"Digital Magic": Seamlessly From 'Live' Recording (to MP3)

To Web Posting in Minutes!

by John Kuzmich, Jr. (http://www.kuzmich.com/clinics.html)

Outline of 2009 European Clinics: http://www.kuzmich.com/Meet%20John%20Kuzmich.html

“Live” Performance Clinic Handout: http://www.kuzmich.com/Lucerne.html)

June 29th Concert in Luzerne, Switzerland Excerpts at: http://www.kuzmich.com/IASJ/IASJ Demo Recordings.html

July 11th Demo Recording in Pulawy, Poland at: http://www.kuzmich.com/Pulawy.html.

Clinic Description

Three-Step: Digital Recording
Step 2: Working With Audio Files: Convert to .MP3
Step3: Web-casting with Audio/Video: Streaming to the Internet
Closing Comments
Clinic Content On-Line
Media Players
Microphones
Personal Examples of Family's Audio/Video Recordings
Web Posting Software

 

Clinic Description:

New, simplified digital recording tools, computer music software and the Internet audio streaming techniques offer educators a new world of creative instructional opportunities beyond traditional classroom music instruction for posting "live" recordings on the Internet. This clinic session is designed for music educators in teaching them the necessary techniques to record your concerts and using these true CD quality (44.1 KHz) recordings for making fund raising CD's and posting the recordings on your school web page via MP3 file conversion and audio streaming techniques. The good news is that this technology is becoming easier for both teachers and students to use and very economical. I'll demonstrate how you don't need a lot of equipment to make great digital recordings that can be easily done and then converted to much smaller audio MP3 files with affordable software, then posted on a website for mass listening or burned to CD.

Three Steps to Digital Magic!

Step 1: Digital Audio Recording: Hardware and Software Options

Dedicated Hardware:  Its possible to make digital audio recordings with a computer, but the process can be complicated. A dedicated portable digital recorder is usually the way to go, especially at the current reasonable prices. There are two sizes of these devices to choose from: handheld (Sony, Zoom, Yamaha, Edirol, M-Audio, Marantz, Tascam, et cetera); and the larger, desktop size (Roland, Marantz, Tascam, Fostex, and Superscope, among others). Many of these larger recorders can be transported in a carryingcase not much bigger than a notebook. These are usually powered by A/C current, although some can run on batteries. Many models in this recorder size have the capability of remote operation, means they can be controlled right from the podium during a performance or rehearsal.

Some desktop, or tabletop, recorders write directly to CD, while others record to a hard drive or memory card, which can then be burned to disc. For instance, the Superscope PSD340 PSD300 records to CD-DA (Compact Disc – Digital Audio); it has no hard drive or memory cards. The Marantz CDR310 records to a hard drive in CD-DA, WAV, AIFF, or MP3 formats. When burning to a CD, the CD-R format is decided by the recording format. CD-DA is compact disc digital audio and the other three formats are data discs. The Roland CD-2E records to memory cards in WAV format, which can be burned directly to a CD, or removed and loaded onto a computer for editing and storing. The user can record directly to CD-R or CD-RW to make an audio CD, too.

The Superscope PSD340 is essentially a mini recording studio in a box the size of a small briefcase. It’s as easy to use as a portable tape recorder, and is designed for live recording directly to blank CD-R or CD-RW discs. It also boasts a second CD player drive with real-time CD playback controls, including looping, tempo and key control. Just plug a pair of microphones directly into the unit to record CD-quality digital stereo. Automatic level control provides "worry free" recording. Best of all, this system is portable enough to take anywhere inside and outside your school. Record daily practice sessions in your music room. Record concerts, musicals, competitions, and other "live" events. Copy CDs at twice the normal speed for students to take home. Because these recorders also have a built-in microphone, speaker, and amplifier, they are great for placing on a table to record meetings and lectures. And the unit can connect to external powered speakers for playback in a large rehearsal room.

