PreSonus Blog

Monthly Archives: March 2015


Nimbit Artist of the Week: @TheReignOfKindo

"...and Kindo was his Name-o"

“…and Kindo was his name-o”

It only took a few listens to Buffalo, New York’s The Reign Of Kindo to make me realize I was a jazz-rock fan. It’s important to distinguish them from what a lot of folks call fusion, which seems to err a little more heavily on the jazz side of things—and often the smoooooth jazz side of things.

Not these guys. The Reign of Kindo’s potent formula begins with a distinctly jazz-fueled approach to arrangement, rhythm and chord structure, delivered with urgency and song structures typically associated with rock. As such, they are a must-listen for both rock and jazz fans looking for a refreshing groove that isn’t too far off the beaten path.

Fleet, often busy drumming drives the bulk of the Kindo repertoire—frequently mixed right up in your face, where it belongs. Lead singer Joe Secchiaroli commands a voice that is simultaneously assertive and approachable, and the bulk of their recordings are bathed in wall-to-wall piano. While the bulk of the sonic structure here is vocals, bass, drums, and piano, guest instrumentation livens things up via sax, cello, and… hey, was that a singing saw? Cool.

And they give us a lot to choose from. Musically speaking, The Reign of Kindo’s Nimbit Store offers a couple of full-lengths includingThis is What Happens and Live YouTube Sessions, a couple yuletide EPs and a single. There’s also a ton of apparel options available, and it’s nice to see them breaking out of the “band name on a T-shirt” mold with hoodies, kids’ shirts, and even a classic mesh trucker cap—call it a utility/fashion fusion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nimbit Artist of the Week: Livingston Taylor!

Livingston Taylor

Boston’s Livingston Taylor began his career as a performing songsmith nearly straight out of high school, having first picked up the guitar at a spry 13 years of age. His songwriting (seemingly seasoned straight out of the gate) and personable, relatable stage presence garnered notice from live music fans and critics alike. 1970 saw him land his first record deal, releasing his eponymous debut on the esteemed Capricorn Records. Last year—that’s 44 years later—he released Blue Sky, his 18th.

Having performed around 80 shows per year in that timespan, he’s really played any type of gig you can imagine, from coffee shops to large festivals to opera houses, landing a couple of Billboard charting-hits along the way: “I Will Be in Love with You,” and “First Time Love.” And it’s that breadth of experience (well, okay, and also his songs) that landed him the coolest gig he’s ever had: that of Professor at Berklee College of Music—a post he’s held since 1989.

His discography, most of which is available via his Nimbit store, is peppered with a couple best-of collections, a covers record, and also a sort of self-cover record. Good Friends finds Livingston taking some of his more familiar tunes into decidedly jazzier territory—great for established fans that enjoy a new spin on the familiar. Furthermore—and we don’t see this too often at Nimbit—he has distilled his Berklee teachings down into a good ol’-fashioned book, “Stage Performance,” which is also available for sale.

Producer AG (@byaginc) chooses Studio One!

Here’s a great video that came to us from L.A. producer/songwriter/engineer AG! She’s made the jump over to Studio One from Pro Tools and Logic—and she’s also using a couple Sceptre monitors and the ADL 700 preamp.

AG has worked with Natalie Imbruglia, and done music production for TV shows including Gossip Girl and Grey’s Anatomy. Check it out!

Thanks AG!

AVB Option Card for StudioLive AI Mixers—the SL-AVB-MIX

The SL-AVB-MIX card for StudioLive AI console mixers is coming soon!

This will allow you to connect a StudioLive AI console mixer at front of house to a StudioLive RM rackmount mixer onstage, allowing you to use it as a stage box—eliminating the need for an obnoxious, heavy snake. Ray is happy to show you how to hook it all up, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.

And, until April 30—if you buy a StudioLive RM or StudioLive AI mixer, we’ll add the option card FREE! Click here for more details on that.

We expect the SL-AVB-MIX card to be available early to mid April, 2015.

Vigilante Launches Remix Contest, You Could Win Studio One Professional and More!

PreSonus Artist and good friend Vigilante (AKA Big Brother 84)11026061_10152897650819565_2693729241254768716_n recently launched the worldwide We Are One tour,  And as if that’s not enough to keep him busy, he also just announced this remix contest, which (so far) is offering prizes from PreSonus, Keith McMillen Instruments, Waldorf, MeldaProduction, and many more!

