lowdown

[quote name='pantherairsoft' timestamp='1417472371' post='2620839'] Ironically, I have seen stereo widening discussed in that way in a magazine... I thought you may have read it... And not burnt it! [/quote] Lol....More than likely. Nice looking website (Submix), very easy to navigate around and plenty to keep one interested. Well presented...Good luck with it all.

[quote name='pantherairsoft' timestamp='1417471090' post='2620807'] Not strictly true. [/quote] Sorry, posted from a mobile, no smiley or tongue in cheek. Just a joke.....lol... And of course what you said is right.

A Stereo widening device is a waste of money and a gimmick. You can do it yourself. Just move your monitor speakers an extra foot apart, job done.

I really like "Imagine" by Randy Crawford & the Yellow Jackets. They made it their own and didn't crawl all over the original John Lennon version. http://youtu.be/bJViwpo0KlQ

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1417357820' post='2619499'] Thankfully, none of the above are in our set.. [/quote] So what's in your set then? When I'm cleaning Windows and Leaning on a Lamp post ? Only Kidding.

Funkle, although I haven't got any of the Komplete series 8/9/10 etc, I do have some of the modules, plus Kontakt 5 obviously. They are excellent, and do remember you also get 45 gigs of sounds with the Kontakt sampler. These cover everything from Jazz through to Orchestral and everything in between, World Ethnic, Pop etc. So with the library and all those extra modules and FX, It really is a good deal, outstanding in fact. If you have the budget, I would recommend that you go for it. You will not be disappointed.

I knew that Lieber & Stoller wrote a lot of hits, but just been to Wiki and there are a few there I didn't realise were written by them, or at least collaborations.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1417336820' post='2619167'] http://youtu.be/CpANME0IS0o [/quote] Ah...yer, that's the one....lol....

No, Dion's version of Ruby Baby wasn't the original, but it was the most known. Not sure who recorded the original, although I do remember Bobby Darin doing a version and before that, someone released a version in the 50's.

[quote name='plumbob' timestamp='1417251928' post='2618521'] If your gonna cover a song make it your own , fantastic arrangement this compared to Dion's version Donald at his best [media]http://youtu.be/G187v1HEjqs[/media] [/quote] Agreed. In fact it's a great album all round. Terrific playing from everyone involved, with some really top arranging and lovely harmony structure.

I wouldn't say better, but a cover I like is by Chaka Khan doing 'We Can Work It Out'. Great Intro. Terrific Bass Synth from Greg Phillinganes. http://youtu.be/lfa7NjQx5fk

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1417120306' post='2617315'] Sorry I'm very tempted by a Session Horns + Session Strings combo, which probably suits my needs more than Miroslav (as discussed elsewhere...) I did wonder about the Vienna sounds though... it's not immediately apparent to me which instruments are included with the full Kontakt player.... [/quote] You can download the full Instrument list here. http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/samplers/kontakt-5/library/ If you buy the combo you mentioned, you only get the Kontakt 5 player, which can be limited when buying 3rd party vendor libraries. (there are quite a lot of freebies out there as well, but only work with the full Kontakt version). And there are lots and lots of excellent 3rd party librariesabout at very reasonable prices. Personally I would go for the full Kontakt sampler, the supplied library alone is worth it, and of course bundled in is a VSL collection. Good hunting Ras.

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1417101117' post='2617102'] ...and Native Instruments: [url="http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/special-offer/"]http://www.native-in.../special-offer/[/url] [/quote] Oh dear, I wished I hadn't seen that. Another Debit card bashing coming up..... For anyone who ain't got Kontakt 5 and is considering it, this is a no brainer, I haven't ever seen it as cheap as that. Just under £170 with over 40 gig of great sounds in the library, including about nine gigs of the VSL Orchestral sounds.

Good stuff all round folks, some good tracks. Skol got my vote this month, although I liked Dads Jive take, which was more in line with the picture and very Phil Spector. Close though.

Spacey, I believe there is a thread, although a mix of software and hardware. The more the merrier I suppose....lol... http://basschat.co.uk/topic/249215-black-friday-deals/

Miroslav is great if you are on a budget, and want to get a (very) usable Orchestral mock up together, also good for learning Orchestral techniques and how it all fits together and works. It used to be one of the big boys back in the days, and indeed was quite expensive. But it is hard work trying to get excellent results together and time consuming. The modern day libraries are more advanced with articulations, performance keys, Hall reverbs, and a whole load of other considerations aimed at ease of use. Yes, The Spitfire Audio range is excellent, and as good as it gets. It is more a specialised library, where you build up various sections so it will get very pricey. They do have the 'Albion/Iceni' series which is pretty much a full Orchestra with limited expressions. They are around the £350/£400.(uses Kontakt 5 free player). If you want full on Symphonic and Cinematic High quality sounds with everything catered for, from Choirs through to the Orchestral Instruments and the large percussion drums plus risers/hits, sound design, Keys etc, one of the best out there is 'Essentials' or the new 'Essentials 2' from Project Sam.(Also uses the Kontakt 5 free player). Around £250. Very little mixing required, all the Instrument patches are recorded in their correct panned position and space. The articulations are really good and key switched on the keyboard, so real time performance is pretty easy to get the real human effect. https://www.projectsam.com/Products/Essentials-Series/1446 Demo sounds/Videos. https://www.projectsam.com/Products/Essentials-Series/1446 There is something Similar from Vienna Instruments (VSL), but You will need a Steinberg Key to license it. http://www.vsl.co.at/en/211/261/2064/2067/1751.htm About the same price as above. There are others, but are more expensive. I suppose at the end of the day it depends on what you want to use it for. If you intend unleashing the next big block buster on us all, Miroslav is more than likely not the tool, but if you are on a budget and not short on time when composing, certainly worth considering. I have heard some pretty good end results on Youtube. Proberly worth listening to all the various demos these companies put up, and decide what fits your composing needs and available finances. Edit: I nearly forgot. Another excellent library is East West Symphonic Orchestra, with upgrade paths to their gold and platinum series. Quite cheap, but needs an iLok account. Careful with this one, it seems on various DAW forums that it's own sampler player can cause problems (although not with all it seems). http://www.soundsonline.com/Symphonic-Orchestra Edit 2: And there is more, Cinesamples have their full Orchestra (light)@ $299 until December 2nd. Another winner in the same vein as all above. http://cinesamples.com/product/cinesymphony-lite

