Kelseyville Pear Festival 2009

Saturday, September 26th, Kathy and myself met my good friends of 30 years, at the Kelseyville Pear Festival. A small town of less than 5,000 friendly, fun, people.

The weather was sunny and hot. The people and the live music was wonderful. And the ice cold pear-margaritas were absolutely delicious! We experienced the last few hours of the festival and then we mosied about four miles down the road to an excellent fine italian/french restaurant with live music. The seafood was out of this world and we truly enjoyed ourselves up until the the "check" arrived. LOL

Charlie and Carole are fun friends to have. Kathy and I majorly enjoyed their visiting us and our home. We are looking forward to socializing at their home after my next appointment at the SF VA hospital which is reasonably near their home.

HHNET

NASAV_studios - New Additions

Welcome home AW4416 - I've been waiting for you!



Well! It comes with no surprise to me, that I finally purchased a Yamaha AW4416. Along side my 01X this is a major plus, especially using its "automix" function. The basic design of the AW is a 24-input mixer, feeding a 16-track hard disk recorder, followed by a 16-channel monitoring mixer, all feeding a stereo bus. But, there's more. Besides it's on board studio-class DSP and FX processors, the 4416 has 2 I/O slots which can be fitted with 4-XLR, 8-TRS, 8-channel ADAT and Waves_Y56K.



The Waves Y56K shown above is one of the aforementioned I/O upgrades that I purchased for my 4416. This is serious FX processing power both for world-class effects and studio mastering.

SERIOUS DSP HORSEPOWER!
The Y56K utilizes two 120 MHz 56300 DSPs providing up to 2 billion DSP operations per second! The card supports 20 L1 processes and up to 8 chains of effects. Y56K also supplies 8-channels of ADAT lightpipe I/O which can be utilized for transfering WAV files directly to any ADAT-equipped computer. The Waves Y56K world-famous effects include:

+ Renaissance Compressor and EQ

+ TrueVerb reverb

+ L1 Ultramaximizer

+ SuperTap delay and DeEsser

These processors are all available in addition to the AW4416's on board DSP which utilize 48-bit internal precision on a 24-bit I/O. What does this mean? It means the quality is astounding! This is the identical DSP hardware that has been used in recording studios worldwide. Waves has become so popular, it has integrated into ProTools TDM and also sold as standalone plugins for PC and Mac DAW's. But, wait there's more! The Y56K also has a 9-pin serial port. There are 3 additional plugin effects which can be downloaded and transferred into the Y56K using a USB-to-9-pin serial transfer cable. The Y56K also supports snapshot automation, meaning the DSP and FX settings are all "total recall" just like my 01X automated mixer. Meaning, after hours of making adjustments and getting things right, if I get a headache and lose a week, I can return to the studio and presto! everything instantly returns to exactly where I left off! This is wonderful!

Hot dang! This is VERY exciting!

HHNET

NASAV_studios - Great New Stuff

Hello! I always prefer to include a photo or graphics. It makes for a much more interesting blog, it looks better and I would like to believe the people who take the time to check out my blogs enjoy them more because of the photos.

Anyhow, I was using bing.com and searching for an 01X shot and low and behold, here is MY own photo that I posted to a blog quite some time ago. It's a great shot and I decided to kick off this blog with it. Five years ago I dreamed and drew on paper, the idea of having a recording studio in a motor home. And I also wanted to record with Yamaha 01X, Logic and on a Mac. It is absolutely delightful that those plans came to fruition. Using Logic 9 on Mac with the 01X is pure bliss. There is lots of learning, so I will be purchasing some additional video help to keep the recording pace moving.

As with any plans in life, there can be delays. In my case, the delay has been with some key items. It's Sepetember and I am just now ordering my vocal processor, an Ibanez AEL2012 acoustic electric 12-string guitar and case, a ART V3 tube mic pre-amp and a pair of KRK near-fields to survive on until I can decide what I really want to mix and master through.



Now that Logic Studio 9 is up and running on my Mac, music and recording has already become a ton of fun. As I complete my initial studio purchases I continue to iron out various niggles and kinks that arise in any project studio, especially in the beginning days. But, overall I am very pleased with the pro gear that I have bought and how these devices are performing for me.

Currently, I am having a blast with this free AU plug called DrumCore_3. It's an amazing tool to assemble high-quality drum tracks that don't sound like your typical loops. For one they sample everything at 48KHz, 24-bit so everything has lots of punch and dynamics. Then they stylize the drumkits to match legendary drummers! This is not only very fun to use, but the shear quality of this system is wonderful.

Using MOTIF_XS and its arppegios and built-in samples can render some very dynamic drum tracks, and I do use them. But for my songwriting purposes, I am already finding DrumCore_3 to surpass using my XS at all for drum tracks. Actually, I am grateful for returning to Reaper's forum to check up on the Mac version, when I stumbled upon a user writing about DrumCore3 and he posted an .mp3 he recorded. I was impressed and immediately headed to Submersible's website.

