The Crystal Method, Two-Handed Synth Soloing, and more

March 26, 2014 TOP STORY The Crystal Method on Facing Down the Blank Session Screen Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland aren't just legends of electronic dance music—they were instrumental in pioneering and defining it. Having been producing records and performing live together for 20 years since they first joined forces in Las Vegas, they also have their fingers in over 50 film scores including Blade: Trinity, Spawn, Tropic Thunder, and Fast & Furious 6, not to mention TV soundtracks such as Third Watch, Bones, Real Steel, and the new J. J. Abrams android-cop drama Almost Human. Just a few of their video game scores include Need For Speed: Nitro, FIFA '97 and '98, and League of Legends. We got a chance to visit their Crystalwerks studio in North Hollywood for an extended conversation, in which they schooled us on the techniques and gear behind their fifth studio album, self-titled The Crystal Method. It features collaborations with such diverse artists as Dia Frampton, Afrobeta, Nick Thayer, and even country music icon LeAnn Rimes. Read More » LEARN THIS Two-handed soloing ideas, because there's nothing wrong with showing off! » GEAR NEWS The new DAW on the block: Bitwig Studio 1.0 released today » Our own Jerry Kovarsky writes book "Keyboards For Dummies" » In NYC? Don't miss the final week of this Moog synth installation! » Native Instruments announces MOLEKULAR modular effects software » MUST-SEE VIDEO Tour the Crystal Method's synth-filled studio » THIS WEEK'S POLL What are your studio keyboards plugged directly into in the signal path? » (Scroll down the page after clicking to see the poll.) M-Series Professional Monitor Headphones By Audio Technica Available Now Audio-Technica introduces the next-generation M-Series headphone line, delivering exceptionally accurate audio and outstanding comfort. New models include the ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x, ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x, ATH-M50xWH (white) and ATH-50xBL (limited edition blue). MSRP: $69-$259 www.audio-technica.com pro@atus.com 615808 8-channel Audio Mixer with USB I/O Monoprice Available Now Monoprice is now shipping their "615808 8-channel Audio Mixer with USB I/O," featuring 14-inputs, 8-channels, 2x2 USB I/O (Plug-N-Play for PC & Mac), phantom power, variable gain, 103dB SNR, and includes stand mount. Price: $79.88 www.monoprice.com Octavian - Keyboard Calculator Bitnotic Available on the iTunes App Store Instantly see and hear 500+ scales and 50+ chords on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Also features Circle of Fifths, scale modes, chord inversions, descending scales, and much more. Keyboard Magazine said of Octavian 1.1.0 (Jan 2010): "It's a cheat sheet no keyboardist should leave home without." MAP: $2.99 USD www.bitnotic.com info@bitnotic.com

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