Gear Requirements and Recommendations
In order to be independent and professional, you need to have the following gear:
- MacBook Pro Laptop
- Audio Interface
- Microphone(s)
- Foot switch/Pedal board
- NanoKontrol
- Cables
- Headphones
Below you can find a list of options I recommend.
Success! Jorge Isaac
WHERE TO BUY HARDWARE
Online stores such as http://www.bax-shop.nl, http://www.thomann.de and https://www.musicstore.de offer good service and quick delivery.
SOFTWARE
The software you will use the most:
MaxMSP https://cycling74.com
Liability Insurance
All students of the Recorder Department must have a valid liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering). Whilst staying in the Netherlands, it is mandatory anyway. You are responsible for the damage you may cause to other people’s property/equipment (!) and, as we all know, accidents can happen.
Equipment Recommendations
1. Audio Interface (Sound card)
There are many different types of audio interfaces available. Based on our experience I recommend MOTU interfaces - they are a little more expensive but they are very reliable and have excellent software drivers.
MOTU UltraLite MkIII Hybrid (EUR. 599)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/motu_ultralite_mkiii_hybrid.htm
MOTU 4 Pre Hybrid (EUR. 525)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/motu_4_pre.htm
MOTU Audio Express (EUR. 525)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/motu_audio_express.htm
- the MOTU Audio Express has an extra footswitch input which is very useful!
MOTU MicroBook IIc (EUR. 265)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/motu_microbook_iic.htm
Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (EUR. 229)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/focusrite_scarlett_6i6.htm
2. Foot Pedal
While performing with electronics you will often need to change settings in your software. Since your hands are busy playing your instrument, a footswitch can be very useful.
Single Foot Switch Pedal (EUR. 8)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Single-Switch-Control-Keyboard-Plastic/dp/B00GS1HZIU
Multiple Foot Pedal (EUR. 47)
https://azerty.nl/0-779-450637/scythe-usb-foot-switch-2-triple-voetschakelaar-3-knoppen-met-bekabeling.html
MIDI foot pedal (Switches & Continuous Controller EUR. 149)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/behringer_fcb_1010.htm
Source Audio Reflex Universal Expression (EUR. 259)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/source_audio_reflex_universal_expression.htm
Soft step (EUR. 277)
Keith McMillen 12 Step
http://www.thomann.de/nl/keith_mcmillen_12_step.htm
3. Microphone(s)
Depends on your needs. Ask for advice. DPA or AKG are very good options.
Supecardioid mike (DPA 4099): http://www.thomann.de/nl/dpa_dvote_4099_universal.htm?ref=search_rslt_dpa+4099_289908_3
Cardioid head-set (DPA d:fine Dual Direct Tan):
http://www.thomann.de/nl/dpa_dfine_dual_earset_direct_tan.htm?ref=search_rslt_d%3Afine_313985_1
Earset Ominidirectional:
http://www.thomann.de/nl/dpa_dfine_earset_omni_tan.htm?ref=search_rslt_d%3Afine_272016_3
4. USB Controller
The computer mouse or laptop trackpad are not very useful for changing musical parameters in your software. A controller with sliders or knobs is much better.
Korg NanoKontrol 2 USB MIDI (EUR. 45)
http://www.bax-shop.nl/midi-studio-controllers/korg-nanokontrol-2-usb-midi-studio-controller-zwart
http://www.thomann.de/nl/korg_nanokontrol_2_white.htm
DJ Techtools Midi Fighter Twister (EUR. 229)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/dj_techtools_midi_fighter_twister_black.htm
5. Cables
Good cables are an absolutely essential part of your instrument. Buy good cables and take good care of them! Most audio interfaces have balanced jack outputs, which need to go to an XLR connection. I recommend that you use jack–>XLR CABLES for this and NOT adapter plugs.
(2x) Jack balanced-XLR male; EUR. 5,5 p/p
http://www.bax-shop.nl/xlr-jack/procab-cab724-xlr-male-jack-6.3mm-male-stereo-1.50-meter/product-details.html
(4x) Jack-Jack; EUR. 4 p/p
http://www.thomann.de/nl/the_sssnake_sk3613_kabel.htm
http://www.bax-shop.nl/jack-kabels/devine-jacm-3-signaalkabel-mono-jack-jack-3-meter
(1x) Minijack-2x Jack male; EUR. 3,50
http://www.bax-shop.nl/jack-jack/dap-fl313-verloopkabel-stereo-mini-jack-2x-jack-3-meter
(2x) XLR male-XLR female; EUR. 8,50 p/p
http://www.thomann.de/nl/the_sssnake_sk233-6_mikrokabel.htm
http://www.bax-shop.nl/microfoon/signaal-kabels/procab-cab901-xlr-male-xlr-female-3.00-meter/product-details.html
(1x) MIDI; EUR. 5
http://www.bax-shop.nl/midi-kabel/roland-msc-25-midi-kabel
6. Headphones
Often you will need to practice without disturbing the people around you. Good headphones are very important - do not use cheap in-ear headphones for this! You will ruin your ears!
AKG K-72 (EUR. 49)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/akg_k_72.htm
AKG K-92 (EUR. 66)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/akg_k_92.htm
AKG K-141 (EUR. 88)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/akg_k141_mkii.htm
AKG K-451 (EUR. 53)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/akg_k_451.htm
Vic Firth isolation headphones SIH 1 (EUR. 85)
http://www.thomann.de/nl/vic_firth_sih1_kopfhoerer.htm
7. Power
Power distributor with switch (EUR. 8)
http://www.bax-shop.nl/230v-stroomverdeler/brennenstuhl-eco-line-powerverdeler-6-voudig-met-schakelaar |
