is easy to use and does the job very well without hiccups. The price of the software isn't the cheapest, but considering what it does and how it will help you in the short and long run, I'd say it would definitely be worth it if you are in a situation where something like this is necessary. As more and more people work out of their home, the chance for error becomes larger when not working in ideal situations, and ARC is a unique tool which can help to do away with these sorts of problems...
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Getting Started
- There were no compatibility issues using this in Logic 9, Ableton 8 and as a standalone unit. I did not need to reference the manual as IK Multimedia's synth plugins all run off the same style interface, so every thing is in the same place as the first one that I learned how to use. Overall, the setup and configuration is fairly simple. There was one thing that was a little difficult to figure out. It was setting the midi channel for each layer of a patch, but after referencing the manual in the first IK multimedia plugin, it was no problem. Yes, all the functions are easily accessible via different "view" selection knobs.
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Suitability/Performance
- I use a Macbook with the earlier mentioned DAW's and it works perfectly. It also runs great as a Stand alone unit but I don't really use it that way much. So far, Samplemoog hasn't crashed or lost any presets. I give this thing a 10 out of 10 for performance. It works great with all of my midi controllers and the ability to layer a bunch of sounds on top of each other can let you create some absolutely amazing sounds. I have been using this plugin for about a month.
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Overall Opinion
- There are a bunch of things I really like about this unit. The layering which I mentioned earlier is one of the best. Mainly though, the huge collection of so many awesome Moog machines in one plugin in is the best part. I was really pleased to see some very fun Theramin patches but mainly I was really excited to see they put the Little Phatty in there too. I wish I could buy the real thing, but this will do nicely until I can afford it. I can't say there is anything I don't like about this plugin. Its not as good as the real instruments, buts it pretty dang good (at least compared to the Moog's I have heard in person) for sounds coming out of my Computer. My studio partner and I paid around $200 together for this unit. Its a decent size chunk of money, but its worth it to have all those quality sounds in our arsenal. I give it a 9 out of 10 for precision and quality of the sound. It's impossible to get the true analog heaven that comes out of a moog unit to come out of anything digital. I use Arturia's Minimoog and Voyager plugins which are also really awesome, but this one beats those just because of the more instruments. Yes, I would definitely make the same choice again.
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Overall Opinion
- What I like most about this device is it puts Ableton's Session view launch capabilities into a physical, easily accessible midi controller. I have not used any of the Akai APC units, but this thing seems to be the perfect answer for anyone who uses Ableton in a live situation. It makes things super easy by allowing each pad to light up yellow (to show you there is a clip that there that is not being played) Green (shows you a clip that is currently being played) Red (clip is being played and is in overdub/record mode) and of course no light to tell you there is no clip in that region. Another great and essential option on this device is to control different areas of the session view trigger grid. On the screen in ableton there is a green box surrounding the area that the Launchpad is currently displaying. By using the arrows on the top, you can move this box to display any area in the session trigger screen. This is great (and fun to watch), as you can launch any clip on your screen, and, if you are pretty familiar with your set, you can move around comfortably without looking a the computer screen. On top of that, you can hold down the session button and the lauchpad will allow you to "jump" to different areas on your screen. Say you are launching clips in your set at the top portion of the screen and you want to launch a clip all the way at the bottom many rows down. Hold down that session button and select the grid (in this mode, each button represents a whole grids worth of clips) and select what "grid" you want to jump to, in this case, the bottom one. The great thing about this option is that the Launchpad will only show you areas that have clips in them. If thats confusing, check out videos on Youtube and it will make sense. There are many more great features about this device, but I could spend all day talking about them.
What I don't like most about this unit is that for some reason (and I can't understand why) when you a pad down, it will "double-click." What I mean is that you push it down and it will "click" once, then you push a little harder and it will "click" again. Every trigger reacts on the first click, so the second click is completely unnecessary. In reality, its not a big deal, it just feels weird and is a little annoying. As for my opinion on the price, I paid $180 for a brand new one shipped to my door. Overall, its functions make it worth every penny. But, when I first got it, it was smaller than I imagined (the person in the photo must have very small hands) and its made of very light weight plastic. For around $200 bucks, they could have used some cheap metal or something, that would have made this thing feel like a real professional piece of gear instead of a cheap toy. No sound quality from this device, only midi operation. I have a couple of M-audio boards that I was using to trigger clips in ableton, but they don't even compare to this device, mainly because of the "light up" buttons. Yes, I do wish it was made of stronger/heavier material, but I would definitely make the same choice again.
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Getting Started
- I used Steinberg Cubase SX 3 for a brief while before I switched systems and changed over to Pro Tools a number of years ago. I ran SX 2.0 for the most part, but also ran this version for a little while. This version is now pretty outdated, but it does still float around there. I didn't have any issues as far as installation goes, as it was a pretty simple process overall, however, after using it for a little while I did have some performance issues which I will speak more about in the next section. As far as the interface of Cubase SX 3 goes, it is definitely better than its predecessor in 2.0. It is easy to use and offers up a lot more features as well. The manual for SX 3 is pretty complete, but I didn't need to consult it too often since it is a pretty easy piece of software to use.
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Suitability/Performance
- When I ran Steinberg Cubase SX 3, I ran it on a Hewlett Packard Pavilion dv8000 lap top. The computer had a 3.0 GHz single core processor and 2 GB of RAM. I was also running SX 2.0 on the same system before I upgraded up. However, I found that 3.0 wasn't as friendly in terms of performance as 2.0 was for whatever reason, which is part of the reason that I switched over to a Mac and now run Pro Tools. Every so often I would get some error messages and the whole session would crash, which is definitely not something that I was interested. I was able to recover the session afterward without a problem. While it didn't happen often, it was often enough where it became annoying. However, as far as the performance of the software in terms of speed, I was able to run the software just fine with a good amount of tracks and plug-ins...
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Overall Opinion
- While Steinberg Cubase SX 3 is definitely a powerful piece of software, if you're interested in a sequencer of this type, I'd recommend looking into the newer versions of Cubase. Although I haven't used the new ones as extensively, they have a better interface and offer up more plug-ins and better performance. Having said this, SX 3 is a fine piece of software on its own that will get the job done for the most part. If you're looking for your first piece of recording software and are on a tight budget, but like the Cubase family, it might be worth it to get this version and save a bit of money if you don't necessarily need all of the new features that come with Cubase 4 and 5.
