jakerock.com / audio recording / d.i.y.

AUDIO LINKS:

=Recording Software=

Breakthrough Audio recording application (DAW)... Completely configurable, stable and affordable. I have so much to say about this wonderful thing that I need to stop myself right here... Just go to the website and read about the features of this program. Blows Protools and Cubase right out of the water for multitrack audio recording. ($50 non-commercial license!!!!)

FREEWARE PLUGINS

Cockos (ReaPlugs Suite)
These are some of the the world class plugins that come with reaper, in VST format for use in other audio software. (freeware)

BlueNoise (My Drumset)
VSTi (midi) drumset...
Simple, self contained multimic samples in a nice VSTi
with faders for all mics (freeware)

S.I.R. Convoloution File VST Plugin

HQ PAID PLUGINS

Stillwell Audio

Bad Buss Mojo and 1073 EQ, and the are just the tip of the iceberg, and are some of my favorite plugs... Extremely reasonable prices for some of the best sounding plugs.

PSP (Vintage Warmer)
If you like things sounding somewhat dirty, and you dont like Bad Buss Mojo for some reason, PSP makes this which really makes things sound gritty and wonderful.

Amp Simulators (freeware)

Recording / playing a real amp isnt always possible, and these do a hell of a job sounding like the real thing.

Simulanalog Guitar Suite
My go-to's for amp sim... Sound really good and are easy on the CPU. Twin Reverb and Marshall Simulations

FreeAmp 3
Written with Synthedit, so it is a bit CPU heavy, but sounds really good, especially the bass amp presets

Voxengo Boogex
Another great one... easy to tweak with drawable EQ bands, and you can roll your own cab simulations or use the many great sounding ones that are included.

Juicy 77
Killer highgain amp simulator!!!
Really great, good cab impulses included.
One weird thing is that it doesnt show up in the host app as "Juicy77" it is listed as "High Gain Amplifier"

large file transfer (free)

yousendit.com
Its a online transfer station for large files... When you want to send big files that your email server cant handle, and you dont have your own server, this is a really handy thing.

remote backup (free)

iDrive
Free online backup of up to 2GB of data...

FREEWARE UTILITIES

=File Mangement=

xplorer2
Managing files and manually backing up files and directories to other folders is enough of a pain in the ass without using the miserable and embarassing "Windows Explorer". This sumbitch is a two paned file management swiss army knife. I wish that I had this from day one.

pathsync
If you make manual backups of your data, this is indespensable. It can compare files and directories and returns a easily comprehended list of files that are different between them so that you can syncronize easily... By the folks who brought you winamp and reaper. Freeware.

=System Monitor / Troubleshooting tools=

Process Explorer
When using the computer as a recording device, you have to tell it: "please try and pay attention while I am talking to you, sir" This revved up version of the Windows task manager (ctrl+alt+del) really lets you see what your computer is doing in the background, and what might be taking its attention away from the task at hand.

DPC Latency Checker
Another great utility. It is basically a scrolling graph that monitors CPU/system spikes that might affect your computers ablility to record and playback glitch-free audio with a recording app.

=Audio Tools=

cdex
Freeware CD ripping, mp3 ripper and format conversion utility.

foobar2000
Super configurable and format friendly audio player... can also play internet radio streams

audioshell
Add on for Windows that allows robust editing of the tags and properties of audio files through the "File>Properties" dialog in Windows

mediamonkey
Great app... Alternative to iTunes and others. iPod support built in.

=cd burning=

dp simple burner
Great freeware for burning data CD's ... doesnt make audio CD though.

=ftp=

smart ftp
Great freeware FTP client for uploading / downloading

=irc=

icechat
Nice freeware IRC client

=text editor =

editpad lite
A great alternative to the Windows Notepad app. Freeware.

=mind mapping=

freemind
My visualization skills are um... less than adequate at times, this app lets you create and look at ideas and tasks in a flowchart type setting that sometimes helps to see the "big picture"

=Other stuff=

skype
Well, youve probably hear of this 'eh? Call anywhere, all over the world for pennies a minute. I used this last time I went to Europe on tour, and it saved me a sh*tload of money and worked really well. I feel a little weird wearing a headset though...