For trade enquiries or to find your nearest dealer call Pro Audio - SA (011) 822-1430 | sales@proaudio.co.za | www.proaudio.co.za

X32 comes with a premium dust cover as well as a powerful XUF

FireWire/USB audio interface card pre-installed.

Ultra low latency24-bit audio interface

32 In x 32 Out, with MIDITransmits HUI and Mackie Control data along with the audio I/O, providing convenient

remote control of DAW via the X32 group fader section controls Compatible with CoreAudio on Mac OS 10.5 and above, and high-performance

ASIO drivers for Windows PC are downloadable from behringer.com

The XUF interface provides:

EDITION 22 | OCT/NOV ‘12 | Proud Supporters of SA Music!4

CONTENTStech

12

16

hen I grew up jazz and blues but with a definite rock Described as a traditional electric everybody wanted to edge, according to reviewer, Nic guitar with a digital modeling brain, be a guitarist. Yup I’m Roos. the JTV 69 offers no less than 29 Wthat old! Well maybe modeled guitar variants. It’s certainly We also look at Tanglewood’s

not everybody; there was always the an instrument for the tech-savvy Sundance acoustic, a brand that odd dude who wanted to bang willing to step outside the analog continues to make waves with each drums and of course the frontman box. model in its range. i.e. singer who fancied himself the Speaking of technology Mackie Fender certainly need no ‘rock god!’ But mainly guitar. have also released their DL1608 iPad introduction and Alan Ratcliffe takes

Have things changed? Well I mixing desk. Greg [Bester] attended a long hard look at their Mustang III guess every kid wants to be a DJ a demo to see what the fuss is about. amp, the company’s foray into the now. Thankfully guitars don’t seem to less expensive modeling amp So yes, maybe every kid does go out of fashion though – not if the market. want to be a DJ nowadays, but number of new models and various nobody told the guitar manufacturers We also look at the Vox 33 gear being produced is anything to and this is a good thing. Guitars are Series, another instrument that gets go by. This edition we seem to have still the definitive instrument of a big thumbs up from reviewer, Kalin covered a ton of guitar and guitar popular music and long shall they Palishnev as well as the Line 6 JTV related products. reign! 69 Variax designed by master luthier,

Our lead story features two very James Tyler; an interesting nicely priced Washburn ‘vintage’ instrument and well worth the read. Dave Maclooking axes, both leaning towards

Editor’s Note and Index

Cover Review: Washburn HB32DM & J7

Gear News

Instrument Review: Tanglewood Sundance TW40 O ANE

Gear Review: Fender Mustang III Guitar Amplifier

Gear Review: Mackie DL1608 iPAd Mixer

Instrument Review: Line 6 JTV 69 James Tyler Variax

Gear Review: Warwick BC80 Combo Bass Amp

Instrument Review: VOX SC 33 Guitar

Special Feature: SAE Institute After Dark Sessions

Manage Your Manager by David Chislett

Recording Vocals with Academy of Sound Engineering

Guitar Maintenance with Alan Ratcliffe

Play Better Bass with Alistair Andrews

Play Better Guitar with Kurt Slabbert

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Cover Review | WASHBURN HB 32DM | WASHBURN J7 | words: Nic roos6

“The guitar's true character lies in the woody low mid resonance, which is brought out quite nicely in the middle pickup position, which I preferred for jazzier chord work.”

WASHBURN HB32DM

emi-Hollow body While the matte finish looks guitars are typically great and allows for easy non-stick lighter and more movement up and down the neck, it resonant than their does make the guitar feel a little cold solid body counter- and dusty. I suppose this is in Sparts, providing a great keeping with a post-apocalyptic blues

alternative for electric players looking look and it will soften with prolonged for something different. Their slightly use. The neck is quite slim but is a mellower tone is well suited to jazz, little on the wide side, making it more blues and rock. suitable for jazz, blues, country and

Washburn’s HB32DM is a mid- rock. I was still able to get some fast priced guitar that pays homage to runs out on it and, dare I say, the Gibson’s archetypal semi-hollow string spacing is ideal for chicken-body, the ES-335, capturing elements picking. The string tension felt quite of the original sound but with its own stiff, even with the shorter scale unique look. length.

As is often the case with guitars shipped to our shores from overseas, the guitar was unfortunately in need

The HB32DM is a well-constructed, of a setup. While there was

no-nonsense, duel humbucker tone absolutely no fret buzz, the intonation

machine. It features a double-was slightly out and the action was

cutaway, semi-acoustic mahogany incredibly high. This is possibly due

body and top with bound f-holes and to a shifted truss rod, causing further

sides, a mahogany neck with a 24.75" intonation problems. That said the

scale, 22 fret rosewood fingerboard. tuners were quite stable and I was

The neck joins the body at the 19th able to make very small adjustments.

fret for easy high fret access. A solid block of wood runs through the body to improve sustain and reduce feedback. As mentioned before most semi-

Again, keeping things simple hollow body guitars are usually there are two open coil humbuckers lighter, mellower and more resonant in the standard control configuration: than solid body guitars. While the HB two tone and two volume knobs and 32DM has a nice low mid resonance,

woody attack when digging in to the a 3-way selector switch. overall it’s tone is bright and clear. strings with a pick. I was able to get All the hardware, from the stop- There is also a surprising amount of quite aggressive on gain without bar tailpiece and Tune-O-Matic sustain on tap, thanks to the solid worrying about feedback or a loss of bridge, to the strap pins and Grover block of wood in the body.clarity.tuners are in distressed brass, which The pickups have a higher than

along with the distressed natural expected output and have a modern finish and black binding gives the mid-range voicing that is well suited guitar a pseudo relic'ed, almost for rock styled playing. On a cleaner The Washburn HB32DM is a great steam-punk look. amp setting the highs can sound a bit choice for anyone looking for an

sterile and the mids can get a bit affordable semi-hollow body that has brash if pushed. The guitar’s true its own character. I really appreciate character, however, lies in the woody its simplicity and looks and, while the Out of the box, the HB32DM feels low mid resonance, which is brought pickups didn’t blow me away, the quite rugged and solid and despite out quite nicely in the middle pickup combination of the low mid richness the acoustic chamber is quite heavy. position, which I preferred for jazzier and open highs makes this a It definitely has the potential to be a chord work. The bridge pickup does surprisingly versatile instrument. real work horse. There is a surprising react nicely to overdrive and Well worth checking out.amount of sustain on tap, due, no sweetens the tone somewhat,

doubt, to the solid wood block in the bringing out a nice breakup and

body.

Anatomy

Sound

Conclusion

Playability

7

Supplier: Tradelius Music Group Tel. No: 031 502-3080Suggested Retail Prices: HB32DM : R4,995-00J7 : R 9,995-00

WASHBURN J7“Featuring a big single cutaway body made of quilted maple and a solid spruce, double F-holed, curved top, the J7 truly is gorgeous and ornate.”

ig ‘Jazzbox’ hollow The Bigsby is a lot of fun. Its body guitars have a spring action gives a nice smooth certain allure, conjuring resistance that allows easy vibrato up images of smoky arm motion, so you can be as subtle juke joints, hot-rodded or crazy as you want with little effort. Bcars and the decadence Tuning instability is an issue,

of bygone musical eras. They although Bigsbys do take a while to generally have a big resonant sound play in. Unless one uses a locking with a relatively short sustain that trem system there will always be makes them perfect for jazz, hence some tuning issues but I found the name. myself having to retune very often

With the J7, Washburn capture even without using the Bigsby. It much of the feel, look and sound of could be that the strings are getting these old creatures at an affordable stuck in the nut. Intonation was price. While its looks and features are slightly off higher up the neck and in line with jazz boxes of old, the there was some fretbuzz from the inclusion of a vintage looking Bigsby low strings on the first fret. The vibrato system suggests that a rock action was a bit high for my liking. ‘n roll heart beats underneath its These issues may simply be down to jazzy exterior. it needing a proper setup.

