By David Miles Huber
On my various trips around the country talking to students, musicians and engineers — by far, the most common question is: Dave, what'cha recommend for this, that or the other...? So, I thought that I'd write down some of my favorite tools & toys. Things that make it into this list usually fall into the easy-to-use, powerful and cost-effective (if not downright cheap) category.
Alert, Alert...!
Ohmboyz (ohmforce.com) — Designed as a multi-tap delay, this scaled-down version sells online for $9.95 (the Pro Pack version goes for $199). It features predelays, two delay lines, multiple LFOs, resonant filter and distortion. The lite version is limited to a 16-bit wordlength, while the pro can use higher lengths (presumably 24-bit) and contains all VST/DirectX, PC/Mac plug-in platforms.
FYI
No Windows Upgrades — Over the years, I've found that upgrading Windows to a newer OS version is more trouble than the money you save. Often, you're left with legacy bugs/problems of the former rev. But if you do upgrade your version of Windows, do yourself a BIG favor and spring for the full version. You'll also find that installing the OS is much simpler and smoother. I really can't stress this enough!
Hard Disk Stuff
Syntrillium Software's Cool Edit Pro (cooledit.com) — In my opinion, Cool Edit Pro and Cool Edit 2000 are the best 2-channel editors that you can get, regardless of price, period! As an entry-level workhorse, the 64-track wave editor in Cool Edit Pro is amazingly easy to use and has tons of features and power for the buck. Basically, It's one of my main digital audio tools.
Steinberg Nuendo (nuendo.com) — This multitrack hard disk system is native (meaning that you can use any combination of hardware that you want to connect to the PC or Mac). For me, it's amazingly straightforward and powerful... and can be configured in any number of production/monitoring configurations (i.e. stereo, mono, etc.). The real-time mixer is amazingly versatile and powerful, offering a wide range of provided plug-ins, as well as working in a real-time environment with your existing VST and DirectX (PC) plug-ins. To me, it's sorta like having an SSL on my computer screen. Definitely a system to check out!
Waves Power Pack or Native Gold Pack (waves.com) — Both of these packs include a range of plug-ins that are all really, really good. These include the industry-standard L1 Ultramaximixer compressor/limiter, and Q10 multiband EQ. Major-time bang-for-the-buck!
TC Electronics Native Essentials (tcworks.de) — I'm not too crazy about the EQ or comp-limiters, but the reverb is one of the best I've ever heard. For about $300, you can put TC's famous processing quality to work in your system.
Arboretum Systems RayGun (arboretum.com) — For just 99 bucks you get a killer real-time noise reduction plug-in (literally in all platform formats) or stand-alone app that zaps noise, pops and hums, with almost none of the sideband artifacts that you get from much more expensive FFT-based NR packages.
Soundblaster Live! soundcards (sblive.com) — These 2x2 cards start at about $49 and the sound is (in my opinion) truly professional. A killer card at almost any price, let alone $49! Don't get any other SoundBlaster, unless its in the Live! series. This card even has S/PDIF out. If you want S/PDIF in, you'll want the Live! Platinum, which sells for about $160 (still cheap!). One of the best buys in pro audio!
CD Burning & Ripping Stuff
Easy CD-DA Extractor (poikosoft.com) is a CD ripping tool that includes three programs: Easy CD-DA Extractor (rips Audio CDs), Easy Audio File Converter (converts audio files between a wide range of formats) and Easy Audio CD Creator (creates Audio CDs from MP3 and WAV files). This is an amazing Swiss-Army ripper that's a big-time deal at $19.95.
CD Cleaner (meguiars.com) — Meguiar's "Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner" is not only perfect for cleaning and taking the scratches off your motorcycle helmet, it's also great for reviving your CDs. At about $6.25 for 8 oz. (this should last you a decade), it's the cheapest and best "solution" for cleaning any type of clear plastic around. You can get it at your local auto supply store.
Microphones
Marshall MXL 2001 (mars-cam.com/mxl) — These good sounding, large-diaphragm mics retail for $199 (I got 3 for $125 a piece!). They may not sound like a Neumann, but they sure as hell don't sound like $125! One of the best buys around.
AKG C3000 (akg-acoustics.com) — For about $300, you get a mic that sounds great on literally everything. (If you don't have the bucks to spend on a hundred mics, you might as well spend on a few that sound good on most instruments and/or voice).
Indispensable Stuff!
Velcro cable wraps — These cool velcro cable ties can be found in audio stores, general stores, Radio Shack... you name it. These cheap, re-usable straps are great for keeping your studio cables nice n' tidy.
— David Miles Huber