Complete, official rules are linked below, but here’s the short, unofficial rules:

  • Download the stems
  • Remix the track
  • Submit by e-mail before April 10, 2015

 

Have fun!

Click here to get the stems and read the full rules.

Click here to visit the official Facebook group.

Nimbit Artist of the Week: @SteveSongs!

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You know—for kids!

Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs has been
 writing and performing his award-winning
 music for kids and families for fifteen years, as both a touring and recording balladeer and children’s TV host. In that time, Steve has won numerous prestigious awards including two Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, a NAPPA Honor, two iParenting Media Awards, and a Kidscreen nomination for Best Children’s TV Host. He’s also released a ton of kids-first recordings that are silly and educational in equal parts.

Like much kid-targeted media, there’s a heavy leaning toward funny animal themes here—lots of bugs, rabbits, ducks, dogs, and even a rock’n’roll werewolf—all trumpeting 101-level life lessons on the merits of vegetables and tooth-brushing. For a music-purchasing grown-up who normally might feel like they are merely enduring a children’s record, there are occasional nods to popular songs that in-the-know adults will enjoy a knowing laugh from. A smart move on Steve’s part, and it’s what establishes him as a purveyor of family entertainment as opposed to children’s entertainment. Add to that his sincerely inspired wordplay, (rhyming “Canteloupe” with “can of soap,” never would have occurred to me) and there really is something for everyone.

A broad majority of Steve’s SteveSongs songs feature Steve on lead vocals and guitar, surrounded not only by a bang-up world-class band, but also a shout-along gaggle of enthusiastic rugrats. Mostly folky-acoustic and always squeaky clean, there’s a diverse array of instrumentation and musical themes here that dally with rock territory while never getting any heavier than, say, Paul Simon’s Graceland.

Steve’s Nimbit profile offers no fewer than eight full-length albums available in both MP3 and CD, as well as softcover and hardcover editions of Shape Song Swingalong, a DVD, and t-shirts available in various flavors of small. Steve’s pretty good about keeping his tour schedule up-to-date as well. Check it out so you and the cubs can contribute to The Shape Song in person sometime, and maybe hitch a ride home in Dan’s Orangutan Van.

Except that hitchhiking is never safe, kids, so don’t.

Learn the AudioBox i Series in upcoming @GuitarCenter Music Mentor Free Webcast—3-26-15

iseries-webcast2

 

More than just audio interfaces, the AudioBox iOne and iTwo are the heart of a creative workflow aimed at taking your inspirations and turning them into finished songs. Tightly integrating award-winning hardware with powerful software across working environments, watch recording artist The Hitchhiker (Luis Mariani) go from iPad to laptop to finished master—ready for purchase and download by your fans.

Mariani left Venezuela as a political refugee and, now an American citizen, lives and works in Louisiana bayou country, where he put together a band of self-described “good ol’ south Louisiana music scene boys” and makes hard-rocking music with a message.

This webcast will air on March 26, 2015 at noon Pacific time. Click here to register!

Special Offer On StudioLive AI Loudspeakers in the USA – save up to $1,000!

SLAIPA_Offer_Digitial_Flyer_3-3-15We thought you should know that for a limited time—until March 31st, 2015—music retailers across the US are offering a monster rebate on the StudioLive AI Loudspeakers:

  • Buy two, and save $500

  • Buy four, save $1000

 

No matter how you slice it, that’s a savings of $250 a piece for some incredible speakers. The StudioLive AI PAs feature our Active coaxial loudspeaker design, as well as sophisticated networking and DSP. With free PreSonus SL Room Control software, you can configure, tune, and monitor networked StudioLive AI loudspeakers from anywhere in the venue—Click here for a video on that. You can even visually display the room layout on a laptop or iPad!

But the StudioLive AI Loudspeakers aren’t just about brain—there’s a lot of brawn here, too. And when it’s time to put some boom in your room, these speakers offer irresponsibly high power—without the breakup and distortion typically associated with chest-resonating high volume. For more details on the minds behind the StudioLive AI Loudspeakers, click here for an interview with Dave Gunness.

But don’t take it from us. Check out some of these reviews:

Click here to find a dealer in the USA.

