Sam Mallery's blog

MXL has come out with a new USB computer audio interface and microphone combo called the Mic Mate. It enables you to record up to four microphones, directly into a Mac or Windows computer, all in a compact package. A microphone is included, along with a table stand and the necessary cables. With the addition of the MXL Fox Microphone 3-Pack, you can have a full-blown mobile podcasting studio.

The laws of physics have always posed annoying challenges for capturing clear sound in film and video production. One such obstacle is how to focus a microphone on a sound you want to hear, while ignoring sounds you don't. The Schoeps SuperCMIT 2U Digital Shotgun has taken us one step closer to solving this problem. It may be expensive, but a tool that can improve the clarity of dialog and sound effects is worth its weight in Oscar gold.

Problem: my 700-pound motorcycle isn't twirling around. Solution: the Ortery PhotoCapture 360XL! This beefy turntable can spin heavy objects 360°, and it comes with software to photograph and animate the images for use on the Internet. Got a 700-pound iron horse that you need to sell on the Internet? Entice potential customers with a 360-degree animated slideshow view! Here's how you do it:

This is your chance to save $50 to $100 on Studio One Pro, a new audio program from PreSonus. Our savings offer expires on June 30th, so don't mull this one over for too long. Studio One Pro is a powerful audio application that's been designed from top to bottom to be easy to use, without giving up its horsepower. The new Version 1.5 even includes QuickTime video support. Check out this post for more details.

Sound Devices has released a new firmware update for their 788T 8-channel portable recorder. It addresses an issue with the CL-8 controller. Check out this post for more information and a link to the free firmware download.

Spaghetti is a tasty and cost-effective meal; however, if you're not careful, your wires and cables have the potential to turn into it. When you acquire multiple pieces of equipment, you can end up with a messy tangle of AC adapters before you notice. It's always a good idea to keep them organized with Rip-Ties, but I've found it can be even more helpful to label them with tape and magic markers. Here's how I do it...

Here's the situation: you buy a brand new Mac with an empty 500GB hard drive. Your old computer has a smaller hard drive, but it's completely full and not very organized. You can use software that will transplant the chaotic mess from your old drive directly into your new computer, or you can take your time and manually move files over, organizing as you go. In this post I'll share some tips on how you can turn a new leaf when you get a new computer.