Elantric's Tips and Blog

Started by Elantric, May 27, 2012, 07:16:34 AM

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Elantric


Useful for when your Phish cover band does a 10 hour version of the  Doors "Riders on the Storm

or insomnia




Elantric

#51

Elantric


http://startrekcontinues.com/


http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=216&doc_id=1326476&

By Max Maxfield, Designline Editor
4/29/2015 01:10 PM EDT

Do you miss the original Star Trek series? Would you like to see some more episodes? If so, this is your lucky day!

Well, you could knock me over with a feather because I just heard the most amazing news with regard to Star Trek. The first series, now referred to as The Original Series debuted in 1966 when I was only nine years old. I can't tell you how much of an impression this program made on me; suffice it to say that I was riveted to the screen. I used to love the opening voice-over saying: "These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise on its five year voyage behind the beyond, behind which few men have gone behind, beyond, before" (or something like that).

Actually, considering they were going where no man (or woman) had gone before, it was amazing how often they ran into people out there, but let's not quibble over details. (And don't even think about getting me started talking about the technical errors in Space 1999.)

As an aside, do you remember Episode 22 of Series 3 of The Big Bang Theory? This is the one called The Staircase Implementation in which we travel back in time to when Sheldon is interviewing Leonard to see whether they will become roommates (check out this site to see transcripts of all the episodes):

Sheldon: All right, next question. Kirk or Picard?

Leonard: Oh, uh, well, that's tricky. Um, well, uh, Original Series over Next Generation, but Picard over Kirk.

Sheldon: Correct. You've passed the first barrier to roommate-hood.
Now, even though I really did enjoy Star Trek TNG, I must admit that I'm with Leonard and Sheldon on this one. Do you miss the original series? Would you like to see some more episodes? If so, this is your lucky day, because my chum Rick Curl and his wife just sent me the following message:

Hi Max, I don't know if you're a fan of the original Star Trek series, but we are. Yesterday, we discovered this site: StarTrekContinues.com, which is a continuation of the original series by a bunch of Star Trek fans. They've only got three full episodes out so far, but I'm very impressed. They absolutely nailed the sets down to the tiniest detail. The guy who plays Kirk has Shatner's swagger down to a tee; Sulu is played by Grant Imahara, originally from the Mythbusters series and more recently a spokesman for Mouser Electronics; and Scotty is played by Chris Doohan, who is the son of James Doohan. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!
Well, of course I immediately bounced over to this site, and Rick is absolutely right -- they have totally nailed the sets and costumes, right down to the strange 1960's shiny fabrics and the green alien makeup.



This is such an unexpected treat. It had simply never struck me that anyone would do something like this. Now I'm thinking of some of the other TV series I used to love in those days of yore. It would be so cool to see an equivalent treatment of some of my other favorite programs. But it isn't all about me (it should be, but it isn't) -- if you had a choice, which program(s) would you like to see augmented in this way?







http://startrekcontinues.com/

http://startrekcontinues.com/episodes.html

Elantric

#53
Qi Hardware is sharing hardware.
We document all steps necessary to build hardware so anyone may join us or reproduce our hardware.
The ultimate goals are:
to bring people together to share
to fully document our hardware platform
to share plans + software for manufacturing
Do it by yourself? Let's share together!
http://en.qi-hardware.com/planet/
http://en.qi-hardware.com/wiki/Main_Page
http://en.qi-hardware.com/planet/?pagew.%3C/a%3E

Elantric

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mathstudio/id956033107?mt=8





MathStudio brings unprecedented computational power to your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. From building simple algorithms to creating interactive plots and animations, MathStudio bridges the gap between technology and your imagination.

Develop your ideas to their fullest extent with MathStudio's expressive scripting language. Research and development in the scientific, engineering, mathematical and computing fields almost always involves the need for a scripting language to take your results one step further.

WHAT'S NEW IN MATHSTUDIO 6
• Sync your documents between devices and your computer with iCloud
• New innovative input method that uses the iOS keyboard
• Expressive scripting language with new and powerful operators
• Improved typesetting for expressions
• New multiple plot syntax
• Natural language syntax
• Base conversions
• Unit conversions

CALCULATOR
From basic calculations to college calculus, MathStudio is a full featured scientific calculator with hundreds of different functions.