In closing, I am very jazzed to be buying a new 12-string guitar. I miss playing guitar very much and look forward to getting up to speed quickly so that I can begin recording my guitar tracks and getting some live video to my listeners.

HHNET

NEW! HappyHarryNET Toolbar

Having my own toolbar has interested me for years, and now I have one! The HappyHarryNET toolbar is useful, fun and feature-rich! Having PC problems? Look no further. You are 2-mouse clicks away from PC help videos, pick-of-the-litter software programs and even fun-filled online games!

I am very particular about toolbars because most of them are bloatware and riddled with adware, or worse yet, you must remove them using HijackThis. My toolbar installs in seconds, does not irritate your operating system, and contains no spyware. You can also look forward to my toolbar updates that I am constantly designing to make your toolbar experience pleasurable!

My toolbar offers easy access to PCTech’s entire website, including newsletters from 2007, 2008 and 2009. These newsletters alone provide a bevy of PC knowledge and links to great stuff including software programs, food recipes and jokes! With your participation, PCTech newsletters can be alive again. Of course, my toolbar provides access to all HappyHarryNET websites as well. And malware cleanup tools are just one click away, so there's no need to run around the net or Google for solutions.

Below is a graphic banner I will place on my website to access installing my toolbar. HappyHarryNET is still under construction undergoing upgrades including a new theme and improved CSS for faster page loading.



happyharry.net/toolbar

As you can see above, it is very easy to tell other users about my toolbar. You simply say, “Happy, Harry, dot, net, slash, toolbar”. Can't remember?

happyharry.net - "visit a website with REAL content"

Remember, my toolbar is a community toolbar. This means, it is YOUR toolbar. If there's something you would like to see in your toolbar, let me know. I am very accessible. Visit my website and click on CONTACT ME.

You can also reach me using:

+ Yahoo! email
+ Yahoo! Messenger
+ Paltalk Messenger
+ Windows Live Messenger
+ AOL Instant Messenger
+ Facebook
+ Twitter
+ YouTube
+ ning.com
+ HappyHarryNET Forums

Wishing you a wonderful remaining summer!

HHNET

Website Overhauls

Finally got my home page re-themed and posted. The idea was to create additional space within the confines of my rounded-rectangle.

Also, I finally settled with a background color that I feel enhances both the black slate and the new custom yellow border.

Additionally, when I began using Fireworks I didn’t know how to center the website when there were Flash objects involved, so I kept things safe and adhered to flush left for the sites. It’s nice to be centered and have some scaling ability for both Mozilla and IE browsers. The CSS is optimized and pages should load faster. But right now, my main site URL is the only optimized page.

http://happyharry.net

HHNET

Recording Status

The table that I chose to use in the studio is made of a soft plastic material. It looks great and is very easy to clean. But, the first problem that arose was the microphone boom mount soon became loose, to the point I had to remove the mount altogether. So, whereas I am not a carpenter, I need to get a power saw and cut some small custom pieces of wood which I can bolt underneath and atop the table surface. This will provide a stable foundation to screw an additional mount that came with the microphone boom.

Meanwhile, it will be mid-August before I order the new vocal processor and 12-string guitar. For you shoppers these two items are: Voice Live 2 and Ibanez 2012. I have grown tired of hearing my own story. This is the part of my studio and recording plans which frustrate me the most, because everything has come to a screeching halt. Sure, I enjoy playing and practicing piano and continue learning how to use the MOTIF_XS, 01X mixer and LogicPro8 which will soon be replaced with LogicStudio_9. But, I am working on song number 1 and we're at the stage of recording vocals. Lots of vocals.

If you’re asking what is a vocal processor, or why do I need one?
The answer is simple. I am a one man show, and although many times when recording I will record my own vocal harmonies manually [that means that I will sing them myself] I have other musical ideas where having a quality harmonizer provides a bevy of ideas for vocal performances. This vocal processor has a MSRP of $1000 dollars so it comes as no surprise to have jaw-dropping vocal sounds, access to 6 effects blocks, USB connectivity for updates and programmability, harmony control via guitar, MIDI or MP3, up to 8 vocal harmonies or 4 doubled harmonies, separate doubling and harmony blocks, reverb, tap delay, uMod, T-Pain effect, megaphone, distortion, tone and pitch controls, plus the guitar effects block are totally separate from the microphone and harmonies. One of the features I really like is the onboard, computerized audio engineer. Adaptive EQ, gate, compression, de-esser, and digital microphone gain can all be applied to a microphone input with the touch of a button. Although I have learned how to apply EQ and compression using the onboard DSP in my 01X mixing console, it is a luxury to have such automated audio engineering to accompany my musical performances.

