Here is a quick look at my current guitar setup. The previous system was built around a Roland GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer: a great gadget, but quite complex. So after selling it on Craigslist, as well as a few other items, I started building my new rig around my laptop. Here is the plan for this unending work in progress.
I’m really digging the Souuus i2M Musicport. It is pricy ($150) compared to some USB guitar inputs. That is, until you consider the added functionality. Not only is it a clean analogue audio input (for guitar or bass), but it also does fast tone detection onboard to output MIDI. The MIDI is monophonic, so don’t expect it to do chords or individual string detection like a Roland GR-55 setup, but for synth leads or sax solos it’s awesome.
The i2M comes with software for customizing the device to your needs, but operates independently of software. So you can use it on a computer as well as an iPad. Makes a perfect choice for iPad Garage Band since you can feed the guitar amps the analog signal and send MIDI to the keyboards, drums and other instruments. Coolest feature – the SONUUS logo lights up (green or red) and flashes to indicate mode and clipping.
The 6th gen iPod Nano replacement arrived today. It is a very slick piece of tech, superior in every way to my old, scratched up, non-functioning 1st gen model. But I still miss that old guy.
To me, the older Nano represents an exciting technology time period. While iPods had been around for a few years, they still felt like an amazing achievement. Those were the days when carrying around a large music library in your pocket still felt special. These days, while still awesome, it just feels ubiquitous.
The good news is that Apple informed me today that a 6th generation iPod Nano is winging it’s way to my door. The bad news is the same.
Thanks for the new gear Apple. I will miss my old classic 1st gen iPod. Please take good care of it.
With all the talk today of 6th generation iPod Nanos showing up as recall replacements for 1st gen models, I called Apple to ask about my pending shipment. During my conversation with the AppleCare rep I was amazed to hear …
“Apple put the 1st generation iPod back into manufacture.”
It seems hard to believe that Apple could fire up a production line for a six-year old device. When the rep told me this, I re-asked the question two more times to preclude the possibility of misunderstanding. He assured me that Apple re-manufactured (not just refurbished) units to meet the needs of the Nano recall.
“It’s a customer satisfaction thing. People have accessories, arm bands and such, for this model and would not be happy to have to re-buy those items.”
– AppleCare Representative
He went on to remind me however that the terms of the replacement offer state that Apple can replace the unit with either the same unit or one with identical, or better, features.
I told the Apple rep that most people would not complain over receiving newer device as a replacement – had the 1st gen Nano not been so cool. I have a particular fondness for my scratched-up original – so much so that it was difficult to part with.
One never knows if these friendly front-line Apple reps have been provided with accurate or up-to-date information. As of today, it is still a suspenseful mystery as to what Nano may show up at ones door, and when it may arrive. I for one will be keeping a watchful eye out for UPS.
I spoke with Apple today regarding the iPod Nano replacement (it’s not a recall, it’s a replacement.) I sent my Nano to Apple about three weeks ago in a shipping box they provided. The friendly Apple rep told me they were running about a six week turn around on nano replacements. Having not anticipated so many returns, they had run out of shipping boxes. He apologized profusely for the delay.
Funny that Apple easily has a stockpile of seven-year-old, first-generation iPod Nanos to give out, but the difficult part is cardboard boxes. Are they not just recycling the boxes they sent out? I should know in another three weeks.
In a maze of phone camera apps, Paper Camera stands out as a fun image processor. Given the right source material, it can create impressive images with a hand drawn look. For the “drawing” above. I started with a 3D render (by Preston Brousard) from a video we are currently producing. This image processed particularly well with Paper Cameras Sketch Up (above) and Gotham Noir settings.
Other presents include Comic Boom, Half Ton and Old Printer. Slider controls allow you to adjust contrast, brightness and line weight. Check out the original image and a few others in the gallery below.
Interesting that Paper Camera does it’s image processing in real time, so you can see the image effect live displayed in the camera preview. This app is a bargain at 99¢ for iPhone and still a steal at twice the price on Android.
Spacial thanks to producer, director Gary Hayes for turning me on to this app.
Last night I had dinner with Eddie, my friend of many years. If our dinner conversation had been a podcast, these would be the show notes:
Jonathan Frakes joins the cast of Beckinfield and the $10,000 contest at Theatrics (see the video above)
Learning jazz guitar on iPad
A recent study on how doorways effect short term memory
Faster than light particles and dorky jokes about them.
The South Park episode
about George Lucas titled Free Hat
I used to live in a room full of mirrors; all I could see was me. I take my spirit and I crash my mirrors, now the whole world is here for me to see.
– Jimi Hendrix
My daughter has talked for years about wanting her first car to be painted in a zebra pattern. Today she saw her dream car.
The return addressed box arrived today. Nice job on the return instructions, and the custom fitted foam.
