Yicrosoft Directory Technology Blog

So you’ve written a sweet song, and like a true rock star you want to record your work. Luckily for you, even you don’t have much cash, you can still make a decent recording using your computer. One of the most important things needed for good recording is a good microphone. There are many great microphones out there for recording, including some specialized for computer recording. Even on a budget, there is a plethora of options to get musicians on the path to making a great recording. However, there are some basic questions you need to consider before making your microphone purchase.

What will you be recording?

Recordings could be as simple as a solo keyboard or electric guitar or as complicated as a full band. If you are planning on recording an instrument like acoustic guitar or vocals, you will likely need to invest in a decent microphone. There are different types of microphone, mainly categorized as either dynamic or condenser. For things like voice or acoustic guitar, condenser microphones are much preferred because they capture more of the complete sound of a room. However, dynamic microphones may be more versatile and don’t require phantom power to operate. Phantom power is a voltage that needs to be supplied by a pre-amp for some microphones to work.

USB Microphones

However, for those who want to invest for far superior quality, there are several options. Firstly, there are microphones specialized for computer recording that plug right into your computer’s usb port. Before buying these, it’s important to check their compatibility with whatever recording program you’re using. A list of available usb microphones is available through a great online music store called Musician’s Friend.  From experience, I will vouch for the MXL 990 usb microphone as a great relatively inexpensive usb condenser microphone, at $99.95. The great thing about this microphone is that it comes with a little stand and a sturdy case. The sound quality is great, and from my experience it’s pretty reliable. The MXL 990 can be purchased from Musician’s Friend. If you’re on a tight budget, Nady makes a usb microphone that only costs $31.95. It too can be purchased from Musician’s Friend.

Dynamic Microphones

If you need your microphone to be very versatile, you may want to invest in a dynamic microphone.  These can be great for micing things like guitar amps or drums. A great, fairly cheap dynamic microphone is the Shure SM57. It is considered to be “the industry standard” and is a great general-use workhorse microphone. They cost about $99 new, but they are so popular that it is fairly easy to find a used one for cheaper. Another great feature of the Shure SM57 is it’s solid build. It’s a very sturdy microphone that can survive a few drops or kicks. If you want a cheaper option, Behringer makes some incredibly inexpensive microphones that only cost about $25 each. These might be good if you are on a tight budget but your project requires lots of microphones. Quality wise, they are not up to par with Shure, and are built with more questionable quality.

Condensers

Condenser microphones as previously mentioned are great for recording things like vocals and acoustic guitar, and can really capture the richness of sound you experience when you’re playing live. Condenser microphones can run up over $8000, but there are several affordable options as well. For an affordable option, MXL makes a version of the 990 (as previously mentioned) without usb capability. This microphone only costs $70, making it a great choice for someone on a budget. For a step up in quality, Studio Projects makes a fantastic condenser microphone called the B3. It retails for under $150 and sounds very good. More info on this quality microphone can be found at Studio Project’s website.

Built-in Computer Microphones

Some computers come with basic microphones, but generally the quality of these is very poor and they are apt to clip or distort easily when you are recording. If you’re really desperate and just want to use the little microphone that came with your computer, you can cover it with a sock. As strange as this sounds, it prevents some of the clipping problems that are commonly found when recording with these microphones. With this method you can get some rough recordings down.

Lastly, it’s important to make sure the microphones you buy will work with your recording set-up. Condenser microphones will likely also require a pre-amp with phantom power, so it’s important to consider these costs as well when purchasing a microphone. Good luck and enjoy your next recording project!

Filed under: Technology | No Comments »

I recently purchased the brand new T-Mobile ‘Dash’ mobile phone.  Is Love too strong a word?

The dash is incredibly small.

For months before purchasing the dash, I had been suffering from Trio envy.  My brother’s Trio was significantly smaller than my Pocket PC phone, and he could type on it with both hands, while I pecked away with a clumsy stylus.

I considered a Trio that was even smaller than my brother’s, and I gave serious consideration to the Blackberry Pearl; but I held off purchasing, realizing that in today’s tech market, those who aren’t satisfied with the current state of the art need only wait five minutes.

I waited, and along came the Dash.

For a phone/PDA combo with a full qwerty keyboard, the Dash is about as tiny as it gets.  At 4.4 x 2.5 x 5 inches (108 x 60 x 11.5 mm), the Dash fits nicely into my pocket.  Most of the time, I forget it’s even there.

Bluetooth
Speaking of Trio envy — size is not all that matters.  My brother’s Trio also had Bluetooth connectivity, allowing him to use a wireless headset, and to sync wirelessly with his PC.

