comparison of computers

I am going to compare the Imac with the gateway one. The prices for these two are relatively close the gateway one costs around £1200 as does the Imac.  The imac has a higher resolution at 1,680x1,050, gateway one has 1,440x900. Both use the same CPU and motherboard. The gateway one has more memory as standard with 500GB to the Imacs 320GB. For music production programs it depends on personal preference. If you prefer to use logic then the Imac will be the choose for other programs it will be the gateway one. I prefer to logic because it has an easy to navigate interface and can be used for a very wide range of production.

comparison of headphones

The headphones i'm going to compare are the audio technica ATH-M50 and the Beyerdymanic DT 770. The ATH-M50 has a frequency range of 15-28,000 hz which is lower than the DT 770 which has a frequency range of 5-35,000. although this is higher it's very relevant as the average human can only hear up to around 20,000 hz. The ATH-M50 is pretty sensitive but the DT 770 has a better sensitivity and they both have low pressure n the ear to make for comfortable use.

comparison of microphones

Drum mics; The AKG set includes a kick mic, two overheads and three tom mics. one set back would be that there is no snare mic included. however the overheads are condenser mics which are very good for capturing cymbal sounds. The audio technica set includes a kick mic, a snare mic and three tom mics, this set does not include any over heads witch could pose a problem when recording cymbals. For guitar mics i'm going to compare the PG81 and the PG27. The PG81 has a higher frequency response at 40 hz than the PG27 at 20 hz it's also slightly more sensitive so it can picker up softer sounds. The PG27 is also designed to be used for vocals. For vocal mics i'm going to compare the PG42 and the SM27. They both have the same frequency responce at 20 hz. The SM27 has a higher sensitivity but the PG42 can be used on a wider range of other instruments.

comparison of audio interfaces

i am am going to compare two audio interfaces, the first is the Tascam US-800 which has 6 analogue inputs at up to 96 khz. the second is the Lexicon IONIX U82S which has 8 inputs at 96 khz. becuase of the low amount of inputs these two would not be ideal for recording a whole band, they are more suited to recording single instruments. they both have analogue inputs which would mean a mixer would be needed. both have average khz rates at 96khz per sec thats more than double cd quality which is 41 per sec.

set-up

For my computer I am going to choose the imac with the 3.1Ghzquad-core Intel core i5 with 6MB on-chip shared L3 cache. I’m choosing this model for its compatibility with logic pro. I want to use logic pro because it is one of the best for music production and can do everything I need it to.

The audio interface I’m going to have two of is the Audio fire 12. Each has 12 inputs that I will run through a mixing desk. The desk I’m going to use is the Mackie 2404-VlZ3, this mixer is perfect to go with the audio interface as it has plenty of inputs and a lot of range to change specifics in songs.

For my microphones I am going to use the audio technika set, which includes a kick microphone0, snare microphone, and three tom microphones. I am also going to get two AKG C430. For guitar I’m going to get a DM-1B large diaphragm condenser microphone. Finally for vocals I’m going to use a shure PG58 handheld dynamic vocal microphone. I’m also getting two Fostex PM0.4n active nearfield monitors.

The headphones I’m going to use are audio technica ATH-M50S studio monitor headphones. The stands I’m going to use are three DV MIS-1022BK’s and five short kick bass snare stands. I will also need firwire and jack leads.

interveiw on music ensembles

Q. Why is it important for a band member to rehearse on a regular basis?

A. A player of an instrument should strive to play to perfection. If band members do not rehearse regularly they will not be able to play at there full potential which not only hurts there performance as an individual but also the whole band. For example if a member has not put in enough time and effort they may struggle to play the song properly and possibly miss their cues causing others to get confused and end up ruining the dynamic of the set piece. Also if a member does not rehearse it shows a lack of motivation and enthusiasm, which will most likely cause future issues.

Q. Why is it important for members to help each other with things such as set-up/down and rehearsals?

A. If a lot of time is spent on set-up/down then the equipment will become more familiar. It is necessary for a person playing in a band to know how to use the hardware and software around them. A member of a band should also be there for other people, to help if needed with any and all issues. This shows that they are supportive and not just there for there own benefits. You can’t have a band with one member! Also if a member acts this way they will gain respect within the band and they will become be a tighter unit and be able to play without tension.

Q. Is it essential that the members work well as a team?

A. Yes, if a band is not getting along it can put strain on recording sessions and performances and prevent them from playing as well as they can. Also if members are not getting along then they won’t give others constructive criticism. Constructive criticism is essential because if there is a problem or a habit that a particular person doesn’t notice it won’t be resolved unless pointed out.

Q. How important is it for band members to keep their instruments in good condition?

A. It is one of the most important things a member of a band should do. If an instrument is not in good working condition then it won’t sound the way it’s supposed to. And that will ruin whichever song is being played.