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KURT SLABBERT & SERGIO PEREIRAALISTAIR ANDREWS | NICK MATZUKISALAN RATCLIFFE

GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWS GEAR & INDUSTRY NEWS

Reviews on...Reviews on...

Casio PX-5S Stage PianoCasio PX-5S Stage Piano

BlackstarLT Pedal Range

Vox Tone Garage PedalsVox Tone Garage Pedals

Turbo Studio MonitorsMonkey Banana

www.audiosure.co.za

ME-1 Personal Mixer

Reviews on...Reviews on...

Moving Heads & Scanners Sound controlled lighting Wireless lighting Static washes Panels Effect Lights DMX Lasers Animation lasers 3D lasers Stroboscopes DMX controllers Smokemachines

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EDITION 28 | DEC/JAN ‘14 | Proud Supporters of SA Music! 3

CONTENTStech

16

6

n this, our final edition for 2013, on eBay fetching a mighty dollar or two. Lastly but certainly not least, Dave MuseTech offers up a host of great But recently they have also released Skinz got his grubby mitts on a new new tech available in stores some exciting new models, namely the range of studio monitors that has ranging from the uber professional, XW-G1 and the XW-P1 aimed more at recently become available in South Ito the semi pro and everybody in the EDM market, but also the PX-5S Africa. Cutely named Monkey Banana,

between. Stage Piano which David Scott got to the Turbo Series, as reviewed on Pg. 24 play around with for a few days. The certainly sounds like a great mid-priced On the cover we have the Allen & PX-5S is a professional stage piano at a range of professional studio Heath ME-1 Personal Mixer. Now we all reasonable price and is well worth loudspeakers. know, and I am sure can agree, that looking at if you’re a keyboardist, Allen & Heath is renowned for quality In our Tutorials and education especially one on the move a lot. It’s and innovation; a rock solid brand that section you will find a three page light yet packs a punch, says David.has built a legacy well earned. supplement on various music colleges

But it’s Christmas time, for those doing great work around the country to But what the heck is a personal who observe, as well as holiday season further educate you on all things music mixer? Greg Bester, as always, explains so what better way to celebrate [if related. But let’s not forget one of the the concept so eloquently and puts a you’re a guitarist] than to spoil yourself leading institutions in the country, the really strong case forward for the use of with a new pedal. A guitarist can never Academy of Sound Engineering who these by sound companies involved have enough pedals on his pedalboard graciously offer us some real food for with FOH and backline setups. The now can he? Nic Roos tested out the thought when it comes to preparing future is clearly digital, now more than brand new Blackstar LT range and was yourself for a career in music, written ever as Greg attests in his notably impressed with the results. by the imitable George Hattingh Jnr.comprehensive review.

Greg also got to jam the new range Happy holidays and let’s hope Casio, perhaps better known for of Vox Tone Garage pedals and 2014 makes this year a distant their watches have an interesting legacy although he may not always be the memory...themselves when it comes to keyboards easiest guy to please when it comes to too. You’ll still find the VL Tone, the CZ gear, he seems to like Vox’s new range digital synths and the Casiotone Dave Mactoo. keyboards in many a household, if not

368

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Editors Note and Index

Cover Review: Allen & Heath ME-1

Gear & Industry News

Gear & Industry News continued

Instrument Review: Casio PX-5S Stage Piano

Gear Review: Vox Tone Garage Pedals

Gear Review: Vox Tone Garage Pedals continued

Gear Review: Blackstar LT Pedal Range

Gear Review: Blackstar LT Pedal Range continued

Studio Gear Review: Monkey Banana Turbo Series

A Career in Music Guide A Career in Music GuideA Career in Music GuideA Career in Music GuideA Career in Music GuideA Career in Music Guide

Play Better Bass with Alistair Andrews

Play Better Guitar with Kurt Slabbert

Education: How to prepare yourself

24

2012

R

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Cover Feature | ALLEN & HEATH ME-1 PERSONAL MONITORING UNIT | words: Greg Bester 6

ALLEN & HEATH ME-1 PERSONAL MONITORING UNIT THE CONVERGENCE OF IP-BASED NETWORKING INTO THE DIGITAL AUDIO WORLD OPENED UP A WHOLE LEGION OF EFFICIENT, TIME-SAVING AND WORKLOAD-RELIEVING ADVANTAGES THAT WERE ONLY DREAMT OF IN THE ANALOGUE ERA.

big one was the multi-channel digital audio snake. All of a sudden you could plug a thin CAT5 cable into the Aconsole, run it all the way

to the stage, plug it into the stagebox and you had an entire mic snake setup and ready to go in under five minutes. Believe me; patching 32 or 48 channel snake ends into a large format analogue console is not fun. Those days are gone and system techs are happier.

So, in 2013, as much as the luddites bemoan the fact, the analogue

their products which means all the can utilise the system and it also has an age is over and that includes how we previously mentioned advantages of Aviom compatibility mode for use with approach stage monitoring. There are digital audio networking are at your Aviom Pro16 systems. other factors for this, particularly the fingertips when using either their iLive or The top panel of the ME-1 is quite proliferation of in-ear monitoring GLD consoles. However, they are not the straight forward. There are 16 backlit user systems, but the main idea here is that focus of this article. definable keys that correspond to we can now route multiple streams of

The ME-1 is a personal monitoring whatever the user wants. They can be audio, split them, duplicate them and system created by Allen & Heath that puts assigned to a single source (mono or matrix them any which way we want control of the monitor mix in the hands of stereo) or to a group of inputs (such as all thanks to the power of DSP (Digital Signal the musician, even bass players. It the drums), which is set up in the menu Processing).connects to either an iLive or GLD-series system of the ME-1 and not from the Traditionally (read: back in the old console via one CAT5 cable and offers an console. That’s an important point. The days), a musician on stage would receive array of options for the musician to sculpt console just feeds the inputs of the one or two stage monitors fed from a his own mix. Who knows? Maybe in a system. The user decides what to do with mono auxiliary send from the FOH few years the monitor engineer will them. This frees up busses on the console or from monitor-world on-stage. become obsolete. The horror! console and differentiates this system That was it. If he was lucky, the

from others.disgruntled engineer at the desk There are 16 user presets. Level, complaining about the harshness of the Features