Featuring a big single cutaway body The J7 delivers sonically on what its made of quilted maple and a solid looks suggest. There’s tons of body spruce, double F-holed, curved top, resonance in evidence, especially on the J7 truly is gorgeous and ornate. the neck pickup, and has a shorter It’s a pity about the tuning stability The 20 fret rosewood fretboard has sustain as is expected from the large but again this could be down to it abalone split block inlays. The body cavity. needing a setup after international Washburn logo and headstock On clean amp settings the J7’s shipping. Regardless of this I highly design are also abalone. humbuckers delivered a gorgeously recommend the J7 for its majestic

All the hardware is gold, from thick tone with silky highs and character and tone. Washburn the Bigsby to the duel humbuckers to throaty mids and lows. The neck deserve no small amount of praise! the retro looking Grover Imperial pickup is the obvious choice for a This is a luxurious instrument in tuners. I’m not a fan of gold more mellow traditional jazz tone but terms of look and playability. While it hardware at all but it does seem to it also has great degree of clarity. may not be the first choice for many suit the overall look. The body, neck, The Middle and bridge pickup electric guitar players as it’s quite a headstock and even the f-holes are position yielded more open tones speciality item it does show a beautifully bound. Unlike traditional that still retained the silkiness and surprising degree of versatility and jazz boxes the rosewood bridge is woody attack that make it great for character to match its looks. fixed to the body for stable single note blues and country licks. intonation. This beauty really sprung to life with

some overdrive, though. The bridge pickup screamed for some Chicago blues and Stray Cats runs while the The J7’s big body is a lot more middle pickup position sweetens up comfortable to play than I imagined it with a bell-like BB King-type tone. would be, even if it is a bit on the Overall it’s a very inspiring heavy side, feeling a lot less like an characterful, warm tone that acoustic and more like and oversized simultaneously has a lot of clarity.Les Paul. Also surprising is a rather

slim neck that easily accommodates fast lead runs. Despite the 25.5" scale length the string tension is low making string bending effortless.

Anatomy Sound

Conclusion

Playability

Gear & Industry News | FOR DAILY GEAR, INSTRUMENT AND INDUSTRY NEWS VISITS MUSEONLINE.CO.ZA8

Gear NewsHARTKE INTRODUCES LIMITED EDITION DAVID ELLEFSON SIGNATURE COMBO A70 BASS AMP

CHORD ROGUE GUITAR FOR BEGINNERS

TV Audio | (011) 805-9910 | www.tvaudio.co.za

The Chord Rogue is a very low cost step into the world of electric guitars which features an interesting body design and is available in some pretty funky colours (black, Surf-blue or Threetone Sunburst).

Interestingly, the pickup configuration features a Humbucker, plus a single coil, with a 5-way selector switch to access the sound you require. With an Alderwood body, Maple neck and a Rosewood fingerboard, this 'Little Rogue' is big on value! It has a compact, single cutaway alder body bolted to a maple neck, adjustable hard-tail bridge and

Main features:closed geared machine heads for ! Hot bridge humbucker for rock lead accurate intonation and tuning.

tonesHumbucker at the bridge with a single ! Adjustable hardtail bridgecoil pickup at the neck offer a choice of ! Compact alder bodytones to suit different music styles via a

3-way lever switch and volume & tone rotary controls.

The A70 is a powerful bass combo that features a matched 12-inch aluminium bass speaker in a specially designed cabinet that can be used in a typical flat floor position or in its special “kickback” position for increased high end clarity and sound dispersion. Delivering 70 watts to its 12-inch aluminium bass driver, this versatile bass combo is perfect for use in small venues or home recording studios. Plus, the CD input and dedicated headphone output make

! Dual position (flat or kickback) cabinet it an ideal practice amp. Also, with designprofessional features like 7-band graphic

! Rugged construction for supreme EQ for finer tone control, a variable durabilitylimiter, XLR balanced outputs, passive

! Dimensions: 473mm/18.62˝ (H) x and active inputs and an effects loop, the 425mm/16.7˝ (W) x 385mm/15.15˝ (D)A70 is as comprehensive as it is versatile.

! Weight: 20kg/44 lbs

Hartke David Ellefson Signature Combo A70 Bass Amp Specs:! 12-inch aluminum cone driverHartke has released their newest combo ! 70 watts of output poweramp, the David Ellefson Signature ! Bass, treble and 7-band graphic Combo A70 bass amp. The limited

equalizationedition combo features the Megadeth ! Line level loop send and return jacksbassist’s signature badge and a custom ! Dedicated CD/MP3 inputchrome grill in addition to all the features ! Headphone outputof the pre-existing A70.

Audiosure | (011) 790-4600 | www.audiosure.co.za

9

Now retailing at R 2,995.00 incl. VAT in SA.

Technology Innovated Distribution+27 (0)10 5000 111 | www.tidistribution.co.za/

Proaudio | (011) 822-1430 | www.proaudio.co.za

BEHRINGER ANNOUNCE NEW 3 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON ALL PRODUCTS BOUGHT FROM OCTOBERBehringer has announced its new free 3- including state-of-the-art automation, Year Limited Warranty, available on all enhanced production workflows and Behringer product purchases. quality assurance labs with the most

“We always strive to provide the sophisticated test equipment available in best possible customer experience,” said the world. As a result, we have one of Uli Behringer, CEO of The MUSIC Group. the lowest product failure rates in the “To that end, we recently invested US$ industry, and we back it up with this 20 million in upgrades to our factory incredible 3-year warranty.”

BEYERDYNAMIC CUSTOM ONE PRO: DESIGNED AND MADE IN GERMANY

isolation, which is great for listening in noisy situations like planes and trains. The noise isolation process is completely passive and doesn't fatigue your ears like electronic noise-cancelling The beyerdynamic Custom One Pro headphones sometimes do. Headphones feature an over-the-ear

The headphones can be physically design, and can be customized both changed in a couple of ways: The sonically and physically. The four-way detachable cable is adjustable in length, Custom Sound Slider adjusts the bass going up to a maximum of 4.9' (1.5 m). response by incrementally opening the The look of the headphones can be flexible bass-reflex vents on the ear changed, as well, via the CUSTOMizer cups. By the time you get to the fourth feature on the beyerdynamic website, and highest setting, there's so much low which was launched in September of end that you can literally feel the air 2012. This allows you to purchase pushing out. The Custom One Pro's optional rings, covers, ear pad cushions, highly efficient 16Ω velocity drivers offer and headbands in a variety of colours, a maximum volume of 116 dB, providing

you with ample headroom. letting you style your Custom One Pros The Custom Sound Slider also to your taste. The parts are all easily

changes the amount of noise isolation. user-installable.On the lowest setting (the one with the least amount of bass), the Custom One Pros give you their maximum sound

RAM AUDIO INTRODUCES NEW V SERIES HEAVY DUTY POWER AMPS

Viva Afrika (Pty) Ltd | (011) 250-3280 | www.vivaafrika.co.za

the same audio quality as in a full care new generation of professional touring environment. The task mandates top amplifiers based on the field proven class gear and RAM Audio answers this QuantaPulse™ Technology. These new with the V Series... not conventional devices feature two or four channel machines. V Series implements dual models, ready for rough handling in the

The touring, live, big gigs world is not a oversized regulated SMPS with PFC touring world. For this purpose, V Series

trivial matter for an amplifier to work on. front end to deliver their full amps implement oversized high

Every performing condition is hard: performance independently of mains efficiency regulated power supply with

stressful music, high ambient status or load requirements. An PFC front end to deliver their full

temperature, suboptimal mains service, oversized high-efficiency bandwidth performances independently of mains

carelessly transported, dirty places, long audio power stage is responsible for status. This together with oversized high

working schedules and so on. So, the audio power and quality. The cooling efficiency audio power stage, forced

product that has to cover these system is the guard that takes care of front to back cooling through a

challenging performances, has to be maintaining every power device within component-free path with removable

robust, naturally strong, but performing its operating temperature boundaries, front panel dust filters, improved rugged

forcing into the mechanical design with even weight case fresh air distribution, full digital control from LCD through an optimal display on the front panel... Resulting in: path. The air filters just power, reliability and robustness for and the upside your touring gigs!down assembly guarantees a reliable operation in dirty environments.

