Apple iMacs receive performance and Intel Thunderbolt upgrade

Again a little late in commenting on the recent update, it looks like Apple successfully integrated the Thunderbolt interface into two of their computer lineups. This update was released shortly after the MacBook Pro upgrade, and offer the same HD FaceTime camera, Quad-core chips, and ultra high speed I/O Thunderbolt.

 

Apple iMacs each receive Quad-core Processors and Intel Thunderbolt

 

Apple held nothing back for all models of the iMac, now each features built-in Thunderbolt and quad core processors. The models now come in 21.5 and 27 inch variants. Ranging from $1200 to $2000, every new iMac packs enough power for pictures, HD movies, and large games. 

 

The iMac has always been intended as an "all-in-one" machine. The addition of Thunderbolt and powerful new quad-core processors give the iMac the necessary power for home studio implementation, of heavy gaming use. The iMacs either feature Quad-core Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, sufficient CPU for any home media purpose, or as a studio computer.

27 in. iMac with two Thunderbolt Ports

 

The AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor features 512 MB of GDDR5 memory (1 GB in the higher-end model). Enough for editing HD video, graphics for modern games, or complex visual simulations. This graphics processors deliver 3x the performance of the previous generation of iMacs (not to mention other PCs).

 

The new HD FaceTime cameras deliver widescreen resolution for both iMac models. Unlike previously, Mac users do not have to compromise video quality for portability with the built in webcam. Apple in setting the standard for high resolution built-in webcams with the latest variant of their isight cameras. This HD video camera deliver up to 720p resolution for video calls (supported on intel-based Macs, and new iPad and iPhones).

21.5 in. iMac with single Intel Thunderbolt port

 

Every iMac comes stock with Thunderbolt connectivity. The 21.5 inch model features a single port, while the 27" sports two Thunderbolt connections. The proper Thunderbolt peripherals are still in development, but this should mean high-speed data transfer for a number of external devices.

 

The iMac has been a great personal computer since its introduction in the nineties. It's nice to see their lineup receive the proper changes to stay up to date with modern technology. With its upgraded processor, and Thunderbolt connectivity this recent update give the iMac every thing it needs to power a home studio, run powerful games, or display HD media.

 

Thunderbolt Peripherals Offer Ulra-Fast I/O For Macs And PC

The fastest I/O (input/output) on the market. Until very recently the tech world was raving about the release of USB 3.0 SuperSpeed. However, a Mac-Intel project codenamed "LightPeak", completely foreshadowed this release with ground breaking speeds, diasy-chain capabilities, and 2 channel data transfer. This means a flux of companies striving to release USB3.0 and Thunderbolt peripherals and devices.

New MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt technology

The definition of high definition continues to expand as companies release newer and better HD products. Until very recently, transferring large amounts of data, visual or audio could eat up hours of time, and essentially incapacitate your PC or Mac. Two channel Thunderbolt intends to solve this issue with high speed dual way 10 Gps connection.

While it seems like Apple inspired FIreWire 400 and 800 are going by the sidelines, this new inventions far outperforms either format. Functioning at 12x the capacity of FIreWire 800, Thunderbolt sets to define professional transfer speed for home and pro use. For professional photographers, home movie makers, or contacting distant relatives, Thunderbolt technology supports realtime editing of uncompressed HD Video.

The everything port - Thunderbolt is not only a data transfer method, its a completely redesigned Mini DisplayPort. Intended as a high-speed universal port, Thunderbolt combines the benefits of USB, FireWire and Mini Display ports. Its meant as a fast I/O that can hand about any peripheral.  Operate Thunderbolt peripherals, use Apple LED Cinema displays, use a converter to connect to HDMI televisions. Incredibly, you may daisy-chain as many as six Thunderbolt peripherals through the port; simultaneous audio, video, and data transfer.