pan, mutes and key assignments can be guitar sound under his breath would send The ME-1 is designed to be simple. It can stored and recalled at will. Presets can him some reverb. But it was all mono. either connect directly to the console also be copied to a USB for archiving or No stereo mix. No panning. If you wanted (multiple units are daisy chained) or to a quick transferal to other units and the something turned up you had to either standard PoE Ethernet hub via CAT5 OLED screen provides a concise display scream at the now rabid engineer or cable and a total of 40 inputs can be of parameters such as level and pan for hope that your mic was on (it’s not) and accepted by the ME-1 and each input each source along with system setup and ask him very politely for more “me” in the corresponds to a console input channel. information. All critical functions such as monitors. That’s changing. Input structure can be configured in the system setup, standby mode and preset Allen & Heath has never been one to monitoring setup on the console but by storing are protected from accidental drag behind the times. Their flagship default will correspond to the first 40 operation by the requirement of holding iLive consoles are just as good as any input channels; enough for most the Shift key. There is also a dedicated and are found throughout major scenarios. master control and key which gives installations and tours worldwide. They,

Additionally, using a ME-U hub, access to parameters such as the master just like many brands, also employ AoE users of other professional mixers using three-band EQ and limiter settings. (Audio over Ethernet) technologies into the Dante, Ethersound or MADI protocols

7

Supplier: Audiosure (Pty) LtdContact: www.audiosure.co.zaTel: (011) 790-4600Suggested Pricing: R 8,995.00

One large rotary knob controls all the I/O on the unit is also monitor mix shifts blame fantastically and common functions such as: straightforward. There are both mini-jack holds only one person responsible for not

and ¼” headphone outputs and a ¼” hearing something.! Input control of level and pan balanced output for connection to a stage But in all seriousness, this is the way ! Group control of master level monitor (sans ambient mic signal). There of the future and can aid dramatically in ! Level/pan for each group member allowing musicians to hear what they is a stereo Aux Input for other sources ! Control of master EQ and limiter such as when the drummer needs a click want to hear, which is crucial for a great ! Simultaneous, global control of all track, which is pretty much always these performance. In conjunction with an in-

channel levels days. There is also a USB port but it is ear monitoring system the ME-1 is solely for firmware updates, archiving/ definitely the way forward but I could see

One of the most unique and interesting transferring presets or configurations, or how by being bound by the length of a features of this unit is the inclusion of a for charging portable devices. headphone cable could limit your stage built-in ambient mic. This is particularly Finally, the unit can be powered via a presence. helpful when using in-ear monitoring DC jack or via a PoE or ME-U hub. Other than that small limitation, I systems where one is prone to feeling welcome this technology and I’m sure isolated from the rest of the band or any muso that’s tired of bad stage sound Conclusionaudience. The ambient mic brings the will too!

What can I say? As a sound engineer, the stage sound to the mix and the

ME-1 concept is a manna from heaven. independent volume control makes

To give a musician control of his own mixing it all together a piece of cake.

TV AUDIO SECURES BEAMZ AGENCY

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

Gear News

Triple Flex centre Pro LED DMX

Carpo Laser Moving Head Fat Beam Red

Jupiter Blue Laser 450mW DMX

LS-1W Animation Laser RGB DMX

Big Fireball Lamp Multicolour LED S1800 Smoke Machine DMX

H2O Pro LED Water effect

V Audio, one of South Africa’s fat beam laser diode. This 6-channel DMX high light intensity. It has a low power leading broad-line electronics red laser can reflect the high lightness of consumption and the LED has a long life distributors announced recently laser effect and due to the high-grade time. Suitable for disco, night club, bar, at the securing of the Beamz optical technology it emits wider, more home and other entertainment places.Tlighting agency for this territory. visible and more powerful beams with

The distributor has one of the largest high lightness. For use in disco, pubs and S1800 Smoke Machine DMX catalogues of affordable products in all kinds of parties etc... Horizontal/VerticalSouth Africa along with a range of Professional 1800W smoke machine with premium products too. Jupiter Blue Laser 450mW DMX large capacity for fabulous smoke

The company was established in The Jupiter is a new blue laser effect with emissions in various premises. Next to 1982 and has continued to expand its a 450mW laser. Advanced algorithmic the standard horizontal you can also use product catalogue and has seen routine design with more than 63 beam this smoke machine vertically. This way remarkable growth in this area over the effects and graphics. After 5 seconds you can hook it into a truss system or use past several years. without sound the laser effect will be shut it in 2 different ways on the ground. The

Beamz is a brand that offers a down automatically. Ideal for bars, discos, S1800 can be used with the supplied massive range of lighting at incredibly casinos, clubs, family parties etc. remote control, equipped with a timer competitive prices. control, or via DMX-512. Features a high

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This Fireball LED light creates a stunning Carpo Laser Moving Head Fat Beam Red light show by fast rotating multicoloured The moving head features a single bright beams. It contains a 3W LED producing a

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Gear & Industry News | FOR DAILY GEAR, INSTRUMENT AND INDUSTRY NEWS VISITS MUSEONLINE.CO.ZA10 Continued from pg 8

For applications where full-size choice for those connectors as well as for microphone cables are just too big, the the hand-held SSD recorders that use Belden 2221 Compact Microphone Cable is Bantam or TT jacks as the balanced line an ideal solution. Oftentimes, hand-held input. With an impedance of 110 ohms, the solid-state recording devices (SSD) use cable can carry digital audio and its ultra-miniature microphone connectors from low capacitance (13 pF/ft.) makes it the Lemo, Neutrik or Switchcraft (such as the finest performing digital cable available Switchcraft TA3F/TA3M). The Belden 2221 today.Compact Microphone Cable is an excellent

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The Tama Imperialstar is price-wise market today. Tama takes the headache The Tama Imperialstar is one of the best-an “entry level” drum set but is built with out of assembling individual components selling drum sets of the last decade, and for all the craftsmanship and sound quality of by putting a perfect package together and good reason. This set combines quality and more advanced kits. It is also ideal if this is something that parents appreciate

affordability to create a kit that can't be beat. you're a gigging musician seeking a more as well, when shopping for a drum set for affordable set. Tama has enhanced this a deserving drum student.