RAM Audio® has introduced this

Instrument Review | TANGLEWOOD SUNDANCE HISTORIC TW40 O AN E | words: Nic Roos10

TANGLEWOOD SUNDANCE HISTORIC TW40 O AN E

Supplied by: Rockit DistributionTel: 021 511-1800 Suggested retail price: R5,595-00 incl. VAT

“The smaller body is quite comfortable compared to

standard sized and seems to make me want to play more

considerately.”

hile many guitar manufacturers are

The smaller body is quite comfortable happy to churn out

compared to standard sized and seems another variation on

to make me want to play more the dreadnaught

considerately. The wide neck Wstyled acoustic, accommodates finger-styled playing

British owned guitar makers Tanglewood nicely and my picking hand was able to

pay homage to various classic designs manoeuvre easily from string to string

from the 1930’s and 40’s with their mid-but wasn’t uncomfortably wide for my

priced Sundance Historic series.fretting hand. Great fretwork and a well

The TW40 O AN E is a smallbodied setup neck meant there were no buzzes.

‘folk-styled’ electro acoustic based on the The 14th fret neck join means higher fret

classic Martin OM models of the early to access bringing it up to modern non-cut-

mid-20th century.away standards, although, one would

The advantage of a small bodied rarely venture too high with this style of

acoustic is that it is ideal for finger-guitar. Tuning stability is also great.

picking. A dreadnaught’s size The guitar comes with a set of Elixir

compensates for the bright attack of a Nanoweb Custom Light .011 to .52

pick when strumming chords, resulting in strings and was set to a comfortable

a nice big chiming tone, but when using medium action. It also has a slightly

one’s fingers it is often too bassy or longer scale length which easily

trebly.accommodates alternate tuning often

A small bodied acoustic has more found in folk or country music styles.

mid-range and projects the already warm Overall it’s a rather inspiring guitar

sound of the fingers with clarity and and plays easily.

punch on each note.

I was surprised how loud it is considering Manufactured in China the TW40 is very

its small size and a few open chord well constructed, featuring an ‘Orchestra’

arpeggios revealed a full punchy tone shaped body with laminate mahogany

with a sweet mid-range emphasis. Some back and sides and a beautiful single

further exploration on the neck yielded piece spruce top. The wide neck has a

very responsive dynamics as well as comfy V-profile that changes to a C-

dynamic sustain, where softer and louder profile further up. The nut and saddle are

picking can control the level of sustain.bone.

Much of the sweet mids and punch The TW40 is an excellent choice if you do With a classy gloss finish, body and

is retained (although the tone gets a lot of fingerpicking and struggle to cut sound-hole binding, small headstock,

slightly boxy) when playing chords with a through a mix or want to make delicate Waverley style 'Butterbean'

pick, but this guitar is at its most musical parts really shine. It also machineheads and a kitsch but authentic

expressive when fingerpicking. performs admirably as a straight looking yellow tortoiseshell pickguard,

I noticed that placing one’s palm on strummer. I tip my hat to Tanglewood the TW40 looks truly vintage.

the body thins out the low end quite and give the TW40 O AN E two thumbs The only non-traditional twists are

noticeably. This could be a good or bad up for its clear tone and punch, attention the neck joining the body at the 14th fret

thing depending on your technique as it to detail and great vintage look.instead of the 12th and the Fishman

may allow for more tonal Sonitone pickup, with its controls

expressiveness.cleverly (if somewhat awkwardly) place

The Fishman Sonitone pickup does on the inside edge of the sound hole.

not hide any of the tonal characteristics. Bizarrely the battery is contained in a

That said the tone control can be quite canvas pouch, Velcroed to the neck heel

useful to dampen a bit of brashness inside the body! I would have thought

when strumming with a pick.this would affect the tone but this doesn’t seem to be the case.

Playability

SoundAnatomy

Conclusion

http://www.rockitdistribution.com

Guitar Amplifiers | REVIEW: FENDER MUSTANG III GUITAR AMPLIFIER | words: Alan Ratcliffe12

FENDER MUSTANG III Guitar Amplifier

hile Fender is one of the original and most respected guitar amplifier brands, Wthey were

relatively late to the inexpensive modelling amp market with their G-Dec and Mustang I and II models. The Mustang III, IV and V are the logical next step – modelling amps powerful enough to use on stage.

! 100W power output! 1 x 12” Celestion speaker! 12 amplifier models! 37 effects in four groups! Effects send! 100 presets! Aux input! Headphone output! USB connector for digital output

and computer editing! Two button footswitch

The controls are simple and Princeton Reverb, ’65 Twin Reverb and The first impression is of a lightweight intuitive, with a familiar array of amp the Super-Sonic, with the final five and compact amp for a 100 watter – controls – Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, models going to British '60s (VOX light enough to be very easy to carry Treble, Reverb and Master. The AC30), British '70s (Marshall Major), with a single hand and small enough display, data wheel and buttons on the British '80s (Marshall JVM800), to fit in any car. The “Carbon Tweed” right hand side of the panel are very American '90s (Mesa Boogie Mark IV), vinyl covering brings a more modern well laid out to be incredibly easy to Metal 2000 (Peavey 6505). look but fits in well with the classic figure out and use, even if you have While many would regard 12 silver grille cloth and skirted black never used the amp before or opened models as a minimal selection, they knobs. The included two button the manual. Unlike the smaller are high quality and well selected to footswitch and LCD screen are nice Mustang amps, the III allows you cover a wide range of tones and touches at this price range. One access to deeper settings if needed styles. You can mix and match amp notable omission from the rear panel without software. and speaker models which broadens is an extension speaker jack.

The display and push button the possibilities and you can also switches are all backlit, which makes manipulate both bias and sag settings, adjustments in a low light situation a which is a unique feature and one that

The small power switch on the back breeze. is very useful to tweak the amps to panel is the only thing which looks your personal tastes. and feels a little flimsy – understandable for a relatively

There are 12 amp models to choose inexpensive amplifier, but not does from and Fender models are well not instil too much confidence, wear represented: ’57 Deluxe, ’59 Bassman, and tear wise. ’57 Champ, ’65 Deluxe Reverb, ’65

Main Specifications

First Impressions

Operation

Amp Models

13

Suggested Retail Price: R 5,295.00Supplier: Musical Distributors Tel. No: 021-790 4950Website: www.musicaldistributors.co.za

Effect Models Sound

Other Features

Control

VerdictPresets

Software

other Mustang users (regardless of model!). Also included are Ableton The effects are fairly simple and are The overall sound of the Mustang III is Live Lite Fender edition and grouped into four blocks: very good, particularly the Fender AmpliTube Fender LE edition, so you Stomp (Overdrive, Fixed Wah, Touch models, and especially once you get have everything you need to start Wah, Fuzz, Fuzz Touch Wah, to tweak and create your own patches. recording.Compressor, Simple Compressor); Most models are pretty spot-on and