The ingenuity of the Thunderbolt connection technology is its design. Rather than being designed to function as a specific connection port, Tbolt was based on the PCI Express. The idea being that rather than have multiple ports for connecting different devices, a single port that can connect to most computer peripherals. With the correct adapter Thunderbolt is capable of functioning with existing USB and FireWire devices, as well as Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel Networks. It also may handle DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort or even VGA display connections (again with the right adapter), all through one small port.

Review of the Sony CMTBX20i Micro Hi-Fi Shelf System

If your looking for well recommended micro hi-fi component systems for home or computer audio, the Sony CMTBX20i is an excellent choice. This micro hifi system delivers quality playback for movies, music, or radio programs. It includes not only AM/FM and CD player capabilities, but aux-in (for laptops or tv) and iPod docking support. These PC high quality speakers are not too loud to disturb the neighbors, but not too quiet that you would ever want to return them.
The CD tray is one of the best features. It plays factory and burned CDs, but more importantly offers MP3 disc playback (even with ID3 tag support). Despite only having one CD tray, I've never encountered an audio disc incompatible with the micro HiFi stereo.

Sony CMTBX20i Micro Hi-Fi Shelf System
Even if you do lose the remote, all the device's operational features are placed on top. Its essentially three boxes (four if you don't lose the remote), but despite being blocky and a tad boring on the outside the Sony Micro Hi-Fi system offers incredible audio quality. Enough volume for a group of people, but consistent playback for quiet use as well. One of the best desktop speakers for office or small to medium room. The clean audio remain distortion and clipping free even near top volume.
These are some of the best studio quality desktop speakers without going to a pair of studio reference monitors. The micro Hi-Fi shelf system lacks a subwoofer, but its micro component speakers deliver more compensating with high quality frequency response. If your into heavily bass driven music, this is probably not the system for you, but otherwise its a great 2 speaker unit.

Camping Equipment for those on a Budget

Its already the beginning of April, and soon all the wonderful camping site across America will be bustling with tourists. Its easy to get discouraged when interested in taking a camping trip; both by the lack of amenities, and by the amount and prices of camping gear. But rest assured there are many opportunities that make camping much more affordable for anyone.

Tents are not always just tents. Even though they all say tent on the box, some tents last longer, are easier to put up, and more manageable to carry than others. Why waste money on a starter ten, when you could get a reliable one for an affordable price to begin with. Its simply a matter of determining what you want out of a tent, and going on from there. Many companies offer affordable tents that will provide years of use.

Coleman SunDome t 3-Person Tent - Good tent for a Great price

Cooking around the campsite can be as easy as cooking at home. With either a portable stove, or the right campfire worthy cookware, you can be preparing cooked means in no time. Some camp-ware even is worthy of kitchen use. In fact, cast iron cookware, which is more than durable enough for any campfire, will also make any excellent addition to any kitchen (as well as flavor).

Camping only has to be an expensive thing if you want it be. It is still very easy to go on a wilderness endeavor (long or short) without having to invest a large amount of capital. If your looking for a cheap vacation, or are a serious hiker/camper getting good deals on camping gear is always a plus 

 

 

 

Studio Audio Reference Monitors - High Quality Recording Equipment for Mac or PC

If your looking to start you own home recording studio for Mac or PC nothing beats having a good pair of studio reference monitors. These high quality speakers are designed to bring out the subtle qualities of any music and are ideal for focusing on minute details while mixing. Unlike common speakers, reference monitors deliver clear audio across the entire frequency spectrum. Good studio monitors will provide this clear audio quality at any volume, or place in the room.

M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Powered Speakers

There are essentially two variants of studio monitors, power and unpowered speakers. Basically powered monitor are the same as unpowered, except with an amp built in. Unpowered speaker sometime function passively (without amplification) but usually one is required to provide an amplifier for such speakers. Honestly, active monitors have a couple of advantages over passive speakers. Namely, powered monitors have built in power amps designed to work with the drivers, and generally are made to provide the most optimal audio performance. Unpowered speakers sometimes do not deliver such audio quality. Bi-amplification further refines the concept by dedicating separate power amps to the highs and lows. Combined with a finely tuned crossover, this design insures that both the high- and low-frequency drivers are asked to deliver only the frequencies they are most efficient at reproducing. Most high performance monitors will come with bi-amplification (possibly more though).