It is a combination CD Recorder and CD Player with innovative Performing Arts Controls, mic/line inputs, and built-in mic and speaker. Superscope developed the world's first CD Recording system for the performing arts that combines a professional CD-R/RW recorder with a CD-R/RW player featuring innovative CD manipulation controls. This portable stand-alone system is designed specifically as a valuable portable music rehearsal and performance tool. In addition to its recording drive, the unit's CD player features same refined and better sounding performing arts controls over previous Superscope models. These special controls allow musicians to practice with their favorite artist or a specialized music accompaniment CD and manipulate the key or tempo of that music in real time. Use this portable system to: Record live direct to blank CD-R (write once) or CD-RW (rewritable) discs. (Listen to a recording made on the PSD340). Plug microphones directly into the unit for stereo recording without the need for a separate mic preamp and mixer. Or use the built-in microphone. Play any music CD and manipulate the key and tempo, create practice loops, or reduce lead vocal tracks all on the fly. Plug instruments or microphones into the PSD340 and mix live musicians with CD accompaniment including innovative CD manipulation controls. Record the mix to the CD-R/RW drive. You can use data/computer discs instead of the more expensive consumer music discs. Duplicate CDs at 2X speed. Convert a CD to half speed as a duplication option. Each note will be exactly one octave lower, at half the speed; a great tool for music transcribers. CD Player Features: Change key in musical half steps Change tempo -75% to +50% without changing key Reduce lead vocals Create A-B practice loops CD Recorder Features: Built-in microphone and speaker Stereo XLR & 1/4" mic/line inputs Programmable mic/line EQ and filtering Automatic record level control Computer CD-R/RW disc compatible Convert to half speed. Use the Record-Review function during recording to stop the unit and playback the last track recorded.

Digital Hand-Held Recorders:  The other option is handheld digital recorders, which are revolutionizing the concept of on-the-go recording. Not only are they extremely small, but many models have built-in microphones that greatly simplify operation. You can often plug the outputs of a mixer into a portable recorder to create an instant audio carbon copy. Popular handheld recorders can record a live performance, capture audio for a podcast, record rehearsals or lectures, and document musical ideas wherever you are. While many of these small devices can only hold a few hours of audio, there is considerable variance in memory size (the Sony ICD-UX80, for example, can hold 36 hours of high-quality stereo MP3 audio).

The Sony ICD-UX80 is compatible with Windows and Macintosh computers. It has pitch control and special A-B looping playback features, making it easy to transcribe recordings on the go. This small recorder has a small backlit monochrome display, microphone, and headphone jacks. It uses only one AAA battery, weighs 1.7 ounces, and fits into a shirt pocket. It even has playback effects capable of stressing middle ranges ideal for vocals, high and low ranges for rock, high ranges for a lively jazz sound, and a setting for bass emphasis. An easy search mode quickly finds different tracks.

A colleague of mine recently tested the Sony recorder in a concert hall. He was on the third balcony, about 200 feet from the group on the stage, and the device was placed on his legs without an external microphone. The resulting recording was fabulous. With a very small external stereo microphone, the Sony ECM-DS70P electret stereo microphone, this miniscule recorder has capabilities that rival most desktop recorders. And recording levels can be manually adjusted.

The Sony ICD-UX80 is very sensitive, so I recommend that you press the record button and place it on the desk or any stable surface before the music starts and just let it record. If you are holding it, it may pick up any movement as "hand noise," which is common in handheld recorders. To avoid hand noise, try placing it on a mouse pad. The ECM-DS70P microphone can be positioned so that it does not reflect sound from other surfaces, such as that of a desk. It is hard to believe that such a small recorder can compete with a desktop recorder in both sound and product features – and for less than half the price.

Marantz Professional Handheld Recorder

The new handheld Marantz Pro PMD620 is their smallest field recorder. Its built-in stereo mics are ideal for recording marching bands, podcasting, rehearsals, lectures, conferences or any spontaneous moments when the action won’t wait for equipment   Add a clip-on microphone to isolate an instrument or to record student evaluations.

