Today, recording is more affordable than ever, but the creative connection with the artist is sometimes lost in the windows, menus and complex interfaces of modern recording software. The new TASCAM DP-004 recaptures the immediacy Tascam cassette models, only updated with CD-quality digital recording. The compact multitrack recorder is covered with knobs and controls, making recording and mixing simple and fun. 

The new Tascam DP-004 Portable Digital Pocketstudio recorder makes recording simple and fun again. The DP004 is based on Tascam’s groundbreaking cassette Portastudios, and retains their creative interface while updating the sound quality with CD-quality digital recording. Smaller than a paperback book, it’s portable enough to take anywhere, and built-in microphones make it perfect for capturing song ideas and rehearsals. But despite its compact design, the DP-004 retains the famously-simple TASCAM Portastudio interface - so you can concentrate on making music. 

For more information on Tascam recorders, visit the musical instrument music store at www.AndysMusicOnline.com.

The Yamaha IM8 sound mixers bring experience and know-how accumulated over35 years in the production of industry-leading mixing consoles to bear in three mid-size consoles that cut no corners when it comes to overall performance and sonic quality.

In addition to no-compromise design and development aimed at delivering the finest performance and most useful feature set available in this class, production and assembly are carried out at Yamaha’s own domestic facilities — the same factories where the legendary Yamaha PM series consoles are produced — to ensure unrelenting quality control throughout. Every inch of these extraordinary consoles is well thought out and built for a purpose.

There are no unnecessary features, and nothing is out of place. The IM8series consoles deliver a basic but plentiful complement of features plus truly transparent, high-resolution sound with tireless reliability.

The new Tapco Mix 10fxP powered mixer is a full-featured 10-channel ultra-lightweight mixer providing 10 mic preamps with XLR inputs, 2 stereo 1/4-inch inputs and 2 RCA inputs. The built-in stereo 20-bit multi-effects processor provides professional sound mixing at any live gig.

With 1000W of total power (500W + 500W) using a new cooler-running Class-D design, this powered mixer provides both tons of power (500W + 500W) and enough flexible connectivity to get the job done. Included Series 69 EQ optimizes clarity and low-end at a touch of a button when powering TAPCO Series 69 passive loudspeakers.

The TAPCO Mix10fxP will have a U.S. MSRP of $499.99 and will be available in September from the music instrument music store at www.AndysMusicOnline.com.

The TASCAM DR1 has built-in stereo microphones that include a unique variable angle mechanism, so you can set it to record from any angle. The DR-1 is the first portable recorder to include a 1GB card, so you’ll have plenty of CD or MP3-quality recording time for long rehearsals and concerts. And with a bargain street price, every one’s gonna want one.

A pair of microphones is mounted on a variable angle mechanism, which allows the recorder to record from almost any angle. The built-in stereo condenser microphones are arranged for a wide stereo image, and an external mic can also be used. The unit includes a generous 1GB SD card for hours of recording at MP3 or WAV file formats. The DR-1 also includes auto gain control and analog limiting for easy setup and a low-frequency cutoff to eliminate handling or wind noise.

ZOOM H2 recorder - it’s a simple idea: provide brilliant stereo recording in an easy-to-use, ultra-portable device. Now everyone can record pristine audio in an infinite variety of applications. From seminars and conferences, to electronic news gathering (ENG) and pod casting, to musical performances, songwriting sessions and rehearsals, the H2 provides amazing recording quality. And no matter what kind of music you perform or the instrument you play, the H2 can effortlessly record it in high-quality stereo.

Push a button - that’s all it takes to start recording! The H2 is a remarkably robust device that is incredibly easy to use. One button recording, gain controls on the side and an intuitive user interface mean you can always capture the moment. Set your levels, push record and go. It’s that simple. Or use the Auto Start and Auto Gain Control functions to ensure complete capture at the right level. And if you need to fine-tune your levels on the fly, Zoom made it easy with gain control buttons on the front panel.

Play your recordings on your home audio system with its 1/8″ stereo output or listen to your masterpiece with headphones. Or, use the H2’s USB interface to move your recordings to your Mac or PC to listen, edit and share.

More information on the ZOOM H2 Handy Recorder and other ZOOM products is available from the online music instrument music store at www.AndysMusicOnline.com.

Andy’s Music, Mobile, Alabama, presented a workshop on PA Systems - Basic Concepts and Operation. The seminar was presented by Michael McClelland and Bill Clark, senior staff members at Andy’s Music.

 Workshop attendees, all from local churches and civic organizations, received a Sound Systems 101 booklet with information presented during the seminar. Topics included: sound system components, signal flow, system placement and operation, and gain staging. The handout also included a trouble shooting guide, FAQ section and a graphic with the fundamental frequency ranges of voice and musical instruments.

Michael McClelland and Bill Clark have a combined work experience in sound systems and pro audio of more than 70 years. Both are local musicians and key staff members at Andy’s Music. Mike is an experienced luthier, piano and string repair technician, and has played locally in bands for more than two decades. Bill is a tenor saxophonist who has toured extensively for more than 30 years, and recently retired from the Alabama National Guard Band.