Before the Dash, I was at the mercy of either a wired “hands free” headset, or the speakerphone function.  Both were awkward – requiring at least one hand and both eyes — and therefore stressful and dangerous when attempted at 70 mph on the freeway.

As a nominal Christian, I have always subscribed to the theory that the man upstairs indulges any and all foul language emanating from inside a moving vehicle, particularly during rush hour.  However, even the almighty would have difficulty ignoring the creative vocabulary I employed while trying to place a call on the Pocket PC from behind the wheel

With the Dash, I simply clip on my Bluetooth headset when I get in the car, and then use the Dash’s voice dialing function to place and receive calls without ever taking my eyes off the road.  This is good for my safety, and good for my soul.

Mobile Internet

The Dash offers three options for accessing the internet.  The best option — and therefore the most expensive — is to buy T-Mobile’s “Total Internet” package, which includes internet access from anywhere you can pick up a phone signal.

This is great if you simply can’t go an hour without the internet or email, and $29.99 per month is not a big deal.  I added the package during the initial euphoria following my purchase, and since then I’ve accessed the net over my phone exactly once, using it as a distraction while waiting two hours in line to vote.  The coverage was fast; I checked my hotmail and read several articles off Economist.com while waiting in line.  While it was a great service, I just didn’t use it enough; so I took a minute to cancel the service from the convenience of my T-Mobile online account.

The second option offered by T-mobile for internet access is T-Mobile Hotspots.  These are wireless connections at participating retailers, such as Starbucks, and offer higher speeds than would be possible through the Total Internet connection.  The Hotspots package costs $19.99 per month by itself, or is included with the Total Internet Package.

The third option — my personal favorite — is the Dash’s built-in wireless feature.  WiFi allows you to access the internet via any wireless network within range.  So if you are too lazy (I’ll admit it, sometimes I am) to get off the couch and go upstairs to check your email during commercial breaks, you can just reach into your pocket and use your Dash to surf the net via your home wireless network.

Did I mention this option is free?  The only hitch is that it is only available within range of an unencrypted wireless connection, or one for which you have a passkey.  This works great for me when I am downtown, or at my home in the suburbs, since there is always a neighbor who is tech savvy enough to install a wireless router, but not paranoid enough to password protect it.  Hooray for free internet!

Camera/Video
Fellow YouTubers will be happy to learn that the Dash comes with a 1.3 megapixel camera, with still photo and live video/audio capability.  Various resolutions can be set to provide good quality prints, or just small-sized ID thumbnails.  As for the video quality -   Spielberg will not be shooting his next masterpiece on this apparatus, but if you were fine watching Michael Richards’ Klan-rant in smudge-vision, you will be overjoyed with the Dash’s resolution, which is significantly better.

Messaging
Text messaging varies according to billing plan.  I am not a big texter, but if I were, this would be the phone for it.  With a full qwerty keyboard, BFFs can now Keep In Touch.

The video messaging feature is another fun tool for connecting with your pals.  I sent a buddy of mine that picture that we have all sent at one point or another – you know the one – where you take a close-up of the crook of your bent elbow, and it looks like the retreating side of a full Monty.  We had a good laugh.

The Dash also features voice messaging, for those who like to record their thoughts for later.  Voice notes can be attached to emails, or forwarded to a recipient’s inbox.  How’s that for convenient?

Gripes
The Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system is nice, as it integrates seamlessly with my laptop (Windows XP).  The one piece of software that is missing, however, is one that I used the most on my Pocket PC: the “Notes” program.  As a writer, I don’t always have time to stop and jot down ideas on paper.  Being able to pull out my phone and write something down for later was very convenient.  I have searched several download sites for some type of notes program, but as yet have been unsuccessful.

In Summary
My brother is jealous.  My friends are jealous.  For $200 and a two year subscription renewal, the T-Mobile Dash was well worth it.  That is, at least for the next five minutes.

Filed under: Technology | No Comments »

MP3 players don’t work well once you drop them on the ground. Whether it’s the display screen or the headphone jack that breaks, you’ll have a hard time using your player after the accident.

If your warranty has expired – or, worse, if the coverage doesn’t include mishandling – you’re forced to buy a replacement player. This is far more expensive and time-consuming than buying, and using, some of the most common MP3 player accessories on the market.

There are several different ways to safeguard your player. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types so that you’ll be sure to pick the one that’s best for your lifestyle.

The Belt Clip
Clipping your MP3 player to your belt or waistband keeps the device within easy reach. Depending on the quality of the clip, you probably won’t have to worry about a malfunction. Most clips work well even if you jog or run, so knocking your player loose isn’t much of a concern.

If you’re in a crowded area – such as a train or bus – a thief could disconnect your headphone jack and grab the player before you can react. Another problem with belt clips is that, if you bang your hip into something, you can break the clip and send the device right to the asphalt.