ALGEBRA & CALCULUS
MathStudio is powered by a lightning fast computer algebra system that beautifully typesets your answers. Solve limits, derivates, integrals and more!

GRAPHING
Plot 2D and 3D graphs of all types effortlessly! Combine the power of MathStudio's computer algebra system to create plots never thought possible.

SCRIPTING
Create scripts in MathStudio's powerful scripting language that features expressive and powerful syntax to do amazing things with just a few lines of code.

REGRESSION ANALYSIS
Plot lists of data with built-in regression analysis!

UNITS
From unit conversions to compound unit arithmetic, MathStudio 6 introduces complete support for units with intuitive syntax.

APPLE WATCH
View your iCloud files on your Apple Watch!

FREE UPDATES
All future major versions of MathStudio will be free updates.

Pomegranate Apps Web SiteMathStudio Support
What's New in Version 6.4
MathStudio is now available for your Apple Watch! This update also includes the following new features.
• New regression analysis functions
• Non-blocking calculations which means MathStudio stays active during long computations
• Sharing your file now attaches your scripts file
• New share button for fullscreen plots

Elantric



Show Networks and Control Systems
John Huntington (Author)

http://www.amazon.com/Show-Networks-Control-Systems-Ebook-ebook/dp/B00B11PPNO/ref=pd_sim_351_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1S9MWSZRD48DVCX44EEW


Show Networks and Control Systems* has been the industry standard reference in backstage control technology since 1994. With a unique combined focus on computers, networks, control systems, art and practice, the book offers an in-depth examination of the control and networking technology used in lighting, lasers, sound, stage machinery, animatronics, special effects, and pyrotechnics for concerts, theme parks, theatre, themed-retail, cruise ships, museums, interactive performing arts, and special events. This completely revised, reorganized and updated edition includes more than 30 new pages and dozens of brand-new graphics, with dramatically expanded coverage of show networking technology and fresh real-world examples. Drawing upon his extensive experience in the field and classroom, John Huntington clearly explains everything that goes on behind the scenes and inside the machines to bring bold visions to life in real-world settings.
* Formerly Control Systems for Live Entertainment


Elantric


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Elantric

#62
Nigel is not getting any younger

Elantric

#63
 When I must play low volume gigs I make sure I can hear myself with my own guitar monitor amp mounted on a folding bar stool I carry



Here is what I use ( Low volume to High volume)

Low Volume gig
If its cramped small stage and venue and very low volume ( and drummer plays a suitcase kit with "wrapped stick" for low decibels


I play my GP-10/GT100 into  a TC Helicon FX150
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11801.0


sitting on my bar stool less than 6 feet away  - point speaker at my head, ( if needed) feed  FX150 XLR out into the PA


Mid Volume gig

Lately I play DSP Guitar Modeler in Stereo and just use a  Roland Cube Street EX

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11600.msg82997#msg82997

Sitting the amp on my bar stool  less than 6 feet away   - point speaker at my head, typically plenty loud enough with no further amping  - If the mix out front needs more I'll just feed its stereo outs into the PA

High Volume gig

Feed my GP-10- / GT-100  ( with Master Level knob midway up ( at 12:00 o'clock noon), Output MODE set to Line/Phones) and establish my own EQ on the Roland Cube 80XT
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5077.msg44731#msg44731

by feeding into the Cube 80XT's Top 1/4"  Guitar input - switch the Cube80XT to the  left Volume knob "JC Clean" channel set the JC volume around  9:00 o-Clock, set all the EQ knobs midway up at 12:00 o'clock noon - as a starting point, and adjust what I need only on the Cube 80 XT EQ .  Mic the speaker into the PA.


--

If its a straight up guitar only blues rock  gig - my basic FX pedal board ( Xotic SP Compressor, Low gain distortion (EHX Glove), High Gain distortion (WayHuge Fat Sandwich) , tremolo, gain boost, delay  into the   Roland Cube Street EX set for a clean fender tone or a Vox Pathfinder 15R

[/img]
( I'm not always playing with a DSP modeler.  tone is in your fingers)



Elantric

#64
One thing -  after obtaining the  TC PolyTune Clip as seeing how precise it is , I'm removing the Tronical C1 Tuners from my Variax  -

What passes for "In tune" with the Tronical Robo Tuners, totally fails when scrutinized by the the PolyTune Clip. - Typically most strings are a few cents sharp or flat - yet inconsistent.

