It’s #PreSonusFAMFriday with John Bastianelli!
The one and only John Bastianelli combines talent, charisma, drive, fun, smarts and know-how perfectly here at PreSonus! Thankfully so–he’s one of the masterminds behind the Quantum 2 and he’s here to tell us all about it! It’s #PreSonusFAMFriday with John Bastianelli.
What’s your favorite thing about your job? Why did you choose to work here?
It was a vinyl record actually: John Coltrane’s Blue Train.
“Every Breath You Take,” Police. I always like to belt out the bridge as I sing like crap and totally annoy everyone straining to hit those high notes, that’s the purpose of Karaoke as far as I’m concerned, right? 😉
Everyone has a side gig, what’s yours?
Playing, producing and writing music.
I’ve been involved in product development for many years and the Quantum is by far the best audio interface I’ve ever worked on/with and slept with at any price point! 😉 The sound quality, ease of use, and lack of latency has finally made working “inside the box” as easy as the old days of analog recording. It doesn’t get any better this. This one product has inspired me to get back into making music again, even when I get home after a 12 hour day at the office, it calls my name from afar!
Why did you choose this as your favorite?
Simply put, this product inspires me to be creative, makes me want to make music and sounds amazing—recording an alto saxophone can be difficult as there are a lot of high frequencies that are difficult to reproduce/capture unless you have high quality mic pres and converters, the Quantum and Quantum 2 capture my sound perfectly and makes me sound great. I practically like the Quantum 2 because of the size and portability and I don’t need more than 4 mic pres.
Got any tips for working with the Quantum 2?
Plug it into your Thunderbolt port, open Studio One or your favorite app and hit record, then watch what happens!
A Thunderbolt Flux Capacitor… Super exciting!
Connect with John on LinkedIn here!
Learn more about the Quantum 2 here!
It’s #PreSonusFAMFriday with Chris Hare!
When you think of IT guys, you don’t always think of the coolest guy in the office. WELL NOT AT PRESONUS! Let us introduce you one of the most talented, coolest, laid backest dudes on the block, Chris Hare.
It’s #PreSonusFAMFriday with Chris Hare!
Joe vs. The Volcano.
What was the first 8 track, cassette, CD or digital download you purchased?
The Bee Gees Greatest Hits on cassette. I have fond memories of riding in the back of my parents station wagon in the late 70’s listening to all sorts of disco music. You could say it’s my “happy place”.
Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
Pat Metheny.
I’m a sucker for a melody so anything by Burt Bacharach & Hal David.
Everyone has a side gig, what’s yours?
Playing guitar for whoever I can trick into listening to me.
I’m blown away by the plugins that come right out of the box with the new Series III mixers. Once I saw we were doing a single rackspace 16 channel model, I realized that I can use it for my acoustic/nylon string guitars as well as my guitar synth. I’m able to replace a solid state preamp/channel strip, stand alone noise gate, vintage hardware reverb, and a line mixer with just a 1u SL III 16r.
Why did you choose this as your favorite? 
If anybody knows anything about me, it’s that I’m a HUUUUGGGGE Pat Metheny fan and have been really drawn to his style of playing and his use of timbre and effects. As such, the reverb sound is crucial to getting a great amplified nylon string tone and the plugins on the new Series III mixers really nail it perfectly. Add in the other vintage modeling of plugins for the compressor and EQ and you’ve got a sound that you used to need a big studio desk and special hardware effects to achieve.
Tell us about a successful event you worked with PreSonus products. InfoComm, NAMM, Install somewhere….
My favorite events have been the PreSonusphere events, where we would have users come to Baton Rouge for a few days of intensive workshops and master classes. It was great experience and always interesting to meet the end users and hear about how they used PreSonus products and get their feedback and suggestions first hand.
Got any tips for working with the StudioLive Series III 16R?
As I’m using in a more unconventional fashion as really a processor for my acoustic guitars, I would say try to find unique ways that you can incorporate it into your rig or setup. It’s a very flexible product and I’m sure there are musicians who are going to find things to do with it that we never thought of.
