Having spent many years on the road as a touring musician, I understand firsthand the health issues facing travel warriors with respect to maintaining proper nutrition and exercise. Several years ago, I received a wake up call in the form of a checkup at the doctor’s office in which I was informed that I was […]
Continue readingMore TagYear: 2017
How to Build a Redundant Rig for Using MainStage or Ableton Live
I’m often asked how to build a rig with a redundant computer and interface for using MainStage live. While there are a number of ways that this could be done, I’m going to detail how I’ve done this many times in the past successfully and reliably. Building your rig carefully and with attention to detail […]
Continue readingMore TagMainStage Tutorial: How to assign pitch bend to EXS24 instruments
In this MainStage tutorial, we’ll look at how to assign a pitch bend wheel to EXS24 instruments. After you’ve set up your controller assignments in your MainStage layout, return to EDIT mode and click on your pitch been wheel icon. It should appear as below with a blue outline. Next, in the screen control inspector […]
Continue readingMore TagReview: Rowin Mini Guitar Pedals
I recently had the opportunity to check out some really cool Rowin mini guitar pedals from China. Rowin has been manufacturing mini guitar pedals for years. They have a pedal for just about every effect and need, including many varieties of distortion, delay, chorus, and even various looper pedals. The pedals are rugged, well made, […]
Continue readingMore TagMainStage 3 Tutorial: How to Edit Tunings of EXS24 Samples in MainStage
I this MainStage tutorial, we’ll look at how to edit pitches in the EXS24 sampler. It’s not uncommon to discover that one particular sample in an EXS24 instrument is out of tune slightly, particularly if resampled from an external sound library or instrument via Auto Sampler. Or, it may be necessary to adjust the pitch […]
Continue readingMore TagReview: Loctek Ergonomic Stands and Mounts
As creative professionals, we’re often sitting at our workstations for many hours on end, sometimes to the detriment of our health. Our posture suffers, we get tight quads and hamstrings, IT band issues, and fatigue. I often solve this by keeping a kettlebell sitting out in the middle of the room and taking a break […]
Continue readingMore TagBuying a Used or Refurbished Apple Computer for MainStage
I often see posts in Facebook forums concerning which Apple computers could work well for Apple’s MainStage software for live music performance. More specifically, which Apple computers could function well if purchased used or refurbished. This is a tricky proposition as there are a number of things to consider. First, you’ll need to consider whether […]
Continue readingMore TagCan I Use A Windows Computer For Music Production and Keyboard Programming?
I’m often asked whether it’s absolutely necessary to use an Apple computer for music production and keyboard programming. This question is certainly understandable given how much Apple products tend to be associated with creative professions and the tendency for content creators to gravitate toward the Apple ecosystem. However, I would argue that the answer to […]
Continue readingMore TagKVM Switches for MainStage Keyboard Programming
I’m often asked about the best way to create a redundant computer rig for live theatre. Specifically, for use with MainStage keyboard programming and Ableton Live. A redundant rig with a functioning main and backup scenario would always include two computers, two audio interfaces, a MIDI splitter box such as the MIDI Solutions Thru, an […]
Continue readingMore TagReview: The Pelican Case
So it’s time to share my love affair with one of my favorite products: the Pelican case. As you already probably know, Pelican makes ultra sturdy watertight equipment cases that have become the standard in audio, video, and military use. They’re virtually indestructable, come in all different shapes and sizes, offer excellent protection for your […]
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