The Outside Blog Minion Report
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Club Chaos Product Review
TannStarr.com ClubChaosAgents.com ActiveRain Group: Club Chaos IDJ Now
New Toys For My Anniversary (YAY!) I brought my system at IDJ Now.
I've been saying "new toys" for days. :-) I finally used my gift money and picked up a portable podcast set-up for my Sony Laptop. What a neat package. I'm in love with Alesis. I have always loved this company. My drum machine is a 1997 Alesis SR-16 which I'm still having a lot of fun with and have introduced my children to. I also have a thing for Roland, HP, Apple, Nikon, Sony and Korg. I figure I might as well fess up now and get it over with. If you're going to be biased you might as well be transparent about it. :-)
The Alesis iO/2 is a lovely compact USB device that will let me record my music and interviews on the fly. Coupled with two Alesis M1Active 320 USB speakers and we're talking making some serious quality noise people. Those puppies have a very nice sound and you don't need software to install them. Plug 'em in and go enjoy your on-line movies.
24 and Fringe were rocking the house last night. My Amazon Unbox got a very nice work out, which is why I was MIA with the serial commenting, but I digress... (LOL).
Let's quote the company regarding my awesome new digital interface: "Designed as the ideal Audio/MIDI companion to notebook computer-based recording environments, the iO|2 USB has a compact form factor that can easily fit in a laptop case or small backpack. The iO|2 USB features durable aluminum casing, USB power (eliminating cumbersome external power supplies) and is optimized for minimal laptop battery drain. The iO|2 provides 2-channels of pristine 24-bit/48kHz audio directly to your computer via the integrated USB interface and features 2 channels of switchable mic/line inputs. And with Hardware Direct Monitoring, you never have to worry about dealing with audio latency while recording. Small enough to fit in a backpack, but powerful enough to get the job done right, the iO|2 is perfect for musicians on the go."
We all know I am a jogging and blogging kinda gal (periodically with little minions in tow). Having kids means you have to make rules about the musician pro gear. My stuff has got to be compact, light weight and manageable. This set up is lovely! This system fits in a duffel bag and has a small footprint regarding my desk and keyboard workstation space. Perfect! I've been parked for the really cold Winter days but now the weather is warming up, so I'm making plans for Club Chaos Agents and Active Rain. Time to get the lead out and create more original content. My version of podcasting will be fun. I like having fun at work... ;-)
Let's quote the company regarding my Spanking-A speaker system (they're a couple of pounds, people): "Alesis delivers pro-grade USB speaker performance to the computer desktop. M1 Active 320 USB speakers enable you to play audio from your computer and record audio coming into the speaker to your computer. Simply plug in the USB cable to your computer – No special drivers required. M1 Active 320USB speakers are not only substantial audio monitors, but also serve as a convenient audio interface. Keyboards, mic pre’s, guitar effects, DJ Mixers, or standard CD and tape players can all easily connect directly to the M1Active 320 USB. Record them directly into your computer. Full range, superb sound quality insures that you get more accurate audio reproduction to check your mixes. A Bass Boost switch helps emphasize bass frequencies - Great for various room situations where you want to hear more bass emphasis."
My 2 cents for the day: These speakers and the iO/2 are all that and a bag of chips if you have a serious project and want quality sound. I'm not quite done with my business purchases because I also need a portable all-in-one mic like Josef Katz . I heart his mic. It converts the recording on board for instant gratification podcasting (LOL). I'm a tweaking wave file kinda gal, so I decided to get something compatible with my Korg N364 and Noah's Yamaha. Yup, 'tis true, I'm a Midi In/Out techno geek, so when I have a choice I always go for the Midi interface. ;-)
The equipment testing isn't over yet. Mommy and The Little Minions are gonna have to make some new music so you guys can experience how cool this little digital recording system really is. BTW, I may be doing some Active Rain Club Chaos Skype podcasts down the road. I can call conference up to 24 peeps at once. Wont that be interesting? Types A through E in one place at the same time (How crazy is that? Very! But at least we'll have fun market reports to share - LOL).
Stay tuned for a whole new level of "Club Chaos Phone-Candy." After the Laugh Lunch launch with Sheldon and Josef, the Club Chaos podcasts are going to begin, with a little digital film thrown in periodically (after all, this is laugh lunch! Hosted by Sheldon Neal (NJ), Josef Katz (NY/NJ), Margaret Rome DC/MD), Carolyn Tann-Starr (NY) and Susan Mangigian (PA) and any other Rainers we can high-jack recruit for this very special Active Rain Group: Club Chaos occasion. Still working on the details of our brand new show. Gotta run. We obviously are gonna need a new digital video camera to go with our podcasting assignments. Little Minion TV will never be the same again (ROTFLMAO). Wait until I stream live from my next gallery show. Now there's an interesting DVD in the making (LOL).
So... what do you guys want to talk about? Inquiring minds want to know. Wordy C needs some victims volunteers to interview and share a meal with. I don't know about you, but I want to interview Susan Mangigian first. She fascinates me, is a wonderful Realtor and an awesome, awesome cook. I can't wait to go back to her house and chill on her porch. Maybe Susan and I will take you guys on a little tour of PA in March. I'm going to go call and set up an appointment to interview my girlfriend. The new system will allow me to edit and post the update on location in PA right after we're done. How cool is that? Very!
Let the whacked-jacked-Real Estate audio/video Market-Memes begin... ;-)
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