SPECTOR® Club - Part 45

[anton72]

So I guess this makes me a Tone Pump apologist?

Me too!!!

Right you are, Smadder. Very good post. I realized how good Tone Pump is when I compared it to my recently obtained NS-2 with Haz. Yes I know that Haz makes "that" growl and brass bridge provides "that" sustain and all that bla bla bla about US Spectors that has already been told by all Spector lovers. Yes I share this myself and absolutely love my Kramer NS-2, but one amazing thing I noticed about my Euros after I compared them with my NS-2: I still like the way they feel and sound. TonePump gets as close to Haz as possible and even adds some dirt and grind that many people are after. Before I got my NS-2 I used to think that I'd sell my Euros right after I put my hand on NS-2...I was wrong. I decided to keep both PJ and double-TWs because they both sound and feel like nothing else I played before. They are completely different but I really dig them both. That's my 2cents to TP and Euros

 

[bunkaroo]

I had the same problem running protools on XP... the best(easiest) home recording I've used was garage band on a mac.... very easy to use... I've given up on home recording, since my mac died lol

In my experience PT + PC equals nothing but headaches. You're dealing with software that was built for Mac OS and ported to Windows.

I've been with Sonar for a decade now - as far as I know it's the biggest and most stable DAW software engineered specifically for Windows. Reaper is a decent free alternative for sure.

 

[delucajohn2000]

Fellow Spectorians... I know this is a bit off-topic but I know a lot of people here record clips on their home computers.

Today I got a digidesign Mbox 2 Mini for recording on my home computer, but the included ProTools LE 7 is a no-go, the program crashes my entire computer when i first run the program, and I've tried many fixes and re-installs to no avail.

Is there any alternative to protools that I can use? I don't need anything super fancy, but I want to be able to put multiple recorded tracks into one mp3 file, as well as some EQing and mixing and mastering, but I don't need anything crazy like effects or samples and all that jazz.

Do I have any options other than finding some miracle cure for Pro Tools?

The opposite. It is a PC, using my home computer, not a dedicated recording machine. I installed it on my XP computer instead of my Windows 7 laptop because the install CD was for XP. Protools gave me my first Blue Screen of Death in something like 10 years, I haven't had a system crash in so long I forgot how frustrating it was back in the early days of Windows.

I had the same problem running protools on XP... the best(easiest) home recording I've used was garage band on a mac.... very easy to use... I've given up on home recording, since my mac died lol

In my experience PT + PC equals nothing but headaches. You're dealing with software that was built for Mac OS and ported to Windows.

I've been with Sonar for a decade now - as far as I know it's the biggest and most stable DAW software engineered specifically for Windows. Reaper is a decent free alternative for sure.

Do you have an iPad by chance? If you do, Garageband and Amplitube are really good programs and are both very easy to do recordings with.

Like Bunkaroo mentions, ProTools on a PC is a nightmare which I experienced first hand when I got my M-Audio Fast Track USB sound card. I then tried it on my Macbook with Garageband and couldn't believe how easy it was to get working but since you don't have a Mac, that isn't an option for you. If you have an iPad though, there are definitely options as well that tend to work really well.

One thing I noticed on the PC is, if you are not going to use it for pretty much a dedicated recording device, it will make things even worse. You start installing things like games and the video drivers will wreak havoc on the system.

 

[PhatBasstard]

Well, Hipshot got back to me. Here was their response:

Thank you for your question about our Bass Xtenders.

You actually have the correct model. Because we covert the tenders from a Schaller M4 Mini bass tuner, the string post will actually be shorter by the thickness of the base and swivel plate.

We do not offer along string post for the Schaller bass tuner mainly due to the diameter of the string post. We have had the string post shear on some of the posts that we have extended in the past and for this reason we no longer offer this option.

Unfortunately their physics, or understanding of it, it a little off...or an excuse is being made. Either way, this was my response:

Thanks for the reply Bill,
The only problem I have with it is the science/physics are a little off.

If the tuning post was somehow naked (totally exposed), it would be true that any lengthening would cause the stress/sheer factor to go up exponentially with lengthening. However, when mounted, the only stress/sheer force that is going to be placed on the post is that length which is above the plane of the front of the headstock. Anything below it it obviously protected from this as it is encased/supported in the headstock wood/material itself. Thus, lengthening the tuning post, enough to make up for the amount reduced by the base and swivel plate of the Xtender mount, will not increase the stress/sheer effect by any more than is placed on the other regular tuning posts because the same length of post is exposed above the plane of the headstock front.