Modulation (Sine Chorus, Triangle respond well to guitar volume Chorus, Sine Flanger, Triangle Flanger, changes, playing dynamics and Vibratone, Vintage Tremolo, Sine The Aux input allows you to plug in an different guitars. The VOX model lacks Tremolo, Ring Modulator, Step Filter, MP3 player to play along with, a little liveliness, particularly at the Phaser, Pitch Shifter); Delay (Mono although this means it plays through edge of breakup, but still gets you Delay, Mono Echo Filter, Stereo Echo the speaker, which adds its own 95% of the way there – as do the Filter, Multitap Delay, Ping Pong Delay, flavour on to the playback. Using much-maligned high gain amps, Ducking Delay, Reverse Delay, Tape headphones however, the aux input is which I found surprisingly good once I Delay, Stereo Tape Delay); and Reverb full range while the guitar sound is had adjusted bias and sag settings. (Small Hall, Large Hall, Small Room, speaker simulated, so it is perfect for The effects are useful and usable and Large Room, Small Plate, Large Plate, practice. The headphone jack is a some of the reverbs are really good.Ambient, Arena, Fender ’63 Spring 3.5mm “mini” jack and while I would As with most good modelling Reverb, Fender ’65 Spring Reverb). have preferred a full ¼” socket for pro amps, the Mustang gives a very

The selection of effects is quite cans, the advantage is that mini-jack polished studio sound that works well minimal and effect chain order is headphones are more common. in the mix, but trades off a little of the unchangeable. Only one type each of rawness that can make playing live overdrive and fuzz and no distortion is such a visceral experience. almost a criminal oversight. There is The 100 Watts of power makes The included two- button footswitch also no way to use an expression sure that it can hang with a loud switches through presets in its pedal to control the wah (hence “fixed drummer or most 40 and 50 Watt all-simplest mode, but can be set to take wah”). So you might want to use your valve amps easily. Where this amp care of effects bypass and tap tempo favourite drive pedal and foot wah in really shines is with keeping that or toggle between two quick- access front of the input or, if you are a true sound at a variety of different levels – presets. If you want more foot control, effects junkie, a competent multi- it sounds great at bedroom or a four- button switch unit is available effects unit in the loop. personal practice levels, moderate and the Mustang allows you to use

On the plus side, each effect that practice-room levels and even small to both at the same time for a total of six is modelled is fully tweakable and medium sized gigs.switches. there is a good chance that Fender will broaden the range in future firmware updates. Flexible, portable, looks and sounds The stock presets display the range of

good as well as being surprisingly the amp models and effects, but don’t inexpensive; the Mustang III is a great do the amp justice. However, Fender

The included Fender Fuse software all rounder which can cope well with a has included a range of “basic” amp allows you to edit and organise your variety of playing situations.presets without effects, which allows patches quickly and easily as well as you to start playing and setting up share and download new patches with your own patches quickly.

http://www.hybrid.co.za

RAM Audio available exclusively from

HEAVY DUTY POWER AMPS

RAM Audio introduces this new generation of professionaltouring amplifiers based on the field proven QuantaPulse Technology.

V SeriesNEW!

• PFC QuantaPulse™ Regulated Dual SMPS• Digital Control with extra large LCD display user interface• Channel Temperature and Output Level Monitor in the LCD• USB port for firmware update and DSP control• 25 position Gain, Bridge mode, Input Links and ICL, front panel configurable• Digital Potentiometers with Encoder control• RAM Audio Power Management System• Hi Efficiency, Heavy Duty Audio Power section for extreme use• Easily removable front panel dust filters• Industry standard Neutrik® XLR and Speakon® connectors• Optional low latency 24bits high performance DSP with post-DSP signal links and Ethernet control. It features up to 70 meters input delay• Optional EtheRAM II Ethernet monitor and control system• Optional EtherSound™ audio transport and AES/EBU Digital input• Efficient front to back cooling

Features: Protections:

Models:

• ICL2™: improved Intelligent Clip Limiting• PMS™: Power Management System controls the amount of

power that the amp delivers under diferent circumstances.• SSP™: SOA Sentry Protection effectively limiting the power that the amp could deliver into an incorrect load or to a

direct short-circuit• Faulty Channel Management (FCM™)

• Soft-start, turn-on transients, Over-heating, DC, RF, short-circuit

• Overloaded power supply, Mains overvoltage

V12004 - R 52,561.00

V12000 - R 47,772.00

V6000 - R 33,444V9000 - R 41,400V9004 - R 46,179V9044 - R 46,179V12044 - R 52,561

For trade enquiries or to find your closest retailer : Call (011) 250 3280 | orders@hybrid.co.za www.hybrid.co.za

Prices are recommended retail incl. 14% VAT

Audio | MACKIE DL 1608 | words: Greg Bester 16

MACKIE DL 1608

Suggested Retail Price: R 18,699.00Supplier: Midi MusicTel. No: 011 417-3400Website: www.midimusic.co.za

a four band parametric, graphically editable EQ and full dynamics including compression and gating. There are two effects processors that are fixed on reverb and a tap delay, so you get one of each. This should be more than enough for the market that this mixer will most likely find itself in. There is also full scene management in what Mackie calls its Total Snapshot Recall technology, however the microphone preamp gains are not recallable since they are not digitally controlled.

Other notable features include the ability to take a picture with the iPad’s camera and assign it to a channel, the inclusion of channel presets which are either factory or user assigned, 31-band graphic EQs for the main and aux outputs, the ability to play back music from any application on your iPad, and the ability to record the stereo mix directly to the iPad’s SSD. Finally, for security’s sake, the DL1608 enables you to lock your iPad into the dock by using its cleverly named PadLock system.

auxiliary outputs. Phantom power is he new Mackie DL1608 toggled globally and the Ethernet port mixer is a revolutionary for connecting the mixer to a Wi-Fi new piece of kit, soon to be

The DL1608 is set to make waves in the router is found next to the power released in South Africa by Pro Audio market quite simply because supply jack. AD/DA conversion is MIDI Music Distribution, it is compact, easy to use and packed handled by Cirrus Logic and is 24-bit the local importer of all Tfull of powerful and necessary features. throughout, boasting a dynamic range Mackie products. But what The fact that more and more people of 114dB, which is approaching makes it so revolutionary? have iPads these days is most definitely specifications only seen on high-end Well, it has no faders, for one. a pivotal prerequisite circumstance that studio converters. The Onyx preamps Another thing is that it is tiny for prompted its design and Mackie have been calibrated with the AD offering sixteen channels; about the obviously feel that it was pertinent to conversion section to provide size of a compact 8 channel mixer. do so at this point in time. maximum headroom and lowest However, the biggest draw card for this

The price is decent, too, even with noise/distortion possible. product is that it uses an Apple iPad as the inclusion of the additional cost of an As a side note, Mackie Designs its main interface controller and up to iPad so I can see this mixer doing very signed a licensing deal with Peak Audio ten of them can be wirelessly well. Let’s just hope the iPad doesn’t go (a division of Cirrus Logic) earlier this connected to it via a standard network out of fashion! year in order to utilize their CobraNet Wi-Fi router for the use of either

technology in their future multiple engineers, or for onstage for products. the band to set their own monitor

In order to use an mixes. iPad with the That’s the gist of it. Want a little DL1608, it is more? Follow me.required to download the Master

As mentioned the DL1608 is a sixteen Fader app from channel digital mixer that has replaced the iTunes App its entire control section with an apple Store, which is free. iPad. It has sixteen patented Onyx Once you’ve microphone preamps which are connected the DL1608 accessed in a traditional manner via to a Wi-Fi router (a DHCP-XLR inputs at the rear of the mixer, the capable router is required) last four of which – channels thirteen and docked the iPad in the through sixteen – also include hi-z 1608 with the software turned instrument inputs in the form of combo on, it will be assigned an IP XLR/¼” jacks. address automatically and you can

Accompanying the channel inputs begin working.on the rear of the mixer there are also The DL1608 comes with a host of left and right main outputs and six on-board processing. All in all you get

Conclusion

Features

For trade enquiries or to find your nearest dealer call Pro Audio - SA (011) 822-1430 | sales@proaudio.co.za | www.proaudio.co.za | facebook.com/rcfsa

For trade enquiries or to find your nearest dealer call Pro Audio - SA (011) 822-1430 | sales@proaudio.co.za | www.proaudio.co.za | facebook.com/HKAudioSA

