Record Studio,Music Recordings,Christmass GiftsEntertainment,Movies

Archive for March, 2007

“How do I soundproof my garage, basement, or a bedroom in my single family house or condo so my 4 piece rock band can practice and record and not bother the neighbors?” If I had a dollar for every time I was asked this question, I would be in the Bahamas right now, instead of writing this article. Many factors need to be considered prior to beginning your studio or practice room-soundproofing project. Some of the questions you should be asking yourself are: What type of amplification will the band be using, are the drums going to be acoustic and miked or are they digital. Are you going to be recording live late at night or are we going to be doing “line in” recording only? These questions and many more need to be considered before the actual construction begins. If live recording and rehearsal are the plan, then maximum soundproofing will be needed.

The most effective way to soundproof a garage, basement, or bedroom is to actually construct a room within a room (go to www.auralex.com) and download the free booklet “Acoustics 101″, this is a wonderful resource for the home studio builder. Their ideas are solid and applicable to any studio soundproofing project. The room within a room concept utilizes the sealed dead air space that is captured between the inner walls and the outer walls to help greatly with the soundproofing endeavor. It is probably easiest to frame the walls on the floor and then tilt them up into place thus making dry walling the outside of the walls much easier. It is also highly recommended that another ceiling be joisted out for the room within a room, however, this is often times not possible due to space constraints.

In this case, the existing ceiling and ceiling joists may be used as the ultimate ceiling for the studio, provided that it is adequately soundproofed with materials such as the mass loaded vinyl or a combination of closed cell foam mat and MLV. I will elaborate on these materials, as we get further into this article. Once the walls are framed out and the right amount of “Dead air space” is determined, then it is time to install the soundproofing. The first order of business is to consider what needs to be done to the wall cavities prior to installing a barrier and finally the wallboard. I like to line the inside cavities with a closed cell vinyl nitrile foam mat such as American Mat. This mat (generally 1/4″ thickness) is adhered to the inside cavity walls as well as the studs and joists using a contact cement to adhere the mat. Keep in mind that the American Mat is used to line the cavities only, not to fill the cavity.

If thermal insulation is needed, use products such as rock wool, mineral wool, cut wool fibers, or my favorite, Roxul. Roxul is a great thermal rock wool based batt type insulation that has great soundproofing qualities. If thermal insulation is a requirement for the practice room or studio, then Roxul is the way to go.

Now we come to a crossroads, it is time to determine if decoupling the walls using resilient channels or American Sound clips is a necessity. De coupling is used when impact transmission or low frequency noise is a factor. Impact would come primarily from the drums (acoustic type) or the bass amplifier.

However, if the band is using Marshall high powered amps (50 watt amps with 4 X 12 cabinets for example) along with miked acoustic drums and an Ampeg bass system, then decoupling will most likely be necessary. These methods and procedures will be explained in later articles. If decoupling were determined to be unnecessary, then the next step would be to find a good barrier material such as American mass loaded vinyl (which is a high grade mass loaded vinyl barrier). This barrier could be stapled directly to the studwork on a wall assembly or directly to the joists. This is a method that is used if cost or space constraints are factors. If the barrier material is to be stapled directly to the stud or joist framing then it is best that the seams be over lapped, caulked (using OSI acoustical caulking compound) and then taped with either a lead tape or a heavy-duty PVC seam tape. Once the Mass Loaded vinyl (MLV) is installed and sealed, it is time to install the final layer of drywall. I always recommend using 5/8″ drywall as the final layer because of its mass and its sound blocking abilities. . It is always advisable to butter the edges of the last layer of drywall with acoustical caulk. You want to grab every STC (sound transmission class) point you can when trying to make your new studio as soundproof as possible. Finally you will tape mud and paint your final layer of drywall. Now you have a great soundproof home recording studio.

We will discuss acoustical treatments for your studio in subsequent articles, but for now you are well on your way to having a professional grade recording studio in your home.

As a professional kids entertainer and parent of four, I would like to share some of my experience with parents who are looking for entertainment for their kids party. Folks usually turn to professionals for solutions, they are willing to invest their hard earned cash to put on a kids party that would be fun and memorable for both their child and their guests alike. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on some key points to consider when hiring entertainment for your child’s party.

Age appropriate:

What is the age range of the kids that you are looking to entertain? Usually, a parent would want entertainment not only for their child but for the guests as well. We know that your child likes Elmo, but you have invited other kids to the party as well. You may want to consider entertainment that would cater to the appropriate age group invited as opposed to just the birthday child. A professional entertainer would know how to make the birthday child feel special without making the other kids feel not included.

A clown isn’t just a clown:

Please consider the person behind the make up. Performers vary greatly in approach and style. The best example is when people hire a costumed character, let’s say Elmo. Please, consider the person who will be wearing that costume. Kids have an amazing intuition and can pick up on each others fears. A seasoned professional will know how to calm those anxieties very early on and bring the group together into the fun zone.