The Armband
Armbands are great for people who wear low-riding pants or any other type of clothing that doesn’t work well with a belt clip. You can run, jog, walk or even play non-contact sports without worrying about your player.

Armbands often utilize your belt clip. Be sure to pick a durable clip so that you won’t lose the player when you’re running to class.

The Lanyard
Hanging the player around your neck is a great option for many people. The lanyard keeps the player near your body, which makes it easy to operate and hard for thieves to grab. You can also run as fast as you want without the player working its way off of your waistband.

The Backpack/Purse
Storing the player in your bag while you’re out and about keeps the device reasonably safe even if you drop your bag on the sidewalk. The bag’s padding absorbs some of the shock, as do the softer things riding inside.

Some backpacks come with reinforced holes for your headphone cord. This leaves you free to close your bag without worrying about what will happen to the cord when the zipper moves.

If that’s not an option, consider finding an alternative means of storing your player. The zipper destroys the headphone cord before you know what’s happened, leaving you devoid of music until you can buy a replacement.

Also: if somebody grabs your bag, the MP3 player goes with it. Be sure that you keep a steady grip on your bag to prevent theft.

The Front Pocket
Many people end up sticking their MP3 players into a front pocket. This is convenient, but the player picks up lint and dirt from your pocket.

If you have change, car keys or any other such items in your pocket, they’ll scratch your display screen. If you want to use your pocket for MP3-player storage, buy a protective cover or case to prevent damage.

There are a few other ways to carry your player around: some people, for example, choose to just keep the players in their hands while they walk around. You should go with whatever option is the safest and most convenient for your habits and lifestyle. Whatever method you choose, be sure to select a high-quality product. Saving ten dollars by buying a cheaply-made case might end up costing you a lot of money should the case not work as well as it should.

Filed under: Online Shopping, Technology | No Comments »

If you’re tired of using multiple remotes to control your TV, cable/satellite, DVD player and VCR, you should check out the customizable remote that Philips manufactures. Technically named the Philips SRU4105WM/17, this highly-programmable remote control offers you almost everything you could want in this type of product.

For eighteen to twenty-five dollars, you get a long, black remote that operates on two AAA batteries. Fortunately, you also get a decently-written instruction manual. You will need this guide to program the remote, so be sure that you don’t accidentally destroy it when you open the blister pack.

The package also includes the numerical codes that you will need to program the remote. These codes, sorted by component then brand, are fairly comprehensive. Unless you own a very-rare brand or model, you should find exactly what you need in this leaflet.

Pros:
Long and slender – this remote will probably poke out of the top of most “remote caddies,” but you don’t have to worry too much about misplacing this product.

Ten programmable keys – use these to store your favorite channels. The package also includes logo stickers for most television channels. Stick one next to the appropriate button to give yourself a pictorial guide to your favorites.

Five remotes in one – control your TV, VCR, DVD, cable box and satellite receiver with one remote.

Trainable – use your old remote control to “train” this one. Your Philips Universal’s “learn” button helps you teach it what you want it to do when you push a certain button.

Auto-shutoff mode – if you accidentally trap the remote between the couch cushions, it will turn off after a brief period of time. This prevents you from draining the batteries or inadvertently changing channels.

Large buttons – these are not the largest on the market, but most users won’t have problems.

Cons
Made in China – if you’re opposed to this, then you’ll want to skip the Universal.

Learning curve – this remote is not set up like the ones that came with your various components. You’ll have to spend a bit of time re-teaching yourself about button placement.

Lightweight – the remote is not very heavy, which gives it a “flimsy” feel. This product might not be as resilient as, for example, Dish Network’s receiver remote.

Overall, the Philips Universal is worth the small investment. Eighteen to twenty-five dollars is not a steep price to pay for an item that makes your home-entertainment life a bit easier and more convenient.

For more information about this remote, visit the manufacturer’s Web site at philips.com.

Filed under: Online Shopping, Technology | No Comments »

How To Use Yahoo!’s Events Reminders

My Yahoo! events reminders are one of the most useful features I’ve ever found (and I’ve been using Yahoo! for a while…).  It’s particularly useful because checking my email is the first thing I do every morning.  (You, too, probably.)

I have a really hard time remembering to take my vitamins in the morning.  It’s not that I don’t want to take them; it’s not that I don’t think they’re important; it’s just that they’re “out of sight, out of mind” in the medicine cabinet, and I never even think about them.

So, I set up an email reminder in Yahoo!, and now the first thing I see every morning in my inbox is a reminder telling me to take my vitamins.

