Music Technology on Geekazine Jeffrey Powers

Podcasters, Musicians, Live Streamers – The Donner PC-02 Audio Workstation is a powerful tool for all content creators. At Geekazine, it’s replacing the audio interface I use in the studio. It’s really an all-in-one.























Donner PC-02 Audio Workstation









$599.97











* 4 Channel Mixer







* 9 button Sampler Grid







* Mac/PC compatible







* Built in effects













About the Donner PC-02 Audio Workstation







A 4-channel mixer with 10 built-in effects, and USB-C connectivity. The main inputs accept XLR or 1/4″ TRS plugs, for microphones or instruments.







The unit can connect computers and mobile devices via 1/8″ stereo input, and Bluetooth.







Key Chapters









* 00:48 Unboxing the Audio Workstation







* 01:42 First Look of the PC-02 (the tour)







* 03:10 Connections in the Back of the PC-02







* 06:01 Connecting the Microphone







* 06:53 First Look of Donner Connect Software







* 08:23 Adding Effects to a Channel







* 10:35 Checking out the 9×3 Sampler Grid







* 13:37 Pros and Cons – Donner PC-02









Outputs, Including Multiple Headphone Jacks







This is a plus for many podcasters. 4 separate headphone jacks with volume control for each person. It could also act as another output to a recorder or computer.







Other output options include the TRS balanced main outs, optical jack, 1/8″ line out, and USB-C to the computer.







10 Effects Available







Conditioning effects, such as Reverb, EQ, and Compression, to fun effects like Robot, Megaphone, and Autotune. Each effect can be applied to the individual channels – perfect for live performances.







9×3 Customizable Sampler Pads







Add in a soundboard for a podcast, or backing tracks for your music. You can even create easy on/off buttons for the voice changing effects through this 9 pad, 3 bank system.







Record, Stream, or Live Perform Through the PC-02







This device can be used as a stand-alone audio mixer.

Donner is a company that manufactures a variety of musical instruments for all levels of musicians. While at NAMM, I talked with the group and got a hands-on look at some of the new tech coming out.







Estimated reading time: 4 minutes























Donner Electronic Drums







Donner electronic drum sets are known for their affordability and quality. They offer a variety of features, including mesh heads for quieter practice, cymbal pads, and a drum module with many drum sounds to customize.







Drum Sets start at $299 (DED-95).















Seeker Series DST-700 Guitar







DST-700 is based on the DST-400, but with Donner’s new Hyper Series pickups. 3 pickup configurations are available: HH, HSS, and HSH with coil switch.







The guitar is made with roasted maple and bolted on either basswood or mahogany.







DST-700 available later this year







































HUSH-X Guitar Kit (Soon)







The Donner Hush-X Guitar is an upgrade to the HUSH-I released last year. The Hush X features a detachable body, and is designed to provide guitarists with an instrument you can break down and practice with.







You can also take it on stage and shred a solo or back a band.







The guitar is available in maple or mahogany, and the fretboard has asymmetrical shape for easy playing.







Added to the Hush-X is a 2nd pickup (HUSH-I had one) – Humbucker bridge, and Alnico-V style single coil.







HUSH-X will be available later this year.









Get the HUSH-I

























Donner REVO Smart Guitar







This is a guitar perfect for any level trying to learn a song. The neck of the REVO lights up, showing you the patterns to learn when playing.







Teachers can perform virtual lessons with students as they can send their lessons over the mobile app. Performers can also make patterns so they can play with a full light show.







This guitar is still in prototype.







































PC-02 Podcast Workstation







This audio interface is an integrated workstation for podcasters, musicians, and more. 4-XLR/TRS combo jacks, line-out, line-in, 4 headphone jacks, monitor outs, and USB-C to connect to the computer.







The PC-02 contains noise gate, compressor, De-esser, EQ, delay, and reverb. There are other fun effects such as megaphone and voice pitch included.







The PC-02 is $599 and available now

At NAMM 2023, I stopped by IK Multimedia and got to check out their iLoud Precision 6 monitor speakers. These monitors are designed for professional-grade sound quality in any type of studio. And the stories I got from Alex on songs mixed with these are very eye opening.







Precision monitors range in different sizes and specs. We’ll focus on the Precision 6 for now.















About the iLoud Precision 6 Monitors







The iLoud Precision 6 monitors come in multiple options, to mix everything from mono to 7.1.1 surround. Speakers range in size, but all offer a frequency response of 37 Hz to 30 kHz, with a 30 Hz real-world bass response. The monitors also have a powerful amplifier that delivers up to 150 watts of power, so they can produce loud and clear sound.







Neutrik combo connectors to the back of the speaker, with a separate XLR for ARC tuning.







Now Available in White







At NAMM, IK Multimedia announced they have white casing for the Precision line so you can match your speakers to the room.







iLoud Precision MTM







Add the iLoud MTM mounting system to set up your speakers around the room without stands. Speakers are also able to set on shelves if room space is an issue.







When you tune the room using the ARC system microphone, sitting in the “sweet spot” of a room can give you optimal listening pleasure. This is perfect when you are mixing an album, listening to a new artist, or even watching a blockbuster movie.