Use your best judgment:

Do some homework on the performer before you commit: Are they a full time kids entertainer? Are they patient and genuinely like children? (Kids require a lots of patience) Do they project a professional image? (Website, Demo, Costume etc.) Can you find reviews or testimonials on them? (Websites reviews, Local library reviews, etc.)

Budget:

Like any other service, you sometimes get what you pay for. Consider entertainment into your budget, a good entertainer can make your party all the worthwhile. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. If you want someone to do a magic show, a puppet show, sculpt balloon animals and do face painting for $150, then hire your neighbor’s teenage son. Make sure to give him a $50 advance to get the supplies from the dollar store. But if you want a professional, make sure that they are specialized in their field and they are at the top of their game.

Logistics:

Consider to ask the performer these logistical questions before you commit: How much space do you need? Can you perform indoors and outdoors? Do you provide your own sound equipment? What do you need us to prepare for your act?

Key Words to consider:

Let’s assume that you live in the San Francisco Bay Area Copy and paste the keywords that apply to you into your favorite search engine such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, ASK etc. Consider using broad geographic terms such as Bay area, San Francisco Bay Area. If you live in a large metropolis consider using your city name like : San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Ramon, Marin, Daly City, Menlo Park etc. San Jose Kids entertainer, San Jose children Entertainment Bay Area birthday party entertainer, Birthday party entertainer Kids birthday party entertainer, Bay Area Puppet Shows, birthday party balloons 1st birthday party, boys birthday party, bay area birthday party character, magic shows Party Entertainers in the San Francisco Bay Area, birthday party venues in the bay area birthday party ideas, party puppet shows, corporate entertainment party favors for kids, kids party favors, 1st birthday supplies, birthday comedian bay area birthday party themes, entertainer bay area, entertainers bay area clown, clowns, magician, magicians, mime, bay area party clowns, entertainers San Jose children entertainment for kids, bay area birthday party themes, the entertainers, the bay area entertainers, wedding entertainer, event entertainer Bay area kids events, bay area kids party, Clowns Childrens Entertainers Bay Area children party bay area, kids party San Francisco, Magicians bay area, Magic shows bay area.

A professional entertainer can bring your guests together into the happy zone and create an atmosphere of joy and laughter. A committed kids entertainer can also add magic and theatrics into the memories of kids and grown ups alike. As a Bay Area entertainer, I have committed myself to making my next child’s party the only party that counts. Now, it’s Show-Time!

There is nothing more uplifting that can make your heart soar and touch your soul, than music. Now days music can be transformed to greater heights with the use of high-tech, well-equipped and hip recording studio.

In fact, what once seemed like a pipe dream is now a possibility and you can actually set up your own recording studio within the comfort of your home.

With technology moving at such an amazing pace, you really are spoiled for choice and the sky is the limit. However, you need to have some understanding of what it takes to make a great recording and the equipment you would require to set up that dream home recording studio.

Undoubtedly, having a computer with a fast CPU and a powerful soundcard would be a good start, followed by the appropriate software, to get the sound impact that you want. Additionally, a basic set of headphones and a good quality microphone is just as essential, as it has a lot to do with how your recording will finally sound.

Every soundcard or external audio interface has different features in a range of prices, so it would be a wise choice to shop around before you settle for the right one.

What you would basically need for a home recording studio is keyboards, synthesizers, adapters, 2 or more sets of speakers, computer monitors, mikes and lighting equipment. In order to have perfect harmony, you should have your music keyboard and computer keyboard near each other. Another good idea would be to include a bass trap and sound absorber as this would help to disperse the uneven bass frequencies.

When it comes to buying equipment it can be an expensive affair. However, while second hand equipment can be quite functional, you need to take extra care before making a purchase.

Some music shops and even individuals sell off second hand items quite cheaply, but ensure that you can return it, if it doesn’t work as expected.

The bottom line is that things with moving parts tend to be less reliable in comparison to equipment like computers. Additionally, any equipment, even a computer, which is more than seven years old, cannot be considered reliable.

However, should you still consider purchasing such equipment for your home recording studio, check for signs that the machine has been cleaned, by paying close attention to the nooks and corners that would be really hard to clean. If you notice that some switches and knobs are a bit loose or show other signs of wear, you need to be cautious. Furthermore, check out the user manual, the condition of which will tell you just how used the product probably is.

Now that you have all the equipment set up, it is time to work on recording your music. One popular way to compose and record your own music on your computer is to use PC music software programs. However, just having the gear is not enough and what is most important is to have a musical understanding to write music and how to use the equipment and software that you have. While the thought of making high quality music recordings may seem overwhelming for a beginner, all it takes is some musical talent and cash of course, to get you started.

Therefore, even if you are not skilled at playing a musical instrument, you can still get good practice by trying different things, experimenting, mimicking, tweaking and mixing. You will soon come to realize that making music is a craft and the studio is its workbench. Slowly, with knowledge and experience your recording studio will equip you to play the role of musician, audio engineer and producer. Additionally, if you have modern software packages or hardware digital multi-track, you too could be on your way to creating some fantastic sounds.