 

One other thing: if you want some nitty-gritty technical data, help yourself to any of these informative .PDF downloads:

 

Adrianne Gonzalez (@byaginc) on Studio One Professional

Adrianne Gonzalez (AKA AG) is a highly accomplished musician, songwriter and producer who lives in Los Angeles. She has recently tried out Studio One, and after a short time with it she has officially made the jump from Pro Tools—and doesn’t seem to be looking back. She put together this great video on why she decided to stick with Studio One, and I think the world is better for it. Thanks AG, this is much appreciated!

El productor Abraham Martínez gana el Grammy Latino por La Carta Perfecta de Danilo Montero – En Vivo usando Studio One

Abraham Martinez

Abraham Martinez

La Carta Perfecta – En Vivo fue una gran grabación realizada para Danilo Montero en 2014—tan grande, de hecho, que ganó un premio Grammy Latino al Mejor Álbum Cristiano. El álbum en vivo fue mezclado por Abraham Martínez en Studio One Professional 2. (En la foto debajo)

Martínez es ingeniero de audio FOH de tiempo completo trabajando para Marcos Witt, un muy reconocido líder de adoración y músico cristiano en Latino América. Cuando no trabaja con Witt, Martínez pasa su tiempo libre apilando premios Grammy Latinos. El ha obtenido tres galardones en solamente cuatro años:

  • 2011 Mejor Álbum Cristiano (En Español) Lenguaje De Amor Alex Campos [CanZion / MV Records]
  • 2012 Mejor Álbum Cristiano (En Español) 25 Concierto Conmemorativo Marcos Witt
  • 2014 Mejor Álbum Cristiano (En Español) La Carta Perfecta – En Vivo

Hemos tenido la chance de intercambiar algunos e-mails con Abraham para obtener algunos detalles adicionales. Como Abraham ha estado usando Studio One—y otros productos PreSonus—por algunos años hasta la actualidad, este es su primer Grammy Latino obtenido como galardón por un proyecto mezclado en Studio One. Abraham llegó a Studio One de la misma forma que muchos usuarios—a través del hardware PreSonus.

“Antes, cuando grababa más, usaba un preamplificador M80 y un ACP88”, dice Martínez. “Más recientemente he usado un ADL 600 para la grabación de pistas de voz y bajo. También uso una consola digital de mezclas StudioLive por su calidad de sonido y facilidad de uso para el trabajo en nuestra iglesia. Tengo siempre asociado a PreSonus con valor, pero nunca los había considerado como desarrolladores serios de una aplicación DAW hasta que probé Studio One!”

“Ahora uso Studio One exclusivamente para todas mis mezclas en mi estudio de mezclas personal AMmix”. Martínez continúa, “También lo usamos en nuestra iglesia para grabar y mezclar nuestras obras. Lo que me atrajo principalmente hacia Studio One es que el flujo de trabajo es muy intuitivo. Se sintió natural de inmediato, sobre todo para la mezcla. Recuerdo que tuve que volver a mi viejo DAW para terminar un proyecto antiguo y lo comencé a odiar ya que se sentía primitivo en comparación. Lo que me mantuvo trabajando en Studio One, sin embargo, fue su calidad de audio y sus características profesionales. Eso es algo a lo que yo no estaba dispuesto a renunciar”.

“Studio One no defrauda”, afirma Martínez. “Las funciones de edición de percusión y de cuantización son las mejores por lejos. Me encanta que nunca hay problemas con clics y pops y todo permanece perfectamente en fase. La calidad del sonido y facilidad de uso son las fortalezas de Studio One”.

Martínez habla desde la experiencia cuando compara Studio One con otros DAWs y flujos de trabajo.

“Encontré mi flujo de trabajo mucho más rápido y fluido en Studio One, a diferencia de Nuendo, con el que he trabajado anteriormente por muchos años. Hace poco hice una comparación trabajando completamente ‘en la caja’ (Computadora) con Studio One contra mi sistema híbrido hardware/software —y honestamente puedo decir que las diferencias fueron mínimas. Ahora me siento completamente cómodo trabajando ‘en la caja’ cuando tengo que hacerlo!”

“No puedo esperar ver que tiene Studio One en las tiendas para nosotros en la versión 3”

Mire el video “Dios es Amor” de Danilo Montero a continuación: