Controlling Your DAW Remotely - Cost effective and efficient way to mix in a box

June 19, 2016 by Fu Yongwei in audio

Mixing in the box is a very common practice by many individuals nowadays due the many merits it can provide. The more common influencing factors are the overall cost of owning a system to produce music and the convenience of a fully functioning system in terms of portability. Many Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) have the capabilities and essential tools (e.g. plug-ins) included in their package for the users to go crazy with their music projects without much limitation. In today's day and age, it is almost impossible to avoid working solely in the box, as this practice is ubiquitous in the industry.

Generally speaking, mixing in the box is mostly the operations of a computer mouse (e.g. to navigate and adjust parameters) and some trigger of hotkeys/shortcuts on the keyboard (e.g. add tracks or switching editing tools) in its simplest form. This setup alone is sufficient for users to power through any projects without much trouble. However, many users would favour some form of control interface to help improve their user experiences and efficiency.

Mixing is a form of creative arts where many individuals would prefer some form of tactile feedback when they are working on their project. This is something that a setup with a mouse and keyboard would not be able to accomplish. Personally for most of my studio work, I primarily mix in the box, as I often have to travel on-site for recording. Having a dedicated control surface such as the Avid Artist Mix or Presonus Fader Port would be a bonus, which not many will be willing to invest when they are starting out due to the extra cost (e.g. Artist Mix retails around $1700 SGD).

Something that might interest you would be a DAW remote app that allows you to navigate and control your workstation through an electronic touch device. In my case, I am using Neyrincks V Control Pro and Avid Pro Tools Control for remote accessibility through an iPad. The Avid Pro Tools (PT) Control was only introduced in late 2015 and will only work with Avid Pro Tools. On the other hand, the V Control Pro has support for a wealth of DAWs, from Logic to Cubase to Reaper. It even has control support for video editing software such as Final Cut (up to version 7) and Premiere Pro. The main cost difference between these two applications will be that PT Control is free while V Control Pro would cost around $149 SGD.

Left: Neyrincks V Control Pro graphical user interface
Right: Avid Pro Tools Control graphical user interface

Both applications would require the devices to be on the same network and drivers (V-Control Pro for V Control and EuControl for Pro Tools Control) to be installed on the respective computer to allow communications between the app and DAW. Additional settings would have to be made in the DAW software for the remote surface to be configured with the workstation itself (with relative ease; both instruction guides are simple to follow).

The applications have a different school of thoughts when it comes to inserts parameters control. I personally prefer the V Control interface as the app will display a live view of the insert (plug-ins) I am adjusting while the PT control only displays the parameters values and sliders. As compared to a physical interface, a touch screen interface does not provide any tactile feedback for me to navigate the app without looking at it. Hence, I often find myself changing the values of my inserts on the V Control as it provides the necessary visual support for me to adjust my plug-in without the need to glance at my computer screen occasionally.

Left: Pro Tools Control Insert Parameter Adjustment (Waves REQ 6)
Right: V Control Insert Parameter Adjustment (Waves C4)

A remote control surface application, such as the PT control or V Control Pro, has some viable benefits for users to integrate it into their existing system without much cost incurred (given that most of us own a smartphone or tablet). In my own experiences when I am mixing in the box, I often utilise the fader control for automation and level balancing purposes. A mixture of operating with a mouse/keyboard and a remote surface app has proved to be versatile and efficient. Users should experiment the with both interfaces and pick what works best for different scenarios to improve efficiency and overall user experience.

YWFU

*If you are interested in a more in-depth review of the specific remote app (either PT control or V Control Pro) do let me know and I would be happy to share my experiences with you.

Pepperdecks DJOCLATE Pocket Size Mixing Console - Simple Device, Many Possibilities

June 16, 2016 by Fu Yongwei in audio, tech

I was introduced to a rather interesting audio product recently — passive pocket-size 2 stereo channels mixing console. This product is being marketed to the partygoers or budding DJ enthusiasts who wish to have the capability to cross-mix two stereo audio sources into one stereo output (e.g. L-R configuration sound system).

At first glance, the design of the device is intuitive, as there was not much variety of control options other than the level controls (volume faders) and bass kill switch (high pass filter). That being said, the controls are adequate as it simple enough for a consumer to mix between two audio sources easily without additional fuss. Furthermore, the device does not require any external power source such as a battery or wall plug. This passive characteristic allows the user to carry the unit anywhere and mixes audio anytime.

Pepperdecks DJOCLATE, passive pocket size mixing console (2 stereo channels)

3.5mm (headphone) connectors are used for interfacing the device with both its input and output sources. This allows the unit to be versatile enough to work with any audio device such as a Smartphone or a portable media player (e.g. iPod) that has a 3.5mm output. Do take note that with the onboard 3.5mm output, the DJOCLATE is sending an unbalanced signal to your audio system, thus, it is not advisable to have a long cable distance (more than 5m) between both devices.