With over 40 years of experience, Tama already excellent kit by upgrading to knows what drummers really want. MEINL "HCS" cymbals including a pair of Which is why Tama has the set drummers 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash and a 20" ride. need, want, and can afford; no matter This kit has everything else you will need what their budget is. In recent times, to play. The drum set includes an 18"x22" Tama has been offering the most bass drum, a matching 5"x14" affordable drum set to ever incorporate so wood snare, 7”x10” and many high-end features - Imperialstar. 7.5"x12" mounted toms with Every aspect of the modern drum set was the great Omni-Ball double exhaustively examined, re-examined and tom holder, a 14"x16" floor then improved before it was accepted as tom, a snare stand, hi-hat part of the Imperialstar design. That is stand, straight cymbal stand, why, if you start playing Imperialstar boom cymbal stand plus a drums now as a beginner, you will still be bass drum pedal and a drum enjoying them when you have achieved throne.pro status. Because they’ve been so

And this new and updated version well-thought-out and come responds to the evolution of modern complete with everything you music and the desires of drummers by need to start playing, the reducing the size of the toms. The new Tama Imperialstar has sizes play and respond more brightly, with become one of the most a higher range of pitches and tonal colour. popular drum sets on the

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12

CASIO PX-5S STAGE PIANOInstrument Review | CASIO PX-5S STAGE PIANO | words: David Scott

LIGHT ON WEIGHT, HEAVY ON SOUND

One noticeable missing feature buttons are relatively user friendly What is it?is built-in speakers, which aren't that and anyone can navigate the

The last time I was given a Casio necessary if you have proper studio presets with ease from the get go.

keyboard was when I was 8 years facilities or if you're playing through On the left, where a built-in

old. If I remember correctly the keys a PA system. After all, the PX-5S is speaker would normally be, is an

lit up and I was playing along to made for the studio and the stage. array of four knobs and six sliders,

demos of Mary had a Little Lamb. The back provides a USB plus pitch-bend and modulation

The nostalgia was short-lived output, two pedal inputs, MIDI In wheels. These control all kinds of

when I was given the Casio PX-5S. I and Out, stereo line in and out, parameters, including EQ, chorus

was hoping the S would stand for audio in and two headphone outs. and delay which is useful for on-

'sentimental'. It's anything but. The The key action is great - I really the-fly FX, which is great in a live

S stands for 'studio' or 'stage', but if like the wooden texture to the keys performance scenario.

I could have my way I'd make the S and the ivory-like feel. The tri- The knobs and sliders are also

stand for 'Super Sounding'. sensor scaled hammer action gives fully MIDI programmable - perfect if you the feel of a real piano. There you're going to be using the

Anatomy are keyboards out there with better keyboard as a MIDI controller. When putting the PX-5S on my key actions but they weigh a ton On the right side is a rubbery, stand, the first thing I noticed was and cost a lot more. If you're going textured-surface which appears to how light this instrument is in to be carrying your keyboard be a speaker, but it opens to access comparison to other 88 key stage around a lot, trust me - you're not the eight AA batteries that provide pianos that I've played on before. going to care about a slight up to four hours of play. The Most keyboards of this size need difference in key action if you're rubbery surface serves well as an two people to carry it. This one I breaking your back every time you iPad or Smartphone holder. could easily carry by myself without have to lug it back ‘n forth. To the left of the battery unit is

graunching my back. (It's only about Buttons for tones and stage a nifty USB flash drive port that lets

10kgs). settings are clustered around a you save and load data, and also small, backlit LCD display. The record and play audio files.

13

Price: 18,999.00Supplier: James Ralph (Pty) LtdWeb: www.jamesralph.co.za

expect from factory presets. The I can already hear the piano SoundDSP allows you to go quite deep blending with the soft beautiful

On the whole I am pretty impressed into modeling your sounds. A strums of an acoustic guitar, or the

by the sounds that the Casio PX-5S choice of different phasers, deep hex tones stirring the

puts out. The grand piano sound is flangers, tremolos and so on, allows congregation’s emotions during a

good, but I am particularly you to shape your sounds to your slow ballad. I could also imagine a

impressed with some of the retro preference. jazz pianist getting great mileage

sounds like the clavinet and I found that it was a bit tricky out of this keyboard, as the retro

Wurlitzer which sound super trying to edit on the keyboard's tiny sounds really are great and will

realistic with the subtle after tones LCD screen, but maybe that's just compliment any jazz group.

provided by the aftertouch. because modern technology has I'd also happily keep this piece

I've always preferred real piano made sound editing so user friendly of gear in my studio. Firstly,

in my studio recordings, but I'd that LCD screens just don't do it because it doesn't take up that

happily record these retro sounds anymore. much space. Most 88 key

into one of my songs if I needed a The poorly written instruction keyboards are quite deep set, while

retro sounding keyboard. manual didn't really help the cause - the Casio is less than 30cm deep. It

The hex tones provide an array those could've been clearer. Luckily, also has some sounds on it that I

of rich, textured tones with clean there is software that you can probably wouldn't be able to

crisp sound. Some of presets have download which makes editing emulate on my current software, so

bass that goes incredibly low much easier. these would come in handy at

without compromising the tone some point.

which I find really impressive. I also often jam complex piano

Apart from the presets being Who should own one? parts in my music that I'd love to great, the real magic is provided by

I somehow see this piano getting its have available in MIDI format, so the DSP functionality which allows

best use in a church environment. this keyboard is the ideal controller you to give your sounds a bit of

When I listen to the kind of sound it for the job. character and move away from the

puts out, it just seems perfectly cheesiness that we've come to

made for church bands. VerdictYou'd probably think that something so light weight and affordable would be plasticky and rubbish. This keyboard is quite the opposite - the keys play well, the sounds are great and on top of that it's easy to carry. That's a successful keyboard if you ask me!

Before you spend top dollar on a stage piano that is potentially very expensive and very heavy, try out the Casio PX-5S - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

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16

VOX TONE GARAGE PEDALS

Gear Review | VOX TONE GARAGE PEDALS | words: Greg Bester

“...the thing with pedals, they're very personal and when you find one you like, you know it instantly.”

