Hello Mates across the world and especially you Brummies and Brumbeat Musicians of the 60's.
In the early 60's we didn't know what the word digital meant, we weren't stupid, it was simply a case of technology yet to arrive on the planet. For prospective musicians everything was harder to achieve, there weren't even practical instruction books, we had to be inventive to master our instruments. How things have changed in this Digital Age with miniaturisation of electrical components, computers and fabulous access to instruction via YouTube where you can learn and copy everything.
So for you musicians I have some prospective musical gifts you might want tucked under the tree. So here we go.
Are you a frustrated song writer without the space to have a studio where you can have your recorder ready for action, microphone on the stand, just needing to be switched on for you to get your classic song laid down before you forget the lyrics or guitar/ keyboard parts?
You might have an audio interface connected to a computer but you still need to wait for your computer to warm up and then get the interface connected to your pro tools or whatever recording software you use. It all takes valuable time while your inspiration is rapidly evacuating from your brain. In my case, a couple of minutes is all it takes and my brain is as empty as a Scotsmans wallet.
Well my friends, Bull Head Bob to the rescue with a fabulous piece of kit, that I have recently purchased, the wonderful.
TASCAM DPOO6
This 6 track Pocket Studio digital recorder is just marvellous for capturing those moments of inspiration. It can be powered by batteries or mains so you can have it by your side anywhere, even in the bath and we all know what great natural reverb there is in bathrooms. Just for some people who might take everything literally, this recorder doesn't float!!
.The microphones can be seen on the right and left of the device to give a stereo signal, 2 part Harmonies or a stereo acoustic guitar backing can be performed in this manner using just one recording track. All tracks have a pan control to help build the soundscape and tracks can be bounced. There are 2 Jack plug inputs which can be switched from vocals with a stand alone mic to direct input with a guitar. All recordings are stored onto a digital memory card and there is also a USB port. On the underside of the recorder is a screw connector which screws onto a normal camera tripod so you can tilt the screen to monitor your recording levels if in a seated position.
Tascam have thought of everything to make the recording process as easy as pie. All this for the Tiny price of around £140.00. The only thing it doesn't have is an effects card but does have an effects send output to connect to any effects pedal or rack. As a solo performer it is perfect for recording and playing backing tracks to accompany you for your next performance. Check out the Tascam website for more comprehensive information. Highly recommended.
And for a few quid more get a pair of headphones to plug into
the control panel for the next Dave Grohl to practice with. The panel has timing rythmn pre-sets to follow and USB inputs to upload music to play along with.
