How to choose an audio interface

By Laura B. Whitmore

At some point, you have probably thought about doing some recording using your computer or laptop. If you've finally decided to jump in, then you probably need an audio interface. An audio interface's purpose is simply this; it helps you bring audio signals into your computer. Here are some of the things you need to think about when choosing the best interface for you.

In or out of the box?
Most audio interfaces are external devices that you can connect to your computer using a high speed USB or Firewire connection. However you can actually install an audio interface into your computer using an interface card. You’ll have to open up your computer and use one of your card slots.

Connection options
It’s important to know what kind of ports your computer has available for connecting your interface. Your choices are: USB 1.1 – if you have a computer that is over four years old or so, you might have this port. USB 2.0—the faster, newer version of USB, has been a standard port for more recent computer models. And finally Firewire – fast and widely available on newer Macs.

The ins and outs
Think about what are you going to plug into your interface and how many you’ll plug in at once. If you are recording multiple instruments at once, you’ll want more ins. And don’t forget about outs! Use these to connect your computer to some great sounding monitors, a PA or even your stereo. The important thing is to plan ahead and get what you think you’ll need up front.

Sample rate
When you convert audio through an interface, it does the conversion at a particular sample rate. The standard sampling rate is 44.1 kHz, the same resolution that is used for audio CDs. However, if you are working in a high-end recording situation, you might want to consider a higher rate like 192 kHz resolution and a more high-end interface.

Microphone essentials
All microphones require their signal to be boosted so that the levels are hot enough for recording. If your interface has a microphone in, it will have some pre-amplification for this purpose, but if you prefer to use a condenser mic, you’ll want an interface that also has phantom power. This is not included in all interfaces, so you’ll have to look for it.

Software choices
Check to make sure that the interface you choose is compatible with the software you are using for recording. For example, Digidesign’s Pro Tools will only work with a Digidesign or M-Audio interface, depending on which version you are using. Also, some interfaces come with recording software, so read the fine print!

Check Out this Hot Tip in Adobe Software!

Learn how to create rollover images in Adobe Dreamweaver!

What is a rollover image?
- A rollover increases the interactivity between the user and the page and physically involves the user "rolling the mouse cursor over the button," which causes the button to react visually.

So how can I create a rollover in Adobe Dreamweaver?
- First, choose two separate images with the same height and weight that you would like to use for your web page.
- Next, place the cursor of the mouse where you want to insert your rollover image.
- Click on "Rollover Image" on the "Insert" pallet line or choose Insert --> Interactive Images --> Rollover Image
- In the window that pops up, in the text field "Image Name," write the image name (but be careful not to use special characters).
- Now, insert your two images.
- Click "Browse" and insert images for both the Original Image and the Rollover Image.
- In the text field "When clicked, Go to URL," you'll need to insert the URL location for your rollover image.
- For Alternative Text, use whatever text you like - but it is suggested that you use text which describes your image as much as possible, without going over 15-20 characters.
- Also, you don't have to insert Alternative Text, but it will help you get a better search ranking and will also help users using older browsers because they won't be able to see the rollover image, but only the Alternative Text.
- Finally, just click "OK!"

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Money Making Tips for Teachers During the Summer

Are you faced with an abundance of free time and a lack of money? If you're a full-time, part-time or substitute teacher, it's easy to get bored during the summer and find yourself with a lot less "spending money." Here are some ideas to make the most of your summer and make a little extra cash while you're at it.

• Tutoring - whether in your subject area or even teaching English as a second language, tutoring is very lucrative and you can earn up to $30 + an hour in some cases.
• Grade Exams - marking exams, such as AP and year end exams, is not only a good way to earn a little extra money, but also enables teachers to prepare their students for their future exams. These types of positions range anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000!
• Teach Night Classes - there are many opportunities at high schools and universities to teach evening classes. And the hours are usually flexible and work with a teacher's schedule. Contact an organizer with your class proposal - organizers are always looking to add more courses to their brochures.
  
• Teach English Overseas - if you speak English as a first language, you can teach English as a second language! This opportunity is perfect for those looking to travel and even find a better paying position in another country or just looking to relocate.

But if you're looking to try something different and get away from teaching all together, you can always try out some of these ideas:

• Babysitting - great for K-5 level teachers! Although it's not as much money as tutoring, the hours may be much better for your schedule.
• Summer Camp - host summer camp for a week or so over the summer and plan activities for the children. If you're a mother, this is an easy way to have fun with your kids over the summer and give your friends or neighbors a break from theirs!
• Online Auctions - try selling a few items lying around your house on eBay or Craig's List. You'll be able to clean out your house and make a few bucks at the same time.
• Vacation Helper - many people go on vacation during the summer and are looking for trustworthy, reliable people to water their plants, take care of their dogs, pick up their newspaper or mail, or just watch their house. This is a great opportunity for you to take advantage of your free time and make some extra money.

Original Content By Dustin Cannon, owner of JustArticles.com
Click here to read the original article

Pro Tools 8 Includes Enhanced Notation Features

Original Content By Laura B. Whitmore

Back in December, Digidesign released Pro Tools 8, a new version of the industry standard recording software. Both Digidesign and Sibelius are a part of Avid Technology Inc., and if you are already familiar with Sibelius notation software, and even if you aren’t, you’ll be happy to know that Sibelius and Pro Tools have enhanced their partnership in Pro Tools 8, providing increased integration and functionality for Pro Tools’ notation features.