What does this mean at the end of the day? I can focus on my music and my singing, without the tedium of getting the microphone, “just right”. To add frosting to the cake, anytime I take my rig and play publicly, I take both my signature studio sounds and audio engineer with me. When I arrive at a new gig location, simply tap one button and the computer analyzes every aspect of the input channel and applies all of the necessary EQ, compression, de-essing, etc., without the usual need to manually set that up, or recall a previous setting that [still] is not correct for the current acoustics. This is a very nice vocal processor and I am very excited about it.

Does Working Hard Ring A Bell?

Recently, I heard a young person remark that they were tired of life, money and the opposite sex. They also stated the infamous phrase, “the best things in life don't come easy.” The truth being, many good things in life DO come easy once you understand some of the laws of nature. Still, being human beings, we can become stuck, feeling trapped, and wondering when are we going to get a break? When will our happiness be delivered?

I can personally attest to and give testimony that life challenges rarely cease until we have worked very hard to win the day. My life is riddled with a myriad of chronic pains, screaming headaches and baffling miseries, yet there is great satisfaction from working hard to overcome both my clinical hardships as well as to achieve victory accomplishing my goals. I find myself amidst these challenges in my dream to record an album of music. It takes hard work, very hard work, and steadfast focus to remain on track, to achieve the plan.

So when does this one-armed-bandit called Life pay back? When do you get that break? Where is the rainbow of happiness?

Perhaps, when something greater than yourself stirs your inner curiosity [and that alone] will motivate you so much, that getting sleep will then be your new challenge. In your passion about whatever it is that fascinates you, there is great happiness.

Music On Hold And Very Busy

Taking my dream of constructing a home recording studio and having those plans come to fruition have been nothing less than stellar. And on July 8, 2009 I began recording album song # 1. Whereas I wrote this song nearly 30 years ago, I chose to record this song in a linear fashion. So, it wasn’t long before it came time to record many vocal tracks which were planned to be appropriately processed through a high quality vocal processor. Unfortunately, there were delays in late June, including the purchase of the new vocal processor which led to my halting recording altogether. The plan was to begin recording this first song after I had purchased a new 12-string acoustic electric guitar and the vocal processor, but the timing didn’t flow as nicely as I had hoped. In any case, the framework for the song is recorded and I am now at the point where until these vocal tracks get recorded I am not prepared to continue. When I began recording, I promised myself that I would not get scattered and that I would maintain my focus on just the one song I am currently recording. Of course, I still play the MOTIF_XS for enjoyment and work on small projects using its built-in sequencer and mixing power.

As for busy. Well jee. I am actively updating and constructing replacement websites for all of my current sites. Many of these sites and pages are ten years old and are needing complete surgery to get ripped from their roots and placed into the new design shell and theme. Along the way, I had to learn a couple new web tricks and implementing them at first was not as easy as I had first imagined. But, designing on paper first always has its niggles by the time you get to actually coding it. And, although Web 2.0 helps, there are still browser-specific anomalies to contend with. All in all, this project is coming along nicely, but it keeps me very busy to the point where I have needed to all but eliminate my Xbox360 gaming time.

While breaking from web work, I have been spending time visiting my old stomping grounds at PCTech on Paltalk Messenger. I was recently invited back to be admin which I accepted. It was my feeling that “the kids” [that’s what I call the group] would enjoy having my personality and expertise, back in the room. I chose to burn a solid 32 hours rejoining the room and enjoy both old and new friends. However, my focus is not to manage assisting PC problems. I would much rather concentrate on  improving room morale with attitude adjustments and room entertainment. Already, there are enough admins to help fix PC problems. So, I felt my participating in a vocational capacity would be more beneficial to everyone than my simply dispensing help in a robotic fashion. Look forward to seeing you there.

HHNET

MOTIF_XS OS 1.5.1 Tests Complete

Some MOTIF_XS users have expressed a reluctance to install the latest version 1.5.1 OS firmware. after exhaustive testing [which included many system resets] my issues appear to have vanished. I am sorry that i have not reported back sooner to make this announcement. I am a disabled brain-injury survivor and my health eats up more of my time that I get to spend online or with my MOTIF_XS.

If you have not installed OS 1.5.1 because of something that I previously stated about it, accept my apology. what may be true for me may not be true for you. There isn’t any problem with OS 1.5.1 firmware.

If you have not already done so, take the time to upgrade to OS 1.5.1 and enjoy its new features. Be sure to always read the README text which clearly publishes all OS changes. Also, prior to installing/upgrading/downgrading firmware, always backup your data to USB DEVICE and after you perform a firmware update always perform a factory reset.

NOTE: When you experience a problem with your XS [beyond resolving it here] by all means exercise your factory warranty and take your synth to a Yamaha service center.