Features

    * Uses Popular SD Flash Memory
    * Record Direct to MP3 or WAV formats
    * PC Accessible via USB 2.0
    * Built-in Condenser Mics
    * Inputs for 1/8” Stereo or Mono Mics
    * High-Contrast OLED (Organic LED) Display for Easy Visibility
    * Uses SD (Secure Digital) or SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) Memory Cards
    * Time/Date Stamp
    * Manual Track / Auto Track Increment
    * Silent Skip (pauses recording during silences)
    * Onboard Cut and Paste Editing with Copy Segment Feature
    * Instant Auto
    * Replay with Skip Back Feature Five-Hour Battery Life (Uses AA Batteries).         

Another hand-held digital recorder is the Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder. The H4 features 2 studio-quality electret condenser microphones configured in an X/Y pattern for true stereo recording. It also includes 2 combination XLR-1/4 in. input jacks with phantom power for use with any external microphones of your choice. And the H4 is loaded with onboard studio effects such as compression, limiting and mic modeling. An 1/8 in. headphone jack is also provided for monitoring. The H4 records on to Secure Digital (SD) media cards.

Computer Software Recording:  Digital recording with computers and digital sequencing software options is another option.  The downside is that it requires a second hard disk drive for maximize efficience and avoiding possible computer crashing.  Lots of RAM, fast CPU processor and large hard disk drive is a plus.  There are a wealth of digital audion recording products on the market.  PC: Cakewalk products, Cubase, and on MAC: ProTools, Logic, GarageBand.  For an easy to use product that makes the recording process rather simple, consider Elevation by Superscope Technologies.  ElevationTM offers an interface designed explicitly for studying and practicing your favorite recordings. But don’t think this software is just for practice: ElevationTM is a serious stereo recorder as well. Capture all your rehearsals or concerts with higher than CD quality. Equipped with iZotope’s MBIT+ psychoacoustic word length reduction, Elevation easily transfers 24-bit recordings to CD in the most musical and sonically pleasing manner possible

A good place to start learning the main functions of Elevation is with Superscope’s flash tutorials on the Superscope Web site. Presently, there are four tutorials with more to be added in the near future. Click on the link below to start the tutorial. The tutorials are in sequential order so when you're finished with the first tutorial, select the next one.

  1. Product Overview at:  http://www.superscopetechnologies.com/products/software/Flash/overview3.html
  2. Building Your Music Library at:  http://www.superscopetechnologies.com/products/software/Flash/Music_Library_Web2.html
  3. Creating Loops at:  http://www.superscopetechnologies.com/products/software/Flash/Music_Library_Web_Loops.html
  4. Creating Snapshots at:  http://www.superscopetechnologies.com/products/software/Flash/Music_Library_Web_Snapshots.html
  5. Burning CDs at:  http://www.superscopetechnologies.com/products/software/Flash/BurningCDs.html
  6. Recording at: Recording or http://www.superscopetechnologies.com/products/software/Flash/record_with_elevation4.html

Each tutorial is about 2-4 minutes in length and are concise and to the point.  The tutorials demonstrate how to build a library, create loops and altered loops (w/key, tempo, VR), save the loops as Snapshots, make playlists, and burn CDs. This is the "meat and potatoes" stuff that will have you well on your way to g understanding and working with Elevation.

Audacity is another very good entry-level software because it is free and it works well including up to 18 special sound effects to your audio recordings. For a free down-load, go to: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/. Be sure to also download LAME 3 which is a free plug-in for Audacity that allows you to convert .WAV files in Audacity to .MP3 seamlessly. To download it and how to use it, go to Audacity: How do I download and install the LAME MP3 encoder? Because of software patents, MP3 encoding software can not be distributed. So follow these instructions to download and use the free LAME encoder to export MP3 from your Audacity .WAV recordings.