Flat 4 Boost Straight 6 Drive

V8 Distortion Trike Fuzz

all me a cynic but of gain and headroom. Starved claiming to run on 200V due to their whenever I see any plate designs came along and newly developed Hi-Volt sort of audio related suddenly you could claim your technology. This piqued my interest. gear with glowing equipment had valves in it, but you Could it really be? I got a chance to valves in it, I get a were able to implement it a lot check out all three distortion little suspicious. I’ll cheaper and run on lower voltage, models and a fuzz, which I think we tell you why. requiring a less powerful and thus should get into before I myself C

cheaper power supply. Of course, create a precedent!For the uninitiated, valves are the sound suffered. For the following review I supposed to run on high voltage in

Vox just released a range of auditioned each pedal with my the region of around 150 to 300V to motor-themed guitar pedals dubbed Gibson SG Standard, plugged into take full advantage of their design their ‘Tone Garage’ with four out of my Laney GH100L amp and which in turn supplies great second-the five implementing valves Marshall 1935B 4x12 cab.order harmonic distortion and lots

18

Supplier: Tuerk Music TechnologiesWeb: www.tuerkmusic.co.zaTel: (011) 792-8402Suggested Retail Prices:Trike Fuzz: R 1,699.00Straight 6 Drive, V8 Distortion & Flat 4 Boost: R 1,899.00

Continued from pg 16

of the distortion with more clean Flat 4 Boostheadroom. The resulting distortion was

The Flat 4 Boost is the lightest of the indeed very ‘valve-like’ and reminded me

three distortion models. It can run on of the sound of my amp in overdrive.

either a 9V DC power supply or six AA Using the Tone and Bass knobs in

batteries, provided with every pedal. All conjunction with the Bright switch, I was

pedals also feature a true bypass, a able to sculpt widely varying tones from

sturdy die-cast body and an on/standby thick and brown to sharp and tight. The

switch so that you can turn it off instead Straight 6 Drive, to my ears, is a mild to

of having to annoyingly remove the input meaty overdrive that can get you

cable each time. anywhere from Santana to AC/DC.

The valves are orientated horizontally on the front face of each pedal that comes with one (the fuzz and V8 Distortion

multi-octave fuzz to your liking. delay do not have valves) and feature The V8 Distortion is black and is, you Tonally it was very satisfying and the colourful back-lit LED lighting. guessed it, the high gain variation of the crunchy, gnarly sound of the fuzz could

The Flat 4 Boost is yellow. It’s got series. It features the exact same controls be heavily over-dialled or lightly applied, four knobs, in order from left to right: Vol as the Straight 6 Drive with the exception depending on your gain setting. It didn’t (Volume), Low, High, and Gain, and there of a ‘Mid-Shift’ toggle switch which screech, either, at high gain settings, is a Mid-Boost switch between and below basically scoops the mids and adds which is a plus. the Low and High knobs. That’s about it, presence. Tonally, it is very much in the Playing with the knobs I was clearly really. Pretty self-explanatory stuff. same vein as the others. able to hear the upper octave, particularly

So, I set my amp to an edgy clean to I left my amp on the same clean when turning up the +1 Tone knob. The -see how this pedal would push the setting as I did for the Straight 6 Drive 2 Vol knob had a massive effect on the preamp section and found it was very and it basically picked up where it left off. low end and at times caused the sound transparent. It seemed to keep the The same overall tone was there but with to crunch out. Nice!inherent tone of the amplifier while just more gain. The ‘Mid-Shift’ toggle supplying additional harmonic richness gave me a bit more of a modern metal

The Verdictand complexity. Turning the gain knob to sound and the gain knob took me into the right, the amp started to verge into I like these pedals. I think they’re very Mastodon territory. creamy crunch territory. The mid-boost well made and the fact that they use Granted, it didn’t sound like a wall of switch gave a bit of throat to the sound, discrete circuitry without any op-amps or Engl [amps] behind me, but it had its which sounded great for solo material. other new age funny business is thing. One thing’s for sure, it definitely

encouraging. The distortion models were sounded like high gain valve distortion to all very polite to the intrinsic tone of my me and I wasn’t unhappy with the sound.

Straight 6 Drive amp and didn’t change it very much, which rubbed me the right way. The Straight 6 Drive is green and the Trike Fuzz

My only concern was that when I inbetweener of the three distortion The orange Trike Fuzz was my favourite initiated the gain boost on my amp (it’s a pedals in terms of gain. It has slightly of the lot because it sounded the most single channel lead head with a gain different controls than the Flat 4 Boost, outlandish. Where the Bass and Tone boost) without them, with the exception which it shares with the third distortion knobs are on the V8 there are knobs for - of the fuzz, it almost always sounded pedal, the V8. From left to right the knobs 2 Vol and +1 Tone. The switch, this time, better to my ears. are: Volume, Bass, Tone and Gain. toggles between the two tones or selects Then again, I’m used to my amp and There is a toggle switch labelled ‘Bright’ both. it defines my playing style so you’ll have where the Mid-Boost switch was on the

The Trike is basically a three-octave to decide whether one of these quality Flat 4 Boost. fuzz which gives you one octave up and pedals suits yours. That’s the thing with Once again, the pedal seemed two octaves down selectable at the pedals, they’re very personal and when tonally transparent in that it didn’t toggle by three settings: +1, or -1 and -2, you find one you like, you know it strangle the voice of my amp. I had set or all octaves. The -2 Vol and +1 Tone instantly. the amp to a cleaner setting this time knobs allow you to sculpt the resulting because I wanted to hear the true nature

Gear Review | THE BLACKSTAR LT RANGE | words: Nic Roos 20

THE BLACKSTAR LT RANGE“IT IS VERY HARD TO PICK A FAVOURITE AS THEY ALL SOUND GOOD

AND EXCEL AT THEIR INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION.”