Just trying to continue to grow as a musician and play with other musicians who inspire me whenever I can. I keep saying I’m going to use our glorious studio here at the PreSonus Mothership to record a jazz trio record sometime and maybe this will be the year.
It’s PreSonusFAMFriday with Stevie Meranta!
2 years.
What was the first 8 track, cassette, CD or digital download you purchased?
The Black Parade, My Chemical Romance.
Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
Anything by Journey or Queen.
Everyone has a side gig, what’s yours?
What do you love about the WorxAudio XL1?
The clarity of the box is amazing. I also love the 160 degree coverage pattern of the horn so it covers such a large area. The DSP is very simple to use for tuning.
Why did you choose this as your favorite?
They are wonderful to mix onand so feature and performance packed. Its hard not to love them!
What all PreSonus products do you use?
Got any tips for working with the XL1 ?
It’s #PreSonusFAMFriday with Phil Knock!
Knock, knock!
Who’s there?
The one you’ve been waiting for…
The FaderPort 16!?!?!?!?!
Yes.
It’s #PreSonusFAMFriday with Phil Knock!
How long have you worked for PreSonus?
I’ve worked for PreSonus for nearly a year.
Software Engineer.
My first introduction to audio engineering was using a FireStudio interface. We had a recording studio at my high school and I swear I practically lived there. So I’ve been a PreSonus fan since I was a tot basically!
“Debugging Code 7 Part 2: The Re-Debugging, Revisited”
What was the first 8 track, cassette, CD or digital download you purchased?
Do you guys remember Hit Clips? My first music purchase was an “All Star” by Smash Mouth Hit Clip.
Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Father John Misty, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Led Zeppelin.
“Don’t Let Me Down,” The Beatles.
Everyone has a side gig, what’s yours?
I find the field of Digital Signal Processing utterly fascinating. To that end, I’ve had a ton of fun tinkering with audio plugins using the JUCE framework, Kontakt, and MaxForLive.
I played cello in the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony when I was younger, and since then I’ve dabbled in guitar, bass, and drums.
Why did you choose this as your favorite?
Mixing is one thing, but writing fader automation with a mouse is a fate worse than death. Being able to navigate and interact with large sessions in Studio One or any other major DAW makes this product incredibly useful.
Got any tips for working with the FaderPort 16?
This might sound crazy, but it can sometimes be helpful to balance levels without looking at the computer screen. Even turn your screen off if you have to; at least temporarily. I find that it helps you focus more closely on what you’re actually hearing rather than what you’re expecting to hear looking at waveforms and user interfaces.
What’s your social media handles and is it ok to tag you?
For any aspiring engineers out there, you can feel free to add me on LinkedIn!
PreSonus LIVE Airs Oct. 26: Six in Sixty
It’s been a while since we’ve had an episode of PreSonus Live—we’ve been real busy; and have launched a ton of new products in record time. So, we’re having Rick host a new episode of PreSonus LIVE featuring all six of these new products in sixty minutes. He’ll be visited by many familiar Product Managers—plus a couple more that will be making their first appearance on the show.
On October 26 at 2pm CST, we’ll be talking about:
- StudioLive Series III Rack Mixers
- Quantum 2
- StudioLive AR 22 Hybrid Mixer
- SW5E Ethernet Switch
- Eris 3.5
- FaderPort 16
Of course, it wouldn’t be PreSonus LIVE without a giveaway or two, so we’ll be giving away a Quantum 2, a copy of Studio One 3 Professional, and a pair of Eris E44 monitors. To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is post to Facebook or Twitter with the #PreSonusLive hashtag and the link to the show. Posts in chat rooms are not an eligible form of entry.
We stream the show live to Facebook and YouTube, so you can check it out on the platform of your choice:
The Loop Loft is back with a TON of new stuff for Studio One
Our friends over at The Loop Loft have been busy lately, and have cranked out some new loops (with Impact kits!) for Studio One. These include “Everything But Sticks,” “Indie Rock,” and “Celso Alberti.” There are several volumes to each title, which are available individually—but they are also available in collected bundles. And when you buy a bundle, you save a bundle. All of these are ready to audition and buy over at shop.presonus.com.