Step 2: Working With Audio Files:  Converting digital audio files to .MP3 File format  
.
Most older digital recorders only record in WAV file format. To post these files to the Web, they will need to be converted to MP3 format. MP3 is an audio compression technology that provides high-quality digital audio files in a fraction of the size of WAV or audio CD (CDA) format, making them ideal for portability, transferring, and downloading music.

There are other file alternatives, such as Microsofts WMA (Windows Media Audio), which about half the size of WAV files. WMAs are not as small as MP3s, which can be up to 16 times smaller than a WAV file. WAV files are the Windows standard default for digital audio files (AIFF is the Mac equivalent). WAV files do offer the highest quality digital sound, but they are too large for practical Web applications. One advantage they have over their smaller counterparts is that WAVs can be edited with feature effects, while the MP3 cant be edited as easily in a compressed mode.

Fortunately, most of the current handheld digital recorders use both WAV and MP3 recording formats. In the case of the Marantz PMD 620, you can record using the MP3 compression format. Of course, if you record using the WAV format, it is best to later convert the file to MP3 for Web use.

Desktop recorders vary in their formatting capabilities. The Marantz CDR310 records to a hard drive in CD-DA, WAV, AIFF, or MP3 formats. The Roland CD-2E records onto memory cards in WAV format, which can then be used to burn a CD or uploaded to a computer for editing or storage.

Audio editing software is another way to convert files. Most of these programs will have an "Import" or "Record" format setting along with options for selecting the Sample Rate and Record File Type for a given project. There are several acceptable file formats that may be imported into a given program. When these files are imported, they are decoded and placed into the format of the given project. Once edited, the audio can often be exported as compressed (MP3) or uncompressed (WAV) files.

My favorite music software utility program is Audio Creator by Cakewalk, which has a wealth of robust and easy-to-use functionality. Six modules offer just about everything needed to manage a digital music collection. This includes recording, editing, tagging and organizing, file conversion, online sharing, ripping, and burning. Audio Creator lets users accomplish just about any pre-production need, including moving music around to the Web and to a portable MP3 music player. Another option is iTunes from Apple, which can be downloaded for free. iTunes converts files to MP3, and can do this with other not-so-popular audio formats, such MP2. You will appreciate its editing capabilities by being able to add effects, clean clicks, pops, and noise, and apply FX plug-ins (VST & DX), apply volume and pan envelopes, and automatically cross-fade audio clips.

With Audio Creator's virtual toolbox, you are just a click away from recording and editing audio; burning and ripping CDs; cleaning and converting albums to CD or MP3; encoding, tagging, and organizing your sound library; backing up your files to data CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray; and even publishing music to the Internet.   URL is http://www.cakewalk.com/products/audiocreator/.

  1. Get started quickly with video tutorials
  2. 1-click recording: capture musical performances, meetings, vinyl records, cassettes, podcasts, Internet broadcasts, and more
  3. Professional 2-track audio editing: cut, trim, paste, hiss & pop removal, adjust volumes, crossfades, apply FX, and more
  4. Encode, convert, and save audio to popular formats like MP3, WMA, WAV, and AIFF
  5. Convert audio to formats that can be used with iTunes®, iPod®, Zune™, and other digital audio players
  6. Digitize, clean, and organize your record and cassette collection
  7. Rip your entire CD collection to a digital format
  8. Instantly download the song, album, and artist names of your CDs
  9. NEW! Burn gapless audio CDs to share with family and friends
  10. NEW! Create backup data CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray for safekeeping
  11. Tag, rename, and organize multiple audio files all at once
  12. Upload custom streaming music players to share on Myspace, Blogger, and other web sites

Step 3: Web-casting with Audio/Video: Steaming to the Internet

Streaming Web sites should be the norm by now for school music programs promoting themselves to parents, administrators, community, and the world. In order to post and play audio and video over the Internet, you need two key technologies: data compression and streaming or Web-casting. Web-casters either stream MP3s or use media players such as QuickTime, RealAudio, or Windows Media. In order to receive a Web-cast, each "audience member" must have a media player installed on his or her computer and that player must be compatible with format of the Web-cast.