I've had many Xtenders over the years that did not (as they shouldn't) have this issue. Only this most recent one and the GB7 version years ago for my Cirrus (I believe it was "Jason" who fixed this for me, who seemed surprised that it even was short), which is a head scratcher.

Proper physics says this "sheering" is a non-issue when mounted for the reasons stated above. I believe this should be looked into because, as it sits, this device is not a perfect replacement for the tuner(s) it is listed as being.

Does it work? Yes. Does it look silly/distracting that the post is significantly shorter than the others it supposedly "matches"? Absolutely!
Like putting a Chrome tuner on with a set of Gold ones.

Nothing will probably come of it because I am essentially nobody, but I feel better.

 

[Basstovsky]

I don't want to start any kind of flame war, but don't own anything made by apple except for my old iPod, the price they sell the things for are absolutely ridiculous compared to similar products from other manufacturers, I can't afford to spend money like that so I don't have much in the way of options.

The point of getting this setup (Mbox 2 mini w/ pro tools) was to be able to mess around at home and record some clips, maybe put together some tracks, stuff I can post online and just do stuff for fun, since I just left a band that was becoming too much like a job playing bad songs for money.

I don't want a dedicated recording machine because I don't have the space and I just can't justify spending that kind of money on something I'm just messing around with for fun.

Sounds like what I want is impossible, which sucks.

I found a program called Reaper I am trying for free (only $60 to buy a full license when the trial is over) it seems to work ok, but with the mbox2 mini it is apparently impossible to get playback through my computer's surround sound system, only through the headphone jack on the mbox itself. But at least I can do some recording I guess.

Why does this stuff have to be so complicated? I mean, I can't be the first person who just wanted to mess around and record some stuff on a multi-purpose PC

Sorry to rant guys, feel free to get back on topic of SPECTORS

 

[dukeisdog]

I don't want to start any kind of flame war, but don't own anything made by apple except for my old iPod, the price they sell the things for are absolutely ridiculous compared to similar products from other manufacturers, I can't afford to spend money like that so I don't have much in the way of options.

The point of getting this setup (Mbox 2 mini w/ pro tools) was to be able to mess around at home and record some clips, maybe put together some tracks, stuff I can post online and just do stuff for fun, since I just left a band that was becoming too much like a job playing bad songs for money.

I don't want a dedicated recording machine because I don't have the space and I just can't justify spending that kind of money on something I'm just messing around with for fun.

Sounds like what I want is impossible, which sucks.

I found a program called Reaper I am trying for free (only $60 to buy a full license when the trial is over) it seems to work ok, but with the mbox2 mini it is apparently impossible to get playback through my computer's surround sound system, only through the headphone jack on the mbox itself. But at least I can do some recording I guess.

Why does this stuff have to be so complicated? I mean, I can't be the first person who just wanted to mess around and record some stuff on a multi-purpose PC

Sorry to rant guys, feel free to get back on topic of SPECTORS

A secondhand macbook can be had for as little as $400 sometimes, not sure if that's really your thing. I've had my Mac for about a year and although it was costly I've seriously had 0 problems with this computer since day 1. It hasn't even crashed on me. I've considered getting a cheaper older macbook and upgrading the OS to the newest just to take my itunes library (external hard drive) with me on the go.

 

[Clearwave]

I doubt the protools software is the problem, XP was notoriously bad for recording audio. Which is why macs became the standard during those years. My suggestion would be to find some Win 7 drivers, and run it on you Win 7 machine. Pro tools is fine for Win 7.

Now if all you're doing is recording bass jams, garageband on IOS is quick and easy. .....If you have a iPad or iPhone laying around.

The opposite. It is a PC, using my home computer, not a dedicated recording machine. I installed it on my XP computer instead of my Windows 7 laptop because the install CD was for XP. Protools gave me my first Blue Screen of Death in something like 10 years, I haven't had a system crash in so long I forgot how frustrating it was back in the early days of Windows.

 

[smadder]

A part of what I do for a living is fix computers. I work with PCs and Macs doing repairs, builds, upgrades, reinstalls, fixes, etc. Basically an end user support guy kind of thing. I don't trust Windows machines with much more than web browsing, email and limited multimedia stuff. No matter how impressive the specs are or how much it cost to build, when it comes to operating systems, Windows is just a consistent pain in the balls if you want to add or subtract major pieces of hardware ESPECIALLY when it comes to music recording. I can't tell you how many times I've had to go help someone fix their PC after installing software and peripherals for a DAW solution. But I've never had a call about a Mac having problems, and I have a lot of musician Mac customers. I actually use a Mac at home because I don't want to have to tinker or worry about my home machine since I spend many days doing that for a living. I just want to come home, use my computer for whatever I want and not have to think or mess with it. Macs give you that.