For those music lovers, for whom music is more than a hobby, a passion that inspires you to set up your own home recording studio, it can now be a reality. All it takes is talent and the will to succeed. When you increase your ‘know-how’ through trial and error and the cash flow to purchase the necessary equipment you can then work on letting your creativity flow to produce the kind of music that you can proudly call your own.

Life has nowadays become so hectic that everybody needs entertainment. It refreshes your mind and helps to change your moods. Entertainment boosts your energy level when your moods are in low. There are many effective ways to entertain yourself online. It depends on your taste and likings as to what sort of entertainment you prefer. I find entertainment by online videos most effective to refresh myself. There are funny videos, video clippings of your favorite songs, music albums and pictures which are readily available online

There are lots of places which are for entertainment purpose, depending on your needs according to various ages. Separate entertainment places are available for kids and adults. Various packages are now offered as entertainment according to your needs. Online entertainment is the most preferable almost by all age groups. Irrespective of their age kids and adults browse on internet to get entertainment of their choice. After a long day’s work you need a little entertainment to recharge your self. Watching performances of musical videos and albums by your favorite stars are most effective way to entertain yourself. Most of the teenagers indulge themselves in watching these videos which removes their stress. People look for entertainment online which refreshes them and keeps their worries off at bay.

Every living being needs to entertain itself by some way or the other. Entertainment is the most essential link of our human life. We cannot lead our life without entertainment. Sports, trips, travels and tours and dining outside are some of the most common and easy ways of entertainment. Traveling can be made more informative and entertaining with online information available. The places of destination can be easily located and can be chosen according to our choice without much effort. More knowledge can be gained through internet to entertain you effectively. Cheap and valuable information available online can be used to entertain yourself easily. Adventure trips can also be planned in more effective way with the use of internet

Finally I would like to conclude that every entertainment video contains a moral or a message for its viewers, it need not me wildlife or entertainment in particular. But yes, wild life videos carry a much significant or important message because of which I like to entertain myself by watching cute and cuddly baby animals jumping and hoping in the jungles. All these videos tell us what we can actually do to protect our animals, save our forests and most importantly, why at all they are important to us in our life. It doesn’t matter how the photography has been done, or how beautiful the location is. All that matters is what message the entertainment video carries which in turn determines the popularity of the video.

Online Entertainment video provider means that type of sites who provide online videos contain all types of videos like entertainment, funny, sports, news etc. So, you can find easily videos related to your choice. If you are there for entertain your self then you would choose entertainment related videos sure because now you know importance of entertainment videos.

A countless number of music schools have spawned in recent years due to a renewed interest in recording music. There are many career opportunities in the field of music. Whether you’re aspiring to be a music engineer or a legitimate recording artist, music recording training has become one of the best career training options available in the world today.

Career Opportunities In Music Recording

Music is not all about a microphone and a piano. A top class music recording involves many sophisticated equipments in addition to a qualified professional music engineer. The demand for music engineers today is very high. Countless

music recordings are released each and every month and a good music engineer can earn a significant amount of money in a short amount of time. Music engineers will be in higher demand the more their name and reputation is established. This means they can command a higher asking price for their services. Fame can indeed accompany money for many music engineers.

The Role Of A Music Engineer

Some people have this misconception that a music engineer is dealing with wires and circuits all day. The fact is a career as a music engineer is something entirely different than that misconception. A music engineer is usually referred to as the recording engineer in the recording studio. The digital audio workstations that you find in a recording studio are the music engineer’s instruments. The role of the music engineer is to fine-tune the music that is being recorded. This job requires enormous skill and proper training.

The Music Career Training

While there are many music career-training programs available today, if you truly wish to shine in your music career, it’s important to find the absolute best training programs.

One of the best music career training programs available is the ‘Conservatory’s Master Recording Program II’.

Unlike other conventional music recording training programs, the Conservatory’s Master Recording Program II concentrates totally on the art and science of sound. Starting from the basic principles of sound, this unique program extends for 42 weeks and finishes with the most sophisticated concepts of audio engineering. One of the main features of this training program is that the training program covers eight main aspects. The eight main areas of this training program are:

1. Audio Recording and Production – This part covers all of the basic principles of sound and educates students about the basic fundamentals of music recording.

2. Music Business – Here the student learns about the various methods of making money in a music related business. This session includes classes about audio copyrights and record labels.

3. Digital Recording – This is the doorway to digital recording. Lessons are available for digital recording and other digital techniques in the form of computer based applications.

4. Pro Tools – This is the most important part of the program. This session familiarizes students with the sophisticated tools used in digital audio processing and recording.

5. Sound Reinforcement – This session includes studies related to audio signal distribution.

6. Troubleshooting/Maintenance – Basic electronic engineering skills and test equipment skills will be taught to the aspiring music engineer.

7. Career Management – This is an opportunity to gain knowledge about the music industry.

8. Internship- This final session provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate skills learned and acquired throughout training.

The program concludes with students hopefully becoming successful music engineers and realizing their dreams of having a lucrative career in music.