Home Studio Projects

I recently finished assembling a home music studio. For guitar projects I'm using a Line 6 Toneport and a POD Pro. Both are connected to my 20" iMac which is configured to dual boot Windows XP and Mac OS-X. I have the Toneport working just fine on both operating systems. I primarily use Logic Pro for recording but also use Garageband and GarageBand loops for some tracks.

In addition to the Toneport I'm using a MOTU Ultralite, a MOTU MIDI Express 128, a Digitech RP2000 effects pedal, and an M-Audio Keystation 49e MIDI controller. I recently added a Yamaha DTXpress digital drum kit to the setup. On the guitar front I'm using a Washburn HB-35 hollow body, a Yamaha Pacifica 821, and a BC Rich Zombie 5 string bass.

My Logic Pro setup includes a Frontier Tranzport wireless controller for triggering Logic Pro remotely while recording. It's a great little box for getting away from the computer during recording sessions but still gives you great control over the software.

The Toneport is still my "go to" box for quick mobile recording. For complex setups I chain the Toneport to the Ultralite using the S/PDIF interface. I just picked up my bass so I haven't had a chance to go through all the bass presets yet but the ones that I've tried so far are pretty sweet. The guitar presets are more than adequate, especially when combined with the POD Pro and the RP2000.

Here's a little clip I created using Logic Pro and some Garage Band loops. I'm working on a full length version but haven't finished it yet. Link to Loop Jamz

Another song that I tweaked up a bit is a re-mix of a tune some of my friends recorded when we were still in high school. I recovered this song from an old tape that was wet at some point. There are a few drop-outs but I managed to get a decent recording. I used GarageBand to add some EQ, echo, and reverb to the original recording. This song was always one of my favorites. You can get the file Song_of_Algari.mp3 from the download section.

My daughter recorded a cover of the song "Complicated". They recorded it at a mall in Nashville on the spur of the moment. I think they did a decent job with zero practice before hand. She was only 15 when this was recorded. Download Complicated_Cover.mp3 from the download area to hear it.


Right now my setup includes the following gear:

Some other goodies:

Misc Links:

Musician's Friend is my favorite on-line place to buy gear! I'll be adding some additional links in the near future. That's it for now... More to come as I get into Logic Pro, GarageBand, & MIDI!

Dan