Session Twelve: Resources, page 3
Software
Recording with and to the computer is almost an essential way to do it these days. The seemingly unlimited tools available to create your song via the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), and the Digital Audio Editor, and the Looper, and the VST plugins and software instruments. The palette of sound is almost infinite. You need a fast computer in either Mac(M) or Windows (W) format. A good quality audio interface and a Word Clock Device are very helpful here. Additionally, several high quality mic preamps of different colorations, a couple of good Analog compressor/limiters, a quality Analog EQ, an effects unit or 2 and a varied assortment of microphones will get you started. There are so many ways to go about this….too many to make any recommendations. Hopefully you are already set. If not I will be happy to share some experience and make some recommendations. Feel free to email me. In the meantime here are some of my favorite programs. Click on the title to go to the home website. For purchase I use and recommend
American Musical Supply (5 interest free payments for purchase over $1000)
Sweetwater Music (Great store and helpful as well)
Vintage King Audio ( If you have the resources, high quality pro audio hardware to lift your recordings into higher realms)
Academic Software Superstore (if you are a teacher or involved with education some great deals to be had here)
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Steinberg Cubase 7 (M/W) |
Major DAW (Digital audio workstation) that records, scores, and includes many virtual instruments and audio plug ins for nearly one stop recording. |
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Reaper (M/W) |
Another superb DAW created by musicians for musicians. Has everything you would need. Very cost effective |
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WaveLab 7 (M/W) |
Superb Digital Audio Editor for Mastering your song |
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Adobe Audition 3 (W) |
Excellent Digital Audio Editor includes Brainwave creator plugin. Great for drones as background. |
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Acid Pro (W) |
Loop based recorder that allows building of loop songs with rhythm, pads, instruments, etc. On the fly it can create just what your creation calls for. |
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Mac based lite copy of major Mac DAW. Has most of what you would need for powerful healing songs. |
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Garage Band (M) |
Loop based program to build your Mac songs |
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VST Spectrasonics Omnisphere |
Incredible VST instrument for M/W platforms that builds amazing pads and strings and ethereal textures. Highly recommended |
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M/W platforms expanded versions of some of the great analog synths of yesteryear: Sequential Prophet/Vector, Roland Jupiter 8, Moog MiniMoog/Modular, Yamaha CS80, ARP 2600. Can buy in a bundle at special price. Arturia has lots of sales and specials |
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Synthogy Ivory II (M/W) |
If you are a piano person this is the best sampled piano sounds I have heard. |
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East West (M/W) |
Any of their magnificent VST offerings are useful: from Voices to orchestral to ethnic instruments |
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Really decent sounding collections of electric pianos from the past; Rhodes and more |
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Build your own instruments for synthesis of new sounds |
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Pro quality sampler to allow you to create any sound you want. Comes with large library of useful sounds |
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Cinematic Loops |
Complex loops of orchestrations, rhythms, atmospheres, scenes that are the current rage for scoring movies and tv. Also useful for creating interesting textures for your sound healing compositions. Sample Logic is one of the leaders of this genre. Google for more… |
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VST/Audio Units Plug Ins |
There is an endless supply of audio effects available. My favorites are from Softube, UAudio, Soundtoys, Izotope, Slate Digital, Valhalla, and Waves. Help in improving the quality of your recordings. |
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Superb Windows program for creating natural ambiances as background for your creations. |
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Masterwriter 2.0 (M/W) |
The songwriter’s constant companion. Everything the songwriter needs to create and archive your songs. Incredible dictionaries, thesaurus, rhyming dictionary recorder, etc. Must have |
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Sibelius 7 (M/W) |
The best scoring program; from full score to lead sheet to guitar tabs. Does it all. |
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Izotope RX (M/W) |
Special program of Noise Reduction that works well. |
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Some very useful audio programs and tools |
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Mac based CD/DVD burning |
Hardware
There are a few hardware pieces I would recommend. These have helped smooth and make joyful and creative, the journey.
Spider Capo for open tunings on the guitar in all fret positions.
Boss RC 300 Looper for some powerful one man band stacking and layering of rhythms, voice,and instrument.
Digitech Jam Man Stereo Looper for variable rhythms to play against
Sennheiser e945 Cardioid Mic is a great and potent live mic
Marshall AS100D Acoustic Amp allows my acoustic and vocal and accessory input (iPod, rhythm device)
TC Electronic Nova Series Pedals are just great for guitar or system inserts: NM1 Modulator, NR1 Reverb, RPT1 Repeater
TC Helicon Voice Live Touch is a potent vocal effect and harmonizer and looper for live use
On Stage Stands U Mount for iPad is a combo iPad cover and mic stand attachable holder
Radial JDI Direct Box for acoustic guitar is a great sounding pro DI that goes wherever I go
Fender Mini Acoustic Guitar stand is very portable and travels well and light.
Raccess Clip on Music Stand does the job for lists, etc.
Mighty Bright Duet LED Lights for stand
