In a little rowboat

Just a comment about the crowd at this show...it was far from rude or disrespectful, just a couple of drunken idiots...

there isnt really a pit at the orpheum, just 2 short rows of folding chairs center stage...there were a handful of messed up and idiotic fools in that area, which was not ushered, and so as the set went on, various people made their way down to that small space, which caused disruption, but was often not out of rudeness. I witnessed a very thoughtful and crowd from the 3rd row center area which clearly full of fans who knew the songs, and responded to the treats we received.

Jeff was absolutely correct about the massive number of people recording video, but after his initial comment about it, everyone i could see put them up except 'flask girl' in the front row...Iove jeff as an artist, and love banter at shows, but he really got ugly a few times, and that was partly responsible for the mood of the audience. Its part of the band's job on this level not to make a bad situation worse...Ive been to 6 wilco show and treated my date to her first, and after this series of events, i was a little embarrassed and wondered whether her experience would be dominated by the distraction, and not the amazing music...

I was 2 rows back from you...man, he really let that chick have it...jeff was not happy

set list was very good... a few highlights--country disappeared, theologian, box full of letters...they covered a big star song with jody on drums...cool stuff...

Liam Finn (and EJ) rules!!

 

 

But they should play Poor Places/Reservations at every show.

while i hate others didnt get that, it gives better odds for it in memphis...fingers crossing

Can rowboat or any of the other GarageBand users offer advice on how to soften the harshness of a new track coming in over an existing track? Let me try to explain:

 

For example, I've got a song with three tracks (2 gtr, 1 vocal). The first track is a fingerpicked guitar track, the second track is rhythm guitar, the third is a vocal track. The first track operates as the intro to the song by itself, and carries on throughout the song. A few measures in, the 2nd and 3rd tracks come in together.

 

When the 2nd and 3rd tracks come in, I don't know how to decribe it, but there isn't a smooth transition. They come in, and it's quite distracting.

 

I've stumbled across some forums/videos online that suggest using volume controls to have tracks 2 and 3 fade into the song. Is that really the best way? I'd like to have tracks 2 and 3 start on the first beat of the measure and I'd think that would not be possible with a fade-in.

 

Is this a simple fix? Or is this one of those things that one just needs practice with to get right?

 

Thanks everyone. I hope to return the favor someday.

-Matt

 

EDIT: And since I am asking anyway, I've run into a similar problem when trying to loop my existing tracks. Say, I've got chords for a verse, and the verse repeates. If I just want to play the chords once, and then have them loop for the second verse, the instant that the loop starts isn't smooth. Is there a way to smooth out the glitch in the transition? It's like a split second stop before the loop starts up. Is it because I didn't play it right? Or is ther a way to edit the transition?

 

thanks again.

you likely need to post a clip for me to be much help, but the first thought that comes to me is using a combination of the volume automation and compression to smooth out the mix...

sounds to me like some simple editing will do it in each case...use the slider on the bottom left of the screen to zoom in on each track, then fine tune using split and delete to get the loop length correct for the timing...

I must've got Gretchen Whatsherhead on the stream, Jesus that woman needs a fast forward button. That shit is intolerable.

 

I guess the good news is that our boys are up next....

she jumped out onto the stage with "YALL READY TO PARTY??"

 

I threw up in my mouth a little bit

well...first of all when i read the line up...got got gretchen wilson and gillian welsh mixed up, so was like...WTF is this?

it was extremely uncomfortable to have to sit thru her set...the worst being the band version of the National Anthem, complete with bringing out the flag, a cheap ploy to get the crowd to react to HER...jeff's redneck comments were hilarious

for the record:

bull black nova

impossible germany

hate it here

heavy metal drummer

casino queen

hoodoo voodoo

It was clear to me that Jeff was displeased by following Gretchen Wilson...as evidenced by his comments

I met Nels side stage watching Tim Reynolds playing on Dancing Nancies with Dave Matthews...to of my favorite guitarists, was cool

Viewing links: farm aid

Some cool highlights, but Ill save comment til everyone has watched...man, we had good seats, but most of the rather aged crowd acted like they'd never been to a concert before...this really sucked the life out of things

going to farm aid...ill get it up once im back in memphis

You should move this to the Wilco section, I figure it would warrant front page news!

Mods???

how would i attach tot his thread? it would be 11 scans i think in .jpg...or should i link to photobucket??