 Streaming provides instant gratification. Rather than downloading a complete file, the user receives the audio or video as a bitstream. The bits are played in the order they are received, and then they are discarded. Streaming puts the content in front of the user much faster than downloading, and it doesn’t consume a lot of disk space on the users computer. But be aware that audio and video files can be huge. One minute of CD-quality stereo audio uses about 10 MB of disk space and videos are many times larger. To distribute such large files over the Internet, data compression is used in the streaming. Unlike the compression used to reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal, data compression reduces the size of a file so that it can be transmitted over the Internet more efficiently.

 There are two stages to data compression: encoding and decoding. The encoding stage requires software called an encoder. The encoding algorithm analyzes the original file, determines which portions can be omitted or represented with fewer bits, and then creates a new, smaller version of the file. Unlike CD audio or WAV files, encoded audio and video files cannot be played back in their raw form. They must be decoded using a media player. I like to use RealNetworks RealOne Player and its proprietary RealAudio format, which has the distinction of being the first participant in the streaming media medium and allows you to reduce the audio file size substantially. The sound quality associated with RealAudio is very dependable. RealOne Player (free) and RealOne Player Plus are available for both Mac and PC and can be downloaded on the Web (www.realone.com). Other media players capable of being a conduit for your music include QuickTime and Windows Media.

Closing Comments

 There is no doubt about it: audio and video streaming are essential ingredients for top-notch school music Web sites. I can record a concert and post recording of the entire show in less than an hour, and that includes the time needed for Web site construction. Featuring our students work on the Web can be a public relations tool that will catch the attention of students, friends, parents, relatives, and school administrators. One of the best examples of good public relations comes from New Trier High school band program of Winnetka, Illinois. View examples of how streaming can enhance a music program: (www.ntjazz.com). The jazz program at New Trier High School regularly broadcasts their concerts live over the Internet, and concerts are available via streaming 24 hours a day and seven days a week on their Web site.  For viewing and playback of 24 concerts in the last 12 months that are presently on-line, go to http://www.newtrier.k12.il.us/page.aspx?id=9595.

Clinic Content On-Line:

  1. "Web Creativity With Easy Digital Audio Recording and Audio Streaming Capabilities:" http://www.superscopetechnologies.com/press/IAJEcolumn.htm
  2.  "The Creative Aspects of Video Streaming:" http://www.sbomagazine.com/sbomag/dec00/technology.html
  3. "Why Is MP3 So Important for Music Educators?": http://www.sbomagazine.com/sbomag/oct00/technology.html
  4. "A Brief Guide to Microphones": http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/cb226162b8ac177e/index.html
  5. "A Brief Guide to Microphone Selection and Use for Places of Worship http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/7cadf671dea2c9e0/index.html

You can also convert stereo to mono and pick your audio quality to regulate file size. Cakewalk’s Pyro Audio Creator is the complete system for playing, organizing, editing, and enjoying your favorite music. Whether you want to make MP3s, burn and share mix CDs of your favorite music, digitize and clean up your old LPs or cassettes, or archive important data files, Pyro does it all! Burn professional-quality CDs of your favorite songs Quickly turn your CDs into MP3s, WAV or WMA files Back up your valuable files to data CD Convert LPs and cassettes into CDs or digital files Clean audio to remove clicks, crackles, pops, hiss, and hum from LPs, cassettes, and low quality MP3s Rip individual songs or entire albums Quickly locate and organize all the music files on your PC Create megamixes and smooth transitions by overlaying and cross-fading songs Get superior sound quality with 64-bit EQ Instantly downloads song titles and artist info from Gracenote/CDDB for thousands of commercial CDs

Preparation of MP3 music files for audio streaming on the Internet with the Helix Producer Plus: http://www.realnetworks.com/products/producer/index.html>

