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Tech Tips

inSync Tech Tips cover over 3,800 music and audio topics spanning 15 years of technological development. Look here to find answers to your tech questions, cool tips and tools for making music, and more.

Latest Tech Tips

Jan 23, 12:00 AM

PRM1 Precision Reference Microphone for PreSonus Smaart Measurement

The PreSonus StudioLive 24.4.2 and StudioLive 16.4.2 digital mixers offer affordable audio analysis and correction via Smaart Measurement Technology, which is super handy for optimizing your system for ideal sound quality in any room. The problem is that you need a reference or "measurement"... Read more »
Jan 22, 12:00 AM

How to Split MIDI Signals

Q: I have a MIDI controller keyboard that I want use to control two sound modules at the same time. How can I split the MIDI output so it can feed into both? A: There are two possible solutions: 1. If either of the modules has a MIDI thru port, you can use it to daisychain to the second module... Read more »
Jan 21, 12:00 AM

How to Rackmount a Radial Cube

Q: I love my Radial Workhorse Cube because it has allowed me to create the perfect recording channel of preamp, EQ, and compressor using three 500-series modules. I want to mount it to my recording desk, though. Is there a way to do this? A: First, to be clear, the Workhorse Cube is not... Read more »
Jan 18, 12:00 AM

How to Rackmount Non-rackmount Gear

Q: I have a piece of gear that I want to install into my rack, but it's not rackmountable — there are no rack ears, and I can't find a rackmount kit for it. What can I do? A: There are a number of rackmount shelves available that may work for you. These are designed to hold items that are not... Read more »
Jan 17, 12:00 AM

Multiple Tube Failure?

Following up on yesterday's question, where an inSync reader asked for help tracking down a problem with his guitar amp. We suggested substituting a known-good preamp tube for each tube in the amp until the problem tube was found. In this case, this didn't solve the problem, because two tubes... Read more »
Jan 16, 12:00 AM

Whistling Amp

Q: My guitar amplifier is making weird noises when I turn it on — crackling, pops, sometimes it makes a whistling noise. These noises stop after a few minutes. Any thoughts on what could be wrong? A: Several things could cause this, but we would be willing to bet that you have a tube amp, and... Read more »
Jan 15, 3:24 PM

Synth Tricks: Powerful MIDI Tricks

In these modern times of USB and bluetooth connections, the power of the 30-year old 5-pin MIDI connecter may have faded from your idea factory. But there are still many powerful tricks that only MIDI can offer. One of the great guardians of MIDI is a company called MIDI Solutions, a name that... Read more »
Jan 15, 12:00 AM

Dangerous Music and Live Sound

Think you can only use a Dangerous Music 2-Bus or 2-bus LT in the studio? Think again! Forward-thinking live sound engineers are now taking Dangerous summing boxes on the road, and using them to enhance the sound quality of digital live sound consoles! As with studio productions, live sound... Read more »
Jan 14, 12:00 AM

JoeCo BlackBox Update

The JoeCo BlackBox Recorder and the JoeCo BlackBox Player have been updated to version 2.2.7x. The new version supports the replay of up to 64-channel polyphonic WAV files, as well as the ability to import PolyWAV files from DAWs, and PolyWAV capability for 64-channel MADI and Dante systems... Read more »
Jan 11, 12:00 AM

How to Use AirTurn with Four Pedals

The AirTurn BT-105 comes configured with two footswitches/pedals, which most of us assign to page up/page down functions in our apps and software. But did you know that you can actually use four pedals with the BT-105? One solution for doing this is the BOSS FS-5U footswitch. The FS-5U has the... Read more »
Jan 10, 12:00 AM

Celemony Melodyne — Essential Studio Tool

Think that you can only use Celemony Melodyne to fix out of tune singers? It's true, the software does excel at tuning. But if that's all you're doing with Melodyne, then you're missing out! You can also use Melodyne to manage volume on a note-by-note basis, to de-ess vocal tracks, adjust loops... Read more »
Jan 9, 12:00 AM

AirTurn Compatibility Update

As of today, January 9, 2013, the following iOS apps are confirmed by the manufacturer to be compatible with the AirTurn BT-105: Avid Scorch Cool Reader DeepDish GigBook DrumSetlist Manager EBookDroid ezPDF Reader Finale Songbook forScore Hymnals iCue iGigBook iReal b Loopy Loopy HD Moon+... Read more »
Jan 8, 12:00 AM

Hidden Focusrite Forte Features

The Focusrite Forte is one of the best compact desktop-style USB audio interfaces on the market. One of the great things about it (aside from its standard-setting audio quality) is that the user interface is so simple — just a single large knob that also doubles as a switch when you push... Read more »
Jan 7, 12:00 AM

Pigtronix Infinity Looper Firmware Update

The Pigtronix Infinity Looper just got even better! The latest firmware update adds a much-requested feature: Variable Feedback Decay. Variable Feedback Decay (also refered to by Pigtronix as "loop aging") fades out your loop as you add new material in Overdub mode. You can choose how fast the... Read more »
Jan 4, 12:00 AM

Protecting Gear in the Winter Months

Here in Indiana, the temperatures have plunged below freezing — it's the time of year when you break out the coats, hats, gloves, and boots for yourself. You've got to keep yourself warm! But don't forget: you should take no less care with your gear when the weather shifts into winter... Read more »
Jan 3, 12:00 AM

SoundToys 64-bit Versions Coming Later This Year

SoundToys released a statement updating the status of moving their plug-ins to 64-bit versions. The company expects to have initial betas available to their team soon, to be followed by a public beta program. The changeover has required extensive re-coding, and includes complete graphics and... Read more »
Jan 2, 12:00 AM

Start the New Year Off with a Clean Slate!

As we kick off the New Year, this is a great time to perform all that routine maintenance, software updates, backups, and other tasks that you have been putting off (we all do it...) Go through your rig, look everything over, give it a thorough cleaning, check all the cabling and connections... Read more »
Dec 28 2012, 12:00 AM

JDK R22 and Paragon?

Did you know that the JDK R22 Dual Channel Compressor has a famous, high-end lineage? It's true! The compressor circuit in the R22 comes directly from the famous ATI Paragon PII Live Sound Production Console, long considered the top-tier analog live sound console. The Paragon was used for major... Read more »
Dec 27 2012, 12:00 AM

Dangerous Music Monitor ST Cue Amp Output

Q: What is the Cue Amp output on the Dangerous Music Monitor ST for? Is it powered or unpowered? A: The Cue Amp output on the Monitor ST is a powered output. It provides 20 watts of power for driving headphone distribution boxes. It can drive a wide variety of impedances — up to 16 sets... Read more »
Dec 26 2012, 12:00 AM

How To Use a Dangerous Music Source with a Subwoofer

Q: The Dangerous Music Source doesn't have a subwoofer output. Is there a way to hook one up? A: Although the Source doesn't have a "dedicated" subwoofer out, there are several ways to accomplish connecting one. Here's what we recommend: Connect your main left/right speakers to the Speaker 1... Read more »

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