Thanks Jayson, really appreciate it. One of my weaknesses is my inability to be patient when I am excited about something. I went ahead and called up the good folks at Sweetwater and spoke to someone there who recommended the Presonus Audiobox USB. I looked at the Audiogram that you suggested and they are the same price (~$150). I can always return the Presonus if I don't like it, and I will definitely check out the Audiogram.

 

The really hard thing about all of this stuff is that I don't know anyone who actually does this. So all my research is based on online reviews of interfaces. Pick an interface and you will read glowing reviews and trashing reviews. Doesn't matter if the thing is $50 or $500.

 

 

 

Thanks rowboat. Appreciate your kind offer for a PM. I bet that I will be taking you up on the offer.

 

As for your question, the latency itself isn't really all that terrible, but it seems to be a delay between the initial sound source and the output. And unfortunately, because the new MacBook Pros don't have an audio output anymore, I can't use headphones. So I am going in through an audio out, and I am forced to listen to my audio output through the laptop speakers. Of course, until I end up getting monitors, I guess. Or, a USB interface that will allow me to use the audio output on the laptop for my headphones instead of my input!

 

It's amazing. I really thought that buying this laptop w garageband would be the end of the purchases. Boy oh boy was I wrong.

ok well it sounds like the interface will be the end of your worries, once you decide on one, and your choice of a laptop is the biggest and most expensive piece of the setup...the main reason apple got rid of the audio output on the macbook is three fold: 1) the audio jack assembly is too big and take some extra resources, 2) it requires a slightly larger internal soundcard, 3) people simply don't use it that much anymore, with the boon of iPod and audio interfaces...

Oh, and that iMic will allow you to use headphones from your laptop...i have an extra one if you want it, ill send it to you...if not, they are like $25

Just confirming here...if my budget only allows one mic, it best be an SM57?

 

I know it's perfect for my guitars, but what about vocals?

you'll be fine with that, but there are other fine options as well...i know people that will only use a 57, but thats extreme...

who was the guy that got singed after doing an at home ablum on his laptop with nothing but a 57??

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-Audiogram-6-Computer-Recording-System?sku=703328

 

This piece of gear is the end to all your problems, I promise. I know it's more expensive than the M-Audio, but it's going to be more than worth it in the long run. Firewire is a "No latency" legend, but you're not going to have a problem with USB- especially with this thing. Latency is more a hardware to software stumbling block than anything at the end of the day, but it almost universally falls on the hardware to fix effectively. Long story short, good hardware solves latency for you...and the Audiogram 6 is good hardware. The one knob compressor should be standard on every interface... I find it hard to use other interfaces because they don't have it. It solves THAT many problems.

 

I can't recommend it enough, dude. This and garage band will, I promise, be recording heaven for you. Research around of course, but seriously consider the Audiogram.

thats a decent unit for the price, and would work on matts system, but i have a few comments...

first of all, latency has several sources and comes from several interactions...for example, if your laptop's harddrive does not spin fast enough, that will cause latency, regardless of software...if your sound files are saved in the highest quality, sometimes its solely the software to blame because it can be buggy under stress

also, while a convenience factor, that onboard compression is not a good idea because the unit will not give you the good sounding peak control you will get from an outboard unit, or even better, spftware compression...unless you get something like a focusrite chanell strip or a nice joe meek optical compressor in your interface, interface compression is pure marketing in my experience...and if you get it wrong on an otherwise great take, you're stuck with it...

well, I finally took the plunge, and got a macbook for Garageband (as well as other things). And I got a harsh lesson this weekend in latency and audio interface-less recording. I read so much about both, but finally experienced them. And apparently, the new macbooks dont have an Audio Input. WTF?!?!? It took me about an hr just to figure out how to configure the Audio Out to an Audio In. Had to be changed on both the laptop, AND in garageband.

 

Am I correct in assuming that a solid interface solves my problems? Ie, no latency, and louder guitar? And it preserves my audio output so that I can use headphones?

 

My local shop recommended Fast Track by M Audio. Everything I read online has positive and negative things to say about virtually every interface. Some people swear by Firewire, others USB. Argh!

 

Should I start with iMic? Seems like the cheapest option. Then again, I don't want to waste money on cheaper options that don't work.

 

thanks everyone.

sorry youve had so many problems...

ok matt...first, can you describe the latency? Are we talking about the computer not recording fast enough? Are you having drop outs ?? Or are we talking about the delay in the headphones between the initial sound source and the playback from the audio out?

