djByron [Dan Byron]husband, father, christian, musician & technophile ( but not a dj )

A month ago I made the official switch from PC to Mac and in doing so I had to find a new audio editor for posting various church service elements (preaching, teaching, music etc).  When I was on a PC, Sony’s Sound Forge was an easy choice but moving to Apple I had to do some research.

Initially I tried to do it in Garage Band.  I was successful, but it was really cumbersome when compared to other audio editors and DAWs I’ve used (SoundForge, ProTools & Sonar) .  Since that point I’ve managed to grasp the basics of GB but it is still not the most efficient tool when editing a stereo file.

After that, I tried Amadeus Pro for a week or two. I downloaded the trial seeing that it was a $40 piece of software that did everthing I wanted it to do. But after using it for a couple weeks found the UI somewhat awkward.  Nice, full featured software, just awkward compared to what I’d been using for years (Sound Forge). That’s when another Google search turned up Peak LE 6 by Bias.

Peak LE 6 is more like to Sound Forge and it’s interface is awesome.  It has all the features I need and plays nice with the Waves Gold Native plugin bundle that I own (I should mention that Amadeus Pro worked with the AU version of Waves plugins too).  So now, my process for posting audio is something like this.

1. Launch Peak 6 LE and open audio file(s) directly from CD
2. If this is a lengthy spoken word file convert from stereo to mono
3. Apply Waves L1 Ultramazimizer to get levels consistent. Note that this could also be done with an included compressor or the Apple AU compressor that is a part of OS X Leopard / Garage Band.  I just own the Waves plugin so I use it.
4. Trim, cut and fade where appropriate
5. Save file as mp3 to be downloaded or streamed in flash (32kbps mono for spoken word and 128kbps stereo for audio)

Some other features in Peak 6 LE are:  The ability to podcast (complete with audio ducking to lower music level during voiceovers) as well as the ability upload your podcast via ftp from directly within the software.  iTunes integration which allows you to export audio files directly to an iTunes playlist.  Support for three simultaneous real-time AU/VST effect/instruments and a record timer that automates record stop time.

Peak LE 6 also includes some bundled software aptly named the “Peak LE Production Pack”.  The BIAS Freq-2 pro-quality paragraphic EQ.  WireTap Pro which allows you to capture internet and system audio with no loss of original quality.  SFX Machine LT  a real time VST plug-in with many special effects.  32 VST audio effects from Maximum Digital Audio (delay, limiter, dithering, de-ess, tone generator, and more). Top quality audio loops from PowerFX audio and 100+ high quality sound effects from Hollywood Edge.

Peak LE 6 is available to purchase as a download on the BIAS website for $129. There is a free trial download too but it won’t allow you to save anything duing the trial period.

Oh my how far we’ve come! Computer based recording is going to the next level later this year. This plugin is absolutely AMAZING. Pay special attention to the portion when he starts changing keys in real-time.

I currently am using the original MBox and love the thing.  The portability, sound quality and ease of use is what makes it a great unit.  Just plug and record!   The only thing that I don’t like about the original MBox that I have, is the fact that it does not have MIDI in/out.  I have to use third party hardware to provide the MIDI interface necessary for using software synths.  The MBox 2 added this MIDI interface, but before I could pick one of those up I noticed somthing even better.

On my regular trip to the Digidesign website, I just saw that they’ve posted a new interface on their news they’ve dubbed the MBox 2 Pro.  What does this interface have that the MBox 2 doesn’t?  At first glance it looks like they’ve added better sound quality (thus “Pro” to the name).  A couple of additional inputs brings the track count up from 4 to 6 (4 of which can be used as mic/line and the other two are S/PDIF).  Firewire connection now replaces the antiquated USB 1.1 interface.  Two stereo headphone outs as well as dedicated studio monitor outputs give you additional monitoring options.   Below are the specs from the Digidesign web site.

“The Digidesign® Mbox® 2 Pro is a portable, high-definition audio/MIDI production system  that delivers truly professional sound quality.  Packing an impressive variety of connection options into a compact interface, Mbox 2 Pro puts powerful multitrack recording and mixing capabilities into your hands, so you can create wherever inspiration strikes. Mbox 2 Pro also includes award-winning, industry-standard Pro Tools LE™ software, over 50 effects and instrument plug-ins, and the Pro Tools Ignition Pack — a collection of powerful tools to get you started creating right away. ”

Features

• Award-winning Pro Tools LE recording, editing, and mixing software
• Comprehensive Pro Tools Ignition Pack software and audio tool collection
• Professional sound quality
• Powered by FireWire* or included power supply
• Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution**
• 4 analog inputs (2 XLR/1/4” TRS combo jacks & 2 1/4” TRS jacks)
• 6 analog outputs (1/4” jacks)
• 2 instrument DI inputs on the front panel
• 2 channels of S/PDIF digital I/O (RCA)
• Built-in phono preamp input (RCA) for direct turntable connection
• 1 MIDI input and output (16 channels in/16 channels out)
• MIDI Time Stamping (MTS) support for superior timing and accuracy
• BNC Word Clock I/O
• Low-latency monitoring
• Dedicated studio monitor outputs with volume control
• 2 stereo headphone outputs with independent volume controls
• 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
• Mbox 2 Pro list price: $799 US | Mbox 2 Pro Factory list price: $899 US

* Requires 6-pin connection for power via FireWire.
** Mbox 2 Pro does not support external sync at 88.2 and 96 kHz sample rates.