Although the product is primarily being promoted to mostly partygoers and DJs, I have used the DJOCLATE in other applications that might be a little more creative. I was mixing audio for a conference a few weeks ago where there were multiple video cues for audio to be play through the system. In some circumstances, a small footprint mixer (e.g. Soundcraft Signature 10) can be deployed for the video operator to control the audio parameters precisely (e.g. fade time and audio level). In this scenario, the DJOCLATE is able to execute the cross-mixing task perfectly, as it allows video operators to have control of the audio while not taking up too much console real estate space and incurring a high cost on equipment.

Included in the package: Pepperdeck DJOCLATE, soft carry pouch and 3.5mm cable x 2

Similar to any other products, the DJOCLATE does have its own limitations. As compared to a full-fledged mixing console, the DJOCLATE does not have a head amp (gain) control, hence, it does not allow users to monitor and normalise signal levels transmitted to the main audio console. Nevertheless, that can be rectified by checking the PFL (Pre Fader Level) signal on the main console.

In addition, if the playback location is far away from the main audio console, an isolating transformer (e.g. D'San LSP-2) can always be used to convert unbalanced to balanced signal to help cope with the cable distance. If an improvement can be made into the DJOCLATE, I would favour a set of ground-lift switches that can be triggered when common electronic noises are (e.g. hum or buzz) induced in the circuit.

Pepperdecks DJOLCATE is a unique product that provides a cross-mixing solution for users to have some essential controls on their audio sources. The small footprint and passive design of the product have allowed consumers to integrate this product anywhere (e.g. home theatre for seamlessly switching between sources) at a low cost (~70 SGD).

YWFU

New update: If you are interested in purchasing a Pepperdecks DJOCLATE, you can purchase it through this link (Singapore user only).

V-Moda Fader VIP Earplug - Reasonably priced, an investment for your ears

June 09, 2016 by Fu Yongwei in audio, EDC

I first adopted the habit of wearing earplugs when I started working in the technical production field as I can be exposed to loud noises (e.g. setting up of trusses) from time to time. Although the general noise produced during setup or show is not considered deafening, I was not able to get used to some particular noise (especially loud sonorous noise) no matter how hard I try.

Essentially, earplugs are used by individuals as a device inserted into the user's ear canal to protect the ear from loud noises. It is a simple device that works on isolating the ear from the outside environment and can be either disposable or reusable. Personally, I carry at least a pair of earplugs whenever I am attending a show or at work, just so that I can always have the option of having ear protection when needed.

Silicon type earplug (3M), one of the most common earplug that you can get it cheaply

Earplugs are widely available for the consumer to purchase, from the silicon type that is usually disposable to the flanged type that is meant to be reused. Earplugs have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) that states the amount of attenuation it provides. NRR performances can also be affected if the earplug is not being applied as designed, hence, always check the application guide to the product, or else the plugs might not even deliver any significant noise attenuation.

Flanged type reusable earplug (3M) with carrying case, not really suitable for music listening though

When I first tried out the V-Moda Faders VIP earplug, I was intrigued by the product's ability to preserve sound clarity after an attenuation of 12dB in sound levels. Before that, earplugs I have tested on have always produced a muffled sound after being worn and has caused inconvenience as I often find myself removing the earplugs just to hear my colleagues clearly.

From my perspective, in order to justify the additional cost of the V-Moda earplugs ($20 USD), it must satisfy a few of requirements:

It must be able to provide an adequate amount of NRR while retaining sound intelligibility so that I can wear them while talking to my colleagues in a loud environment.
The earplugs must be carried around easily.
I prefer a flanged type earplug as compared to the generic one where you would have to hand-roll the plug and wait for it to expand to fit the ear.

The various V-Moda Faders VIP I owned throughout the years

As mentioned above, the Faders VIP earplug is able to retain sound clarity much better than its other counterparts as it utilises a multi-diaphragm filter design to attenuate different bands of frequencies evenly. This evenly tuned characteristic allows the earplug to be appropriate for music listening as it provides a better sound representation than others. In my own experience, I was able to observe a more distinct difference between the V-Moda Faders and other flanged earplugs (e.g. 3M) at louder SPL (sound pressure level).

A carrying case is included in every package when you purchased it. This small little case is sufficient to store your earplugs and a detachable cord, which is a nice bonus. One of the reasons why I would prefer a flanged earplug is due to the ease of use as I can always hang them around my neck when not in use. Although some silicon earplugs might be able to provide a higher level of NRR, the 12dB reduction from the V-Moda is often sufficient for most live sound scenarios (e.g. 100dB – 12dB = 88dB, 4 hours of maximum daily exposure time, NIOSH Standard).

V-Moda Fader VIP, case and detachable cord included

The V-Moda is attractively priced at $20 USD for a reusable and tuned earplug solution. The device does not require any additional external power source as it passive, thus, you do not need to worry about any scenarios where the unit will not operate due to a power outage. After using the earplugs for almost four years, the V-Moda Faders VIP is hard to beat for its rugged enclosure design and an attractive price point.

YWFU