>>synthetic frequencies<< [official title pending]

Apple Computers and software are the heart of my production/editing/mastering

My current (and past incl.) equipment rig:

NEW SETUP:

Powerbook G4 12" SuperDrive

Logic Express 7 (OSX)

My main tool. Along with Logic Pro 7, now directly marketed by Apple instead of Emagic as a Pro application (there are only these two versions of Logic, and I'm still too poor to get Pro yet). As with older versions, does the same thing as many other programs available (Cubase, Nuendo, Tracktion, StudioVision). Easier than ever to automate and familiar to older versions. However, still the one program that sketches out my computer.

GarageBand

Mainstream application in the vein of Soundtrack, actually also designed by German Emagic/Logic team with Apple to be intergrated with Logic Express 7/Logic Pro 7 as well as other Pro applications and future versions (e.g. Rewire). Good learning program for the basics of digital audio recording, audio engineering/virtual effects and synths, and MIDI sequencing. Handy once in a while for instances such as making sketches, but I don't use it 99% of the time since it's not a serious tool compared to Logic (which basically has what GarageBand does but way more).

Propellorhead's Reason

A monumental piece of software from Sweden. Reason being this program is an entire virtual production studio in the electronic/dance realm--does not offer input recording in the way a program like Logic does but covers every MIDI-sequence-automation-synth-sample-drummachine-fx-mixer angle. The possiblities are endless with the virtual rackmount you can cofigure and arrange in any order and number of devices; hit tab to view the rack's backside where you can route patch signals with what look like real, dangling cables. If you're not familiar with this, it's a must-see for anyone interested in electronic music technology whatsoever. Propellorhead Reason Home Page

M-Audio Ozonic external audio interface and MIDI controller

Covered in knobs and faders that give a total of 40 real time MIDI controls.
High-quality AD/DA converters of the 24-bit/96khz fame (as opposed to the computers' built-in audio card lower-end 16-bit/44.1khz [about CD quality]).
FireWire (not USB) connectivity and bus-powered so you don't need yet another wall wart.

OLD SETUP:

iMac DV Special Edition

Logic Audio Platinum 4 (Classic)

Used copy with dongle emulator. Although this is much older and stuck in 'Classic' operating system, this was the highest (Platinum instead of Gold or Silver) level Logic in its day, so it's actually better than my new Express 7 in some ways because of its (past) professional cost. Bad audio file indexing (loses and scrambles). Good soft (virtual) synths and effects plug-ins (VST format). Logic software on Mac combined with ProTools hardware is the mainframe of a professional studio.

Emagic MT4 MIDI transmitter

Simple and compact USB MIDI interface (standalone) designed for Logic Audio--pre OSX.
2 in, 4 out.

Yamaha DJX keyboard

A good bang for the buck, but mainly considered a toy because of some apects of sound quality, among other things such as off-kilter built-in BPM settings that don't seem to match up to BPM tempo of anything else--which always matches numerically with all other devices even without any MIDI syncing, so I have no idea why even in such a cheap product this would be the case except as a disadvantage, therefore the price being low. A few alright sounds and control features, was mainly used as a MIDI controller before the Ozonic.

Boss SP-202 Dr. Sample

Almost as much of a toy if not more in some ways, this basic sampler is not typically what is considered a sampler, but still semi-professional quality. It does not hold very much (forget about creating libraries) and has only a few built-in effects that can be fun but are also very limited. Newer models actually can sequence to live up to the 'beatbox' you think it would be, but are almost as cheesy as this glorified playback drink coaster. A good addition to have once again for messing around, this probably comes in more handy in a live situation too add spontaniety.
MIDI in.

Novation Bass Station

Rare but not at the same time, surprisingly does not cost an arm and a leg. Authentic, fat analog sound great for basslines. Newer versions and many other great synths have recently been made by this company. Nice small synthesizer piece, hope to have more like this in the future.

Mackie 1202

Smaller-scale but pro brand mixer. Nice to have for recording and live sound.

last but not least: various effect pedals for guitar and bass, such as fuzz/overdrive/distortion ('stompboxes')

Contact: kiasmusxperienc@yahoo.com, matthew.mccolgan@salve.edu

...more to come soon... . . .