Instrument Review | LINE 6 JAMES TYLER VARIAX JTV-69 | words: Greg Bester20

Suggested Retail Price: R 25,995.00 | Supplier: Active Music | Tel. No: 011 466-9510

LINE 6 JAMES TYLER VARIAX JTV-69

he Line 6 James Tyler Variax There are up to five guitars JTV-69 is the latest offering – modeled per bank and the along with four other specific selection of these models – in the Variax line models is dependent on the by Calabassas, California- position of the five-way Tbased digital modeling selector switch. Some variants

company, Line 6. Line 6 is a company model each position of the that, over the years, has created a name pickup selector of the original for themselves as the forerunners in and some – like in the Acoustic digital amplifier modeling, starting with models – have a different their AxSys 212 modeling amplifier and model of guitar for each culminating in the current slew of pickup selection. digitally modeled guitar products, from Alternate tunings effects, to wireless guitar systems, and without actually touching now to actual guitars. a tuning head is also

In this particular line, however, they reality with the JTV-69 have collaborated with renowned guitar guitar. All that is luthier James Tyler of James Tyler required is to select Guitars fame, who is based in Van Nuys, the Custom 2 model (it California. is the only model that

comes pre-loaded with alternate tunings), and select the tuning from

The JTV-69 is basically a traditional the alternate tuning electric H-S-S guitar with a digital dial. Further alternate modeling brain. I can see your eyebrow tunings can be rising but I assure you, the digital created manually modeling section of it can be bypassed (instructions in the and the guitar can operate like a normal documentation) or guitar so you can put your digi-fears to done within the rest. It looks just like a normal guitar, too, Variax Workbench with the exception of a battery bay in the software.back of the instrument, a model selector knob, and an alternate tuning knob, which we’ll get to later.

That being said, there is just so The battery bay has four LED After plugging in a charged battery into much to work with and I think anyone indicator lights to indicate battery charge the rear of the JTV-69, I plugged into a would be hard pressed to not find a use and every Variax guitar comes with two Marshall JVM50 half stack and set the for at least some of the models. Quite batteries and a charger unit with multiple gain to dirty clean. Firstly, the guitar simply, the tones are definitely distinct plug adapters for various countries. sounds great on its own. Nothing fancy, and different across the board and I Also included is a Variax interface mind you, but with the humbucker I got a thought most of them sounded pretty for your computer, which connects to the punchy, thick rock sound, and switching good!JTV-69 via an Ethernet cable, allowing in between the combinations of the

you to use the Variax Workbench single coils, I got what I expected, from software downloadable from the Line 6 chimey, to quacky, to warm and bluesy. website. The Workbench software Putting the guitar in Variax mode The JTV-69 is an onslaught of tonal enables you to dig deeper into the and switching through the models, I was variation. I can see this guitar being a modeling brain of the guitar and immediately met with a huge variety of huge hit with gigging musicians who configure 'til your heart’s content. tones, which kind of seemed a bit need A LOT of versatility and a guitar that

Getting back to the modeled guitar daunting at first. Knowing where you are delivers night after night with complete selection, all in all there are 29 models – without the manual obviously requires convenience and efficiency. 18 electrics and 10 acoustics - which are some memorising. Having never heard modeled after vintage, rare, and sought the original models, I would have to take after specimens that none of us will ever Line 6’s word for it that they sound likely get the opportunity to play. To faithful. activate Variax mode, all one does is depresses the model selection knob.

Features

In Use

Conclusion

http://www.activemusicdistribution.com

Instrument Review | WARWICK BC80 BASS COMBO AMPLIFIER | words: Kalin Pashaliev22

WARWICK BC80 BASS COMBO AMPLIFIER

Suggested Retail Price: R 2,995.00 incl. VAT Supplier: Music Power Tel. No: 011 466-9510

Amp l i f i c a t i on

looking to play with sub frequencies, you’ll have to invest in something much bigger. But the 80 is perfect for a studio setting, a small gig, and mainly practicing. It is not heavy so transport is not an issue.

The unit also has Send and Return channels, as well as Passive and Active inputs, and a Line Out channel – the doors are wide open for just about anything you wish to do, whether it be in a studio or gig setting.

I have already discussed most of the capabilities for this amp, but it won’t hurt to mention some settings that I came across while trying it out.

One should set the EQ in the middle before doing anything. From this position, try playing around with the Low and High mid frequencies – by doing so you’ll notice how well-pronounced playing with harmonics becomes. I believe that players can get their general sound from just these two controls and round of the edges of their preferred sound with the controls on the instrument itself. They can then paint over these base settings with a thin layer from the bass and treble on the amp (i.e. amp’s mids first, guitar controls second,

he Warwick BC80 bass amp Simply flip the switch and start playing.bass & treble last = sequence of getting

combo was designed by The BC80 has 4 equalization dials; the right sound and tone correctly).

legendary bass player Jonas Bass, Low Mid, High Mid and Treble. And don’t worry about going too

Hellborg who is known for There is just one output Volume dial and loud – you can go all the way up to ten

having played with Bill Laswell, an Aux Volume dial right next to it which Tbecause the BC80 has the Dynamic

John McLaughlin and Buchethead. The is used to control the volume on any Distortion Limiter (DDL), which stops any

BC80 is part of a series that includes the external audio device such as an iPod, distortion coming onto the output stage

BC20, 40, 150, and 300 but its size is not PC, or even a sampler that you have of the amplifier.

what sells this amp. I call amps such as plugged in to play along to a backtrack or This, in combination with the built-in

the BC80 a bijou amp because it a band’s song that you’refiguring out (I compressor, ensures that your amp plays

resembles a gem of sorts; it is small and learned the bass by playing along with cleanly no matter how loud you crank it!

compact, yet extremely agile. my favourite bands). This amp also has a built-in

compressor circuit which is active at all times and becomes quite handy if you The BC80 is a great amp and compared

The Warwick BC80 (which is 80 Watts as enjoy slapping or playing flamboyantly to the big boys, a much cheaper one. It is the name suggests) looks like a little tank with a pick. I found the amp highly noiseless, much like most German (perhaps like an M4 Sherman) because of complementary using an acoustic or automobiles, giving players plenty of its deep cabinet and enclosure. It has no upright bass. variety and applications for a number of internal fan, which makes it ideal for the The BC80 is essentially hiss-less and musical endeavors; but again, if you’re recording environment, eliminating its high and low mid-range capabilities looking for real low frequencies, I’d go unwanted sounds and vibrations if you are just perfect for an acoustic for something bigger in the range. mic up the 12 inch speaker. instrument, or for any low-output It is an exceptionally good practice/

You will also notice a 2 inch horn/ instrument you can think of. I’m willing to cocktail bar bass amplifier and not much tweeter at the top right corner under the bet that the BC80 could even be used more – a bijou; small and compact, yet logo. This amp is really easy to use: the with an acoustic guitar or even a extremely agile. power switch is at the back, at the keyboard. You could probably even sing bottom – there is no standby switch, through the thing. Why I say this is making the 80 a Class-A Circuitry because this amp is very well-balanced amplifier; this means you won’t and gives players a canvas of a wide experience any crossover distortion. frequency spectrum. Of course, if you’re

Sounds and Playability

Conclusion Anatomy

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http://www.imixsound.co.za

http://www.soundandlightcity.co.za

Suggested Retail Price : R 7,999.00 incl. VAT Supplier : Tuerk Music TechnologiesTel. No : 011 792-8402

Instrument Review | VOX SSC -33 | words: Kalin Pashaliev26

VOX SSC 33”... I have always believed that sound comes mostly from the player, but even within this statement, this guitar acts as great catalyst in creating a comfortable abode for just about any guitarist out there.”

hen was the last gauge strings.time you looked at a The next thing I noticed is the two guitar, or any other CoAxe soapbox pickups – one fastened inanimate object, to the bridge and the other at the end of and had dirty the fretboard. The 33 features a dual-Wthoughts about it, I element magnetic configuration in each

mean very unchristian thoughts - soapbox, giving players a variety of extremely unchristian thoughts?! Oh sound combinations for just about any Lord! Look, I’ve never experienced quite musical style.such ungodly urges before, but this time The 22 fret rosewood fretboard I understood the term paraphilia for the itself is nothing special on this guitar but very first time. The guitar is the VOX SSC does get fancier as you upgrade to the 33, in a Teaburst finish, and I thought 55, 77, 99 and Virage models. The that PRS was the only guitar headstock of the 33 brandishes a design manufacturer capable of creating that is very similar to the Gibson SG and aesthetically pleasing instruments fit to its tuning keys are forged in an S-shape be called ‘extensions of the human to once again help towards the body’. ergonomic mission of the instrument.