Pros and Cons: IK Multimedia iLoud Precision 6 monitors







Pros:









* Excellent sound quality







* Powerful amplifier







* Compact and portable design









Cons:









* Pricey to build your rig







* ARC may need to be run to keep speakers in tune









IK Multimedia has listening stations all over the U.S. which means you can spend some time to listen and learn how to fine-tune your home studio. Of course, NAMM is not the idea place to do that, but what I did hear from the system was pretty impressive. For my 10×12 home studio, I could easily place and tune this monitor system to optimally mix the next great album…







Prices and availability:







Prices vary from speaker to speaker. The Precision 6 starts at $999 for a single monitor, with options when bundling (e.g. the iLoud MTM Immersive 11 bundle). Check out the Precision 6 here.

I had a great sit-down with Ryan from RØDE at NAB 2023. If you’re serious about podcasting, YouTube, or Livestreaming, then getting the right gear is important. And no three pieces of gear are more important than the RØDECasterDUO, the RØDE Streamer X, and the RØDE Wireless ME.







The RØDECasterDUO















The RØDECasterDUO is a smaller version of the RØDECasterII. Perfect for a smaller setup, and even if you are creating content on the go.







It’s a powerful audio interface, mixer, and recorder with features to do anything from a simple recording to a All-in radio-style show.







4 inputs: which can even include your RØDE Wireless GO and Wireless ME as inputs. 6 programmable buttons with pagination to create multiple options for switching, soundboard, and more.







Inputs include Neutrik® combo inputs for connecting microphones, instruments or line-level devices, a 3.5mm TRRS headset input, and wireless receiver for connecting your RØDE wireless microphones. The unit also has dual USB-C interfaces so you can connect two devices for dual streaming, recording and streaming, and much more.







The RØDECasterDUO is coming soon at $499.









Pre-Order RØDECasterDUO









The RØDE Streamer X







The RØDE Streamer X is a video and audio interface for recording video or live streaming. The Streamer X connects via a single Neutrik® combo input, secondary microphone jack, HDMI input and pass-through, and dual USB outputs. There is even a phantom power option for microphones needing it.







On the right side are 4 programmable buttons with pagination, so you can create multiple trigger options.







The RØDE Streamer X is in Pre-Order for $399









Pre-Order the RØDE Streamer X









The RØDE Wireless ME







The RØDE Wireless ME is a compact wireless microphone system perfect for interviews and remote recording. It has a range of up to 100 meters, so you can move freely while you’re recording.







You can pair 2 transmitters with the one receiver to do hands free 2 person interviews or talk shows. A microphone jack is available for a lavalier or headset microphone.







Microphone levels can be controlled via smartphone, and the Wireless ME can be used with the new app: RØDE Capture for selfie, or one-on-one interviews.







Wireless ME is available now for $149.









Get RØDE Wireless ME









More from RØDE







Not in the video, RØDE also released a new PodMic USB, with hybrid XLR/USB connection. They also introduced the NT-1 5th Generation condenser microphone – also a hybrid microphone, but the USB-C is set inside the XLR, so you cannot use both at the same time.







Connect your microphones with Cables from RØDE. They also debuted a charging case for your Wireless GO II microphone set.







And the New RØDE Backpack







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The Positive Grid Spark Go is a small, portable guitar amplifier that packs a big punch. While at NAMM 2023, I got to hear it, and it didn’t sound like other mini amps.







It had teeth.







Features







The Spark mini amp features a 5-watt speaker, and is a Class -D amplifier. The amp comes with 33 model sounds, and 43 effects.







Plug in the guitar with the 1/4″ plug, and headphones if you need to rock quieter. Bluetooth and a USB port are available to connect to the Spark to your audio, pair the Spark Pedal, or send to your DAW.







The Spark Go is compatible with the Spark app, which gives you access to even more amp models, effects, and backing tracks. The app also allows you to learn new songs and techniques, and it can be used to control your Go from your phone or tablet.







Performance







I got to hear a few performances from the mini amp at the show. The best part was you could have two guitarists with their own amp placed so they could hear themselves. The first jam I missed the solo, but in the second jam, I was able to catch both guitars.







I am really impressed on the ease of use with the app, and how you can switch up by pressing a button on the unit, or pairing the Spark pedal. I can see buskers, practicing musicians, or even back-bar jammers use this to let people hear the sounds.







Price and Availability







The Go will be out in June at $149. Positive Grid is running a pre-order special for $109.

Jamstik showed off their new Studio MIDI Guitars in new colors. I got to check one out at NAMM 2023 and tool around with the software.







I first found out about Jamstik in 2015 during their crowdfund. They created a travel practice guitar with MIDI interface. Since then, the company has been growing and building new ideas.







Studio MIDI Guitar







The Studio MIDI Guitar is a headless 24-fret guitar with MIDI built-in. It features 2 humbucker pickups, tap switch, 3-way switch, and 1/4″ output so you can plug into any standard amplifier. The guitar also has a built-in MIDI controller that connects up to software to bring in other sounds.







MIDI is setup as USB-C, or through the 3.5mm TRS MIDI out plug. Its compatible with a wide range of software, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio.















It also comes with a free software suite that includes a variety of virtual instruments and effects.







One point I am sounding like a standard rock guitar. With the click of a key, I am sounding like a funky organ, full string ensemble, or even some instrument I couldn’t even begin to describe.







Latency was fairly low, so I wouldn’t get tripped up on high-speed picking.







Features of the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar:









* Headless design for easy portability







* 24 frets for a wide range of playing styles







* Built-in pickup for connecting to audio interfaces and software







* Built-in MIDI controller for controlling synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments







* Compatible with a wide range of software







* Free software suite included









The headless guitar is available for $799 and comes in multiple colors. For $899, you can choose the Jamstik Classic MIDI Guitar, with HSS pickups and a strat design.