Reference monitors are designed to deliver true audio quality (not adding or detracting from studio recordings). This means crystal clear sound for focusing on the minutest of textures (sometimes a good or bad thing). Due to the high resolution performance of studio reference monitors they are the ideal multi-channel mixing in any studio environment. These type speakers are intended for critical listening applications, other bookshelf home stereos and even the best desktop speakers simply don't cut it when it comes to mastering applications. The dynamic ranges and bass response of studio quality speakers or studio-headphones simply deliver much realistic sounding audio. While they come at a significantly more substantial price, the added precision in mastering will more than compensate. Audio engineers and producers all choose either studio quality headphones or reference monitors in order to get the desired audio fidelity. 

Alesis M1 Active Studio Monitor Pair

Most reference monitors will have at least two speakers. Well, in reality it has one high resolution tweeter and a specially designed woofer. A good pair will be design to provide a broad listening zone, and not focus the stereo on one spot. This means multiple listeners can achieve and ideal perspective of the stereo image throughout the listening room. A set of great reference monitors will avoid causing significant ear fatigue after hour of use, granting hours of listening without providing annoying treble or invasive bass. Some monitors feature magnetic shielding to eliminate buzz and interference that can exist with other electronics. Shielding reduces the effects monitors have on computer monitors and reduces buzz. 

As stated, if you have interests in creating your own music recording studio, a good pair of studio reference monitors is a necessity. Whether its your collection of recording equipment for Mac or PC you would wish to add to, monitors will deliver the high quality performance for true professional quality mastering.  

Sound Recording Software for OSX - The Basics

Recording audio takes a combination of gear and software. Like anything, there's a great deal of different options available. If your only starting out its probably best to stick with something rudimentary as possible.  That is not to say you do not want to go with a DAW (digital audio workstation) of some sort; just simply that you may wish to take an intermediate step before investing time and effort into highly professional and specific software such as Steinberg's Nuendo. Audio software is a quintessential part of creating your own apple music studio, without it none of the necessary Mac recording accessories will function with your computer.

The layout and engineering of most DAWs follows a similar theme: a tracking screen (with pict files of active tracks), a mixing environment (possibly a second screen), and some sort of effects/plugins display. Some audio recording software features additional beat making and sample options. However, this is not a feature, or the focus of some major DAWs. That being said, once one becomes accustomed to one piece of PC audio recording software for Mac, it becomes much easier to use other such music software.

Logic Express - condensed version of Apple's DAW

Recording and Mac recording studios take a fair amount of practice to get acquainted with. While it may seem pretty drag and drop/plug and play, the details of creating a finished product develop over time. Not only does ones ear become more accustomed to tuning in, effects become more recognizable (and usually controllable). If you start out with the very best of the best for recording software, you may find the environment too foreign to manipulate. Commonly the diverse effects, various menus, and overall vastness of professional recording applications make then difficult to comprehend and use. If you have had this problem you should not be disgruntled, as it is only the natural response. Given a short amount of research, or work with a simpler DAW, one can achieve great success in learning how to use recording software. As these steps become more comfortable, one may want to upgrade to a more professional software.

Keep it simple and then work up. As mentioned, it is probably easiest to start with a simple editing and mixing application and working up to the best channel mixer software for Mac. This being said, there are still many applications to choose from. If you already have your own Mac, you may want to begin with GarageBand (included with iLife). Usually it comes free with your Apple computer, and it provides a tastes of what sound studio recording apps have to offer. You may not want to consider mixing an entire orchestra from the ol' Garage Band, but you certainly could take care of your first demo album, podcast, or home soundtrack.