So later on that day, after I fetched the guitar for this review, I went to the Bohemian in Johannesburg to play a

The pickup selector (found just below show and I decided to show it to the rest

the volume and tone dials) allows of the gang. When I took it out of its bag

players to pick a combination of both you could’ve heard a pin drop. The place

pickups or play the neck and bridge went quiet and they all began drooling

pickups individually. On top of that, over it like a greenhorn photographer

players can pick one of the two elements about to do his first Sports Illustrated

of each CoAxe by the use of the top swimsuit edition shoot. So let’s look at

mode switch. Two positions are available this beauty and see what you can

for this: up is for the clean setting and expect; because after all, a guitar’s looks

down for the crunch setting. Having two are just the same as a woman’s: if she

selectors allows players to create doesn’t sound good, then looks are

countless sound possibilities, meaning simply irrelevant.

that you can play blues, jazz or even sludge metal on this guitar.

However, I have always believed The first thing I noticed is that the body that sound comes mostly from the of the guitar has been cut three player, but even within this statement, dimensionally to give it ergonomic this guitar acts as great catalyst in properties. Although the Gibson SG, for creating a comfortable abode for just instance, is one of the most important about any guitarist out there. This is one guitars in the history of the instrument, it guitar that you can definitely date long cannot be argued that it’s one of the term, because in my mind she has both most comfortable or easiest to play. Hold the looks and croons the right way for the VOX 33 horizontally and you’ll see its anybody’s arousal. exceptional curvature. Perhaps this is the main element that gives this guitar its lifelike property. It is also available in a

The VOX SSC 33 is a very comfortable single and double cutaway version

guitar to play. Its neck is smooth and all depending on your style of playing.

players will be happy to know that the Starting from the rear of the guitar

body is perfectly balanced and the MaxConnect™ Bridge is full contact

weighted. For some reason playing the and made out of top-quality aircraft

VOX 33 makes you break into jazz licks aluminum secured by two pole pieces

and blues runs and chords that only Fred that go down into the wood, eliminating

Frith knows of. unwanted vibrations moving up into the

If you’re not scared of becoming a bridge itself. You’ll notice those on each

paraphiliac, get this guitar or even look side of the E strings. The wonderful

into the more high-end end models in thing about this unique bridge is that its

the range. saddles have enough distance to

intonate the instrument with 8 to 13

Sounds and Versatility

Anatomy

Playability

Special Feature | SAE INSTITUTE: THE AFTER DARK SESSIONS | BPM Reports28

SAE INSTITUTE: THE AFTER DARK SESSIONS

out of a given night. It really nspired by the desire to depends on the student's offer their students the level of confidence and opportunity to work with knowledge, the more they some of the best artists in step up the more stocks they the business, and at the I have in the final result. The same time give artists a film department is also chance to record in their Neve involved as the students get studio [which is one of the top to cut and direct the videos. facilities in the country], the

The most important thing SAE Institute embarked on an to me is that they get to initiative they call the After experience what a successful Dark Sessions. session depends on more Says Head of Marketing, than anything - making the Trenton Birch, “The industry is artists feel at home and yet be growing so fast and we think stimulated and challenged to it's important that there is give a unique performance, interaction between the future and that's something you professionals of the industry can't learn in theory- it's and those who are making it different every single time.”happen now.” Birch elaborates,

He continues, “SAE's “An artist is invited into our facilities have the goods to studio to record a track of their accommodate the process of choice. We provide the a song production from start engineer and technical support to finish, but the Neve studio staff and then the session is specialty is recordings. There filmed and edited by our film is also the Icon studio where students. The artist retains all we have a Pro Tools setup the rights on the track which is perfect for mixing (including the master) and the and another studio dedicated session is showcased online.” to mastering where David The sessions are naturally Maclean [College Director] time consuming and resource does his magic.”intensive so SAE have opted

Currently they are in thus far to work with discussions with a number of established artists “who have high profile artists but as worked hard to earn their Birch says, “the more high stripes,” says Birch. “It's not profile the artist the harder it always about the big guys is to lock them down because though. We had Tombstone they are so busy but we have Pete in, who is up and coming, some promising because he has a really conversations going on.“ dynamic performance and we

wanted to capture that on film. Feedback from the We've also had the Brother students has of course been Moves On in because they are very positive, “Our students doing something different and are always eager to get they are working hard to create involved and excited about a buzz. It's not just about the the opportunities to work name, the performance has to with successful artist and get be dynamic as well for filming.” their work showcased. They

work really hard with great Having completed passion to deliver the best sessions with the likes of Mr results possible and its Sakitimu (featuring Teba

live audience while getting a good signal inspiring to see future entertainment Shumba and Seven Raggasouljah), Ben

into tape. Izan Greyling, the head of the industry personal so amped.”Sharpa, Jack Parow and Mix & Blend thus

audio department, has immense far, SAE Alumni, Itamar Weiss who To keep tabs on the After Dark

experience in live sound and it was great engineers the sessions says they are Sessions join SAE Institute's Facebook

to collaborate with him on that.”keen to do more live studio page - facebook.com/saecapetown or

Involvement from the students vary; performances thus giving more people check out the videos and songs from the

says Weiss, “Our audio students get to the chance to come and check out these sessions that have been completed on

be mainly involved in the recording recordings. “Lately we recorded a full live their website: capetown.sae.edu - simply

process, which is what the sessions are show of the Mix & Blend band, which select the After Dark tab.

all about- getting the best performance meant having to put out a nice mix for a

http://www.capetown.sae.edu

Band Tips | MANAGE YOUR MANAGER | words: David Chislett 30

MANAGE Your Manager

Author of “1,2,1,2: A Step By Step Guide To The SA Music

Industry,” Dave Chislett offers Music industry tips for aspiring

bands and musicians

Author BlurbDavid Chislett has been in the SA music industry for 25 years. Bassist, journalist, manager, publicist, film maker, author and consultant, he has gotten his hands dirty.

His book 1,2,1,2: A Step By Step Guide To The SA Music I n d u s t r y i s a n e a s y t o understand, no holds barred self-help book for anyone wanting to do better in the business.

It is available from Exclusive Books, Look & Listen stores and all good independent shops.

He also hosts workshops and private consultations to help artists get ahead.

www.davidchislett.co.za

know the cry is not usually, “How their own ideas and they no longer feel Set goals: do I manage my manager?” It is, like it is their own career at play. But it is Tell them how much money you expect “Where do I find a good manager?” easy to see how this happens. If the artist to be earning in 12 months time and let But the ugly truth is that, if the artist does not provide a specific brief, with them know they must meet those targets. does not provide serious, specific specific outcomes desired and describe Define who, where and when you want Iinput into what they want and how in detail their image and how they want to play shows. What deals you want and

they want to do things, most to be seen, the manager will just put their how long you expect it to take place.management relationships are doomed own in play because these things are to end in failure and break up. needed in order to be effective. Pay Attention:

Typically, most musicians are Yes, your manager is there to handle the looking for a manager so that they can business side of your career. But it is still surrender control over certain aspects of your career. So pay attention to what is Be specific: their careers and not have to think about going on and what opportunities are out Define what you want from your it ever again. This is the biggest reason there. Keep providing leads and input to manager. Must they book gigs and do PR why so many artists get ripped off. your manager. Don’t get in the way of or find you a sponsor and a record deal?