What does this mean to you? For starters, with Pro Tools 8 you can readily see and manipulate the notation for the recordings you are working on. You can choose either a full score window, which allows you to see your music as notation on the entire screen. Or, you can split the screen and select the part you want to see as notation. Then the notation appears at the bottom. You can zoom-in, edit, transpose, add chord symbols or just simply see what the notation for a passage looks like.

Editing features include inserting or deleting notes, lengthening notes, and much more. You can adjust the score spacing and layout, add more tracks to the score, or just zoom-in on parts. This is particularly useful for composition and arranging students who can connect the music notation to the score, see and hear changes immediately or just follow along. Then, when you’re all done, you can export the score to Sibelius for even further tweaking and finesse.

Educators find this feature useful for pulling out parts for rehearsals and changing scores to accommodate the instruments available in your school ensembles. Students can record their original compositions then create parts for their peers to play live. When you’re ready, you can print out notation directly from Pro Tools, too.


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Microsoft Office Tips & Tricks

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After You Land the Interview, How Should You Prepare For It?

You've worked hard to put together a professional resume, cover letter and portfolio and now it's time for the big interview. Here's a short list of "Do's and Don'ts" of interview preparation, execution and follow-up.

Before the Interview
Use your network - look for friends and colleagues who are competitors, partners, vendors or customers of the company you're interested in. You can learn about the organization and discover valuable information to have the competitive advantage.
Use social media - find common connectors. Being more knowledgeable will help you to relax and sell yourself during the interview instead of trying to calm your nerves.
Rehearse the Act - if you know contacts, do a practice interview. Remember to send a thank you note if you do, though!

The Interview
Appearance matters - clothes and accesories should be conservative. If you look and feel good, they're likely to feel the same way about you.
Watch your body language - have good posture, shoulders back and head up. Also, remember that eye contact and smiling translates to confidence, enthusiasm and energy.
Give a good handshake
Watch the voice and volume of your speech
Utilize your vocabulary - your word choice reveals your communication skills and ability to interact with others.
Don't use "non-words"
Avoid grammatical errors - don't slur your speech or drop the endings on words.
Speak slowly - it will help you avoid these problems and give the interviewer more time to process what you're saying. Don't be afraid of silence.
Avoid "weak speak" - "hopefully," "perhaps," "I feel...," "Kind of," etc. all convey that you're not confident. Instead use words like "I'm confident that," "I recommend," "My goal is," etc.

So, Why Should We Hire You?
What they're really trying to say is: "What can you do for this company?" Use this question to summarize your accomplishments but make sure that you also tell them what makes you unique and how your specific skills and experience will help their company. Think of yourself as the product - Why should they buy you? Market yourself as the solution.

Do You Have Any Questions?
You should! Remember to ask questions at this point - but make sure they're insightful. Recruiters are looking for candidates with good questions in order to learn more about their analytical skills. Questions are a sign of enthusiasm and intelligence. Avoid generic questions.

Think of Your Interview as a Compelling Conversation
Prepare to relax - this may sound contradictory, but the more knowledgeable you are about a subject, the more conversational and smooth you'll sound.
Never memorize or have "canned" answers - if a question stumps you, take a minute to answer and admit that it's a difficult question - don't just make up an answer to fill the silence.

Remember to Send a Follow-Up Letter
Sending a professional follow-up letter will definitely set you apart if the employer is currently trying to make a decision. Even if you don't get the job, you never know when you might need them or someone they know in the future. Don't burn any bridges - a well-written letter could never hurt.
Other Resources:
Interviewing Articles From Monster.com
100 Potential Interview Questions

Hot Tip in Music Software!

By Laura B. Whitmore

Scrubbing in Finale
This favorite playback feature in Finale makes it possible to instantly solo an instrument at any point in the music and control the tempo as well. It’s the fastest way to hear a specific section of the music. Plus, the music will play back forward or backward at a speed controlled by the mouse. We call this “scrub” (or scrubbing) playback. In older versions of Finale this was called Audio Spot-Checking. This current feature is named after a technique used by the audio recording world during the days of the multi-track tape. The tape would be manually moved back and forth across the playback head of the recorder to listen to sections of the recorded music and help to determine the best place to make cuts or other physical edits to the tape.

How does this work? With Finale, a shortcut is pressed (the cursor will change to a speaker), and then the mouse is moved across notes on the page. Do not “click & drag.” Simply move the mouse across the notes. As you do this, the notes on the page play back. The speed of the playback depends on how fast you move the mouse. The faster you move the mouse, the faster the notes play back. The direction of the mouse determines if the notes play forward or backward.

Shortcuts:
Mac – Hold down the Option & Spacebar keys, then drag the mouse. This plays the entire score when you drag the mouse across specific music. Next, press the Option & Spacebar, then add Shift as well. This solos the part. Move the mouse across the notes to hear the notes play.
Windows - Press Control & Spacebar, then move the mouse across the music. Add Shift to solo a part.

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Helpful Sony Software Tips

Love software but need help knowing how to use it? Here are a few tricks and pointers for everything Sony!

Need help with Sony Creative Software like Cinescore, Sound Forge and ACID Pro? Click here to view helpful seminar clips so you can get the most out of your software!




What about editing with Vegas Pro software? We've got you covered with 10 tips for lightning-fast editing!

How about helpful hints for on-the-go users of the Sony Vegas Movie Studio? For everything from getting the most out of your video when you're abroad to batteries, check out these 11 helpful tips!

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