For various reasons I'm no longer happy with the Tronical Tuners - if you break a string mid song - the Tronicals are a major hassle, and in manual mode its very hard to tune the guitar, far too easy to over torque and destroy one servo tuner that cost $40 each(+Shipping from Germany)  to replace.

Ive found I much prefer using my Antares ATG-1 for swiftly exploring Alternative Tunings during song writing at my home studio, then map out the four Alt tunings  I need for my my GP-10 at the gig.   

Today my Top choice for tuners are Ned Steinberger designs:

Steinberger Gearless (40:1)

http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Guitar_and_Solid_Peghead/Steinberger_Gearless_Tuners.html
http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Hardware_Installation/Steinberger_Gearless_Tuners_Installation_Instructions.html
http://guitarchitecture.org/2010/10/13/steinberger-gearless-tuners-review/

Planet Waves Locking Tuners
http://www.planetwaves.com/pwProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=4115&productid=513&productname=Auto_Trim_Tuning_Machines_6_in_line


HipShot Staggered Height Locking Tuners
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ABLI0IC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Elantric

The Guitar FX/AMP landscape has dramatically changed, Lately I'm trying to avoid buying closed end Hardware systems that don't expand with iPad/MacOSX -  getting very good results using this rig feeding my Cube Street EX and run 100% on Battery power.




Positive Grid BIAS FX+BIAS
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=14655.0

- running on

Ipad AIR
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9882.0

inserted into
Focusrite iTrack Dock
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10364.0

- feeding Stereo line Inputs on

Cube Street EX (Stereo Mobile Amp 50 watts (25 per side)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11600.0

controlled by

KMI SoftStep2
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3242.0

and running on  Battery

Poweradd Pilot Pro
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10662.msg77071#msg77071



Tone is right up there with Kemper, and far easier to setup and expands with Flux:FX I can insert as IAA FX 
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11646.0

Elantric

#66
Typical Windows 10 Audio / MIDI Problems

https://www.steinberg.net/nc/en/support/knowledgebase_new/show_details/kb_show/product-compatibility-info-regarding-microsoft-windows-10.html

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/daw-operation-slow-down-win-7-win-10.1676141/
----

Windows 10 - please do not upgrade! Discussion
http://www.steinberg.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=226&t=83587&start=75

Quote
We discovered a serious issue for Audio/MIDI applications on Windows 10. After some time (a few seconds or a few minutes) audio recording or playback will contain noise (drop outs).
Steinberg Cubase 8 application shows this usually after a few seconds.

During our analysis we discovered the following behaviour of Windows 10:
The Windows MMCSS services will get disabled for any audio application when the user interacts with the computer. As a result the audio processing/streaming threads get suddenly the same importance as non time critical programs. Frequent audio drop outs will start to happen. We observed that moving windows and switching between running applications will result in this issue.

We currently work with Microsoft to investigate and hopefully soon resolve the issue.
Ed Doll, Support Manager
Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
Hamburg, Germany

QuoteYes, now I noticed something similar on my setup. When I start cubase, all runs smooth as long as focus stays on cubase. Then if I switch to another window (like file explorer), and back to cubase, I get spikes even if I just move mouse over the project. Restarting cubase helps. Or opening empty project in parallel, activating it and the reactivating previous project - VST performance meter is back to normal. It is annoyance, I hope it is fixed soon.
Otherwise win10 works great, much smoother than win7 before. Cubase UI is also better, no borders around windows, so you can stack windows to each other without those ugly thick lines. Win10 fells so much better than win7, that I will not go back to win7 although there is above described annoyance.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/08/05/windows-10-charging/1/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/08/05/windows-10-charging/2/


https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/GSP2101
QuoteHi Graham,

   I was actually going to email you about this exact issue, but I had been on the phone (on hold) most of the day Wednesday, Thursday and Friday trying to rectify it with Microsoft. The windows 10 update really screwed up my laptop (and my Mom's too, who was also running 8.1), and it's only about 5 months old. It locked it up to the point where I had to actually remove the battery in order to get it to re-boot....not once, but 4 separate times within about an hour and half.

