darren_hightower's Reviews
17 reviews Back to darren_hightower's Equipboard
193
Decent all around system
A fairly thorough sound analysis before and after application of the London 12 showed that it was very effective for mid/high range noise and reflections. Although the kit comes with several broad band panels which are ostensibly there to control low frequency reverberations and standing waves, I found that 100Hz and lower were still way too prominent in my mixes. Part of this is just the simple reality that my monitoring room is smaller than ideal. There are many much lower costing DIY solutions for similar results, but I'm not inclined to take on a DIY project that I'm likely only to need once. I don't feel I have the adequate skill to get the result I want. These are very easy to install and will also be easy to take down and re-install should the need arise. I ended up purchasing some mega traps from realtraps to help tame the low end and there was noticeable improvement. I'm not unhappy with the overall result, but I do think they over emphasize the effectiveness for low frequencies.
193
The best all around virtual synth/sampler library available
If it can be done, it can be done in Komplete. There's virtually no sound (real or synthetic) that can be recreated within this suite of programs. Classic synths, orchestral instruments, native & ethnic instruments and percussion, voices, cinematic and special effects, the list is nearly endless. I've owned Komplete since version 3 and they've just steadily increased the value of their product suite with each new iteration. If I had to choose one software suite for my vst/au instrument needs (not to mention there are some great signal chain plugins as well), it would be Komplete every time.
Version: Native Instruments Komplete 10
193
Industry standard DAW, very powerful and flexible.
Pro Tools definitely has a learning curve and it's not cheap. That being said, it's still the industry standard and it's very powerful once you know how to use it. I can find my around, having just gotten my 101 level certification, but I still have much to learn. There's a reason Pro Tools still dominates the market in the pro sectors. I'm not a fan of AVIDs pricing on this program as well as about everything else they sell, but they do generally make great products.
Version: Avid Pro Tools 11
193
My favorite DAW
I feel LPX is the most powerful, intuitive and affordable DAW on the market. I've used Pro Tools and Studio One as well, but I'll always choose LPX if given the option.
193
Clean and powerful solid state amplifier
I bought this expressly to run my AxeFx out to a standard guitar cab (Port City OS 212) and it's filled that job beautifully. It doesn't really provide much, if any, coloration to the sound. If anything, it's a very subtle warmth which is not unwanted in my configuration. I've never gone past 30% power before my ears were bleeding, so I can't imagine a scenario it couldn't handle. There's a 1U model that has a bit more fan noise, but otherwise performs similarly based on reviews I've read.
193
Great digital piano, with a decent variety of onboard sounds.
Roland has gone a few generations beyond this somewhat venerable range of digital pianos. This was my first nice 88 key hammer weighted keyboard, and I still love how it plays and sounds. It's taken a backseat to a brand new Kronos X, but it's still a great keyboard and there are an impressive number of additional synth and keyboard instrument sounds on board.
193
The sky's the limit for guitar tones
The AxeFx is still, in my opinion, the best modeler on the planet for guitar tones. At the present time, there are hundreds of amps, cabinets and effects present in the firmware and at your beck and call in any configuration you can imagine. Name a classic amp, cab, or piece of gear and it's either a built in option or it's a tone that can easily be achieved. Marshall, Fender, Vox, HiWatt, Orange, Mesa, Friedman, Boss, Roland, Dunlop, etc. the list would go on for pages. Name a classic tone, artist, album, or song and it's easily matchable with the AxeFx. Besides my guitars, this is the first piece of gear I would replace if stolen or destroyed.
193
Classic analogue tone with modern versatility
You are essentially getting the equivalent of 8 pre-amps since you have 4 channels, each of which has both a tube and transistor signal chain. These can be run independently or blended. I find I prefer a 50:50 blend for a perfect mix of clarity and warmth. This preamp is typically of the high standard UAD has set for decades.
193
Great sound and versatility
As an audio interface alone, it's one of the best sounding and most versatile on the market. When you factor in the enormous number of modeled gear through the UAD plugin system, the possibilities are essentially endless. One of my favorite and most valuable all time gear purchases.
193
Best electronic drums on the market
This model has been around for several years and it's still the best standard electronic drum set you can buy. It's very expensive, and I don't disagree with those who say it's overpriced considering how much more it costs compared to its competitors. I winced a bit when I placed the order, but I've been very happy in the 18 months since I bought it. It's got a great variety of available onboard sounds and effects, and through midi it can be used to trigger any VST/AU, whether drum related or not. Great playing kit that does a good job of approximating the feel of a real kit. Great for recording through onboard sound engine as well as the ability to record midi tracks for later tweaking.
193
Sounds and plays great, good value
This is the more economy model of acoustic guitar from PRS, but these play and sound very well. Good onboard electronics as well. I haven't played the US model to know the difference in quality, but apparently it's substantial as these are about 20% of the cost of the US models. This is an amazing guitar for the price.
193
Nails the classic Jazz tone
Sounds and plays great. I've got the sunburst model which reminds me of Jaco's jazz bass in the color department at least.
193
Decent playing guitar, versatile tones and tunings.
This is the Korean made (cheaper) version of this guitar. Overall it plays okay and the versatility of tones makes it a useful live guitar due to the flexibility.
193
Great sounding and playing guitar, well suited for heavy tones
This is ostensibly my Frankenstrat, custom made by Suhr to fill the role of heavy tones with a floating tremolo system. Very flat and easily accesible 24 fret neck. I ordered it with EMGs but they were too hot, so I ended up putting a Semour Duncan in the single/neck position and an EVH in the bridge/hum position. Very happy with the sound and playability, it's a keeper.
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193
One of the best signature strats out there
This guitar is designed in collaboration between Eric Johnson and Fender and it's a great example of a player's instrument. All the tweaks serve the tone and natural beauty of this instrument. Quarter sawn maple fretboard with a 12inch radius makes the fretboard almost Gibson like flat. Eric's custom voiced pickup selections give you everything from classic Fender chime to humbucker like sustain and beefiness. Alder body with a non painted tremolo block all enhance the natural sustain of the instrument. Another keeper.
41028
The only thing I didn't like about EJ's signature strat was the 12" radius! For some reason I cannot get next to anything flatter than 9.5" on a fender even though I am totally happy on all my gibbies. Great review!
193
Ha ha - the 12" radius is exactly what I love about it. I don't mind the more baseball bat strats, but I definitely prefer the flatter radius. This was the perfect strat for me (it doesn't hurt that I idolize EJ, either)
193
Fantastic sounding and well built classic guitar
I've had my Gibson Les Paul Custom for nearly four years now and it's probably my favorite guitar. It plays beautifully and nails the classic Les Paul sound. It's also very versatile, and fits in with both heavy and lighter fare. Definitely a keeper.
41028
Is yours a black beuty or a 'cream' white one? Man am I sucker for a well-aged white LP custom, dead sexy!
193
It's sort of a black beauty, but all chrome hardware. It's exactly the Les Paul Custom I'd always wanted but hadn't seen available except for a custom order. I snatched it up as soon as I saw it. I love the cream/white customs like Randy Rhoads had as well. I never wanted one but they're beautiful guitars.
193
Very powerful all around workstation.
I've only had it for a month or so, so I've barely scratched the surface of what it is capable of doing. Very pleased so far.