HHN

Many Challenges, Many Themes

Let's begin with themes. The Apple logo symbolizes simplicity and health. Remember the slogan, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?" Perhaps you don't, that was a long time ago. But, nevertheless it is true. Five years ago I planned to record music using a Mac-based system. Once that I became acquainted with Yamaha_01x, then I immediately had dreams of LogicStudio because 01x is hardwired to work with Logic, and it does. I've had other recording rigs in my life, but nothing as substantial as what I am playing with now. And, I am glad that I have quality hearing. Because many days [and nights] I am producing high-quality crap. Engineering your songwriting skills whether it be using a large diaphragm condenser (LDC) microphone or dialing in the correct type of digital signal processing (DSP)and adjusting its parameters to correct or improve upon your original signal [is, in itself] a major undertaking. Some days it appears that I get lucky and I am right in the groove. Other times, it is obvious that I am a newbie recording engineer and have much to learn. All in all, I am very pleased with the Apple MacBook in my recording rig.

Since taking extra time in deciding upon which near-field reference monitors that I would purchase, added an additional month delay to installing these and performing the initial audio tests to determine how much acoustic treatment and soundproofing will be necessary. Luckily, the general area here is fairly dampened. The ceiling will need some damping and I will need to dampen some of the lower wood panels to deflect the subwoofer from rattling 25 year old wood. Additionally, I need to purchase some wood-working tools to create parts needed to mount a heavy-duty scissor-boom mic stand to the studio table. The original mount failed the test of time. Other than that, I am excited to play the new 12-string once it arrives. I hope it does not require too much setup. So, July is looking like an improved month for music with the month of August being an official production-mode period of time.



Thus far the Yamaha MOTIF_XS is carrying its weight as my main multi-timbral keyboard synthesizer. Also, there are some voices in my Korg_i3 that I plan to use when recording specific songs, and the i3 has some really nice MIDI rhythms that I will probably use right out of the box. The MOTIF_XS has an awesome vocoder built-in and I am trying it both in live setups as well as recording. Once the new vocal processor is here, I can mix the vocoder into that device as well. This is amazing sounding audio gear and a lot of fun to play with.

The real challenge in harnessing this level of audio gear, is having songs to record. [which I do] So it is my hope that by August, I can get started recording a 70's pop song that I wrote, called, "I Still Miss You". We shall see.

HHN

Losing Time

Aha! I've lost a week. These blasted headaches are burying me. The new mic boom mount was cheesy so I need to buy a small 3.5-inch circular saw so I can cut some wood and make some custom blocks for the table to create a dead-solid mount for the boom stand. These delays are really stressing me out. Songwriting alone is challenging enough let alone not being able to record the songs. In hindsite, if I were to do this all over again, and I may just might be doing that, I will go with a dedicated hard drive recording system. In just trying all of these combinations I have somewhat grown out of computer DAW recording. Maybe its great for people who never have health issues and have more time to iron out the niggles. For me, my only chance now is with the Mac. Reaper is showing good promise. Cubase4 works and Logic is another learning lesson. I don't wanna learn, I wanna record. I may still buy a MackieHD24 and connect my 01X lightpipe to that. Luckily the 01X also can be a standalone, automated mixer. That's why I bought it.

I'm bluesy. But I've come this far. So I trust the rest will come with more time. Providing I don't run out of time, I'll be okay.

NASAV_studios Semi-Operational

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO SEE LARGER



Finally! Mac OSX and Yamaha 01X up and running. Using the 01X with OSX and Logic is so superior to anything on the PC. Also, every knob, button and setting, including [SCRUB] works flawlessly out of the box.

NEAR FIELD MONITORS, STANDS, CABLES NOT INSTALLED YET



As you can see, this is a tricky setup in a 27-foot motor home! The 30-inch LCD also serves our TOSlink optical 5.1 surround home theater, XBox360 gaming, XBoxLIVE Netflix streaming both to the 30-inch and the 19-inch flat panel LCD in bedroom. The 30-inch also has connectivity to the 2 PC's behind the view you're seeing. But, most of the time the MacBook gets all the attention!

Until the near field monitors arrive I am not going to re-route any cabling. Things are a bit haphazzard now out of excitement to get busy playing music. I've got the mixer, Mac and LogicPro8 online working well. And, using Paltalk Express in Flock browser with the MacBook's built-in mic and cam works really well.

A large portion of recording work [for me] is vocals. Being a songwriter, songs have lyrics and they need to be sung. Then there are oooh's, ahhh's and harmonies. And they also need to be sung. So, until the new vocal processor is here I will not initiate recording the first song of my album.

Meanwhile, I am really having fun with the MOTIF_XS and I am using it quickly compared to months ago. Now constructing, "instant songs" is starting to become the norm. This truly opens the door for both comedy parody songs and inspirational ideas.

Soon as the new monitors, vocal processor and 12_string electric guitar arrives, then I can finish routing cables. Then I will begin recording, "song 1" for the CD.