Supplier: Rockit Distribution Tel: (021) 511-1800Website: www.rockitdistribution.co.zaSuggested Retail Prices:Blackstar LT Boost Pedal: R 995.00Blackstar LT Distortion Pedal: R 1,250.00Blackstar LT Drive Pedal: R 995.00Blackstar LT Dual Pedal: R 2,095,00Blackstar LT Metal Pedal: R 1,395.00

Continued on pg 22

lackstar recently introduced a and-amp combination. While I don't or cut. The EQ is sweet, generating warm new range of five gain-based believe in buzzwords like 'transparent' lows and smooth highs. Crank the gain to pedals that offer rich and when it comes to guitar effects, it's a push your amp into distortion or lower sweet saturation for a number contradiction in terms, the LT range is the gain to clean up an already dirty amp, Bof applications. apparently designed to play nicely with put it after a distortion pedal as a solo

Blackstar's previous pedal range, the others. boost or use it as a simple EQ tone HT series, was high-end, high-voltage Now, that's not to say that these shaper at the end of your chain to beef and in some cases 'valve' based. Great pedals are characterless and bland. Quite up a wimpy sounding amp.sounding though they are, they are so big the contrary, while delivering a good that a flock of them on a pedal board meat and potatoes tonal grind, suitable to The LT Drive - a simple classic overdrive would prevent lift-off. The new LT range, most styles, a new patent-applied-for features gain, tone and output controls. It featuring 5 different gain based pedals, is clipping circuit helps them breakup in a is a very responsive pedal if a little more more compact and pedal board friendly. very amp-like way with great range of grit compressed than I would have preferred. Also, unlike the HTs, these pedals have that never loses definition, something Overall it is voiced a little bright and I silent switching mechanisms, run on rarely heard at these prices. found I had to back off on the tone standard 9 volts or batteries and they control. It is a tad quiet at moderate offer buffered bypass which is great for The LT range provides guitarists with a settings and I cranked the output gain long pedal chains. number of options depending on their almost to max in order to achieve unity

Each pedal comes in a different needs: gain with the bypass signal. It is colour and the overall appearance and considerably hot for an overdrive pedal, performance harkens back to the Boss The LT Boost - a clean boost features with nearly the same level of gain as the style staples of yesteryear. These days, bass, treble and gain controls. This is the Dist model. This broadens its scope of the desire to set oneself apart sonically cheapest and most basic pedal in the application. Because of its quiet but has led to the proliferation of unique range. It is a very useful tool that bright voicing it needs careful adjusting character pedals. The disadvantage of provides a good dollop of clean gain and to get lower gain settings to cut through these, especially with dirt pedals, is that tonal shaping. All controls are additive at an appropriate level. It oozes molten they don't match up with every guitar- and subtractive, meaning you can boost classic to modern rock juice.

22 Continued from pg 20

The LT Metal - a metal orientated distortion pedal features gain, level, tone and ISF controls. It has the same features as the Dist but is voiced very differently. It has a great deal more gain on tap. It has great upper-mid bite, a slight bass bump and a very metal mid scoop. It is super impressive! It is gritty but never harsh. Using gain in conjunction with the ISF really gives you a lot of tonal scope while keeping things brutal. The British side of the ISF is reminiscent of late seventies, early eighties, classic metal. On the American side the mid scoop becomes more apparent and has much more modern voicing. I am surprised how on the edge of control it can sound without losing definition.

The LT Dual - a two channel overdrive/ distortion pedal featuring two separate channels each with gain and level controls plus global tone and ISF controls. The channels operate in an either/or configuration like an amp. Channel 1 is voiced for lower gain and channel 2 for higher gain and beyond. What this essentially does is it turns a clean amp into a three channel amp. I suppose it stands to reason that the most expensive of the 5 pedals should sound the best. It has a more detailed, rich and grainy breakup. I'd say this is a substantial tonal step forward from the HT Dual pedal which had a short 'sizzle' drop-off time. It has a little more bounce than the HT and is a little less compressed. I was expecting to miss the 3 EQ knobs of the HT but the sound was full. Cleans up nicely.

ConclusionThe LT Dist- a distortion pedal It is very hard to pick a favourite as features gain, level, tone and ISF they all sound good and excel at their controls. This is a moderate to high individual application.gain pedal. The rich sounding PAF One little niggle, as mentioned circuit really makes itself known in this before, is that the levels need to be set pedal. It adds spark and is able to spew rather high to get to unity gain. Apart thick valve-like saturation. The addition from the Drive being a little bright for of the ISF which ranges from American my personal taste, they all share a full to British tonal voicing works in bodied tone with a modern midrange conjunction with the tone control and sheen and clean up very well when extends the tonal possibilities. With the dialling back the guitar volume control.gain cranked to max I was able to hear My overall impression of the LT every string in the chords with a polite range is that they bring the idea of the but firm note attack. It does a great Van old Boss-styled workhorse distortion Halen brown sound with a bit of boxes up to date with modern demand tweaking of the ISF. I almost prefer the for rich saturation and tonal clarity that lower gain setting on the Dist to those will easily find a home on any board on the Drive because they are slightly and through any amp.warmer.

http://www.jaycor.co.za

Studio Gear | MONKEY BANANA TURBO RANGE | words: Dave Skinz24

MONKEY BANANA TURBO SERIESTOP BANANAS

Price: Turbo4: R 7,750.00Turbo6: R 11,616.00Turbo8: R 13,934.00Turbo 10s: R 11,716.00Supplier: Viva AfrikaTel: (011) 250 3280Web: www.vivaafrika.co.zawww.monkey-banana.de

The Turbo10s subwoofer runs in stereo and there is a switch to disable the standby mode that is unique to the sub. All of the Turbos come with a kettle cord for power and set of rubberized feet to position the monitors on.

The TestI was very lucky to have a pair of the Turbo 6's and a Turbo 10s to demo for the review and they were spectacular. The audio sounded absolutely transparent with a terrific balance between highs, mids and lows.

roll off from the monitors. The stereo image was All of the Turbos use an assured and I was able to pick out

Aviation patented method to individual sounds, effects and layering combine three different in the audio mix with ease. Always the materials for the construction of best measure of a monitor is their woofer. Polypropylene, referencing it in your own space and I What is it?

carbon-fibre and ceramic components was amazed at how many holes it Monkey Banana is a new brand coming are all blended to balance the strength, showed up with my set of 8's which I out of Germany specializing solely in rigidity, and damping of the cones while always felt were a little large for the monitors and their accessories. The still keeping them lightweight and a 1' room. The Turbo 6's shone and it was a story goes that some friends were fed Silk Dome tweeter takes care of the HF real treat to hear all my own material as up with the quality of a “good” set of portion. Turbos all have multi-layer PC though I had new ears. Even when I monitors and their often exorbitant boards for their class AB amps and the subjected just the Turbo 6s to a wide prices, so they decided to build their entire range, bar the sub, uses a custom variety of music from more vocal and own. designed bi-amplified set-up to drive acoustic orientated stuff where you can

