Wednesday, January 18, 2006

CRASH, bang, better

Had a little bit of a scary experience. My main Project hard drive failed. On top of that, my system drive got corrupted somehow. We're talking, to the point of Safe Mode in OS X NOT booting up. The computer would just shut off anytime I tried to enter safe mode. Man, not good. Luckily, I ran a backup of my Project's hard drive a mere 2 months ago, so I had MOST of the data there.

Long story short, I bought a new hard drive to replace the old Projects drive, I was able to copy over and backup the full drive (thank god!) I trashed the drive after giving it a good wiping of everything, reinstalled my OS on my system drive, and all is good. All said and done? 1.5 days of downtime. Man, this stuff really eats away at your time.

Also, just got a MySpace page going. Check it out: DJraygun's MySpace page I like this, very cool setup. And great for networking! Of course, you probably already know this. I'm so behind the times. You crazy kids! (noogy)

Loving the new M-Audio Keystation Pro 88. Picked up a sustain pedal for it. It is just rediculous how my old controller (Edirol PCR-50) feels so much like a toy in comparison. So THIS is what a good keyboard feels/plays like? Much more musical.

Also, finished the latest track with Ivan-I of Dub Theory. The track is called "Girl From Cuba." Dubby affair (duh). Looks like we have an offer to write another tune for another label. Will keep you posted on that front.

I am also (as always) working on new material for a hopefull Night Drive Music release. They continue to be an absolute blessing to me and I thank them for that! I wish there were 30 hours in a day, I could get everything that I want to do out the door. I'll keep ya posted.

Ciao!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Happy New Year, how about a new keyboard?

After being extremely patient, I finally sold some old gear which made way for an upgrade in the world of controller keyboards.  I ran out to Robotspeak here in San Francisco, and purchased the M-Audio Keystation Pro 88.  This mother is HUGE!  I didn't realize how large it was, but knew it would be somewhat comical trying to fit it onto my already jam packed desk.  Let's just say my trackball doesn't quite fit right now.

HOWEVER, I am very stoked to get rid of my Edirol PCR-50.  Some of the keys simply stopped registering any velocity.  And I am NOT one to wail and slam on the keys, so I chalk it up to being 3 years old.  But I would expect more from Edirol products.

This Pro 88 weighs in around 55 lbs, and has what seems to be semi-weighted keys, though the documentation boast they are fully weighted.  Good enough for me.  I aint no professional pianist... But I do feel I am ready for the added response.  And man, it's just a pleasure to play.  It feels a lot more solid, and with point by point comparisons between the old keyboard and the new... this M-audio makes the Edirol seem like a toy.

The pots are not nothed, which makes using them for automation a lot more enjoyable.  And the sliders are super long, so fine adjustments should be much easier.  And the damned readout is GIGANTIC!  I love it so far.

Now to make some music!