A media production tool for broadcast streaming and download. It provides robust, reliable, and fault-tolerant encoding to convert audio and video into RealMedia format. Using RealMedia Events, Helix Producer can also be used to create synchronized multimedia presentations for playback within the RealOne Player. Helix Producer is one of the key elements of the RealNetworks system based on the Helix platform, an integrated media-delivery system designed for rich media delivery over the Internet and corporate intranets. RealVideo 9: Delivering Unparalleled Quality. Learn More. RealVideo 9 Beats Windows Media 9 Series in Quality. Who uses Helix Producer? Users of Helix Producer Plus include anyone interested in streaming industry-leading audio and video. Ranging from encoding professionals within content providers and media creation companies, encoding service firms, post-production facilities, and A/V departments of educational institutions, government organizations, and corporate enterprises to hobbyists and home enthusiasts interested in sharing family movies over a personal Web site. What can you do with Helix Producer Plus? Below is just a sample of what you can do when Helix Producer Plus is combined with one or more Helix Universal Server. Check out the features section for a more complete list of Helix Producer Plus capabilities. Live and/or simulated live video and/or audio webcasts On-demand audio and/or video Synchronized multimedia using a combination of datatype                  

Introducing RealProducer
http://www.realnetworks.com/products/producer/index.html

Which RealProducer is right for you?
http://www.realnetworks.com/products/producer/basic.html

Sony Vegas Pro 9 ((http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegaspro) .  The Vegas Pro 9 integrates powerful HD video, Audio and DD Creation applications that work seamlessly together to provide an efficient and intuitive environment for video and broadcast professionals. This comprehensive suite offers the most robust and progressive platform available for content creation and production. With broad format support, superior effects processing, unparalleled audio support, and a full complement of editorial tools, the Vegas Pro 9 collection streamlines your workflow. From acquisition to delivery, from camera to Blu-ray Disc™, the Vegas Pro 9 is a complete audio/video application with full editing capabilities.

  1. Precise Editing Tools:  Edit SD or HD video with drag-and-drop functionality, mouse and keyboard trimming, and ripple editing. Features include ProType Titling technology, multicamera editing tools, 32-bit floating point video processing, customizable window layouts, color-coded snapping, improved HDV/SDI/XDCAM support, Cinescore plug-in support, A/V synchronization detection and repair, and auto-frame quantization. More about video editing
  2. Efficient, Professional Workflow for 32- and 64-bit systems:  The Vegas Pro 9 interface provides a fully customizable workspace for accomplishing a wide range of production requirements. Dock multiple windows across multiple monitors, and save your layouts to fit specific editing tasks; nest Vegas projects within the timeline, customize and save keyboard commands, and use application scripting to automate repetitive tasks. System-wide media management produces maximum efficiency. Network rendering saves time by using multiple computers and networked drive arrays to render complex projects. Vegas Pro software also supports 24p, HD and HDV editing. More about the Vegas Pro workflow
  3. Broad Format Support:  Vegas Pro 9 software natively supports the newest professional camcorder formats including XDCAM EX and RED. Vegas Pro 9 software also includes support for still images greater than one gigapixel in resolution. Use Pan and Scan to create a stunning movie sequence from these large pictures while maintain HD resolution. More about the Vegas Pro Capture and Import
  4. Superior Audio Control;  Use unlimited tracks, 24-bit/192 kHz audio, punch-in recording, 5.1 surround mixing, effects automation, and time compress/expand. Apply customizable, real time audio effects like EQ, Reverb, Delay, and more. Expand your audio processing and mixing options with supported third-party DirectX® and VST audio plug-ins. Use the Mixing Console for precise audio control. More about audio production
  5. Powerful Blu-ray Disc Authoring;  Burn movies to Blu-ray Disc™ directly from the Vegas Pro timeline for high-definition delivery. Use DVD Architect Pro software (included with the Vegas Pro collection) to author DVDs or Blu-ray Disc media with multiple video angles, subtitles, multiple languages, and special features. Preview and test your work in real time. Apply Brightness and Contrast, Auto Levels, Crop, and Anti-Flicker filters. Set CSS and Macrovision® copy-protection flags for masters. More about Blu-ray Disc authoring
  6. Interactive Tutorials;  Vegas Pro 9 software has a comprehensive help system, as well as detailed interactive tutorials that provide walk-through demonstrations of common features and functionality. These tutorials provide an easy step-by-step method of learning the product and the workflow necessary to complete most common tasks.

