Problems with New Gear

As you probably know by now, I just bought a ton of new gear to use with my live show: a new iMac, software, cables, tables, and a MIDI pedal. Since I'm a Logic recording software guy, I decided to give Mainstage a try. (Mainstage is the "live version" of Logic, and it comes with Logic Studio.) Cool. Everything was good so far.

I received everything in the mail and proceeded to set it all up. Computer connects to a MIDI keyboard and a MOTU 828, the 828 connects to a Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro and my guitar. Let me know if this is too much tech jargon...

I was able to flawlessly assign functions within Logic to each button on the Ground Control. The problem, though, is that when switching from record mode to play mode, with cycle mode on, there is a delay in the audio output. The end result of this is that it appears that I can't use Logic Pro itself to live loop on stage.

I was hoping I'd be able to just use Logic to do this, considering that I already know the software, and would like to see an Arrange window on stage. Maybe there's a fix out there that I haven't found yet. If you have the answer, let me know. Enter Mainstage.

Mainstage was built to use in live shows. The only problem is that the Ground Control Pro, apparently, hates Mainstage (or vice versa). Mainstage, so it seems, only allows the GCP to change from one set to another. It does not allow a user - ME! - to assign, say, the "record" button to the MIDI pedal.

Needless to say, this has been a frustrating week for me - one in which I have been all-consumed by this nagging problem. I have decided to return the Ground Control Pro, but there is one, big issue with that: I ordered it online, from a company that has a totally loser-fied return policy. Here's a cut-and-paste from it:

"No Hassle" Return Policy:
We want you to be completely happy with your purchase from XXXXXXXXX. If you are not satisfied with any product, you may return it for a refund of the purchase price, an in-house credit, or exchange for another product within a fair amount of time from the shipping date (30 days or so). If your purchase was eligible for Free Shipping, the shipping cost will be deducted from your credit or refund.

Returns must be in the complete and original packaging with all accessories and complete documentation (Owner's Manual, warranty card, quick start guides etc.), show no signs of wear or use and include a Return Authorization number or be subject to a restocking fee. Products like software, personal items (such as in-ear monitors, etc), and items which are not normally stocked ("Special Orders", discontinued products, close-outs, used products, etc.) are not returnable.

If you can't guess, I don't think I'll be ordering from them any more. Even though they are out of state (thus, I don't have to pay sales tax), I have thusly been screwed by them, and any money that I have saved over the last three years by ordering from them (and not paying sales tax) has been swiftly eaten up in a single week. I'll pay sales tax any day if it means there are no slaps on the wrist for making a return or exchange. If you're curious as to *who* this company is, I'll tell you if you ask, or you can C&P my text in to a Google search. :)

You might be curious to know what kind of a pedal I will get to replace the one I'm returning. Here it is:

Apogee Gio - http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/gio.php

It's no-hassle, it's from one of the best audio equipment manufacturers in the world, and it's designed specifically to work with Logic, Mainstage, and Garageband. Plus, it sends and receives *both* MIDI and audio (the GCP is only MIDI).

A Message to a Friend

I sent the following FB message to a friend of mine, who was asking for feedback on attending Columbia College in Chicago. Here's what I wrote:

Thanks for the message about this. Yes, it is a big topic - and one that needs some discussion - at Columbia.

What I can say, from personal experience, is that I never felt driven to graduate. I personal drove myself to acquire the knowledge I felt was necessary for me to succeed with my art in "the real world". As it turned out, though I learned a lot of stuff about the business of art and music, it was all stuff that I could have learned by reading a stack of books.

Do I regret my days at Columbia? No. But knowing what I now know, I mostly tell aspiring artists to take a year off after high school, pursuing their art full-time. Don't hold down a day job during that year or you'll screw yourself for financial aid, if you decide to go to college the year after. Make sure that your parents see your art, because if they do (and they think it's truly good work) then they'll support you in pursuing it. Great artists don't have to go to college, but they do have to be smart, eager to learn and always learning, ever-refining their skills, and unafraid of failure.

Merry Christmas from North Dakota!

That's right. North Dakota. Megan, Seth, and I drove 14.5 hours on December 26th all the way up to our friends' house from Wheaton, IL. It was ridiculous. Only twice in my lifetime have I ever heard of United States interstates being shut down. My second experience was yesterday, driving in blizzard conditions. North Dakota issued a travel advisory for the entire state, suggesting that people travel only when medically necessary.

"Interstate 29 has been closed between Fargo and Grand Forks," the North Dakota travel information line, 511, states. It continues, "Roads are closed only when conditions present a serious risk of death to the motorist and roads are impassible." Unbelievable.

We didn't even know that I-29 was closed until we got on to I-29, leaving Fargo, and discovered a giant gate crossing the entire road, with a giant "road closed" sign. Leaving the highway, we stopped at a gas station and talked with a couple of locals, who suggested an alternate route.

We were only an hour and twenty minutes away - if we were able to take I-29 - but now we were tacking on an additional hour. We'd take Minnesota Rt. 75 to Rt. 2, into Grand Forks.

The closer we got, the more I realized that my buddy Dave wasn't kidding: "They don't plow or salt the roads up here. They basically just let the wind blow everything around." The wind blowing the snow over the road played tricks on my mind. It looked like we were driving on clouds. It was tough to stay focused on the road. Of course, that could have been the effects 13 hours of driving.

The snow drifted in to piles on the road. As the car ran in to them, the vehicle slowed and pitched to the left or right. It was an adventure.

And finally, we arrived. Safe and sound.

Okay, it's time for another nap.

New Computer on its Way

Hey! I just wanted to let everyone know that I just ordered a new computer. An iMac, to be exact. Okay, it's no Mac Pro, but I wanted to buy a computer that I could use on stage, for my live shows. I looked at the MacBook Pro's, but ultimately, I was looking for more bang for your buck, and I realized that the portability of the MacBook Pro wasn't a big enough factor to go that route.

I'm looking forward to loading it up with Logic Studio 9, Reason 4, and Record. Let the party begin (in two weeks, when I get the new machine).

Fridays Update

I just wanted to give you a quick update on the whole Friday's incident from a few weeks back. After several weeks without a peep from the restaurant chain, I got a phone call a few nights ago, from the location's general manager. He apologized, of course, but also said that he would send us $30 in gift certificates, to "make things right". Well, it doesn't, but I'll take the certificates anyways. Who knows. Maybe I'll go back for a burger or just give them away as a Christmas gift.

I am Thankful. Are You?

Those who know me best know that from my lips often comes a phrase that I once heard from another good friend. It goes something like this:

One asks me, "How are you today?"

I respond, "Better than I deserve."

And, of course, it's the honest truth. I have so much to be thankful for and I often fall short of living in the reality of that thankful attitude. This year, I resolve to remind myself - every day - that I have much to be thankful for. I have more than I deserve.

New Pics on Flickr

Check 'em out: flickr.com/photos/jaymathes