For recording artists and producers, inspiration can strike at any moment — in the car, on a plane, by the pool — you never know where or when it’ll happen. Being able to put those ideas and strokes of genius on wax right away is crucial, you never what the next big hit will be.
Here are a few tools to ensure that your next musical masterpiece is optimally captured, no matter where you are. –steve simpson
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MacBook Pro – Starting at $1,199.00(apple.com) Apple computers will be found in a majority of recording studios worldwide. Factory installed recording/ production software like Garage Band, allows MacBook Pro users to capture musical ideas right out of the box. The ticket on these mobile powerhouses is just a little bit pricey, but what’s the price on perfection and fames? Consider it an investment. |
Apogee One – $249.00 (apogeedigital.com) Ok, you’ve purchased your MacbookPro, and its time to optimize your mobile setup for recording vocals and live instruments. The technology solution is simple, and fits in your pocket. Apogee, a company known for pristine sound quality, has released a product that can record your vocals and live instruments all in one smart piece of equipment. The device is USB powered and has a microphone XLR input, a ¼” input for live instruments, and a built in microphone. This Apogee One brings studio quality sound to all of your core audio software on the Mac. Did we mention that the device fits in your pocket? Just checking. |
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Logic Pro 9 $499.00 (apple.com) A little earlier we referenced Garage Band. Now it’s time to meet the production software’s big brother. Logic is the ultimate software solution for all of your audio needs. It offers unlimited track recording, great sound quality, a giant sound library, near 100 studio quality plug-ins, and much more. Logic 9 introduces time stretching, which allows users to speed up, and slow down audio without changing the quality or pitch. For instrumental songwriters and arrangers, Logic 9 allows you to score and print music for orchestras, choirs, etc. This production software package is the perfect solution for the renaissance men and women of music. |
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Record/ Reason Bundle- $449.00- (Propellerheads.se) Reason has become a go-to production tool for a number of producers including DJ Toomp and Will.I.Am. It has a great factory sound bundle that inspires musicians of any musical genre. The people at Propellerhead Software listened when users demanded that live audio be supported by popular program. Not only did they take heed, they created a whole new program that works perfectly with Reason. Record boasts unlimited tracks, great time stretching, and a mixing board based off of the SSL9000K. Propellerhead collaborated with the people at Line6 to bring you the power of their guitar and bass effects modules right in the program. The program is MAC and PC compatible, so musicians can try it out on either platform. If you need a simple audio work-station with complex results, definitely check this bundle out. |
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Korg Nano Pad- $59.99 (korg.com) Korg releases a series of MIDI controllers that are small enough to fit in your laptop bag. The Korg Nano Pad provides 12 trigger pads and an X-Y pad to assist mobile musicians in triggering drum sounds and much more. The device is equipped with roll, velocity and flam features that inspire beat patterns far beyond the norm. The Korg holds four pad setting scenes that can be compiled of various MIDI note assignments and even chords. For less than the price of a pair of sneakers, you can make sure you never miss another beat while you’re out and about. |
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Akai LPK25- $69.99 (akaipro.com) The makers of the legendary MPC series have released a line of laptop performance controllers as well. The LPK25 features 25 keys, an arpeggiator, tap tempo, and multiple octaves to make your laptop controller experience as pleasant as possible. It’s plug & play which allows you to cut directly to the creative process. Despite it’s scaled down size, you’ll find it to be very functional and durable. |
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Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Headphones- $299.00 (beatsbydre.com) The makers of Monster Cables teamed up with mega-producer Dr. Dre to create a solid headset for musicians and music listeners alike. These state-of-the-art earphones are quickly climbing in popularity among the music elite and you’re likely to see them in some of your favorite artist’s videos. These noise-eliminating headset emerged after three years of research and design and came out ready to compete with any line of headsets on the market. Note: Power the earphones down when not in use to prolong the battery life of the 2 AAA batteries required to use them. |