An interface will help with all those issues, but latency is never completely removed--that is impossible...if your latency is the kind where the delay is in the ears, your problem will be solved by monitoring from the output on an interface, not the computer out...otherwise we are talking bitrate and buffer size issues, which are hard to address on a forum, but can be fixed...

the iMic works, but only as a usb device---its basically an adaptor and you will still need a microphone and preamp-type thing...and with your mac set up, itll work but youll outgrow it tomorrow...I cant remember off hand what Ive posted before, but i prefer firewire for several reasons, especially because other devices you may need/want will exclusively be usb...

heres a good site in regard to choosing an interface... interfaces i really prefer the mixer/interface types...i use the alesis multimix 16 firewire...they make an 8 channel version in firewire you could purchase for around $100 on ebay...on these, you are going to install a driver and firmware package, and you 'll likely never have another issue...

pm me with any specifics man...ive got a very similar setup

i dont know if this applies to your situation, or anyone elses...I ordered presale tickets thru frontgate for memphis oct 10, but be cause i needed 4, had to make 3 separate orders because i was unable to get 4 together on the first attempt (damn ticket brokers)...as a result, 3 orders...i received 2 tickets in 2 orders yesterday via UPS, but the last order of 2 tickets did not arrive...

I called frontgate today, and was advised that their tickets are printed and shipped to them in batches, and that when they ship, they themselves don't have all their tickets for the venue...so, in my case I received a few tickets as soon as they got them. They will ship the other 2 tickets to me next week once they get the rest of their allotment ...

I was told that if you do not receive your frontgate tickets 2 days before the event, call them...they will refund shipping and arrange willcall tickets instead for the original purchaser with ID...

so fear not!

I nice -6 page run on Wilco, the loft, and Nels' Jazzmaster...cool stuff, like the nudie suits, don rickles' autograph, and esoteric guitars in Jeff's collection...i cant remember if you guys have discussed or seen it yet...nice pics too...

I will scan it an send out if requested, I dont want to break any forum rules or totally disrespect the magazine by posting it here...

j

You and I both know that just because something is legal doesn't make it just. The manufacturing sectors of the world are very lucky in that most raw materials happen to be near the cheapest labor on the planet. I have experience working with the manufacturing industry over here, and if it's worse over there (and we know it is), I find that to be a bit unsettling.

 

 

 

I'm actually very careful about all of those things (sans Walmart and marijuana, neither of which are relevant to me - I wouldn't go into a Walmart to make a phone call if I was on fire). Especially the coffee, since I'm about two shakes away from injecting it, the way I drink it. Seriously. You asked that question to someone who uses her car maybe once every two weeks, who bikes damn near everywhere, and pays considerable attention to anything that requires her to pull out her wallet. I'm not perfect when it comes to food, and certainly not toilet paper, but I'm pretty good about a lot. That is my choice, and I am the last person to ever push it on anyone. My only point is that I don't find those guitars to be produced in a just environment, according to my set of standards that I do apply to other purchases, and I won't buy guitars that are manufactured in those regions because of that.

 

That, and every guitar I've played from those manufacturing sectors suck donkey ass. I strum a D chord, and it's a C chord by the time it's done ringing.

Oh, point taken, and I am more swayed by your thoughtfulness and sense of impact in regard to purchasing power...impressed actually. And as I said, I agree with premise that buying a produce is a sort of endorsement. Naomi Klein anyone??

Sorry if you've miss understood my tone...I had to ask those questions more to underscore my point than to call you out personally; I meant those as rhetorical and for the masses. A 'just and fair market' obviously means different things to different folks, and my point was simply that too many people make obtuse statements without any factual reinforcement...and think part of my disagreement with the characterization that foreign made good are unethical really stems from a feeling that the US is not all THAT much better, record-wise, and that there a lot of things going on much worse...as a consumer, you have to draw the line somewhere, but you have certain needs as well...

And Id only add that you are in the minority...i think we unfortunately live in a media and market driven world where we are at once conditioned to carry around a certain amount of 'outrage' all the time, but not given the reasons why we are supposed to feel outraged and the follow up to learn from it.

FWIW, as a musician my experience has been that most Asian manufactured instruments are horrible players and of inferior quality, and I dont own any.

this was my favorite breakfast place when i was there for the AGIB gig on Grammy night...

 

http://www.thebeautyshoprestaurant.com/

oh yea beauty shop is great...ive sort of focused on downtown, but the whole cooper-young district is terrific...

Are you aware of their labor practices, or are you just guessing? You're right, nine year-olds are not likely slapping pick-ups on Squire Strats, but their labor laws are considerably more, uh...permissive? Gut instinct question: would you rather work in a factory in China or the U.S.?