Well Guitar players are disposable.

If you want a Cruise gig, something coming up. Good sight reader, and maybe some busking. I believe the Cruises are starting in February 2015. Check it out. [url="https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/carnival/displayjob.aspx?jobid=1318"]https://www.jobtrain...aspx?jobid=1318[/url]

[quote name='MilkyBarKid' timestamp='1416790461' post='2613684'] Seriously - I hope none of you on this thread are complaining about financial cuts in the UK!! [/quote] This concerns me. As a Musician, it's part of the gig to moan and complain about everything. Also, it's in the T&C's when you sign up to Basschat. I like Thomann and have shopped there for a long time. They have a good tracking and delivery thing going on and customer service is up there.

I agree with what Skol has said above about the substitute for the real thing. Of course if you want to get a bunch of Mp3's to sit up a bit more, a great idea because it is free. However, if you want to use Wav files with all the various bit and sample rates, it will start to get pricey. Plus the fact, if you are not quite happy with the final version there is no way of amending/fixing it. You are stuck with it. But at the end of the day, if your stereo mix is good to start with, it would be a good way to get something finished quick. I recently got Ozone 6 (£150), and it has a lot of great starting pre-sets. It's worth trying the 10 day demo with your Wav files. https://www.izotope.com/en/products/mixing-mastering/ozone There is a great mastering PDF from Izotope/Ozone, really worth checking out. No substitute for a good engineer, but an excellent resource if you want to attempt at getting a final presentable master together, and stop yourself getting carried away with pre-sets (like me). http://downloads.izotope.com/guides/iZotopeMasteringGuide_MasteringWithOzone.pdf

The Aldi ad is a bit Syrupy, but most Xmas adverts are. I suppose for JH and the band, just a case of turn up and look cheesy in a Christmas way, or at least get one arm in view. Like or dislike Jools Holland, he has managed to keep a Big Band regularly in TV and Radio broadcast work, yearly tours in the UK and overseas. Annual album releases, all this, consistently over a thirty year period. Personally I take my hat off to him, he has kinda of earned his celeb status. (all in my humble opinion of course).

I don't know about you lot, but I do get stumped sometimes on building a repeating theme/motif/tune. (to much/to little/fill all gaps, is it really finished, nah, I will just add some more, mix goes to pot, start again or bin it) I suppose this is where a good knowledge of orchestrating comes in, or at least being creative, with ideas to build without over exaggerating and getting carried away. I think composer Nick Murray hit the spot with this Disney Trailer for Cinderella. Not the most complex arrangement, but little interchanges going on that seem to really lift the arrangement. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dKj7xD5gec&feature=youtu.be[/media]

I thought it meant an Amp that was the dogs b****x.

Hey Wojtek, Just been over to your Soundcloud and all very listenable. Lovely playing, all very melodic and right on it. Love the Bass sound(s). Great stuff mate.

[quote name='Monckyman' timestamp='1416235523' post='2608138'] I also organise my lot The drummer helps with logistics and planning etc,and is always there for load outs and ins,unlike the singer and guitarist but I; Supply and drive the van, Provide,assemble and operate the P.A, which consists of a Soundcraft SI 1 or 3, into a Bill Fitzmaurice DR250/Titan39 rig with qsc amps,and 4 stereo in ear systems, all mics, D.Is, cables and stands.( and (that's every rehearsal when it needs putting back together after a gig, and every gig after packing it away after a rehearsal,and that's if nothing needs fixing or replacing). Supply, rig, and program the lights with my truss,par cans, scanners, smoke machine and small DMX desk. Create and operate the backing tracks we use, using my Macbook/logic and iPad,in my studio. Record and produce any promotional recordings we need. Manage the band kitty and pay the bills on the rehearsal room, clean and organise the rehearsal room, Manage the sub letting of the room to offset our outgoings and do DIY improvements like shelving curtains chairs, kitchen items , fridge and a microwave. Pay for the web hosting for the website, manage the facebook and Northwestbands accounts. Run the online diary. Oh yes, I play bass and sing as well. And work as a freelance engineer. My lot are lucky, as I operate a small hire company and they get the benefit because for me, it has to look and sound as good as possible, but I also keep telling them that turning up on time and playing their chosen instrument is the minimum they are expected to do, if they want to be part of a reasonably well run and profitable band. So to the OP. don't tolerate laziness from your partners, otherwise you will end up carrying all the responsibilities,make no money and eventually end up destroying the band out of resentment. [/quote] Top, top man, and hats off to you. With that kind of commitment and Organanisation you must be a very busy band.