The initial offerings were so good their HF and LF separately with the pick up on the reverbs and get a sense that their friends began to ask for their crossover set around the 3kHz mark. All of the space, to classic rock and the own. And these humble beginnings the Turbos are rear-ported and their liberal distortion and effect layering were the initial inspiration for the non-regular hexagonal shape is a used in metal they remained accurate premier range from Monkey Banana deliberate design to minimize any without losing their neutral tone. called the Turbo Series. standing waves, while the cabinet itself There is an incredible attention to

The Turbo range is comprehensive is made of a high-density MDF. detail within the Turbo range not just in and will have a speaker to suit your The rear panel is flat with all your the materials that are used or created space and even your outputs needs as inputs happening around the port. You for the monitors but also to the the entire series can run off either have small notched knobs to deal with environmental impact that the material, analog or digital inputs. Monkey Banana volume and +6/-6 EQ control processes and packaging have on the start off with the 50W 4” Turbo 4's [60Hz compensations for the HF and LF. There environment. This means that - 30kHz], the 80W 5 1/4” Turbo 5's [55Hz are some small switches to change your everything that goes into building a - 30kHz], the 90W 6 1/2” Turbo 6's [50Hz input mode between analog and digital Turbo is carefully considered from the - 30kHz] and the 120W Turbo 8's [45Hz – and to tell the monitor if it is playing Left screws, to the glue, to the process of 30kHz]. If you still think you need some or Right. You have a choice of three moulding and assembling the bass reinforcement the 300W Turbo 10 analog inputs - a combi port for Jack or composite parts and this has resulted in sub runs from 20Hz to 120Hz with an XLR and an unbalanced RCA with a range of monitors that is sonically true adjustable crossover covering the 40Hz S/PDIF input and output for your digital and a sharp tool for the trade of audio – 120Hz range to accurately cover any connection. engineering.

MUSE SPECIAL : CAREER IN MUSIC 26

CAREER IN MUSIC

MUSE SPECIAL : CAREER IN MUSIC 27

Planning on studying music?Here are some great institutions to consider

MUSE SPECIAL : CAREER IN MUSIC 28

CAREER IN MUSIC

MUSE SPECIAL : CAREER IN MUSIC 29

Planning on studying music?Here are some great institutions to consider

MUSE SPECIAL : CAREER IN MUSIC 30

CAREER IN MUSIC

MUSE SPECIAL : CAREER IN MUSIC 31

Planning on studying music?Here are some great institutions to consider

Tutorial | PLAY BETTER BASS | compiled by Alistair Andrews32

ALTERED PENTATONIC SCALES FOR BASSPLAY BETTER BASS

Continued on Page 34...

In the previous issue we discussed the Altered Scale: Let us look at some other possibilities:Construction ½, T, ½,T, T, T, T

With ♭2 Construction, ½, T½, T½ T, T½

Please note that are completely different to “alterations” of the Pentatonic Scale. It might This scale works over C7(♭9) Should we use other be a good idea to check out some of my previous articles degrees of the scale you could use this scale E♭7(♭9), especially the one on the Modes of the Pentatonic Scale. G♭7(♭9), A7(#9)

As mentioned in previous issues, the Pentatonic Scale (5- With ♭2 & ♭5 Note Scale) is very popular in African, Japanese, Chinese Construction, ½, T½, T, T½, T½ and other forms of world music.

Construction, T, T, T½, T, T½The Pentatonic Scale is actually a Major scale without a 4th and a 7th.

This scale works over C7 (♭9#11), C13 (♭9#11)

With ♭3 & ♭5 Construction, T, ½, T½, T½, T½

When you alter one or more notes of this scale, you get (as the name implies) an Altered Pentatonic scale.If for arguments sake you get confronted with a and would love to use a Pentatonic Scale over that chord, the major Pentatonic Scale could work, but the

will outline the chord better. This Scale is This scale works over C7(#9), C7(#9#11), C13(#9#11), sometimes called the , or Cmin6/9, Amin7(♭5), E♭Maj7.the .

With ♭3 The B♭(♭7) note in C7 chord forms part of this scale. Construction, T, ½, 2T, T, T½

and the scale would be D C.

This scale will also work for C9. In fact the scale consists of all al the notes of the chord.

This scale works over C7(#9), C13(#9)

Altered Pentatonic Scales

C D E G A R 2 3 5 6

C7 Chord

Pentatonic scale with a♭7

(C D♭E G A)

(C D♭ E G♭ A)

The C Major Pentatonic Scale

(C D E♭G♭ A)

Altered Dominant PentatonicMixolydian Pentatonic

(C D E♭ G A)

C7= C E G B♭ C E G B♭

C9 = C E G B♭D (R 3 5 ♭7 9)

Tutorial | PLAY BETTER BASS | compiled by Alistair Andrews34 Continued from Page 32...

Please note that it is beyond the scope of this article to have an You should know by now to practice all these scales in all 12 in depth discussion on Altered Pentatonics. Even if you write a keys and over 2 octaves.whole book there will always be more to add (as with any You will notice that these scales are very similar in concept in music.) construction, but one note can make a big difference.

I trust that a new door has been opened for you.We have at least covered some basics, but it might be a great idea to check out more stuff on the topic. Let there be BASS!!!!

With ♭5 Cmin(7♭5), Dmin(7♭5), E7(#9), Cmin(maj7).Construction, T, T, T, T½, T½ With ♭3 & ♭6

Construction, T, ½, T½, T, T½

This scale works over CMaj7(#11), (C7(#11), C13(#11), This scale works over Cmin7, Dmin(7♭5), E♭Maj7(#11),F#min7(♭5), Amin7, D7Please note that this scale can also work over other chords, With ♭2 & ♭6 but these are the most obvious ones. Construction, T, T½, T½, T, T½

With ♭2, ♭3 & ♭5 Construction, ½, T, T½, ½, T½

This scale works over C7(Alt), D♭min7(♭5), E7(Alt)

Let us have a look at diminished 7th chords and altered pentatonics.