OK...I work for Farm Aid part-time right now, and have edited for a consumer rights periodical since working on my degree...but Im not any expert. I do know guitars however...

First of all, the Squier line is made in Taiwan, not mainland china...so chinese guitars yes, but not the PRC...and taiwan is a modern democracy with an internationally recognized set of labor rights laws...same with korea, same with indonesia...the factories are modern with high tech manufacturing equipment operated by people who have to be trained and paid fairly on a scale appropriate to their respective nations (yes, not our standard of course). Most guitar companies have legal departments that know better than to get involved in something unethical, certainly anything illegal...

I would prefer not to work in a factory anywhere, and yes, the US would be preferable...Europe more so

But lets be serious here. Is it really an ethical crisis we are discussing here? If so, you better feel worse about the origins of the cup of coffee you drink, the environmental and economic impact of the factory-farm produced food you eat...or the gasoline you burn...or the marijuana you dabble in. If you shop at Wal-mart, you are buying products of far more questionable origin. i agree that one's purchases reflect a sort of complicity or approval of said business practices...but to indict the asian guitar industries as unethical is hypocritical unless you subscribe much more rigid set of buying habits and product research.

um, no. I don't even live in the U.S.A.

 

If I vilified anyone it was myself as I readily admitted to owning a made in China guitar. The body is mahogany too, so if there's any justice in the guitar afterlife I will undoubtedly be going to the other place.

 

And yes, I would rather work in a factory in the States

 

Just sayin'.

There are no villains here...none of us are saints...and Im no tree hugger; I simply hate uninfomed, stereotypical opinions. It isnt a fair characterization to label purchasing a asian produced guitar as 'unethical' Meth, maybe...

I dont know about guitar afterlife and all...but the way i figure, if you use you powers of rock for good and not evil, karma will forgive the use of a rainforest produced tonewood...

haha im not that old, either...just used to work on the street...maybe we should all consider a meet up after the show???

You vote with your purchases, and so when you buy a made in China gutar you are voting for child labor, human rights abuses, etc. I'm as guilty as all the rest. One made in China, one made in Korea, one made in Indonesia. All good guitars.

Oh man, cmon...little children are not making guitars in china and s korea...unreal. Yes those countries have some labor rights issues, but Fender does not have a sweat shop....they are not idiots, look what happened to Nike. Are you suggesting an isolationist consumer policy...all american products, all american resources? Because if you are, there would be no guitars. Where do you think East Indian rosewood, Mahogany, Ebony, magnets for pickups and electronic components all come from? Not here. Guitars are built over there (asia) not simply because of cheaper labor, but because of the availability of raw materials and cheaper transportation.

Make your purchases as you see fit, but dont vilify others for the wrong reasons.

I caught the 2005 Show at the Orpheum, great venue. Rowboat seems to have this covered, and I'm not super familiar with Memphis.

 

One suggestion, the adventurous should check out Raefords after the show. Crazy place, serves 40's, Partied with Pat and John there after that 2005 show (partied with = Pat and John were there)

in regard to Raifords...check it out, it's still cool, but its not Raifords anymore...

sadly there are new owners that simply don't get it...Raifords was the best dance club in memphis ever, period. Famous for only accepting cash, only serving 40's, the stripper pole, and, well, Raiford DJing...it is now Hollywood Disco and has a strange combination of awkward renovations and a lack of renovations that should have happened. Gone is the flagged and pimped out limo that used to whisk you of to an ATM if you forgot cash, the classic VIP room and original dance floor are gone as well. The decor was unique and has survived, but while the infamous stripper pole remains, gone is the raised community drumkit that drunk chicks would go Animal (bare handed, no sticks allowed) on before invariably falling off the riser in the arms of strangers. Im not even sure the hand painted 'no discrimination, ever...' sign is still there...not but a glimmer of what it was a few short years ago...

Raiford's was sold around 2007 because the owner was in declining health. There was alot of stir for a while, because it was common for up to 20 off duty cops to be working security with sidearms, and before the end 2 were indicted for selling drugs inside the club.

Hoodoo man is right about the other attractions, worth visiting if you have the time...as well as our love/hate relationship with the city. We do not have an elected major at this time...oh, wait, i'm no going to go there.. Last week the Dali Lama came to speak at the Lorraine, and our interim mayor fist bumped him instead of a more dignified or professional greeting.