Rather try to think about it as finding them doing their job, but keep an eye someone who can take the good work open and keep giving input.Understand the business:you have done so far to a higher level, an Make sure you understand what a synch expert who can escalate everything Oddly enough, artists also often end up deal is, the difference between a door around you. Once you start thinking this feeling alienated by management. Like deal and a fee, mechanical and way you begin to realise that, no matter they no longer matter. This is, I am afraid, performance royalties and the like. The how it appears from the outside, the the fault of the artists. Keep involved. Do more you know, the better you can run artist is always the boss in the not surrender total control. your manager and the more they can do.management relationship. The manager Again, don’t get in the way, but keep just has the mandate to act like the boss tabs, make a contribution. It will help Talk about image and feel:but the power lies with the artist. your manager and keep you feeling in Who you are as an artist is valuable.

Nine times out of ten the touch with what is going on. This Make sure your manager understand relationship between artist and manager shouldn’t interfere with your music; how you feel about issues like being breaks down because there is a break in we’re talking a 2 hour meeting once a commercial, endorsements, puppies and value that is being pursued. To put that in week... but keep tabs on your business. beneEnglish, the artist starts to feel like the It’s your money and your art after Fit shows.manager is chasing their own plan and all, why wouldn’t you?

SO THE GOLDEN RULES ARE:

http://www.tidistribution.co.za

Guest Tutorial | RECORDING VOCALS | words: Peter Pearlson32

RECORDING VOCALSWinner of 8 SAMA Awards (mostly for Recording Engineer of the year) and a lecturer on Music Production techniques at the Academy of Sound Engineering (www.ase.co.za), Peter Pearlson offers invaluable tips on recording vocals.

immediately, even during set-up, ocals are probably the rehearsals and run-throughs. When hardest thing to record. the artist thinks they are not being There are many things to recorded, they can often do some consider before we even V remarkable things. If a competent start to think about singer seems to be singing genuinely microphone and pre-amp choices.flat, check the level of the voice in the Environment, lighting, climate, headphones. You may find it is too general vibe are all important. It loud and the singer is under would be extremely difficult for a compensating because of this making singer to engage emotionally with a the pitch slightly under. Conversely, if song in a cold room under glaring the singer is singing a bit sharp, the fluorescent lights. Soft lighting, voice may be too soft in the comfortable climate and whatever headphones. Too much reverb can aesthetics the singer needs in order to also negatively affect tuning.connect with the music. (Within

When it comes to microphone reason of course!).and pre-amp choices there is never The relationship between the one combination that will work for all. engineer/ producer and the singer is

aware of it. I use a small amount of Every voice is different and responds also important. For an artist to truly

compression when tracking, a gentle differently. If I am working with a give to a composition it entails leaving

envelope – medium attack and release singer for the first time I will set-up a bit of themselves in the song and

times and low ratios (no more than three or four different microphones there must be a degree of trust in

3:1) are best suited. and see which ones sounds the best order for them to do this. When I

When tracking with compression on that voice. Just because you set-up record and produce vocals I normally

the compressor should never be a R40,000 vocal mic doesn’t mean that don’t like anyone else in the control

heard and you never want to affect the it will always be the best choice for room unless the singer particularly

dynamics of the performance. With that voice. I am a big fan of large wants someone there. (Partner, fellow

regards to auto-tune – I use it to sort diaphragm condensers for vocal band member, co-writer, etc.) A crowd

out slight anomalies just before the recording. The Shure SM7 is also a of people in the control room laughing

mix – it is far better to address major great sounding and somewhat at something totally unrelated to the

tuning problems at the time of the underrated vocal mic.song can destroy the confidence of

vocal recording. I won’t record an out-My initial set-up will normally the artist on the other side of the

of-tune vocal and think “I’ll sort that include a vintage Neumann FET47, a glass. They automatically think that

out with Auto-tune later”. For me, a Neumann TLM147, a Miktek C4 valve they are the object of the joke. If the

voice that’s been over-tuned sounds mic and an SM7. I really like the vibe is lost it can take a long time to

unnatural and soulless. Sometimes character of old Neve pre-amps for re-create it.

slight tuning issues can add vocals. The 1073 and 1081 are both A really good headphone mix

personality and character to a wonderful. I have found the much goes a long way to obtaining a good

performance. vaunted Avalon 737 and M5 a bit performance. If the singer feels really

And remember a great vocal disappointing. good sonically and the sound of the

performance will also transcend A pop filter is also recommended mix is inspiring the performance will

technical perfection. Happy tracking.– not only will it shield the mic’s follow. Take the time to prepare a diaphragm, it will also hide the really good mix. The extra effort will microphone and make the singer less be reciprocated. Also, start recording

http://www.ase.co.za

Tutorial | RESTRINGING NYLON STRING GUITARS PT 1 | words: Alan Ratcliffe34

RESTRINGING NYLON STRING GUITARS Part 2

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

ast edition I looked at the problems with restringing a nylon string guitar and the general approaches to solving them. This edition Now pull the string over the top of LI’ll show you how I wind itself and then feed the end through

the strings on the guitar’s machine the hole, back down through the heads to get the shortest string length capstan to the rear, forming a loop and firm string hold with no untidy around the string. wrapping to cause tuning or settling-in problems. I use this method on all strings but my low E, which is too

Pull the string to eliminate all slack large to fit through the capstan hole

and to pull the loop around the twice, so that string I simply put

string so that it grips the string through the hole and wrap the first

tightly right where the string leaves two windings, one on either side of

the capstan to the nut and bridge.where the string comes out on the other side of the hole.

Now tune the guitar to pitch, stretch the strings and retune. Do this a few times with each string until the pitch

The first thing to do is to turn the keys does not drop after stretching it. At on all the machine heads so that the this point the guitar should be 90% hole through the capstan (the white of the way to settled in. You can play nylon covered post that the string it immediately, but expect a little wraps around) is facing upwards slippage and settling over the next

24 hours. After that it should stabilise.

Now pull the string over the top of the Do not clip the excess length of capstan. Do not put the string through string immediately on first tuning – the top hole, but rather pull it around rather allow it to settle overnight so to the underside of the capstan, where that any slippage at the machine the hole exits it.head can occur. After the initial 24 hour period, the strings should be settled in nicely and you can clip the excess without fear. If you still want to be on the safe side, you can clip Feed the end of the string through the the strings leaving a centimetre or bottom of the capstan hole, so that it so of excess.pops out at the top and then pull it

through and take up all the slack.Next edition I will show you my unusual but effective method for fixing the strings on the bridge.

Step 4 – Pull the string over itself and back through the hole

Step 5 – Pull the string tight

Step 6 – Tune upStep 1 – Get the hole in the capstan to the top

Step 2 – Pull the string over the top of the capstan

Step 7 – clip the excess

Step 3 – Feed the string through the bottom hole

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Tutorial | PLAY BETTER BASS | words: Alistair Andrews36

Bass PickupsPLAY BETTER BASS

Continued on Page 36...