Much like Donny, I just had to drop about $79 on a Tascam US-100 USB interface box (no midi or anything, just two inputs and monitoring outputs including a separate headphone jack) and with Garage Band coming included on my Mac at no extra charge, I was recording in no time and the operating system never gave even a hiccup.

I do agree that they are overpriced, but I strictly buy from their refurb store (the models from which come with a full warranty and are treated as new computers by Apple... and they look new too - you can't tell they were open-box or slightly used) and am always satisfied as are my clients. It's still more expensive, and you can get a decent PC laptop for only about $400 these days, but the ease of use, durability, customer service, and significant lack of downtime for repairs makes it worth the investment for me.

And when it comes to Tools, Bunk is right: it's just ported out to the PC, not native. Granted since Apple switched to Intel guts for their computers, PT works a little smoother because it's now run on a Mac via an x86 processor that every other PC manufacturer has access to, but it's still a Mac native piece of software so it's always going to run better on Macs. Plus the industry was almost strictly "Mac-only" for many years before PC solutions became widely available and affordable. Even after the past 10-15 years have shown big changes in multi-platform offerings, a Mac-based DAW is still the gold standard for many people.

I am sorry you're having problems and are frustrated. But I know there's going to be a lot of people who have suggestions for you besides "get a Mac, man." I just don't trust PCs to remain stable DAWs. But again, that's just my opinion and experience.

I don't want to start any kind of flame war, but don't own anything made by apple except for my old iPod, the price they sell the things for are absolutely ridiculous compared to similar products from other manufacturers, I can't afford to spend money like that so I don't have much in the way of options.

The point of getting this setup (Mbox 2 mini w/ pro tools) was to be able to mess around at home and record some clips, maybe put together some tracks, stuff I can post online and just do stuff for fun, since I just left a band that was becoming too much like a job playing bad songs for money.

I don't want a dedicated recording machine because I don't have the space and I just can't justify spending that kind of money on something I'm just messing around with for fun.

Sounds like what I want is impossible, which sucks.

I found a program called Reaper I am trying for free (only $60 to buy a full license when the trial is over) it seems to work ok, but with the mbox2 mini it is apparently impossible to get playback through my computer's surround sound system, only through the headphone jack on the mbox itself. But at least I can do some recording I guess.

Why does this stuff have to be so complicated? I mean, I can't be the first person who just wanted to mess around and record some stuff on a multi-purpose PC

Sorry to rant guys, feel free to get back on topic of SPECTORS

 

[Clearwave]

I work here......

Invalid Link Removed

since 2002, 60+ hours a week. When I want to record jams on my bass, I use garageband on my iphone. $200 +$10 for the software..... and you can order pizza with it.

Your Win 7 machine should be fine though.....XP stay away from.

I don't want to start any kind of flame war, but don't own anything made by apple except for my old iPod, the price they sell the things for are absolutely ridiculous compared to similar products from other manufacturers, I can't afford to spend money like that so I don't have much in the way of options.

The point of getting this setup (Mbox 2 mini w/ pro tools) was to be able to mess around at home and record some clips, maybe put together some tracks, stuff I can post online and just do stuff for fun, since I just left a band that was becoming too much like a job playing bad songs for money.

I don't want a dedicated recording machine because I don't have the space and I just can't justify spending that kind of money on something I'm just messing around with for fun.

Sounds like what I want is impossible, which sucks.

I found a program called Reaper I am trying for free (only $60 to buy a full license when the trial is over) it seems to work ok, but with the mbox2 mini it is apparently impossible to get playback through my computer's surround sound system, only through the headphone jack on the mbox itself. But at least I can do some recording I guess.

Why does this stuff have to be so complicated? I mean, I can't be the first person who just wanted to mess around and record some stuff on a multi-purpose PC

Sorry to rant guys, feel free to get back on topic of SPECTORS

 

[Zitch]

I don't want to start any kind of flame war, but don't own anything made by apple except for my old iPod, the price they sell the things for are absolutely ridiculous compared to similar products from other manufacturers, I can't afford to spend money like that so I don't have much in the way of options.