If you wish to begin with a more professional environment, it is simply a matter of deciding which direction you would like to CONTINUE to go. That is to say, many professional sound recording softwares feature beginner and professional level of their software; and while the introductory models may not feature the effects or quality of its professional counterpart, they do provide the a familiar and workable environment to assist in later mastering the pro level apps. Take Apple's Logic for example; it features two grades for either home or studio recording. While the Express version may lack some of the features of the Studio counterpart, it certainly provides an excellent recording environment for most intermediate recordist and producers.

Logic Studio - Pro grade Mac recording software

Pro Tools (considered the industry standard) is another example. It too features and introductory LE & M-Powered variant as well as a standard and HD version. The drawback being reduced features and track numbers for the less professional version (the biggest of which being individual track mode). While the lower models may to some hits in the features category, they still provide excellent experience for mastering the HD version. As Pro Tools 9 HD has some many different capabilities it can be found very confusing upon first use.

Needless to say (type), the list could continue with the majority of professional sound recording software for Apple Mac. It is best to summarize by saying be cautious when looking for recording studio software; as easy as it is to buy an ineffective one, it is to buy a too-effective one (at least for the moment). If you feel there is a particular application you like, buy the introductory version; if you like it and would like an upgrade, most companies feature some sorta upgrade version (usually for not too terrible a price).  In which case, it your question is one of music recording equipment for Mac.

Desktop Speakers for Mac and PC

Many of us have personal computers, unfortunately, many of us too have internal computer speakers that are a little lacking (to say the least). There are hundreds, if not thousands of computer speaker systems available for consumer selection. Unfortunately, many of these products also can be found as lacking as the built-in ones. While high quality desktop speakers are available for both Mac and PC; it is often hard to determine actual audio fidelity or dependability based on pictures or price.

It really depends on what you want out of your computer audio. Not everyone requires 90 decibels and a subwoofer in their office, but then again some would like a 5.1 digital surround sound system for their PC and movies.

JBL Duet II - Compact High Performance Speakers

If you have a laptop you might be interested in a set of small computer speakers. There exist many options for laptop audio; portable usb speakers, 2 speaker systems, and rechargeable units are all convenient choices for laptop use. This division of speakers may not provide the greatest audio quality, but they will fit on your desk, be significantly louder than your preinstalled hardware, and often times accommodate auxiliary input. If you simply seek economical computer speakers, a small and affordable set could be the best choice.

With a desktop computer you would probably be much more satisfied with a larger unit. Some companies offer office sized systems with subwoofers optimized for desk use. Unlike a convention household stereos, manufacturers focus on minimizing the amount of desk space required, while maximizing playback quality. Mac users may only make use of stereo systems, however, PC users may experience true digital surround sound. This provides full 5 speakers system audio for gaming, music, movies, and any other media compatible with the 5.1 surround-sound system.

As mentioned, it really depends on what you are looking for. Opinions vary largely on what are the best desktop speakers for Mac or PC. Generally, a set of speakers from a reputable manufacturer will deliver satisfactory results. That being said, it still can be quite difficult to find the exact set of speakers needed. If you are interested in more information about speakers, including reviews and recommendations for home audio systems, more information can be found at http://desktop-speakers.com.

Mac Music Recording and Production Equipment

Looking to start recording your own podcast, album or soundtrack with a DIY Apple based home sound studio?

Today, home recording is easier than it has ever been before (especially when using a Mac). Unlike prior digital storage methods, current virtual sound recording can deliver high quality digital audio without significant interference or loss. Whereas digital once was seen as a step down from traditional methods, it is becoming a standard in most recording studios. While the mixers, microphones and software platforms used in many professional studios end up negating the cost advantage of digital audio; nearly anyone can obtain the basics for beginning recording on a Mac.