To add a reminder to your calendar in Yahoo! mail, go to the tab that says “Calendar”.  (There are four tabs; Mail, Addresses, Calendar, Notepad.)  Mine takes me right to the daily view of my calendar.

Scroll down until you see the “Add Event” button at the bottom.  Click on it.

Type in a title; mine is “Vitamin Reminder”.  The event type is “Other”.  I leave the date on today’s date, so it will start right away.

The “Time:” section isn’t really important; just getting it to remind you is the important part.  I have mine marked “starts at” 5:00 am (an hour before I get up) and “duration” 15 minutes.  This just gives the calendar a frame of reference.

“Location” I leave blank; in “Notes”, I put down “Take your vitamins”.  You can leave both blank, if you like.  “Sharing” is marked as private.

The “Repeating” section is the second most important (next to the “Reminder” section); you want it to repeat every day, with no end date.

You can skip the “Invitations” section; it isn’t important.

The next area on the list is the “Reminder” section, and this one is important.  Select the “Send a reminder” button, and set your time for “15 minutes before”.  Check the box that says “Email address”, and include your email address if it doesn’t do it for you.  Leave your Instant Messenger and Mobile device email unchecked.

Now, scroll down to the bottom and hit “save”.  And voila!  You never need to forget your vitamins again.

Filed under: Technology, Yicrosoft Directory | No Comments »

The Blackberry Curve from RIM inherits much of the sleek styling of its older brother, the 8830 World Edition. It keeps the great screen and the stylish navigation trackball, the GPS, and of course all of the PIM perfection that Blackberry offers, and adds a very nice 2MP camera that shoots video as well. The curve comes with a very well made and attractive belt case, as well.

The GPS works with Blackberry Maps wonderfully, as well as Google Maps. The Media Player is par for the course on a smartphone, offering a microSD slot for media storage – it’ll do its job, but it’s no iPod. It will play MP2, MIDI, WMA, and AAC for audio, and MPEG4, WMV, and H263 for video. Stereo Bluetooth, WIFI, and high-speed internet make it a very connected device. It weighs in around 4 oz – not bad for a smartphone of this caliber.
One cannot say enough about the Blackberry battery – the manufacturer claims four hours talk time and 17 days – yes, days! – of standby, and real-world experience shows that those numbers aren’t far off. Blackberry is one of the very few platforms that allow constant-connection with IM clients without complete loss of battery life. The Blackberry platform is also unparalleled for usefulness as a mobile email/calendar/contacts type device.

No matter how you measure it, the Curve is set to be a big winner in todays cutthroat smartphone/PIM world.

Filed under: Online Shopping, Technology | No Comments »

Featured on the BBC website today Bill Gates has reportedly said that the life of the hand held mouse is no more.

So what will replace the old trusted mouse? Well Microsoft has been developing touch screen monitors for a while now, even touch screen tables too! Anyway, I found a video on YouTube that you may find interesting!

Filed under: Technology | No Comments »

Online games have come a long way since the days of playing Pong online. All consoles now feature online capabilities allowing a whole new lease of life of game play. Online games have developed so much that some games are built solely for playing across the web with other human players.

I have to admit, I use to be a bit of an addict – my game of choice was Battlefield 2, up to 64 human players all running around in “organised combat” – somethin a single player game just cant compete with. It’s not just the high spec graphics games that have risen in popularity either. Poker and other gambling card games account for such a high percentage of all gambling worldwide – that is all thanks to the online capabilities and speeds of broadband connections.

Online gaming in the future could be something really special, with real money, interaction and lifestyles mapped out on the internet super highway – lets wait and see!

Filed under: Games, Yicrosoft Directory | No Comments »

It was probably around three or four months ago but I did actually suffer from a hackers attack. It was devastating, files were lost, data left unsecured and it was an invasion of personal privacy.

I was lucky enough to have contacts with a supporting help desk which remotely accessed my server and fixed the problem within a matter of hours. Since then I have also used such companies for other IT issues.

It doesn’t matter how secure you think you are, bad things just happen, just make sure you have the right contacts in your diaries!

Filed under: Technology, Yicrosoft Directory News | No Comments »

Conference calls are important, period. It’s a vital part of day to day running of a business with either other employees or clients. Usually setting up a system can be a costly affair and requires installations, technicians and possibly office disruption.

I found this cool looking website called “Budget Conferencing (dot com)” which seem to offer really competitive rates along with a huge list of services. To be honest I didn’t realize there were so many options to choose from, so take a look.

Some conference call features:

• Name Record/Play
• Roll Call
• Music Security Feature
• Lecture Mode/Muting capabilities
• 24/7 Operator Assistance
• Toll Dial-In Number
• Toll Free Dial-In Number
• International Toll Dial-In Number

Plus much more!

Filed under: Technology | No Comments »