   After I was finally able to get past the login screen, the first thing I did was check my MidiWizard program. I don't know if you remember, but with your help I had previously set it up in Windows 8.1. But once I opened it up after the 10 update, I got the pop up window saying "Failed to launch Help". I knew this came up the first time I opened MidiWizard in 8.1 before the midi driver was set up, and would explain how to set it up. After the midi driver was set up, the Help window didn't come up again when I opened it. So when it came up again, I thought "Oh no.....the update wiped out all my settings and I'm gonna have to start all over." Well, guess what? Windows 10 has no WinHlp application/program. But Windows 10 not having the WinHlp wasn't that big of a problem, because I had printed out the set up instruction from the Help in 8.1 after I set it up the first time and I thought I could set it up from the print out. But it not recognizing the midi driver was a problem, so I called them immediately after encountering this Wednesday and they verified that there is no WinHlp for Windows 10. I tried going back to their webpage and downloading the latest version of WinHlp, but it was for 8.1 and is not compatible with 10. Something changed in the 10 update and all the settings in MidiWizard were wiped out and I needed to set everything up again. My midi driver for the 2x2 was not being recognized and without that, I cant re-set it up.

   I called them again on Thursday to explain what happened and after sitting on hold for several hours, they said it was a problem my midi device. I explained to them that I thought that might have been the problem too, so I tried to install it on my wife's laptop the night before and it worked with no problem. Then they said it was an issue with my laptop and I needed to call HP. I explained to them that this wasn't a problem with my laptop, that both my laptop and MidiWizard were working fine before the 10 update. Basically, I sat on hold with them for hours, only for them to tell me it wasn't their problem. So, since the 10 update gave me so many problems, I asked if there was any way I could uninstall 10? They walked me through it and I was able to get back to 8.1 fairly easy. But it took a while and they told me to call back if I had the same issue once it reverted back to 8.1

   Now 8.1 is having the same problem with the midi driver as 10 was, it will not recognize it. When you open MidiWizard to set up the midi driver for the first time, there is a drop down menu for the "midi out" and "midi in". In this drop down menu, "Midisport 2x2" and "Midisport 4x4" used to be listed to choose from (the 4x4 uses the same driver as the 2x2). But they are not there now. The only thing that is listed to choose from is something called "Windows GS wavetable synth". I uninstalled and reinstalled the M-Audio Midisport driver 3 times and it still would not recognize it. I called them again on Friday and after several hours on hold, I was told by a Tech Support guy that I should try and do a "System Restore". He walked me through it, and once it was started, he said it would take about 45 minutes and told me to call back if I was still having the same problem. After it reverted back, I opened MidiWizard with the same result....no Midisport 2x2 listed in the drop down menu. I called them back and after another 2 hours on hold, I got through to someone who said they would escalate it to level 2 support and wanted to put me on hold again. I told them no, because I had to get some sleep for work that night and asked if they could call me back on Saturday. They said yes and we agreed on Saturday morning at 8am when I got home from work. By 8:30am Saturday morning, no one had called, so I called them and sat on hold for another hour only to find out that it was never actually escalated to Level 2, and I would have to call back on Monday. As you can imagine, by this time I'm pretty fed up with the whole situation and said "no, I want to talk to a supervisor." As soon as the supervisor came on the line about 10 minutes later, the call "mysteriously" got disconnected from their end. So, another call back to them and another 2 hours on hold before speaking with someone who would actually listen. This person was actually really helpful and dialed into my laptop to try and figure it out. But after almost 2 hours of troubleshooting, they couldn't make it work, even after uninstalling and reinstalling both the Midisport driver and MidiWizard, and rebooting my laptop several times. So he decided it would be best if another tech from level 2 called me back to see if they could dig into it a little more Monday afternoon.