The point of getting this setup (Mbox 2 mini w/ pro tools) was to be able to mess around at home and record some clips, maybe put together some tracks, stuff I can post online and just do stuff for fun, since I just left a band that was becoming too much like a job playing bad songs for money.

I don't want a dedicated recording machine because I don't have the space and I just can't justify spending that kind of money on something I'm just messing around with for fun.

Sounds like what I want is impossible, which sucks.

I found a program called Reaper I am trying for free (only $60 to buy a full license when the trial is over) it seems to work ok, but with the mbox2 mini it is apparently impossible to get playback through my computer's surround sound system, only through the headphone jack on the mbox itself. But at least I can do some recording I guess.

Why does this stuff have to be so complicated? I mean, I can't be the first person who just wanted to mess around and record some stuff on a multi-purpose PC

Sorry to rant guys, feel free to get back on topic of SPECTORS

I might be old fashioned but why not use an 8trk with a usb port record and import the file?

 

[smadder]

Hey guys, check this out:

http://www.bassnw.com/New Exotic Basses/spector_ns2_custom_buckeye_burl_gloss.htm

Anyone know if Spector is making a permanent move from Schallers to Gotohs? I know they were using Gotohs for the Forte line... It sure would make it less expensive to replace damaged or faulty tuners out of warranty. Also, this has a 1.5" neck... I wonder if it's just a regular NS-2 with a narrower nut or if it actually has the "Wimbish neck" option...

 

[Jaymi]

Looks chunky to me...

 

[bassgiant15]

I use Cubase 6 on my win 7 machine. No problems here and I've been recording stuff for about 4 years now. My interface is an m audio delta 44. I've never been a apple/Mac guy...except for my iPhone

 

[j.kernodle]

I think us neck thru basses have been using gotohs for a while.

 

[iceboxbass]

Using it now.

They ever get the bugs out of it? The TB APP for the iPhone was a real piece of dog dodo. They didn't know how to fix it either.

 

[iceboxbass]

Agreed. Give me a 6'er in black cherry with that quilt and I will die happy. And then a 5'er in blue with a maple board. And then a 35" NS-2 in ultraviolet.....and then....

It never ends does it?

 

[LimaGuy]

Hey guys, check this out:

http://www.bassnw.com/New%20Exotic%20%20Basses/spector_ns2_custom_buckeye_burl_gloss.htm

Anyone know if Spector is making a permanent move from Schallers to Gotohs? I know they were using Gotohs for the Forte line... It sure would make it less expensive to replace damaged or faulty tuners out of warranty. Also, this has a 1.5" neck... I wonder if it's just a regular NS-2 with a narrower nut or if it actually has the "Wimbish neck" option...

Woodstock NS models have been Gotoh. The Euro series have Schaller.
Rebops have a generic Gotoh style Tuners.
Forte's are now usually being shipped with a generic Gotoh style Tuners. But these generic Forte Gotoh style are just about identical in quality to the real thing. On another note, NS2s are now shipping with Dunlop straplocks unless you request Schallers.

You should check with BassNW I am thinking that may be a regular neck with a 1.5 nut.

 

[iceboxbass]

I removed it from my ipad and just use the browser. I have no problems using it like that and it works really well so I don't even bother with the app anymore.

The android one seems to work better and I use that on my phone but it still has its share of glitches. Nothing near as bad as the IOS version though.

Ditto!

 

[Baird6869]

send me that modulus and mtd, then you'll be able to bond properly with the forte. see how I look out for you Brent? ps love that d180 head you got there.

Jim, you never told me that this Forte weighed almost as much as the D180! 11.7lbs!!!! Aaaggghhhhh!!!!! Peavey T-40 territory! Did I ask the weight? Nope.

Seriously, at this weight, I can't believe how well it balances. Really doesn't feel like a huge slab of wood on a strap. Loving it!

P.s. the D180 might go on the block soon. Great amp, but the Monique Pre is the best I have ever heard. I will be sticking with this for all gigs and recording sessions.

 

[smadder]

Jim, you never told me that this Forte weighed almost as much as the D180! 11.7lbs!!!! Aaaggghhhhh!!!!! Peavey T-40 territory! Did I ask the weight? Nope.

Seriously, at this weight, I can't believe how well it balances. Really doesn't feel like a huge slab of wood on a strap. Loving it!

P.s. the D180 might go on the block soon. Great amp, but the Monique Pre is the best I have ever heard. I will be sticking with this for all gigs and recording sessions.

See? And Everyone thought I was a bitch because I said it was heavy Hah! It is genuinely in the heavyweight class for basses.