Andy’s Music, established in 1977, is a full-line music instrument music store in Mobile, Alabama. Andy’s sells and services most major brands of musical instruments and products include guitars, drums, keyboards, pianos, pro audio, band and orchestra instruments, and sheet music.

The Edirol R09  is perfect for capturing live music events, recitals, and rehearsals. It’s also handy as a songwriter’s sketchpad, ensuring that no moment of inspiration is lost. But the R09 has many valuable uses outside of the music world as well. Students can use it to record lectures. Broadcasters and journalists can throw away their antiquated cassette recorders and use the R09 for in-the-field interviews. Wherever, whenever there’s a need to capture audio, the R09 can do it hassle-free thanks to its built-in microphone and long battery operation.

The R09 is perfect for capturing live music events, recitals, and rehearsals. It’s also handy as a songwriter’s sketchpad, ensuring that no moment of inspiration is lost. But the R09 has many valuable uses outside of the music world as well. Students can use it to record lectures. Broadcasters and journalists can throw away their antiquated cassette recorders and use the R09 for in-the-field interviews. Wherever, whenever there’s a need to capture audio, the R09 can do it hassle-free thanks to its built-in microphone and long battery operation.

SONAR Home Studio 6 gives you everything you need to turn your PC into a complete music production studio. Record live instruments and vocals and mix them with studio-quality audio effects. Edit audio, MIDI, and music notation. Build backing tracks or entire songs with hundreds of included instrument sounds and tempo-syncing loops. SONAR Home Studio 6 is the complete solution for creating and sharing your music.

Audio & MIDI Recording
Everything is laid out in an intuitive interface that lets you quickly record, edit, arrange, and mix your music. Record guitars, keyboards, vocals, live turntable scratches, CD samples, or any other sound. Even correct timing of MIDI performances while you play with Input Quantize. SONAR Home Studio puts it all together seamlessly.

Remixes
Just drag and drop a sample into DropZone, and make it part of your beat. Perfect for creating remixes or for building the perfect hook for your song. Includes real instrument sounds, drums, vocals, REX-format loops, and more. You can also preview ACID™-format loops in the tempo and key of your song, and quickly drag them into your project to create layers of tracks.

Video Soundtracks
SONAR Home Studio provides a fast and effective way to create, edit, and dub soundtracks for digital video files. Just use SONAR Home Studio to import and sync any Windows AVI or MPEG video. With video thumbnails and easy video export, you can quickly score, edit, and share soundtracks and sound effects for band videos or home movies.

The new Zoom HD8CD 8-track and the Zoom HD16CD 16-track multitrack recorders record to a 80 GB internal hard drive, and feature over 100 of Zoom’s famous digital effects. These new digital multitracks from Zoom feature: built-in bass machine with a complete bank of touch-sensitive pads and over 500 drum sounds, built-in CD-R/RW drive, control surface function for DAW software, built-in USB 2.0 interface, and much more.

For information on Zoom multitrack recorders and other products, visit www.AndysMusicOnline.com.

Yamaha EMX powered mixers come from a long legacy of powered mixers dating back to 1975. The first three Yamaha mixers to enter the portable sound market were the EM150, EM100, and the EM80. They were stereo mixers with reverb, and their power was 150 watts, 100 watts and 80 watts respectively. Because of their quality build and affordable price, they were big sellers to people building PA systems on a budget. In fact, we still see one occasionally in our shop for maintenance. Over thirty years old and still going - that’s amazing!

The new Yamaha EMX powered mixers carry on the tradition that began in 1975, except with updated features, circuitry, and lower weight. The Yamaha EMX312SC powered mixer features dual 300 watt power amps and the added advantage of one-knob compression on mono channels. The EMX312SC mixer is built to the same standards of sonic performance and rugged reliability that make Yamaha the first choice for live sound applications. The EMX powered mixers are lightweight, only 22lbs. and feature conveniently located handles for maximum carrying comfort. They’re also built tough to withstand the rigors of use on the road

The Yamaha EMX212S is the most affordable model in the EMX powered mixer series. It offers a pair of 200-watt amplifiers per channel that should be more than sufficient for small-to-medium size venues. The EMX212S has the same features as the EMX312SC, except it has less powerful amplifiers and no built-in compressors.

The Yamaha EMX512SC powered mixer is the most powerful of the EMX box mixers, and features a pair of 500-watt amplifiers to ensure that your music or message comes across with full impact, even in large venues. The EMX512SC offers a total of 12 input channels – four for monaural microphone or line input, plus four pairs that can function either as monaural microphone inputs or stereo line inputs – providing you with a versatile mix of input capabilities for a wide range of applications. If you need only microphone inputs you can use up to eight mic channels.

Sound systems large and small can be created using the Yamaha EMX powered mixers. These audio mixers have earned their excellent reputation and will remain the choice of musicians, both professional and amateur, wanting to build a quality sound system on a limited budget.