This scale works over C7(♭9#11), C13(♭9#11), Cmin7♭5,

Co7You can obviously use these scales over other chords as well if you start on different degrees of the scale. Eg. the You could play C Pentatonic with ♭2, ♭3 & ♭5 scale above could also be used over C#Maj7, or even E♭min7♭5. You could also play C Minor Pentatonic with a #4

With ♭6 Another possibility could be F Pentatonic with ♭2Construction, T, T, T½, ½, 2T

These scales will then obviously work for D♭o7, E♭o7,

G♭o7, Ao7, as these chords share the same notes.

This scale works over C7(♭9#11), C13(♭9#11),

(C D E G♭A)

(C D♭ E♭ G A♭)

(C D♭ E G A♭)

(C D♭ E♭ G♭ A)

(C D♭ E♭

G♭ A)

(C E♭ F#

G♭ A)(C D E G A♭) (F G♭ A

C D)

C Diminshed (Co7) R, ♭3, ♭5, 6 (C E♭ G♭ A)

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Tutorial | PLAY BETTER GUITAR | words: Kurt Slabbert36

ANDY INNES: GUITARIST AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR THE JOHNNY CLEGG BANDPLAY BETTER GUITAR

elcome to play better guitar. For this issue I have decided to give modes a Wbreak. Instead we chat to

Andy Innes, guitarist and Musical Director for the Johnny Clegg band, where he shares his experience and some of his own music. I hope you enjoy this read as much as I did; I found it very insightful, enjoy!

What is your background as a musician? I started playing at age 12. I had a great music teacher at junior school, Dick Reynecke, who piqued my interest in all things music, playing us early Juluka recordings in class and explaining how this was the new poetry of our time (a line which stuck with me). Another guitarist from the same class, Richard Bornman, is now a lecturer at the Conserve in Sydney.

I played in several local bands during my formative phase, professionally speaking, working for Suburbia, Little Sister, PJ Powers and several others. I taught myself to read music at an elementary level through reading books and magazines on the subject. Guitar Player magazine's columns were great for ironing some of that out.

I got into show music, playing in a few Lloyd Webber shows, Richard O'Brien's official SA production of The Rocky Horror Show and a swarm of others as a pit guitarist. This was a baptism by fire in the deep end of the pool, ploughing through show charts by the truckload.

I worked for PJ Powers for a few years as her guitarist, backing singer and MD, then got the call for the Johnny Clegg and Savuka audition at the age of 23. I have performed with Clegg ever since, also holding down other gigs here and there over the years.

To rehearse or not to?Rehearse! Absolutely. Rehearse, practice, hone your performances and get good. You can always choose to loosen the performance if you want, but

commercial / pop music paradigm. The both approaches.you can't tighten the loose one without

keyboard is more naturally adapted to There are some notable exceptions having rehearsed.

interfacing with a score and is far quicker such as Bibi McGill (Beyonce), Jimmy for laying down midi parts, etc. Vivino (Conan O'Brien show) and Davey

Why are there so few Guitarist Musical Nevertheless, a guitar MD will, in my Johnstone (Elton John), so it's not entirely Directors? opinion, usually approach the unheard of. I think there are more guitar The role of MD traditionally goes to a arrangements with a more rhythmic players filling the role now than there keyboard player or pianist in the sensibility, so there are pros and cons to were say ten years back.

37

If you have any questions please drop me an email on kurt@bluenoise.co.za

What is it like touring and tons of technique, but if you being part of the Clegg band? can't read, you're a one-trick I love touring. I've worked with pony. Having dodged the Clegg for 21 years, 16 of those music schools in favour of a as band leader / MD. Phil/lit. Degree, I have spent a

lot of time catching up. I'm The job comes with a currently in my second year of unique set of challenges and a an Arranging and Orchestration fantastic group of talented degree through Berklee Online people to work with. I've seen a and I'll probably continue great deal of the world, met formal studies in music after many of my idols and played that.venues I had always dreamed

of seeing. Also, to southern African players, I would say this: From the Universal Studios broaden your horizons and use amphitheatre in LA to the Royal elements of our great musical Albert Hall with hundreds of heritage to define your voice. If other legendary venues in you base your sound and between, it's been an amazing musical ethos on a style from ride! In many ways the band is somewhere else, you'll always like a family. We all know one be one step behind.another really well after having

spent so much time together. Jazz, Rock, Alt, Trap, etc. are all musical languages of other cultures. We have our Were you versed in African own unique musical language styles of guitar playing when which is just waiting to be you joined the Clegg band?woven into what we do. If I had already spent a bit of time you're going to export music checking out Mbaqanga and (and let's face it - we're in the Mqashiyo styles for my three-export business), don't go year stint in the PJ Powers selling snow to Eskimos. Put band, as well as for pickup some of what's right here into shows with Yvonne Chaka your rock, jazz, pop, whatever.Chaka, Sophie Mgcina, Abigail Khubeka and other local artists. You have just released an I was also a fan of the early album, stylistically how would Juluka stuff, so I had a natural you describe it?inclination towards some of the "World folk-rock" is what I like Zulu traditional guitar tones. I to call it, but that's probably a spent some time learning Zulu

mandolin on the Clegg gig. I've found the misnomer in terms of what that moniker and township styles for the Clegg Ovation mm68 is the best bet for refers to on Billboard. I call it "world" audition and, in the early years of my mandolin on loud stages. My Breedlove because there are several African work with Savuka, getting lessons in Quartz sounds way better unplugged or elements in the lyrics (some Zulu) and various southern African styles from recorded, but I have yet to find a pickup the arrangements and styles, as well as great players like Mfiliseni Makubane, that can compete with the Ovation piezos Manouche Jazz and Raga influences. Dukes (from Lucky Dube's "Slaves"), for live applications. "Folk" because there are stories and ideas Nthokozo Zungu, Mahoyana Nkwanyana

I use Lehle stereo switchers and expressed in a melodic style with and others.hum / loop eliminators (my whole rig acoustic guitar undertones and "rock" runs stereo - mags & Kemper right / because a lot of the content is based on What gear do you use? piezos left) and a Palmer PDI-CTC DI - power trio playing in the rock idiom.After years of using big amps and especially when playing unplugged complex switching and effects systems, I shows. How do you write? On guitar, piano, changed this year to playing through a

