I'm helping a piano/violin teacher set up a recording system. Her technical skills are somewhat limited, so I wanted to get some input about what DAW I should set her up with. She needs basic audio features, and I would like to set her up with some nicer MIDI features. Most of her recording will be MIDI. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

From your point of view, do you prefer mixing an acoustic or electronic drum kit? An acoustic kit might be more challenging and fun (mic choice, placement, mixing w/ gates, comps etc.), but an electronic kit removes stage noise and gives far more control over the overall mix. What do you think and have you had the opportunity to mix both?

I have a question about using rechargeable batteries in wireless devices such as microphones and transmitters. I was told by a sound company that it's not a good idea to use them. I would like to know why or if they're full of it. Rechargeable batteries have come a long way and are useful in power-sucking digital cameras so what's wrong with wireless audio equipment?

A direct injection box usually matches the impedance between an instrument and a recording device or soundboard. If someone plugs an instrument directly into a soundboard or recording device the signal may sound bad. Using a Soundcraft Compact mixing board with a direct injection (DI) feature, I put this theory to the test.

i have this mic: http://www.skokiemusic.com/dynamic/slides/Sennheiser%20MD%20431.jpg

except the foam on the inside of the mic grille is missing. where can i get replacement foam? or... can anyone think of a clever way to fix it?

I got noise and humming on my tracks, recording guitar.
Usually I always recorded directly into the computer, without any side effects.

Here is the set up and what I do.

A Mesa Boogie Mark V amp, on a stand, and a clean channel, no effects or reverb.
The van is off. Quiet amp.

What kind of issues do artist/tour managers face? Besides the obvious music piracy, what kind of problems do you have to deal with on a day to day basis?

What are the pros con between ORTF and XY?

• How do you know which config to use?
• Is one better for solo, quartet, choirs, orchestra?
• How does crossing XY change the imaging vs the opposite in ORTF?
• Does X have to be above Y (or vise versa) and why?
• Do you use the same Cardioids for XY or ORTF or a?

Thanks!

What do you do for drum tuning, muffling, dampening for the best sound prior to recording?

• MoonGels
• Rings
• Duck tape
• Pillow

Hello