chuck_cohen's Electronic Studio Setup

This was purchased at the time when I lacked other controllers for DAW and VSTs parameters and thought I would need these controls. I was initially OK with the keybed, but later regretted the purchase as it didn't seem to be of very good quality (as compared to other pro keyboards & synths). I also initially had problems with the driver & set-up software (not quite so user-friendly). It does a great job for playing synth and organ, but I do wish now that I had gotten the Novation SL Mark II just for better keybed.

When I first heard these monitors, I didn't like them as much as the Presonus Eris or other monitors, but they were in my budget and I got them. Truth be known, the TRUTH speakers were actually very flat when hooked up in my studio (that's a "good" thing), with maybe a little bass missing. After adjusting the switches on the back of them, and adding-in a little low-end EQ, these guys came to life and have given me several years of great service as my primary monitors.

This unit is made by vocalists for vocalists, but actually becomes the ultimate live-gig processor for a mic'd saxophone, all in one convenient portable package. The VoiceLive series gives you the ultimate doubler and harmonizer, because it doesn't sound like an effect pedal ....it sounds more realistic! In my case, all the stock default settings had to be changed & tweaked for the sonic fidelity of a "saxophone" (not a vocalist), but it does everything extremely well, especially the harmony processing. For me, it gets used primarily for unison-doubling, unison-octaves, and 2 to 4-part harmony. The 2 biggest features on this device are: 1) HARMONY INTERVAL SETTING. I can "manually" set-up (initially program) harmonies into my presets quickly and easily using a keyboard connected to the Helicon's MIDI-In jack. OR ...I can elect to have the Helicon automatically set the intervals for me "in real-time while I'm playing" using (once again) a MIDI connection from the keyboard player's keyboard to the Helicon's MIDI-In jack, or from an analog-audio signal from the sound-mixer into the Helicon's audio-in jack. 2) Set-ups and/or harmony-intervals can be saved as SEQUENTIAL PRESETS and RECALLED ON THE FLY at any time during the song USING THE PEDALBOARD SWITCHES while you're playing. The VoiceLive 3 is probably a slightly better unit, but truthfully, the older VoiceLive 2 packs a punch and is truly amazing!

I needed a speaker system for my personal studio to listen to and play along (rehearse) with program material at high volumes, but I wanted something much better than live PA speakers. The legacy Cerwin Vega Re30's did not disappoint. They are VERY loud, but also very clear with plenty of bass response. I use two-pair of these driven by two Rockville RPA9 pro audio amplifiers, with the signal compressed, limited, and equalized with a Behringer DEX2496. I also have the (old) crossover capacitors inside of them replaced with good Dayton Audio film-polypropylene caps.

I use a few of these power amps to run my studio monitors. I took a chance when I bought the first one, but when I hooked it up, I was so impressed with it. Lots of clean power and no noise.

I have a very strange story about my JVC KD-V6. I found it in pristine condition at a bargain store selling second-hand electronics, ...for $15.00. ...and I didn't know what I actually had until I researched it online and found out that this deck was a 3-head deck (I never noticed) and used by many audiophiles and in recording studios. I replaced some old components and adjusted the heads, and now this deck is wonderful. I use it mainly for converting old program material that is still on cassette tape into my DAW so I can master it down into a good digital program.

This was my first keyboard that I got in a Presonus Recording Bundle package. The keyboard is not great, but playable, and It has just enough controls to get you through most things. This product is actually an Acorn Instruments Masterkey 49 controller that is blue and has the Presonus name stamped on it.