We've been doing more of the lyrics first?Kemper Profiler. The advances in unplugged thing lately and there's a live It varies. Sometimes a piece of poetry or technology have been amazing, but this album coming out in December of our a news article will galvanise me and I'll one piece of gear has heralded a recent performances at the Baxter in start with lyrics. Other times I wake up in generational change in the way live guitar Cape Town. On the unplugged shows, I the middle of the night with a melody line works. Essentially it's a unit capable of play a Patrick James Eggle Saluda C going around in my head and I quickly go reproducing the sound of any guitar custom with a Port Orford Cedar top, a to the studio and record it on guitar. I amplifier / microphone combination Martin OMJM and a Taylor 815 Jumbo. I find that the best stuff just unfolds. The which it hears. No - I don't have a Kemper picked out the woods for the Saluda with harder I try to force myself to write endorsement, although they've been very Patrick at his workshop in the UK and something, the more strained and helpful and friendly both in SA and have a real affinity for that guitar. unnatural it sounds. Europe.

I play Parker and PRS guitars live What advice can you give up and (Parker Fly Deluxe and Bronze and a PRS Look out for Andy Innes’ album - coming guitarists?P22 and hot-rodded CU24 with a Anthems of a Stranger on iTunes, CD Get good and learn to read! It's all well Graphtech Ghost installation). I also play Baby and Look and Listen stores.and good to get your chops up and have

Education | HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF | words: George Hattingh Jnr.38

ACADEMY OF SOUND ENGINEERING SHEDS SOME LIGHT ON THE COMPONENTS OF THE MUSIC BIZ…

HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF

t is a very common question;“I want to be a success in this industry, what do I need to do to get there?” It’s a question with many answers. All of Ithem important, and hopefully I can

answer as comprehensively as possible for you here.

In many ways this could be a first step for some of you who are passionate about music or the entertainment industry as a whole, but it’s all a bit overwhelming and very often people are discouraged by those around you.

We’ve all heard that old chestnut; “why don’t you try and get a real job?” I speak to people with that outlook every day and it only takes me a few minutes to convince them that the word “job” that they cherish so dearly is very quickly losing it’s identity. Having a job implies a few things. Desk - 9 to 5 - Boss - Salary - Do the same thing every day. And if you’re an accountant, then that will do you just fine.

However, earning a living in this industry simply cannot conform to that definition of having a “Job”. Does entertainment happen between 9 and 5? NO! It happens whenever it feels like it and that is why the people that make a success of themselves in entertainment - and the technology that drives it - very often find themselves working freelance for multiple clients and working very interesting hours doing what they love!

This industry is growing at an incredible rate, but it is not for everyone. If you’re reading this, and you want to make a success of yourself, and you’re not scared to get yourself out there, then that’s half the job done.

So how do you prepare yourself? The obvious answer seems to be to get a quality education. But some of you might still be in high school and you’re itching to do something besides schoolwork to get you prepared for your dream of working with music. Then, by the time you add that top-notch qualification to your additional hard work, the industry will be ready and waiting.

The Internet countless videos online that can show how they figured it out and sharing their you how to do just about anything to do knowledge with you. We all have access to it and it’s a with technology. Struggling to get that Seasoned professionals often turn to resource that can be used and abused beat “just so”? Hop onto YouTube, type this resource and are astounded by the without limits. Do you want to know your question in and you’ll be amazed at quality of videos uploaded by other pros something about how your idol made it the multitude of people, a lot of them not and even equipment manufacturers that to where they are? The Internet will tell too far ahead of you in terms of create training material for their users to you. experience, who are there telling you get the most out of their products.But more importantly, there are

39

About the AuthorGeorge Hattingh Jnr. : Marketing Manager and Lecturer - Academy of Sound EngineeringGeorge has been a professional musician for some 20 years now and has performed as a vocalist in a vast variety of musical styles. He has a particular passion for education and guiding young, passionate people into the entertainment industry. George is a lecturer at the Academy of Sound Engineering and also heads up the marketing for the academy. Importantly he deals with the ASE alumni as the industry regularly requests skilled, qualified individuals to work with. George is their point of contact.

EducationAttitudeFinally, and most This is a very important importantly, get an one. If you’re starting out education. South Africa in the industry then there has recently become one is something to be said of the world leaders in for a certain amount of Sound Engineering confidence. No one education. Whatever you wants a limp noodle want to specialize in sitting in the corner of a there is a qualification room, not contributing. that has been designed Be confident and be just for you. honest. If you know you

Whether it’s Music can add something Production that get’s you valuable to a excited or the creative conversation, even if it is world of Audio Post in the midst of people Production where you who might be ahead of get to create music and you in the race to sound effects for video, success, then add it with Radio Broadcasting confidence. Technology or Live There is however a Sound Reinforcement for word of warning concerts and events. The attached to this. All too best and most respected often we encounter qualifications can be people who have left found right here in confidence behind long Mzansi.ago and have moved on

Once again, do your to loud and unjustified research, and make sure arrogance. It is important you end up at an to know that you won’t institution that is just be selling your skills accredited. Don’t just when talking to a client take them on their word. one day. You’ll be selling Contact the Department yourself as well. And if of Higher Education and that client does not want Training and ask them to spend one more directly. second with you because

What is also you can’t stop talking important is the yourself up or talking reputation of the others down, then it institution and the doesn’t matter how good graduates. Are they you are. You’re not respected? Do they getting that client’s make an impact in their money. industry? Ask around. So make sure you

Now take leave a positive person you encounter is left with a something from this article and go and impression. Always. positive opinion of you. Even if it’s just put it into action. There is no time to “Wow, he was really eager to learn!”waste. How many people get to say they

Many companies have free training Being in the right place are earning a living doing what they love? seminars and open days. Where do you There is a saying. “It’s all about being in You can be one of those.find them? On Facebook! Do some the right place at the right time” Wrong. research into who the companies are that Try this one instead. “It’s about being in distribute and sell the equipment and the right place, ALL the time.” For then, software for the entertainment industry the right time, is somewhere directly and check out their events. Many of them ahead of you. advertise in this very magazine.Go to events! Show an interest in

the equipment and make sure that each