SINGLE COIL

SPLIT COIL

HUMBUCKERS

SOAPBAR

n the previous issue I discussed Here are some advantages using the influence of various types of active electronics:wood on shaping your bass sound. Active pickups produce a louder sound Pickups also play a major role in with more bite, more sustain and achieving the desired sound. In greater dynamic range and control. Ithis issue we will go for a basic They produce less unwanted noise and

overview. hum than passive pickups, eliminate We get (in order of popularity) the need for a string ground (a wire

MAGNETIC, PIEZO and the newest kind connecting the strings on most electric available, the OPTICAL pickup. Some guitars to an electrical ground companies also manufacture pickups to somewhere in the circuit, removing the work with MIDI devices, but this topic potential hazard of electric shock), and will need to be discussed in an article by produce a strong signal relatively itself. unaffected by instrument cord length,

amp input characteristics and other tone-shaping qualities of the instrument itself. However, active pickups often

In this pickup a magnetic field is cost more than passive pickups, and established by the use of a coil of wire they will become noticeably quieter and a magnet. There is a disturbance in when their batteries run down. Active the magnetic field coursed by a vibrating pickups became popular on bass string and the signal is then carried out guitars because they deliver a brighter, of the bass to the amp. Because of the clearer and snappier sound that is magnetics these pickups only work with much better suited to the slap-and-pop steel strings. playing style.

Not all magnetic pickups are Single-coil pickups have one coil designed the same. Some have magnets wrapped around the pickup’s magnet. inserted directly in the coils, while others A drawback is they can pickup external have magnets below the coils, and cores noise and give off a humming sound. of soft iron in the coils. In many cases Radio waves, fluorescent lighting and these cores are screws (this is useful for dimmer switches can all cause this getting the right balance amongst humming/buzzing. If two single-coil strings.) Some pickups have a metal pickups are used (as on a Fender Jazz cover for shielding and protection of the bass) and the pickup volumes are set coils, others have a plastic cover that equally, the noise will get cancelled out. does not shield against electromagnetic If you just use one of the pickups, you interference, and still others have only may get some noise.isolating tape for protecting the wire. A single coil is great if a sound rich

You have a choice of Single coil in midrange is what you are looking for. and Split coil pickups as well as Split coil (P-bass type) could be the Humbuckers and Soapbars (in most answer. Single coils generally have a cases, the same thing.) crisper sound with more definition.

Pickups could also be either Split-coil pickups are basically passive or active. The difference double coil pickups split apart. This is cancel the hum and they usually have between passive pickups and active what you see on Fender Precision more output than single-coils. pickups is active ones are battery- basses. Instead of one double-coil Soapbar pickups refer to the shape powered while passive pickups are not. underneath all 4 strings, the pickups are of the pickup housing. They look like Each type has its own sound and split in two - each under one pair of bars of black soap. They are often found advantages/ disadvantages. strings. on 5- and 6-string bass guitars. I use One of the drawbacks using active Humbuckers are actually double- MEC active soapbars on all my electric electronics in a bass, is that your battery coil pickups. Just as two single-coil basses.can go dead when you need it most, but pickups can be put together to cancel many basses with active electronics hum, a double-coil pickup can be allow some sort of a bypass so you're created to cancel the hum within one not dead in the water at a gig. You can pickup. These pickups are often called easily prevent this by always having a humbuckers for their hum-reducing spare battery in your bass case or gig qualities. Humbuckers tend to roll off bag. some of the tonal highs when they

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Tutorial | PLAY BETTER BASS | words: Alistair Andrews38 Continued from Page 34...

PIEZO (on the saddles)

PLACEMENT OF SOAPBARS ON A WARWICK THUMB6

PIEZO PICKUPS: was full of new musical potential. Also the timbre was

Piezo-electric pickups work surprisingly dependent on the

with all kinds of strings, (steel, construction and placement of

nylon, or gut) and are the pickups as well as

therefore very popular on combinations of pickups.

acoustic bass guitars. It A pickup placed near the

normally gets fitted under the neck has a fuller and warmer

bridge. On electric bass the sound while a pickup placed

piezo adds more options to near the bridge has a brighter

your tone. You normally blend sound. A pickup placed in

piezo with magnetic tones. between those locations has a

There are piezos that can be nasal sound.

fitted onto each individual On an acoustic bass every

saddle. component of the string vibration is audible.

Pickup Placement Longitudinal waves, transverse Strings vibrate as a sinusoidal waves, along any axis, any wave moving in infinite direction, every harmonic; patterns called "partials" or they all eventually find their "harmonics". way to being a force on the

The resulted sound bridge and thus a contributing depends upon the pickup component of the sound of the placement along the vibration instrument. On an electric bass pattern of the string (scale). If only the displacement of the we play an open E we will note string at the pickup location is that the string is firm at the sensed, and then only the sides and that its maximum displacement of transverse vibration width corresponds to waves along the axis of pickup the half of its length. The note sensitivity.produced by this first vibration is the first harmonics Number of Pickups(fundamental), it's the loudest

Some basses, like the Fender one and it gives the name to

Precision bass, have only one the note.

pickup. Many bass guitars The points where the

have two pickups. With two strings are firm (nut and

pickups, the pickup nearest the saddle on the bass) are named

neck is called the neck pickup "nodes" while the points where

and the one nearest the bridge the string reaches its

is called the bridge pickup.maximum width are called

You mix the pickup sound "anti-nodes".

to get a wide range of tones.When electromagnetic

Unfortunately I did not go pickups were first applied to

into pickups for double bass, guitars the goal was to make a

as that is a discussion all on its louder instrument. I'm sure it

own.didn't take long to realize that

Keep your basses the new electric guitar not only

talking!!!sounded very different from an acoustic guitar, but the sound

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Tutorial | PLAY BETTER GUITAR | words: Kurt Slabbert40

COUNTRY RHYTHM 101PLAY BETTER GUITAR

s I mentioned last time I wish to carry on with our country style of music and look at various rhythm styles for the different genres. We will begin with Ballad country style and look at what we can do to make the rhythm part interesting. Once again this is aimed at the guitar being part of the Aaccompaniment in the band and not a solo instrument.

ACOUSTIC COUNTRY BALLAD RHYTHM 1

ACOUSTIC COUNTRY BALLAD RHYTHM 2

Okay so although this might seem really basic there is a specific pattern to the idea. You want a smooth constant rhythm that highlights the snare. As you can see the acoustic guitar is accenting on the 2 and 4 and once again to add to the backbeat of the track.

It is simple rhythms like this one that can really give a recording or a live performance momentum.

Make sure the accent is not over played but keeping really nice and tasteful in your attack.

What might seem simple live can be an absolute task in a studio so record yourself with a metronome playing the simple stuff and decide whether your rhythm is happening or not.

So here is a variation on slow ballad rhythms, one of the most important things to remember on an acoustic guitar is to really get the chords sounding rich, which will be a combination of voicing, fingers and attack.

Obviously timing on this example needs to be tight because you are playing on the off beat at a slow tempo so this can be tricky; I suggest practicing this between 60 and 70 bpm and try and record it and listen back to how tight you are.

Copyright Kurt SlabbertBluenoise Productions

kurt_slabbert@hotmail.com

41

COUNTRY ROCK RHYTHM 1

VARIATION OF COUNTRY ROCK RHYTHM 1

ELECTRIC GUITAR COUNTRY RHYTHM 1

ELECTRIC COUNTRY RHYTHM POPPING

Here we have an example that has a very strong shuffle feel and should be played at about 115 bpm.

What makes this piece work is the subtle nuances that are statements of the country style, like the small quarter tone bends into chords etc.

Those small bends have to be correct or the piece could sound boring and stale. Some of the chords should be played with a staccato feel to really give it a bounce.

Here is a small variation of the previous rhythm, I have added a 16th note role and a F# in bar three, once again small variations make a huge difference.

If you listen to the country greats then this rhythm lick is bound to be heard.

The lick itself is built around a dominant 7 type chord and is definitely an old country great, once you have the idea under your fingers then create your own variations by changing the timing or adding some extra notes.

This is such a powerful rhythm style and can add so much momentum to the song.

Take note these are constant 16th and every 2nd beat you have an accentuated 16th note so this can be tricky.

You would want to give this some sort of rhythm either swinging with the song or playing it straight and varying your attack maybe even accenting the snare drum.

Hope this helped with some stylistic ideas, once again play through it and focus on coming up with your own thing, enjoy!

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