There are really only two necessary components to beginning recording:
First is sound recording gear; the microphones, FireWire or USB audio interfaces, digital recording consoles, headsets, and any other necessary requirements for software based audio recording. There are many brands available (Mackie, Alesis, M-Audio, Presonus, or Blue - to mention a few). With the availability of products online, it only takes a few days to obtain your own Mac compatible microphone and equipment for recording. When looking at potential music equipment it is always best to consider whether the device will function with your Mac. Unfortunately, many companies remain very proprietary in their audio units compatibility. The first consideration is always whether or not it will function with Mac, the next is whether it will function with the software platform your using. Making sure a device is compatible with multiple suites ensures your gear will function with later software.

The second essential component is the Mac recording software. Luckily for most Macintosh users, the computer comes stocked with some good, basic audio software for recording. While GarageBand does not quite have the plugins or audio quality of apps like Pro Tools or Nuendo, it still packs a decent recording environment. For anyone recording their first album, or an ongoing podcaster, GarageBand can provide an adequate mixing and recording console. With its multi-tracking capabilities, built-in audio plugins, and significant system integration; the recording software is a great introduction to the digital recording world. In the end, if its features are a little lacking, you can always upgrade to a higher performing app.

Regardless to say, recording is hardly the restricted field it once was. While it still requires a small sum to begin any home studio endeavor; it still is possible for anyone with enough ambition, and research to begin their own recording projects. If you are looking to start recording either podcasts, music, or any other audio, creation of a home studio should be a serious consideration.

LightScribe for Mac - Easy Disc Labeling

This is intended to help anyone who has ever asked "How do I engrave a custom DVD label?"
One answer is a Mac compatible LightScribe drive (assuming you are already using an Apple). Using a LightScribe burner for Mac, you can go from never having printed a label, to etching custom disc labels within a half hour. And unlike other CD printing methods, LightScribe requires no additional purchase after the initial LightScribe drive (and continuous supply of discs).

Until recently, buying and printing custom disc graphics could be tedious or pricey. Conventional press-on methods required continuous effort; and ran the risk of potentially becoming lodged in some slot loading optical drives. CD/DVD capable inkjet printers do provide quality results, but demand a large quantity of ink or toner. Not only that, without a high quality printer, the results of inkjet labeling tend to be a little lacking.

Recently, a developer ad Hewlett-Packard (Daryl Anderson) stumbled upon the idea of chemically coating the upper sides of CDs or DVDs in order to engrave custom disc images. The imaging and optical storage divisions at HP then brought this technology to life in a line of external disc burners (2004). Labeled "LightScribe," the technology uses an infrared laser to alter the color of a reactive dye coating the disc. This functions much in the same way as CD burning; the disc spins in concentric circles, while the laser etches an image from the center to the outside.

The only con of the device is that it will only provide a greyscale image. Unfortunately, while the laser may be able to alter the pigmentation; it really can only darken and lighten. This is not to say it will provide an unsatisfactory graphic by any means. While it lacks color, LightScribe provides laser precision for any text or graphics. And since the introduction of color LightScribe discs, Apple users may choose from 5 different colors (along with the original sepia or white).

At the moment, if you want to add a LightScribe drive for Mac disc burning and etching, you have to do so externally (as Apple does not provided internal LightScribe disc drives). This is done by obtaining a compatible LightScribe burner for Mac (along with the correct software for labeling CDs and DVDs compatible with Apple). After the purchase of the drive (along with the coated discs), your set to start burning your own laser engraved fonts and images onto CDs.

New Mac Computer Technology For 2011

MacWorld Expo 2011 - And the CES - Consumer Electronics show are just a few weeks off. We'll soon find out what Apple's got up its sleeve for the year ahead ( I hope it's support for Mac USB 3.0 - but we'll see...)

I also think Solid-State hard disk drive storage is going to rapidly become the de-facto hard disk any sane person won't want to settle for less.

HP is developing insanely great printing technology (Epson is a has-been) especially their latest touch-screen models with AirPrint support that folks who want to print from iPad just love.


And as for the Mac compatible audio recording and sound studio scene.. well, more on that next post.