Showing posts with label T.C. Helicon Voicetone Create XT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label T.C. Helicon Voicetone Create XT. Show all posts

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Recording Studio Set Up: Mics & Preamps





This is YOUR year to get it done! Polished, mastered vocal and instrumental tracks are so easy with these stand alone preamps and Audio-Technica condenser studio mics. Better still, most of this equipment works well on the road too so check out Levy's Tour Bag, perfect for packing delicate microphones and cables, (we recommend Planet Waves Custom Pro Series Mic & Instrument cables). Now you can get professional recording studio results using these high tech, large diaphragm mics and preamps...at home!
 

Audio Technica's AT-4081 Ribbon Mic
A-T Studio Headphones



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Digitech Vocalist Live 4 Mic Preamp / Harmonizer



  

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

NEW Sanyo Pedal Juice Review

The NEW SANYO PEDAL JUICE can power a whole pedalboard worth of effects without an AC connection. Here it is firing up a Planet Waves Tru Strobe Pedal Tuner with ease but it can handle a whole chain of boxes. A rechargeable, clean 9 Volt power source for your effects pedals. Freedom!

One of problems most musicians have when they tour is too many cords and cables to and from the effects board. While many larger, professional venues have AC outlets on stage, others such as coffee houses, civic centers or churches often have you fending for yourself. If you are doing an outdoor concert, you'll find many of them rely on gasoline powered generators.

Now while most effect pedals can accommodate batteries, you're always worried if the Duracells are going to be enough to get you through your set. Also, if you use something like a drum & bass machine, (I use a BOSS DR-3 on the road and the DR-880 in the studio), well those are going to suck even MORE juice than your stompboxes. Believe me there's nothing worse than having an important piece of gear like that die on you during a performance. Even with something as substantial as my Voodoo Lab Pedal Power II, I'm still reliant on a nearby AC outlet to pull it off.

I've probably spent a small fortune on batteries for my effects only to have them fail at some critical point. There are also several noteworthy low wattage "lunch box" amps that run on batteries such as the Roland Mobile Cube Battery - Powered Stereo Guitar Combo Amp. At only 5 watts, it needs a 9 volt power source so the Sanyo Pedal Juice can power that too. Also Ernie Ball has just come out with a Marshall Gig Bag Amp. This portable Gig Bag amp also uses 9 volts via batteries or an adapter. Imagine being able to take your rig anywhere and plug into a mini amp in the park, jam session or guitar class all with no worries about an AC outlet?

The Sanyo Pedal Juice can power two separate effects as shown here with the TC Helicon Voicetone Create XT and the BOSS DR-3 drum & bass machine. My T.C. Helicon Create XT and Harmony G pedals don't have an on & off switch. The KBC-9V3U includes an ON/OFF power switch which allows me to easily to turn the power of all connected music effects devices ON or OFF with the press of a single button. This is convenient since many effects devices do not include their own ON/OFF switch and must be manually unplugged from AC power.

The power levels are even and consistent with the Sanyo Pedal Juice with no drops or fluctuations. This unit will drive your pedalboard for up to 50 hours depending on the devices you have plugged in. The Sanyo Pedal Juice also holds a charge extremely well. We charged it up to full power and after a week, plugged it in. It was still at 100% capacity. The color coded lights tell you when the power is at its peak or getting low, something batteries don't do. The MSRP for the Pedal Juice is $199.99 and the Street Price is $149.99. Here are additional specs on the Sanyo Pedal Juice KBC - 9V3U:

  • Power Multiple Effects Pedals - all at the same time
  • 9V Lithium-Ion battery featuring SANYO eneloop technology
  • Up to 50 hours of continuous, quiet, clean, stable power – from the first note to the last
  • Eliminates AC ground loops - so your tone comes through loud and clear
  • Two 9V DC outputs - power multiple devices; pedals, multi-effect units, and portable recorders
  • 3-stage LED indicator – provides power level status
  • Single on/off button – no need to unplug pedals
  • Rechargeable hundreds of times – saves money and the environment
  • Water and shock resistant - JIS IPX3 compliant water resistant enclosure
  • Fully recharges in only 3.5 hours - via AC adaptor (included)
  • Same footprint as standard effects pedal (2.5” W x 4.7”D x 1.7”H)
  • Easy setup

The Wrap

The best thing about the Sanyo Pedal Juice is its impact on the environment. We dispose of billions of batteries each year when they should be recycled. This can't be good for the earth and if we are going to be responsible stewards, this is a great place to start! Now for the musician, you will find a new freedom in the studio and on the road as you no longer have to place your pedals in close proximity to an outlet. I've been able to place my effects where I want them on stage and in the recording studio. This makes a big difference in my playing comfort and accessibility to the pedals. Another perk is that since you are not plugged in to an AC outlet, you avoid those annoying ground loops. Your sound comes through pure and clear. Just the thing you want on your recording or live performance! Look for the Sanyo Pedal Juice and other jaw dropping stuff to be featured on Eclectic Sound TV's Best Guitar Gear for 2011 Video! The Sanyo Pedal Juice KBC - 9V3U is available online from Musician's Friend, Sam Ash or at your local Guitar Center.