Meanwhile, I've got a ton of web work that I wish to do. I am revamping all of my websites. Making them match a consistent theme. Recoding them to load much faster and display properly on a wide variety of monitor resolutions and different brands of web browsers. So, I am excited to get all of that done and out of the way. But, it will take up to and possibly through Fall to accomplish this, which I will explain below.

I've got more content coming to my sites. And, in the grand scheme of things, in between health, I will be lucky to actually accomplish this before 2010, but I am going to say that I will.

One thing that excites me is to finally be playing music and sharing it! I look forward to LIVE music sessions via Stickam.com and Paltalk. And, of course I will archive the videos to my YouTube accounts. Just search for:

happyharrynet


;;cheers;;

On Hold

The new mac should be here any day along with its accessories to fit it to the studio area. I found a nice laptop stand that will work nicely in my space.

Today I ordered the Acme stuff. They make incredible quality products. I got their QM-50 mic arm and QM-25 9-inch curved pop filter. Really nice setup to use with the RODE NT1A LDC mic!

QM-50 mic arm


QM-25 9-inch curved pop filter


The table hole drilling and mixer stand install is not going to be very difficult so I am holding off until the mac is here. Soon as I have the mac to fire up that gives me a DAW for the 01X mixer. Until then, I'm just fiddling about with my Xbox360 catching up on some lost game time.

I'm still kicking between the Yamaha HS_series or KRK_series reference monitors. Will decide when i order the VoiceLive_2 vocal processor.

The Hunter air filtration system in the RV is wonderful. Everyone should have these filteration systems in their homes. Period! No more dirt!

The ice maker has been really a pleasure. It makes ice quickly and without a lot of fuss or noise. No more buying expensive ice and the conveniences is a major luxury.

The Memorial Day crowd is long gone and things are quiet here as usual. So far, this season, city visitors seem to be mellow compared to last year. Perhaps the economic pressure plays a part.

Will update here when I got something new.

;;cheers;;

QY100 - Let There Be Light

Hello. I’m a very happy camper finally finding a Yamaha QY100 that is backlit. Sure, if you’re an electronics wizard I don’t see this as being too difficult to do. But since that is not my forte, [in itself]finding one of these gems was an amazing adventure. Shown below is a typical QY100 that is NOT backlit.

Shown below [in a darkened area] is the same QY100 shown above, but my machine has a built-in backlight. I am very jazzed about finding this genuine, fun and creative musical instrument!

For now I won’t bore you with the specs of this 24-track sequencer, but what turns me on are the 4,285 phrases in this machine.

There are a myriad of ways to construct music besides turning on a recorder and playing guitar and singing. Today’s music construction tools include using computers with very sophisticated recording software including virtual instrument. Additionally there are dedicated machines such as the QY100 which can also be used portably to create songs and patterns when that moment of inspiration smacks you in the face while having coffee at Starbucks. There’s more. Extremely complicated and high quality digital audio workstation keyboards like the MOTIF_XS easily create loops and patterns. You can record linear songs, import samples from CD and include in your sequencer tracks, and then there are 6,000 arpeggios at your disposal.

phrase.0014.051809.mp3

Take a listen to the short phrase clip. See what you think. It may not sound like much but this music was a bunch of junk_MIDI data when it first was ported to the MOTIF. First I had to sort out an XG_MIDI issue between the QY and the MOTIF. Then choosing the right instruments for each part, although fun, was time consuming even though the MOTIF makes this process very easy with category search. Then on to making EQ adjustments, adjusting verb and chorus helped too; a little bit of panning helped the arrangement settle down in the mix.

I was proud of this first try. Take 3 phrases, slap them together and then paint-by-number using the MOTIF’s colorful palette of instrument samples. Also let me say, the MOTIF_XS’s 16-track MIXER is really cool. I find myself spending more time using the mixer as I do using my 01X mixer with Cubase. It really nice to compose music on the board, and on the fly, make mixing adjustments right as you are constructing your music. Usually, this is a post-production process where you would mix down everything later. On the MOTIF many times I don’t have to remix my music because I got a great recording within the 1st 5 takes or less, mixed and adjusted it there and now its ready to be a part of the arrangement. To frost the cake, all of this can still be easily shuttled into Cubase or Logic where high quality studio plugins for mastering can be applied to further enhance the dynamic range of the mix. The music clip above is a first take recording that was remixed several times, but only recorded one time, and with no further DSP enhancements added to the original instruments. Not bad ;;smile;;

;;cheers;;

Sorry I'm Late

Time flies when you’re having fun… or when you’re slammed with headaches like I am. Nevertheless, I do try to remember to blog here about what’s going on with me.

Most recently I am songwriting, staying in practice on the MOTIF and continuing to finish up the details constructing NASAV_studios.