All of these loop packs are include both .WAV and AudioLoop formats, and are sampled in high-quality 24-Bit 48 kHz audio. They’re 100% royalty-free—use them in your songs and sell them without any hassle.
Everything But Sticks Bundle:
With the Everything But Sticks Bundle, you’ll get instant access to both Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 of this groundbreaking collection of loops and samples, while also saving 50%. If you’re seeking organic and unique grooves that layer seamlessly in your productions, this is the bundle for you!
About Everything But Sticks
Let’s be honest. 99% of the drum loops in existence use sticks. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but isn’t it time to do something different? This is why we set out to produce Everything But Sticks, a collection of loops and samples that take a new and fresh approach to grooves on the drum set.
By using a wide variety of brushes, mallets, bundles, kitchen utensils and even our bare hands, we were able to pull out an entire range of timbres and dynamics from the drum kit that sticks simply can’t produce. For fans of our Cinematic and Art of Brushes collections, Everything But Sticks will be a welcome addition to your arsenal of loops and samples. And if you’re not familiar with some of our non-stick offerings, Everything But Sticks is the perfect place to start.
Technical Specs:
- Number of Loops: 791
- Number of Samples: 233
- Number of Impact Kits: 17
- Tempo Range: 65-180 BPM
- File Size: 1.05 GB
Indie Rock Bundle: 
We’ve bundled all three of our popular Indie Rock Drums collections, giving you instant access to our massive library of authentic indie drums, while also saving you 30%! With drum sounds and grooves inspired by the likes of Built to Spill, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, The Strokes, Fugazi, The Flaming Lips and a host of other bands.
Technical Steps:
- Number of Loops: 758
- Number of Samples: 214
- Number of Impact Kits: 18
- Tempo Range: 80-200 BPM
- File Size: 964 MB
Celso Alberti Bundle: 
Brazilian native and master drummer Celso Alberti has pursued a percussive vision that spans a multitude of genres and cultures – whether playing the traditional rhythms of his homeland, jazz fusion, rock or “world fusion” styles. This versatility has won Celso international acclaim, as attested by the elite company he keeps on performances and recording projects, including Steve Winwood, Herbie Mann, and more. With the Celso Alberti’s Brazilian Drums and Percussion bundle, you’ll have instant access to the largest and most expansive collection of Brazilian grooves and samples ever produced (and save 30% at the same time!)
The Bundle includes both Volume 1 and 2 of the hugely popular Brazilian Drum series.
Technical Specs:
Vol 1:
- Number of Loops: 323
- Number of Samples: 61
- Number of Impact Kits: 8
- Tempo Range: 75-130 BPM
- File Size: 378 MB
Vol 2:
- Number of Loops: 375
- Number of Samples: 34
- Number of Impact Kits: 8
- Tempo Range: 75-240 BPM
- File Size: 485 MB
It’s #PreSonusFAMFriday with THE Rick Naqvi and the StudioLive Series III Rack Mixer and StageBox!
It’s hard to write introductions for people who don’t really need them.
This is Spinal Tap.
What was the first 8 track, cassette, CD or digital download you purchased?
My first record was the first self-titled Kiss album in 1976. A few years later I got the first Van Halen album. I was around 8 or 9 years old and my parents scheduled a family vacation where we drove from Baton Rouge to Niagara Falls. I had a Sony Walkman back then. The only tape I had with me was Van Halen 1, and I listened to it for 42 hours straight (2,628 miles.)
Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
MUTEMATH!
Everyone has a side gig, what’s yours?
I play with a funk band called Phat Hat.
Tell us about a successful event you worked with PreSonus products. InfoComm, NAMM, Install somewhere….
