Random Connections

So far we’ve looked at iOS devices as digital audio workstations, notation readers and scorers, and as musical synthesizers. This time we’re going to take a look at the devices as effects processors.

The phrase “effects processor” is a catch-all term that refers to just about any way that sound is manipulated before its amplified, recorded, etc.  This could be as basic as adding reverberation to make it sound like your in a large auditorium instead of a small recording studio, or as complex as auto-tuning, looping, or otherwise radically altering the sound.

Effects devices typically took two forms.  There were rack-mounted devices that controlled EQ, compression, reverb, delay, etc.  Then there were performance devices.  These were usually geared toward guitarists, and included the Fuzz, WahWah, Flanger, and distortion peddles.  Now a whole range of effects peddles can be found.  Rack-mounted effects are still important in studio work, but most of those effects can now be found on performance devices themselves, such as keyboards, etc.

Effects apps for iOS seem to look more like performance level devices, and this makes sense.  The portability of the device makes it a great alternative if you needs some quick effects and don’t want to lug all your gear with you.  If you’re doing a jam session or just practicing, these are great.  I’m not sure how it would work in a studio setting, though. Continue reading ‘iPad as Effects Processor’

Most apps for smart phones, whether iOS or Android, are relatively inexpensive.  They are certainly cheaper than the programs for PCs and Macs over the past decade or so.  As computing power increases and memory gets cheaper, software seems to pick up added bloatation, so it’s also nice to see powerful applications in a streamlined package.

Even though streamlined, powerful apps are fairly cost effective, there is on trend that bothers me – the “In-App Purchase.”  You purchase a cheap application, or perhaps find a free one, only to find that inside the app you have to purchase additional components to get it to do what you want.  I’ve found this to be the case with photography and music-related apps quite frequently.

For example, TC-Helicon’s VocalJam app is $6.99 in the app store.

By itself it’s a pretty good program. However, if you try to click on the effects buttons on the left side, you get the following message: Continue reading ‘In-App Agony’

For Christmas Laura had given me a nice paddling jacket and neoprene boots so I could do some cold-weather paddling. I had not had a chance to really try these out, but Sunday afternoon presented a nice opportunity. It was breezy and in the low 50′s (not really cold, but close enough.) Bob and Alan joined me for a semi-quick afternoon paddle out on Lake Robinson in Greer.

Bob and I arrived at the Verne Smith Park and unloaded the boats. We could already feel the breeze coming off of the lake, but the water didn’t look too choppy. Alan arrived shortly thereafter. Just before we got underway I realized I was traveling VERY light for me. I had forgotten my phone, and didn’t have any GPS gear with me.

While there weren’t any white caps, there was a definite bounce to the water. The new paddling jacket was quite welcome as it shed the spray splashing onto the boat. I was also glad I had brought along my spray skirt. Continue reading ‘Winter Paddle on Lake Robinson’

Every now and then I get requests to use one of my photos posted on Flickr. I always appreciate when folks ask (rather than stealing outright, which has happened) so I’m usually fairly accommodating. Several weeks ago I was contacted by Don Alexander with a request to use the above photo of the Edisto River in a web and t-shirt design for a new company he is launching called Edisto Outdoors.

We worked out a barter, and today I received several t-shirts via UPS.

I was pleasantly surprised!  I had expected just a plain cotton t-shirt with the design silk-screened on it.  I could tell as soon as I felt the fabric that these were different.  The shirts turned out to be performance shirts with wicking fabric, which are perfect for kayaking, etc.  I was quite impressed, and I’m looking forward to using them.

In addition to the shirt with my photograph, Don sent me two others that have waterfowl artwork.  All of these turned out beautifully.

Edisto Outdoors will be an online clothing/outfitting store.  They plan to carry performance apparel and other clothing.  Right now their website just has a splash screen, but keep checking.  I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of their line.