Media Players:

If you need to download a free multimedia player in Windows to play an MP3 level 3 audio file, 

  1.  Windows Media Player is free in Windows. Go to:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads. Then select Windows Media Player and an operating system before downloading it.
  2. An alternative URL for downloading another free Windows multimedia player is http://www.winamp.com/
  3. For Macintosh and PC Windows users, go to: RealOne Player http://www.realnetworks.com/products/media_players.html  and
  4. Don’t forget about Apple’s QuickTime at:   http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download  for  handling video, sound, animation, graphics, text, music, and even 360-degree virtual reality (VR) scenes.         

Microphones:

All the major microphone companies offer great products: Shure, KG Acoustics · Astatic · Audio-Technica · Audix · Azden · Barcus Berry · Beyerdynamic, and more.  For a complete listing with links go to:  http://www.bnoack.com/data/microphones-head.html.  For a simple, but professional microphone solution, especially remotely with the Audio-Technica AT825 Onepoint X/Y Recording Microphone: For a complete listing of products, go to:  http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/86d5738c8021aa4d/index.  The AT825, an X/Y stereo condenser microphone with full mono compatibility, has been designed for broadcast and professional recording use. It is also well-suited for DAT field applications. It includes true stereo ambience (crowd noise, music, etc.) mixed with narrative talent on a center lmono channel. Under a deadline crunch or in single-take situations, sound technicians will also appreciate the AT835 s excellent channel separation.

As for "plug and play" USB microphones, here's some suggestions which work great for both notecomputers and desktop computers.