There’s a local church that I’m working with that recently upgraded their sound system to a total PreSonus solution: a StudioLive 32 Console with 32R Stagebox. All of the are musicians using QMix and HP2s to adjust IEMs, and their speakers are the PreSonus WorxAudio X5 with X118 Subwoofers. They already installed the speakers, and next Tuesday I’m going over to help them dial in the new mixer before their Wednesday rehearsal.
Got any tips for working with the Rack Mixer/StageBox?
Spend some money and get an awesome wireless router. They are not that much money for a great one and you will be happy. Here’s a link to the one I use with my band.
It’s #PreSonusFAMFriday with Cave Daughdrill!
If you don’t know him, you’re missing out. And if you do know him, I’m sorry.
Cave Daughdrill keeps PreSonus looking legit. He designs the boxes, takes lots of photos—lots of photos. He creates ads and has his hands on a lot of moving pieces—literally—and somehow manages to keep spreading the love with his congenial personality and jolly cheer. Here’s a little more about our office mascot and our DP88 for PreSonusFAMFriday!
How long have you worked for PreSonus?
Almost 14 years. Wow. Feels weird saying that out loud!
What’s your official job title?
Creative Director/Lead Pixel Junkie.
What’s your favorite thing about your job? Why did you choose to work here?
I’m surrounded by awesome people who have the same passions that I have! A great team, making a great product!
Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
Confessions: The Story of a Guitar Pedal Addict.
What was the first 8 track, cassette, CD or digital download you purchased?
Seriously, can not remember…
Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
Really depends on my mood; I have way too many backups! Let’s just keep this happy for everyone and say Thin Lizzy.
What’s your go to Karaoke song?
I would never do this… Well maybe, Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories, “Stay.”
Everyone has a side gig, what’s yours?
Marketing/Design Consultation/Creation.
What instruments do you play?
Guitar, Bass, Drums. Been working on the drumming lately.
What do you love about the DP88?
Almost every interface these days has ADAT I/O, and the DP88 is a simple, easy way for everyone to expand their capabilities.
Tell us about a successful event you worked with PreSonus products. InfoComm, NAMM, Install somewhere….
NAMM is always a blast. I think my favorite times have been running around with smaller boutique builders, and crashing parties with em! We always had great times at the old TapeOp Con too! NAMM “initiations” are always fun for the new guys, too.
What are you currently working on? What’s next for you?
Oh, can’t share that with everyone quite yet! Can’t ruin a good surprise!
What’s the strangest talent you have?
I’m able to retain boring facts on old video games that no one cares about. So, making people bored sometimes?!
Anything else you want to share?
Our social media director is a swell guy!
Learn more about our DP88 HERE!
Free 30 day Learning to Mix Trial for Studio One!
Learning To Mix is premium training for the recording musician and aspiring audio engineer, and as a user of Studio One we are delighted to be able to offer you a FREE 30 day Learning To Mix trial. All you need to do is sign up with the link below, no code needed, it’s that simple!
Click here to get your FREE 30 day LTM Trial!
Once you sign up you will receive an email from Learning To Mix telling you how to log into your account. At the end of 30 days you will be charged the regular monthly membership price of $22.00 per month unless you cancel. If you have any questions, you can contact LTM via their website.
It’s #PreSonusFAMFriday with Preston Jensen!
Today’s feature puts the “Pre” in PreSonus… and Precious. And Predictable. And Pretty… It’s Preston Jensen for #PreSonusFAMFriday!
Two years… The best two years of my life.
I think the first cassette I purchased was DC Talk’s Nu Thang.
Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
I would say my go-to artist would be John Mayer… Or Disney. ANYTHING Disney!
I can’t sing very well, but if I had to pick it would be “Defying Gravity” from the Wicked soundtrack… without a doubt.
What do you love about the Eris Monitors?
I love being able to edit with the monitors and really crank it up to hear the emotion in the music as I’m creating.
What are you currently working on? What’s next for you?
There’s always new products coming out and it’s fun to see what’s coming out next! Working on new videos for some exciting new products.
Keep up with Preston on Instagram here!