Interesting how Beale is always remembered as the birthplace of the blues and soul music, but forgotten is WHY that happened here...Beale street was a brothel ridden redlight district for a LONG time, the cops and government of the city are historically corrupt or myopic, and the reputation the city has as chief transport hub of the US was established anti-bellum. After the yellow fever epidemic of the late 1800's, Boss Crump ran on a platform of fixing the city, but in truth his policy of allowing permits to anyone who wanted to run a business who would help drive his political machine backfired. Crump had a notoriously lax policy in regards to Prohibition, and Beale street has had a rep for seedy clubs and whores ever since, one that 60-100 years ago made New Orleans or Amsterdam look pure as the snow...and lure of easy money, babes, and drugs is a strong one for musicians who have little.

While there are pretty lights and more cops now, the concept is basically the same, just more commercially oriented. So, as stated, Beale is trying to impress you, its hard out there to be a pimp...

I live here, and am going to the show...awesome venue for sure.

Where to go, not to go depends on your tastes and budget...but get down there EARLY!

Yes, Beale is 2 blocks from the venue, but not for everybody...Beale street offers a lot of bars and live music, as well as the classic sort of memphis vibe...it also offers the highest prices for drinks in tennessee, high cover charges on the weekends, and a very definite seediness...there is a constant presence of both cops and serious criminals. Im by no means trying to advise against going Beale after the show, but I do try to prepare folks. It is not 'nice.' Most of my friends that live in Memphis dont go to beale much, it is a tourist trap. To me, the best bands are the ones that perform out on the street, not inside the clubs. You will need ID just to get on the street, FYI...oh, did i mention, some bars are open to sunrise on Beale? Beware the horse pee, we have drawn carriages that are of some local controversy...

There several other areas in close proximity which are cheaper and a little nicer. Peabody Place is 3 blocks from the orpheum and has many restaurant options and bars. Main street, and especially the South Main district, is where I always tell people to eat before a show...they are nicer but affordable places, nice for couples and small groups. There is a trolley which goes north and south along Main...it is clean (for the most part) and i think is $1 a person per ride. It runs daily from 8 til midnight.

Parking is ridiculous as in most downtown urban areas...if you get in town early, the ONLY place to park is at Parking Can Be Fun on Union ave between Main and Front...it is CHEAP, but fills up quickly (7 story garage). Park there and take the trolley or walk to the Orpheum...otherwise expect to pay $10 a night for barely supervised lots and garages. There is limited street parking, but please do not get towed, there is a big racket here...

Hotels: Several downtown worth recommending, but start around $100 a night. Holiday Inn express on union is probably the cheapest centrally located one. The Madison is quite nice, the Peabody is world-famous, but with those you approach the $200 a night area. Midtown is safe if you have transport, but options are limited...

Restaurants: too many to address, but i have a few favorites in various price ranges: Spindini, Huey's downtown, Slim's, McEwan's You can eat on Beale, but the menus are sometime pricey, the kitchens sometimes questionable. The best fried chicken in town are at Gus's (on south front) and Polly's (Beale st). For ribs, The Rendevous and Blues City Cafe

Favorite Bars: Bardog Flying Saucer Blue Monkey

Ernestine and Hazel's

Where you DO NOT GO or stay in Memphis, especially after dark: South Memphis (Graceland area), North Memphis (Frayser, Hollywood areas), Airport area, Downtown south of Crump or north of the Pyramid. If you want to go to Graceland, stay downtown and take one of the many tour buses or shuttles, do not stay anywhere down there...i usually tell folks to forget graceland and see sun studio instead (very close to downtown). DO NOT GO TO JAIL!!

Please ask any specifics, happy to help...I travel a lot and always appreciate the inside scoop from locals.

Asian guitars are unethical.

wtf is that supposed to mean??

Ive done this subject to death on other forums, I knew it would make its way here...as I recall, hendrix also played occasionally on an SG and a flying V...Id think gibson would have been better off making a hendrix sig model of one of those designs...but Im not a CEO, so whatever..

I don't know where you live, but here in memphis, there are regular craigslist ads for older pianos and organs for right around $200...sometimes they are free if yo come pick them up...just a thought...

as a guitarist, you might be well advised to pick up a cheapo bass or mandolin...players of these instruments are usually in higher demand

i know this is probably blasphemy here, but i just wanted to point out that ive been watching ticket prospects for this show on ebay, and there are currently, and have been, several sets of seat sold for right at cost, or barely over cost, consistently...clearly the ticket brokers were all over this one from the start, and my friend at the venue says it is not going to come close to selling out. there will be tickets released at the box office the day of the show....just a suggestion if you are in a pinch...

in addition, i am buying extras...if i get jammed, ill let you know what i have...