Yeah, I know. You’ve been hearing about this for over a year now. Well, take it from me. I planned this for years before I began and although I am four month behind my initial estimated time of completion, I AM COMPLETING. The studio will be wonderful when it’s done and worth all of the man hours PLUS the down-time due to my health, which both played a part in completing the studio project.

That photo above is a Yamaha QY100 which is a portable, 24-track sequencer. Mine happens to be one-of-a-kind being “backlit” when powered by 110V AC. I use this device for sketching out song ideas and testing song construction. This is a fast and easy tool which saves me a lot of time. If the idea doesn’t work here, it is seldom that I will continue the project on my MOTIF_XS workstation. The QY100 operates for only 3 hours on batteries but I use it most of the time jacked into the wall power so the backlit screen is powered. Data saves are managed using 128Megabyte SM flash memory card. Musical data is shuttled directly to the MOTIF_XS via MIDI where then musical instruments are chosen and reassigned to tracks as well as any additional song construction is managed.

In other news, we installed an icemaker in our motor home which is really nice. No more buying ice! Also, our ice now is made using the bottled water we prefer and the ice does not dis-flavor anything we drink when using ice cubes we make. Looking forward to using this machine a lot come summer. Shall keep an ice chest full all year long.

;;cheers;;

NASAV_studios Construction • ETA JUL 4

For those of you whom have been following any of my progress with regards to constructing the project studio in the motor home, you’re probably tired of hearing that it [still] is not complete.

This venture became much more complicated than I had first imagined. And not because of unknown aspects of creating such a thing, but rather the dynamics of setting up an real, professional, workable production environment where I can write, record, mix and master music specifically with CD replication in mind. In other words, to produce a record album.

Before I scramble over some of the details surrounding the remainder of the work to be done, I would love to announce that today I installed a high-quality air filtration system by Hunter. My initial idea was to combat dust and dirt from getting into the new PCs, Macs and recording gear. Now that the filtration system has been running for about 9 hours, I can assuredly say that the air quality in the motor home is now 1000% better than before. This RV always tended to be a bit stuffy because we have most windows closed. If we want fresh air, the large bedroom window provides plenty as does the main entrance screened door. However, with every window and dome closed, with no air conditioning running, the air is “nearly” as fresh as sitting outside in the forest. I noticed this improvement within 2 hours of turning the filtration systems on.

Okay, back to the studio construction process where things are becoming somewhat easier now that much of the hard work is out of the way. Here are some of the remaining aspects of this project:

• Routing cables, setting up microphones, stands and filters. Creating various pieces of wood that are used for mounting blocks, anti-skid surfaces and table stabilizers. Also, I found a much better quality spring-boom that needs ordering.

• Setting up and configuring the mixing console, routing cables.The mixing console is still on hold due to customization rising up through the table. And, until the mixer is hot, meaning connected to the computer and processing audio and MIDI data, there is no recording.

• Speaker monitors and subwoofers are still to come. I am still wanting Yamaha HS80Ms, but space may dictate HS50Ms. Why haven’t I decided yet? Well… “according to the scale drawings”,
I should purchase the 50Ms. But, I rearranged a bit and I would really prefer the 80Ms for their mid-range capability.

• After several months of deliberate contemplation, I have chosen to purchase a white, polycarbonate 13-inch MacBook. This notebook will rest on a notebook stand on the studio table where I will output its video to the 30-inch LCD which stands directly in front of the Yamaha MOTIF_XS workstation. For remote jobs, the MacBook will accompany the Yamaha_01X mixer inside its airline luggage-ware. And at this stage of the process I don’t know whether I will end up living in Logic_Studio_8 or Cubase_5.

• As excited as I am to get my new vocal processor, it’s actually good timing that the manufacturer, TC-Helicon, won’t be releasing the VoiceLive_2 until MAY 2009. This was a feather in my cap. Because when I begin recording, I have every intention to begin with MOTIF_XS, microphone and VoiceLive2. So until the VL2 unit becomes available, I am not recording anyhow.

• Last but not least, I do plan to be recording live 12-string guitar parts in my recordings so after much shopping I have chosen to try the Ibanez AEL2012. I’ve blogged a little about this guitar before, but can’t remember if I said I had purchased it.

Due to health complications I am having, everything I blog about doing constantly gets interrupted, which adds to the time of completion. I am currently almost 5 months beyond my original date of completion. NOTE: simply purchasing equipment and setting them up on stands and tables is one thing. But, doing this in less than a 8x8 feet of space, while maintaining daily, necessary walking space, along with daily necessary seating and living, regardless of whether music is getting recorded or not, is very challenging. But, when this project studio is complete, it will be most rewarding to spend time at because I bought quality gear capable of exceeding my audio quality expectations.

At this time, I am not sure how much multimedia I will be showing the public when the studio is done. Perhaps a small website, maybe just a picture slide-show or short video. I don’t know ( I D K ). A lot now is timing and bolting down, screwing in and tying up.