  1. Marshall MXL-USB.007 Stereo Condenser Microphone - Because of its high quality and ease of use, the MXL USB.007 mic opens up new possibilities for direct stereo recording with a standard computer such as live performances in the professional, school and home environment. It's also a very exciting tool for podcasting, multimedia, news and broadcast applications using portable computers for remote stereo recording of concerts, lectures, and more. X-Y configuration and completely plug and play for Mac or PC. Discrete left and right signal paths minimize crosstalk. Gold-sputtered diaphragms. Adjustable stereo width after recording and during mixing. Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz. Comes with carrying case, desktop microphone stand/adapter & 10' USB cable.
  2. Audio Technica AT2020USB Condenser USB Microphone - The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone offers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility. The AT2020 USB plugs right into your computer's USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software. Equipped with a USB digital output, the AT2020 USB is perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voiceover use. Side-address studio cardioid condenser with USB digital output for Mac or PC. Frequency response: 20Hz-16kHz. Includes tripod desk stand, pivoting stand mount, USB cable & storage pouch. $150.00 through retailers.
  3. Samson C03U USB Studio Condenser Microphone - Based on the extremely popular C03 studio condenser, the C03U delivers the same pristine audio quality and enhanced capabilities along with a high-quality A/D converter and USB output. It's perfect for recording vocals or any acoustic instrument. Plus, the selectable patterns make it ideal for a variety of specialized recording situations, like multiple vocalists, ambient room miking, and even a group of people around a conference table recording a podcast. Switchable supercardioid, omni, and figure-8 pickup patterns. For Mac or PC. Frequency response: 20Hz-18kHz. USB cable and carry pouch included. $150.00 through retailers.
  4. Shure PG27USB Side Address Condenser Microphone - Designed with a flat frequency response and high SPL handling, the PG27 naturally reproduces a wide variety of acoustic, amplified and vocal sound sources with professional clarity.  The PG27USB is designed to deliver the natural audio reproduction of the PG27, enhanced with digital output, control and flexibility. Simply connect to a computer for convenient digital recording. Cardioid pickup pattern. For Mac or PC. Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz. The PG27USB microphone includes a 9.8ft (3m) USB Cable, stand adapter
    5.                and a zippered pouch. $200.00 through retailers.
Personal Examples of My Family’s Audio/Video Recordings!
  1. Check out Reva's first music video entitled Butterfly at http://www.kuzmich.com/Reva/Butterfly.ram which was recorded, edited and produced in "ACID Pro 4.0," "Sound Forge 7.0" and "Vegas 4.0" in Madison, Wisconsin. It runs in a web browser. but I suggest you download the latest version of RealOne Player and check the icon under the file's URL that displays in either 100% (normal), 2X and full screen. This icon is located in the upper left corner of RealOne Play. See above how to download the latest version free.
  2. May 13, 2006 Border Collies Concert in Atlanta, Georgia. Click at http://www.kuzmich.com/Reva/Border.html for photos and video streaming!
  3. For both audio and video streaming, check out Reva's master's degree recital at Arizona State University of February 14, 2004. Click at http://www.kuzmich.com/graduaterecital/graduaterecital.html and you are there! Video runs well at normal and 2X.
  4. Audio and video streaming of Reva's required master's degree student violin studio recital of April 9, 2004. Go to: <http://www.kuzmich.com/graduaterecital/Reva_studio_recital.html>.
  5. Reva's first night club gig at The Paper Heart in Phoenix, Arizona on June 2, 2004. Click here to see and hear her performing original songs as a vocalist, guitarist and violinist: <http://www.kuzmich2.com/Reva_Gig/Reva_Gig.html>.
  6. The Duluth High School Marching String Orchestra with members of their middle school orchestra program totaling 200 strings members, marched on September 25, 2004 in the annual Duluth City Parade to a "different beat" composed of alternative string music. The following video streaming must be viewed and heard to be believed. Click on http://www.kuzmich2.com/parade2004/parade2004.ram and you will not be disappointed on how alternative strings can be successfully implemented in the traditional K-12 string curriculum. Congratulations to Directors Dr. Peter Lemonds and Master Reva Kuzmich on a job so well done and to their loyal students who all made it possible. The video streaming is in two parts: pre-parade warmups and the actual parade all within a 16:58 minute presentation. Don't forget to download a free version of RealPlayer media player if you don't have it installed on your computer so you view the video streaming. At the top of this page is a link for your convenience. To view the video streaming, you need high speed Internet access (DSL or Broadband cable). Note: the Duluth High School String Orchestra program has 250 students enrolled in five daily classes.
  7. You can go here to hear me jamming jazz violin style with Hiro Morozumi when he visited me last Thanksgiving (one of the world's greatest jazz pianists - listen to his tune Homeland... amazing!!!). Or listen to my senior recital at the University of North Texas at: <http://www.kuzmich.com/unt/unt.html>
  8. Check out Dallin's award winning performance in the Colorado State University Concerto Competition with audio and video streaming recordings at:  http://www.kuzmich.com/csu/csu.html.
  9. Must listen and/or listen to Dallin's Junior Recital at Colorado State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance. Click at:  http://www.kuzmich.com/csu/csu2.html  to have audio and video streaming of this March 29, 2006.
  10. 2008 Colorado State University Annual Concerto Competition with Dallin winning second place. Click at:  http://www.kuzmich.com/csu/csu3.html
  11. 2008 Senior Recital featuring Dallin Kuzmich. Click at:  http://www.kuzmich.com/dallinrecital/csu4.html.
  12. Check me out at: Dr. "K" on Bb Clarinet jamming for 1.13 minutes on the Bb Shuffle Blues by Jamey Aebersold. It could take 2 to 3 minutes for a 28.8 baud modem connection to read this MP3 audio file (517k) in 22 kHz stereo fidelity or a split second on Broadband Internet connection..
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