FatHand

Good

I like to use some subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) distortion throughout a mix. The complex harmonics can add warmth, depth. punch and crunch.  I use Thermionic Culture Vulture and Vertigo Mix Satellite plugins in the mixing process.  The Vertigo can really dial in specific distortions to frequency ranges also help sculpt the stereo image.  It is easy to overdo it, sometimes it is hard to be subtle!  Check out the tutorial/demo http://www.uaudio.com/store/mastering/vsm-3-mix-satellite.html?#p=vertigovsm3tutorial

This is a good general article in sound on sound on getting a "loud" mix: http://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/crafting-loud-mixes-sound-great

I got Strymon Deco and Moog Drive pedals to try and recreate elements of this in a live setting with my electronic jams.  Not quite the same though but still sounds ace, end up using them not so subtly.

I've been really enjoying your tracks! Keep up the good work

27 minutes ago, colb said:

I was down at rubadub a couple of months back - they got me to run my Jazzmaster through their eurorack setup...........incredible.

Amazing... what were you running it through?  Filters and delays and stuff?  I would like to do something like this with a guitarist using my MS20. 

Liking it Rory.  I've only listened to the first one so far but really good production and the music is very reminiscent of Dune.  I'll carry on later once I've got some meetings out the way!

Colin

My music equipment acquisition impulses are bad enough without the temptation of Eurorack... do not tempt me...

I've been away from AbMus for a while so thought I just carry on where I left off.

Bit of a mix, all live recordings using my ever expanding collection of sequencers, samplers, synths and effects boxes all tied up in a tangle of leads and midi cables.

Let's hear what has been going on with things since 2015 or whenever the last post was...

I've been having a bit of an effects craving lately.  Like the look of this Fairfield Randy's Revenge ring modulator pedal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ3eNFOHrR4.

Although it is more gear I have now rather than want, picked up a Strymon Deco and Moog FM drive for use with my keyboards... both very tasty tone sculptors.  

https://altrocktm.bandcamp.com/album/vine-of-the-dead

gave up trying to embed link, but here's some learning-garageband electro cuts that I made with some collaborators. it's like a tired Godzilla Blues meets a bored seas,starry, or something.

It's really good. 

Sounds like something written for X factor contestants to cover.

I've just confirmed Alex Smoke for September time.  Combines visuals, live electronic elements and vocals.  As a musician he covers everything from minimal techno to film and tv scores.  This event is highly recommended by me (as is the Neil Landstrumm gig in May).

Check out some youtube vids if you are interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQZ9MeVvmTo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF7u6o95hBg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tpweigp5kw 

We've just confirmed Neil Landstrumm will be joining us for a live set on 9th May.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df1ZMSFd4Ew

I've had a few upgrades since this was last posted in:

Computer

Macbook Pro

Interface

Universal Audio - Apollo 16

Focusrite 2802 8 channel desk with DAW control

Software

Cubase 6.5

UAD powered Plugins - mixture of eqs, compression, room/microphone simulations and effects 

NI Komplete 6 

Various interesting iphone apps

Hardware

Elektron - Octatrack, Analog 4, Rytm and a borrowed Machinedrum

Virus TI virtual analogue (but a bit more than that), Teenage Engineering OP-1 (digital synth, drum machine, sampler, 4 track recorder, effects)

Analogue Synths - Korg MS20 mini, Arturia Minibrute, Moog MG-1, Juno 6, Dark Energy, Leploop

FML Really Nice Levelling Amplifier

Eventide Space

Strymon Timeline

OTO Biscuit - bit crusher, delay, step sequencer analogue filter

Nord Electro 3

Fender Rhodes + Fender twin reverb head and 2*12 cab

Got a few other bits and bobs - midi keyboard, maschine mk1

Microphones

SM58

sE 2200a ii condenser

sE R1 ribbon microphone

I mostly write and play electronic ambient type stuff now so from that list I am set up to write using hardware sequencers/sampler/synth setup and record elements using soft synths/piano/Rhodes to input back into the sampler. Everything then gets tracked back into Cubase for mixing (when I get round to recording).  I find there is a lot of freedom when writing like this and end up with more finished pieces of work plus I can actually play them live.  In the past I had a really bad habit of starting something in the DAW, getting bored with it and moving on never to return and complete it.

I spend a good amount and came back with some great music from quite a few different stalls.

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on these effects boxes. I've got the oto biscuit which is a bit crusher, delay, filter and step sequencer effects box which also switches modes and can double up as an interesting FM synth, which is amazingly diverse for such a small box!  The ones below should be good.

http://www.otomachines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1630

Bought this in Rubadub today:

Great fun!

Nice

This is my current studio set up.  I'm pretty pleased with the work flow and tools available although I think I may be some kind of electricity addict.

I wish I had a lot of money.

I think she should get some money for the records. Will send you a pm to arrange for a look.

That's if Alan doesn't want it... I would hate to deny him another gem.

I'll take the 8 track - are the mics available too?

Sorry Alan.  I'm the one who will be playing it badly and annoying my neighbours.  I hope their newly born child likes improvised accordion music.

Binary School 003 - Electronic and Experimental Music

The third installment of Binary-School is back in Cellar 35. We have 4 local live electronic performers again. It's great to see this and with such quality and diversity too!

Performing live:
Amanti - electro alt pop
Jay-Sonic - dub/bass/tech
Ross Whyte - ambient electronics
Fake Noises

DJ sets from:
Doc Watson 
TBC

This is looking like it'll be another excellent night. We'll keep you posted with any additions to the line up and post some of the music from these guys on the Binary School page.

See you there!

Something like this shouldn't need the novelty of a faddy "holiday" to make it busy and shame on Aberdeen if it does.  I think booking great acts that work well as an event and maybe making it at the end of summer would be a decent option.