Meanwhile [as I have said this before] the MOTIF_XS workstation allows me to practice and sketch musical ideas and arrangements in a very musically-friendly environment. The MOTIF is simply pleasure to one’s ears. Even when playing for fun and practicing, the MOTIF has the musical prowess to draw emotional tears. For me, this tells me I am working with the right gear.

Next report I hope to be touting about the Yamaha_01X mixing console is up and running – which means RECORDING.

;;cheers;;

NASAV_studios Under Construction

NASAV_studios is on schedule. Today I got the 30 inch LCD moved to the studio area. I have not ordered the reference monitors and subwoofer yet. So, for now I rigged up some cheesy Gateway PC amplified speakers and subwoofer with extra cheese. They are crap but crap is much better than zero! The Pentium 4 will get wired up tomorrow and I will run the Ethernet, TV_cable, and component video and audio cables from this side of the truck to the studio side. Then drill all the "marked" holes in the table and get the mixer stand installed. Can't wait to get the 01X mixer up and running because when the 01X is happening, then the studio is happening...
...as in RECORDING MUSIC!

So, it's Saturday night, 9:30pm and I am as happy as a clam with the studio progress!

Meanwhile I will spend some time enjoying my Xbox360 and call it a good day.

P.S. Taking glucosamine is greatly helping my bones and joints and I am overall feeling improved!

;;cheers;;

Music News

Okay. I promised that I would bring you up to date with what's going on.

For starters, I am having great difficulty in a muscular_skeletal kind of way. Due to my getting hit by a car in 1993 left me with a luxated atlas, along with accelerated arthritis and disc problems with vertebrae C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C8, L5. Now I am also suffering with Coccydynia, better known as tailbone pain.

The reason I brought this up is these skeletal pains blend in along with the constant barrage of headaches and other maladies of MTBI. So, the fact that I have been able to teach myself how to accomplish getting things done, in spite of morbid levels of chronic pain, is nothing less than a miracle if you're asking me. Which brings me to my next point.

I'm getting very close to ordering a Mac to use with the 01X mixer and launch NASAV_studios. I just ordered extension cables for the component video in order to move the 30 inch LCD over to the studio table. Then I can drill all the table holes, including two 1.5_holes for mixer stands that will come up through the table top. One on the left for the 01X mixer and the stand on the right will be for the vocal processor. In time the vocal processor may go to the floor [where it's home really is] and I am considering putting a TASCAM_2488_NEO HDD recorder in the right stand. So, really, once the LCD gets moved, then the Mac gets ordered. Once that is jacked, the reference monitors and sub woofer (Yamaha HS50M and HS10W) will be ordered. Then I make the stands and by the time the monitors arrive, I can unpackage them and properly mount the stands and acoustic foam, then run some audio tests to tweak the monitor settings for this space.

It's more of a time and space juggling act. This is a 27 foot class C motorhome. So I don't have a lot of space to store MORE things than I already have in storage on board. Back when I was ordering the MOTIF_XS workstation, I was juggling my Korg_i3 and Takamine_12-string in the shower space. My point is I don't have the room simply to order everything and take my time putting things together. In any case, I am about 4 months beyond my initial plans on paper, but like a tortoise, I still will make it happen.

Music! Ahh yes. The reason I am doing all of this! I am working on some new material now which I have decided to use on a separate album of music. These songs are instrumentals consisting of 2 guitars, harmonica, and various percussion instruments such as shaker, tamborine, and triangle. The style of music is folk/pop/jazz and the songs are from the 30s, 40s and 50s with a few of my own thrown in for good measure. I am also toying with various samples of crackling fire [including recording my own] to be mixed in like campfire sound. But I am quickly learning, this background sound must be a very specific kind of fire sound in order not to distract from the music and I believe it will require mixer automation as well. Meaning, throughout the mix of each song, the fire track will need adjustments during the final mixdown and those adjustment are also recorded in real time. If the fire idea doesn't work as I am wanting, I will opt not to use the idea at all. But this music is so lovely, my first thought was that the music is perfect music to sit by a campfire and listen to. Lovers music, if you will.

In lieu of chronic pains I detailed earlier, I began consuming glucosamine which has greatly helped the joints of my bones. When I wake up, I don't feel like I am 90 years old anymore. So, I can say with confidence, if you suffer joint pain, even all over your entire body like I was, get yourself some super_duper glucosamine and eat 3 of those a day and inside of a week, you WILL notice a difference.

