REVIEW: Marshall Major White Headphones
3 years ago I decided for a pair of WESC headphones over URBANEARS because I've only ever had Sennheiser technology headphones. Times have changed. And now I just got a new pair of Marshall Headphones that are made from the makers of URBANEARS. Well, at least they're still Swedish. They are called Zound Industries and if you're looking for something even more stylish, where headphones meet fashion, check out Molami.
I must admit, not only do the Marshalls look amazing (especially with the gold connectors), they also feel super comfy over the ears (while semi noise-cancelling). Most importantly, the sound quality is also so good that I've been using these while recording. I got the MAJOR WHITE on sale for €50 (usually €100) during their Black Friday sale.
I think my (loan) cat Issy likes them too.
REVIEW: d:vote™ 4099 Condenser Microphone for Cello
I found the best clip on microphone for cello for a live performance. I've had my loop station(s) for a while now, but still haven't been able to create the desired sound with my various piezo pickups (read my review about Headway's The Band).
So I decided to invest in a d:vote™ 4099 Condenser Microphone for Cello. First impressions? W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!
PROS
- The biggest plus point is the sound. The sound is beautifully natural and doesn't need EQ. You can hear the instrument breathe which reduces the chance that you need to add reverb, which is an advantage over contact microphones/piezo transducer pickups (because they usually only capture the scratchy sound of the bridge).
CONS
- The cable. I cannot afford a digital wireless system (yet, or don't deserve one) so I need to use the cable. There is one very thin cable which leads to a belt clip, for saxophone players or mobile players or to the DI but it is so thin and delicate.
- You still need to find phantom power somewhere so you can't just plug it in a PA or bass amp. You'll need a pre-amp or DI.
- It is a bit fiddly to attach it and bend the goose neck to the right spot. Again, it feels so delicate that it might break if you're not careful.
- Takes time to find the right placement, and in the wrong spot can cause feedback.
I found one B-stock which is around 40 EU cheaper than a new one which is great, and don't see any differences. Price: 399.00 EUR from http://www.thomann.de/
See the official DPA website here: https://www.dpamicrophones.com
--- UPDATE 15 APRIL 2018 ---
I performed live with the DPA microphone with Paul Freeman for NH Radio. See the video below to hear how beautiful it sounds!
REVIEW: BOSS RC-300 loop station (used with cello)
PROS
- Has so many more features than the RC-20XL
- In-built effects like reverb
- 3 separate tracks to overdub on per song
- You can set the speed very accurately e.g. 122.4 bpm
- 99 slots to save songs/pre-sets
GIG REVIEW: On stage with Alex Winston at Paradiso
Just when I thought I was just going to an ordinary Monday evening concert... it turned into me performing at Paradiso with Alex Winston!
The night started Alex Winston kept us waiting. Actually we had been waiting since June this year since she had cancelled. Now she kept us waiting since the legendary Gillian Welch was performing an epic show downstairs. But come on... we were getting restless.
On Alex came with her Sister Wife (there used to be two?) + band and we moved to the front. Alex asked who would like to beat the snare and I was fed up with the non-action by this point I just went for it. Here I am with the drum.
First step: getting the drum
So here I was in the crowd beating along to the first song Fire Ant. After that I tried to give it back but then she said I could keep it. A few songs down the line, Choice Notes and my favourite of the new stuff Velvet Elvis I kept on, and Alex was proud. "I can't believe you're still drumming! You're going to be a new Sister Wife!" So then.. for the finale Alex called me up on the stage...
Then we started playing together...
And then we went crazy!
I think I'm almost a Sister Wife now... What do you think?
In Summary: the band was tight and had a great powerful and collective energy. Their sound was definitely fit for a much bigger venue; 6 of them on stage all singing at once. With the grumbling of the keyboardist to the amazing range of Sara Kliger to Alex's distinct voice. Their drummer was also a huge part of their sound. The beat. Really enjoyed it and wish they'll come back to perform on the main stage next time (with me on drum again?).
Thanks Alex for the fun night. Turned out my Monday night wasn't so ordinary after all!
Setlist
More about Alex Winston:
Official Website
Alex Winston - Choice Notes (for Watch Listen Tell)
Alex Winston - Locomotive (A Take Away Show)
Alex Winston - OFF GUARD at Bestival, Isle of Wight, 2011