TECH
TOOLS
Rode Microphones has launched the free Ambisonic Sound
Library, a growing collection of ambisonic recordings from some
of the industry’s top sound recordists. The whole library is free to
download, giving users access to hundreds of high-quality ambisonic
recordings to use in their projects. The library also gives users
who are new to ambisonics the chance to experience the editing
and sound manipulation options made possible by the SoundField
by Rode plug-in even if they don’t have access to an ambisonic
microphone. library.soundfield.com.
Audio-Technica is offering a series of resources for people
recording in isolation. The company’s online YouTube series,
“Drum Mic Basics,” features 10 videos covering all aspects of
recording a drum kit. The videos are designed to be short and
engaging, easy to follow, and offer a lot of useful information.
The video “Basic Drum Miking: The Kick Drum,” for example,
lays out strategies for picking a proper bass drum mic and
outlines techniques for mic placement inside the drum. In
separate videos, the components of a drum kit are each given
individual attention.
www.youtube.com/audiotechnicausa.
MasteringBOX has introduced four new updates to its namesake
online mastering platform. First, users are able to share their tracks
on social media via a URL linking to a webpage with an attractive
player where listeners can leave comments. Visually, the new GUI
includes realistic-looking fader and EQ controls. Audio-wise, MasteringBOX
now uses Web Audio API – a high-level JavaScript API
for processing and synthesising audio in web applications – when
previewing, permitting a smooth A/B comparison. Additionally,
the loudness prediction algorithm has been improved. Finally, Free
account users, who can access one compressed master per day, can
now add ID3 tag editor and cover art information (shown on the
track’s page, but not embedded on download).
www.masteringbox.com.
Positive Grid has released the BIAS FX 2 Mobile app for
iOS devices. The app is available as a free download with paid
expansion options. Powered by a re-engineered, high-definition
BIAS DSP engine, BIAS FX 2 Mobile turns an iPhone or iPad
into an all-in-one guitar effects processor. Using its intuitive
drag-and-drop interface, users can explore a large library of
guitar and bass amps, pedals, and effects to create a custom
rig. www.positivegrid.com/bias-fx-mobile.
74 CANADIAN MUSICIAN