Don't forget! Enter the 2010 Holiday Guitar Gear Give-Away before Midnight December 14th 2010 to win fabulous guitar accessories from Planet Waves & C.F. Martin Guitar!

One U.S. winner will receive a set of KISS Collections Leather Guitar Strap with matching Picks, a Planet Waves Custom Pro Guitar Cable & Adapter and a set of C.F. Martin Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings in Light & Medium!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Studio Side: Audio Technica's AT4081 Ribbon Mic


Audio Technica's 4081 Ribbon Mic brings a new dimension in clarity and airiness to recording studio tracks. Amazingly versatile on instrumental as well as vocal tracks!


AT- 4081 Bidirectional Phantom Powered Ribbon Microphone, MSRP $895.00

We were looking for an all around, workhorse of a ribbon microphone for the studio. The problem is, ribbon mics are notoriously fragile, however the AT 4081 is showing itself to be rugged AND one of the best recording mics we've tested. One reason is the super fine mesh which protects the dual ribbon within. This innovation makes for increased sensitivity and response of the mic.

The bidirectional build of this microphone makes it easy to position in small spaces. You can use it to mic an acoustic guitar using a boom mic stand or as a vocal mic by adding a pop filter. Either way, this mic allows vocal warmth & open, airy sounds of your instrument to shine on recordings.





TC Helicon Voice Tone Create-XT

The AT-4081 is a phantom powered ribbon mic meaning you will need to power it from either a 48V connection from your amp or from a pedal preamp like the Create-XT. The Create-XT is an upgrade from the previous Create pedal. It will support any phantom powered mic but where it shines is in the recording studio quality vocal FX's and effects.

It has 100 to choose from but for all practical purposes, you only have ready access to the first 10, (twenty if you include the A-B selections). We also use the Harmony G in concert as it offers similar vocal effects PLUS vocal harmonies created by your guitar chords. Still, if you want extra polish or edgy effects on your vocals, the Create XT is IT!



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T.C. Helicon's Voice Tone Create XT in the Studio using the "hardtune" effect.


Hercules Tilt Base Mic Stands have been especially useful in tight corners as the footprint is a bit smaller than the tripod versions. Adjustment is also easier with the Hercules Stands due to their EZ Grip Quick Release System. The adapters that come with the stands accommodate either a mic clamp as shown here below with the AT-4081 or a mic clip which is more like a flexible sleeve that come with AT hand held mics.
Used on both the stage and in pro recording studios, the Hercules Tilt Base Mic Stand is the best mic stand we own! Very easy to gig with as well while offering an adjustable, substantial base that avoids tipping.


We really can't say enough about the Hercules Line of Stands but especially their Tilt Base models. In fact we've replaced all of our studio's guitar, music and mic stands with Hercules!

The Hercules EZ Grip feature makes adjusting the height a snap without much disturbance to a "hot" studio mic. The adjustable footprint and tilt base components allow the stands to fit in where needed without interfering with instruments. You are able to get much closer to the mic for vocal and guitar pickup with these versatile stands. Quick to transport and set up, these stands make the grade in the studio & on the road.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Eclectic Sound's 2010 Music Video Highlights !


WOW another year of concerts, touring and events PLUS our new Eclectic Sound TV Channel on YouTube! Really this was our BEST year EVAR! Looking forward to blowing it up again in 2011. Congrats to Jack R. of Indiana, winner of our 2010 Holiday Guitar Gear Giveaway! Thanks everybody & God Bless!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

How to Get Hardtune Effects



How do you get those hardtune and rotary effects being used on today's hottest Pop and R & B tracks? Kanye shares some secrets with Dr. M! Check this video out and learn how to bring high tech studio style to your live performances. Microphone: Audio-Tecnica's AT4050 Studio Condenser. Pre-amp / vocal effects: Voicetone Create XT. Sound System: Roland SA-300 Stage Amp. Groove: BOSS DR 880


Thursday, April 8, 2010

NEW Voicetone Create XT Unboxed



Back in the studio with some new gear, namely T.C. Helicon's Voicetone Create XT vocal effects processor! This is the new generation of signal processor which adds recording studio quality effects such as hardtune and reverb. Plans are to record some newly written R&B flavored tracks with the Create XT! The Voicetone Harmony G vocal processor / harmonizer joins our rig for live performances.


The Create XT offers 100 factory styles, new reverb, tone and pedal imput. The NEW Hardtune effect give you that auto-tuned sound heard on many current pop and R & B tracks. New for this line is the USB connection and Pedal Imput to connect an optional Switch 3 footswitch for individual effect block on/off. Phantom powered for use with our Audio-Technica studio conderser mics.