Back to fun. I will be glad to get the basics of the project studio over with. I still have the NASAV_studios logo to draft up in Illustrator_9 and email to the shop, but that's like a few hours kind of job. But, having the dedicated work space to sit, compose and record music brings tears of joy to my eyes. Also, the Yamaha MOTIF_XS is a powerhouse workstation and was a good choice. I continue to learn new things each and every time I use it. The downer of using USB sticks to save data is they are not fast. Class_2 memory is common in USB and SD card memory. It doesn't take THAT long to save, it's just that all other operations are nearly instantaneous, so it makes you wish that saving data was as fast as the other operations of the workstation. But, if and when I want to accelerate data saving I can always connect the MOTIF to the LAN via 10/100 Ethernet and save data to one of the 650GB SATA HDDs that are on the network — convenient feature. And, mLAN firewire is always available as well via the 01X mixer.

My search for other musical instruments continues. However, I have decided which 12_string I am going to order. It's a Ibanez AEL2012ETKS. This is a gorgeous black and gold guitar with what they call a Flamed Sycamore top. The rest of the body being Maple, along with a Mahogany neck, gold hardware, abalone rosette inlay around the soundhole and Fishman Sonicore pickups, EQ and tuner. I have not had my hands physically on this guitar to know how it plays. However, being a very accomplished 12_string guitar player, I have watched over 9 videos of this guitar being played by others. The videos gave me enough information to make an informed decision to purchase this guitar. I will order it from American Musical Supply (AMS) online. They provide an additional 1 year warranty over the factory 1 year warranty (2 years total anything goes) plus AMS gives you 45 days from date of purchase to return for exchange or refund, no questions asked. So ultimately, there is no loss involved. The AEL2012 is a "jumbo" style body and I am hoping it will fit my existing hardshell case, but I will play it smart and telephone them to ask. If I need a special size case for this instrument I will need to order one. My case is for a standard dreadnaught 12_string and I get the feeling [now that I am talking about it] that the "jumbo" will require a larger case. Exciting times!

Those of you who are still with me, I am searching for a FOUR_string plectrum banjo. Most of them come with resonators, which usually is a wood cover that mounts onto the banjo brackets and covers the back of the banjo. Ever since teaching myself to play banjo, I never liked resonators for they make the sound "ring longer" or "sustain" where I prefer the short, plunkity_plunk ragtime sound. Many times years ago, I used to stuff a cotton t-shirt or 2 pairs of Fruit-Of-The-Loom underwear into the underside of the banjo in between the torsion-bar and the banjo-skin surface. This would act as a good dampener so the sound would not RING OUT. Banjo's are loud instruments already. Seldom do they require amplification unless you are performing where serious amplication is needed to even be heard. So my homemade attenuation worked well over the years. Anyhow, there is a banjo shop in San Francisco I want to visit, for an entire day. I would like to try out at least a dozen or more banjo's. I think 20 instruments is the magic number. But, honestly, it's been years since I have played a banjo for any length of time. So, the second I recognize "this is the one!" then I will know how many banjos it will take. I will purposely start with say a $500 banjo which I don't plan to spend that much to buy one. Then work backwards price-wise until I find the instrument that plays nice. I expect to find my instrument for about $350 dollars. Then I can record some TUBA tracks on the MOTIF, add small drum kit and bingo! I got my ragtime banjo band. It's really a lot of fun to play banjo. Even people who think they hate ragtime music will find themselves tapping their toe while listening to me play. It wouldn't surprise me if Latin Americans knew the words to Bill Bailey and Oh Susanna! LOL

I've rattled enough. I could continue with all of my web projects news, but I think this is enough for one sitting. I will blog about the web stuff next time. For those of you who waited for me to blog, I duly appreciate you. And for those of you who RSS my blog, I would like to personally give you a big, Thank You" because it means a lot to me. I am reading a lot of RSS using the Flock browser and love how easy it is to just click on that orange RSS icon to have things automatically update to your browser!

;;cheers;;

Lots Of News

Hello fellow followers!

Well for once I can post without the usual, "Nailed Again". Glucosamine works!

Today through tonite VERY busy. I will blog probably midnite:30 PDT to update you about everything that is going on.

;;cheers;;

Hello World

Getting back onto my feet reminds me of coding your first program to display "Hello_World" on the screen.

The weather has warmed up [in the day] to 76F degrees which greatly helps my spine and body (that adores heat and humidity). As for the rest of my idiodic health [as usual] it just runs its course and consumes whatever amount of time it wants to.

So I'm back riding my ToDo_List and expect to complete a slew of projects. Mind you, where I come from, being productive or getting things done is NOT the epitome of life. Living here in the mountains by a lake in our motorhome and doing absolutely nothing can be shear joy to say the least.

Nevertheless, I DO have a lot of irons in the fire and would like to get the majority of my busy_work accomplished before Summer.

On a final note, over the past year I've been banging my head learning XHTML, DHTML, CSS and javascript. It's really cool that I've mastered my challenges. I plan to revamp my older websites and install them into the new shell design which required some tricky business in the coding department. So, after a lot of Google searching, forum reading and studying some research materials in my library here at home, I have figured out how to accomplish what I am wanting to do.

Yay Harry!

;;cheers;;