Introduction to Music Production Assignment 2 DAWs

Setup for new project in the Podium DAW

Hello all, my name is Lamont (Renton07).  I live in Orlando Florida.  I am really enjoying this Introduction to Music Production course.  I am going to give a quick setup walkthrough for the Zynewave Podium DAW.  I decided to use this DAW because it is economical and has full features.  I plan on getting another DAW in the future when I can upgrade my current computer.  Most DAWs will require a really good system to function correctly with a good hard-drive and good cpu. 

I am using Podium Free 2.42 by Zynewave.  It does not allow the full MIDI interface setup, the 64-bit mixer engine, the plugin multiprocessing, ReWire and the surround-sound is disabled.  ASIO and VST plugins by Steinberg are included. 

"findthebest." [Online image] 13 February 2014. .

You will want to make sure you have the DAW installed and configured to work with your audio interface device.  Once that is configured you can setup the DAW for the project.

Starting a new project in Podium is quite easy.  When a new project is started you are asked to name the new project right away.  When the project is named the folder path is listed on the left.  Next on the same screen the Audio input and output are selected.  You can setup the plugin database and the arrangement.  You will also see a list of recent project that you have worked on in case you need to return to an older session.

Once Podium opens if you need to rename the project you can select Project properties on the top left and rename the project.

Next select the Setup Menu and MIDI/AUDIO interfaces.  On the Audio tab you can set up the audio driver type, in this case Microsoft wave.  The input and Output device can be edited here.  Then the sample rate (48000 hz) and the buffer size (128) which automatically sets the latency (2 ms).    

Next select the Setup Menu and Preferences to see the project folder path and track folder path.  The engine tab is where you can select the new sound file type.   You should use the uncompressed wave file type to get the fullest lossless sound.  You can also select the sound bit resolution also known as the bit depth.  I chose the 24-bit resolution. 

Now it’s time to start tracking your music.  Don’t forget to name your tracks.

This was my short DAW checklist setup to begin tracking new music.  I will work the Podium and see if I need to upgrade to the professional level or just wait for a better pc.  I hope this information helps you.

Introduction to Music Production Assignment I - Cables

Hello all music lovers I am Lamont (Renton07) and I am here in the lovely weather of Casselberry Florida.  I am going through the Introduction to Music Production course on Coursera (which is awesome) and this is my first Assignment.

I have learned so much in just one week and realize this class will be even more fulfilling than I have imagined.  I decided I wanted to discuss the different cables that are being used currently in music recording and production.  As technology changes I am sure these cords will continue to evolve.

I will break down the most commonly used cables and describe some of the benefits and options that will provide the best recorded and produced sounds for every user.  When it comes to cables by the best.  Cheap cables can produce unwanted noise in your recorded sound.  Also, the more the cables are moved from one instrument to another or plugged in and out of your components, the more likely they will be to become damaged and need to be replaced.

TS (tip and sleeve) cable

 





TS cables also known as 1/4 inch cables or Instrument cables are the cables that will connect your instruments to your other components including pre-amps, amplifiers, and recorders. TS cables are single conductor cables.  The tip conducts the single signal and the sleeve (ground) is used to help prevent outside noise or interference.  This cable should be used in short lengths to prevent noise interference.  This cable carries an unbalanced signal.


TRS (tip ring and sleeve) cable



TRS cable is very similar to the TS cable in size and shape but is a two conductor cable and is better constructed to stand up to outside noise. The TRS cable has a tip (hot) ring (cold) and sleeve (ground) section.  The TRS cable can be used in two ways, as a stereo cable that transmits two signals (ex. headphones) or as a single conductor cable configured to cancel out noise on the signal.  As stereo cable the TRS cable is unbalanced.  When the cabled is used as a single conductor cable it is balanced.  TRS cables can still experience some noise on the signal.


XLR Cable

The XLR Cable has 3 parts similar to a TRS cable but unlike a TRS cable can only be used in a balanced configuration.  The cable defends against outside noise for much longer lengths than a standard TS cable.  This cable has both a male and female end and can be used to connect microphones to other components. The XLR cable is used also for some lighting configurations, comes with pin configurations that can include between 3 and 7 pins and can transmit phantom power to condenser microphones.

Direct Box

In some stage or studio setups it may be necessary to have a longer connection from instrument to component or amplifier.  Since the instrument cable is more vulnerable to outside noise and the XLR cable can cancel out outside noise at a longer distance, a Direct Box can be used to connect the two cables.  The direct box is a great way to convert an unbalanced line to a balanced line.  It also usually can provide an additional parallel output to allow for another 1/4 cable to connect to another component.  The Direct box is inexpensive and can provide a big value to your setup.

1/8 inch cable  

Some component require a 1/8 inch cable for connection.  This cable is virtually the same design as the TRS cable just in a smaller fashion.  There are adapters that can be purchased to got from 1/8 size to the 1/4 size lead.

RCA cable

RCA cables should be used with caution.  They are generally designed for consumer electronics and may not be able to handle the +4 line level of the professional studio equiptment.  They are very similar to TS cables in that they have a conductor and a sleeve and are unbalanced.

MIDI cable

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) cable has a 180 degree shaped 5 pin connector and is used to connect instruments to digital recorders or computers.  Digital data is then transferred to and from the instrument over the cable for recording or playback.  The MIDI cable only uses 3 of the 5 pins to transmit data.  It uses pins 4 and 5 for data transfer and pin 2 as a ground.  In some cases the 1 and 3 pin can be used to transmit some phantom power.  The cable should be used in lengths less than 20 ft to avoid data loss or separation.

There are several other cables that may be used in studio or stage setups but the listed above are the most popular.  Newer technology will someday make some of the cables unnecessary.  Wireless technology is improving and better constructed cables will be produced to provide clearer sounds over greater distances.  Until that time we can use the many options above to connect our instruments and create crisp clean sounds and music.

Citations-

"What Is a MIDI Cable? ." [Online] 5 February 2014. .

"XLR connector." [Online] 5 February 2014. .

anonymous. "TS & TRS connectors explained." [Online] 5 February 2012. .