   So that is where it stands now. No midi capabilities and unless they can figure out what when wrong Monday, I will be out of luck. I know this problem isn't with your MidiWizard, it's a Microsoft problem with the windows 10 update that screwed everything up. I guess I could try buying another midi device, but I don't really want to, and I shouldn't have to, it worked fine before the upgrade. Plus, even if I did buy another midi device, how do I know it will work? I mean, windows 8.1 could have the same problem not recognizing the midi driver as the one I have now and then I would be back to square one again.

   I just wanted to let you know what was going on since this upgrade to Windows 10 seems to have something missing on the midi side. If you end up doing the upgrade yourself, be sure to make a system restore point so that you can go back if you have any issues. And even then, it may not work, and your issues might still exist. Please let as many users of MidiWizard know about this issue and warn them that there might be some minor or major issues with the 10 upgrade and midi driver installation. I would really hate for anyone else to go through the frustration that I have just gone through the past several days.

Thanx again for all your help and concern Graham....I wish Microsoft had people like you in their technical support staff.......who really care about their product actually working.

Bearz

and

http://line6.com/support/topic/14991-windows-10-no-sound/

Elantric


Elantric

#68
Myself - I can repair guitars -  I purchased my Godin LGX-SA AAA top for $650 - but it had a cracked headstock.

But luckily 18 months before i purchased two Godin xtSA's at $520 each  - and I swapped necks from one of the xtSA'a

Today I have


* One 2013 LGX-SA AAA tobacco sunburst with xtSA Neck and GFS Xtrem tremolo  and Planet Waves Locking Tuners


 

* One 2012 XTSA Black Sunburst with Fishman Tripleplay and Duncan Tripleshot humbucker puckup rings on GFS Rectotron Liverpool ( these sound like TV Jones Gretsch Filtertron PUs   
One day I'll find time to install Black PU Rings  - but i use this in the studio


with a Mag-lok



* One gig bag with the Body only of a 2012 XTSA Black Sunburst, and the cracked neck from the LGX-SA  - Intend to use the RMC Piezo 13 pin for a future custom guitar 


I only see Godins at NAMM show - but each is a bit different  - the "AAA" top rating has a bit more flame to the top  - but Ive also seen some great looking "AA" tops  - its wood so each is unique.   

Elantric


Elantric


Elantric


Elantric

#72
Many here will know I grew up playing vintage Gibson Necks, and that I have strong feelings regarding my preferred '50's Fat Neck profile.

Today in 2015, very few off the shelf production guitars offer this type neck. Closest would be the PRS SE models, or Custom Shop Fender '52 Telecasters, or Custom Shop Gibson.

I've been looking for an affordable ES335 - and could never justify the high $3,500 price for a genuine Gibson ES-355 Memphis "Fat Neck"
http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/ES/Gibson-Memphis/ES-335-Dot-Fat-Neck.aspx
   
But I recently stumbled upon this 2007 Yamaha SA-500, and it has the perfect 50's Fat "C" neck profile, that typically is only found on premium priced guitars , and preloaded with Seymour Duncan PUs ( courtesy of a prior owner)  - Ebay $280

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/el-guitars/sa500_bl/
QuoteThe SA2200 has always been the pinnacle of perfection in Yamaha semi-hollow archtops. With its 24 3/4" scale and the Alnico V humbuckers, the SA500 is ideally suited for rock and blues, while the thinline semi-hollowbody design makes it just as well suited for pop and jazz. The SA500 features a maple top and a mahogany neck with an Rosewood fingerboard. The push-push tone pots switch the pickups from humbucking to single-coil. The beautiful Violin Sunburst finish of this versatile guitar. The SA500 maintains the tradition of the SA2200 while adding its own unique spin with Yamaha's signature tailpieces and original "F" hole design. Black and Brown Sunburst finishes complete the look.


Elantric

#74
QuoteDo you know the round trip latency on a new Mac for the GP-10 vs say, an RME interface (which promises 2 ms roundtrip)?
No Roland  / Boss gear I know will ever match the low round trip DAW audio latency of RME gear.

Which explains why Burr Johnson uses an RME audio interface when demoing the Fishman Tripleplay at NAMM shows



But typical  Roland  / Boss round-trip Audio latency on a well setup DAW on a Mac OSX Core Audio USB driver  is  5.2ms at 44.1kHz  - for audio alone.

Add 32 ms latency ( low E string) for Guitar MIDI