Thursday 23 January 2014

Running MIDI on Cubase

I'm thinking of doing something productive (for once) and making a quick beginner's tutorial for setting up MIDI devices with Cubase. Motivated mostly because when I first started out mucking around with digital audio I had some trouble doing just that! If anyone is interested, leave a quick comment....otherwise I'll just go back to being lazy :-)

Sunday 7 October 2012

Glasgow

I took my Holga 120 to Glasgow, took photographs and developed them today, myself, using IL-11 developer, a home-made vinegar stop bath and some Ilford fixer. The 'taxi' photo was taken in Motherwell; the skyline (poor quality as I took it through a glass window and the flash went off!) was taken in my flat in West London. Results: on Delta 400 film; mixed feelings, but the buzz upon emptying the tank, holding the wet exposed film up to the light and grinning at the negatives was priceless. Downside - bathroom reeks. Oh well..







Saturday 22 September 2012

Tascam US 122 Driver Installation for Windows 7 (64 bit)

Quick description of post: Tascam US-122 driver installation instructions for those running Windows 7 (64 bit).

UPDATE: I have just acquired Windows 8 (64 bit) and can confirm that the US-122 WILL WORK using the same settings. I'd also like to thank everyone who has commented thanking me, and for all the page views I have received since posting. Enjoy!
UPDATE 2: I have noticed a few comments concerning blue screen errors on Windows 8. I also get this sometimes too but looking back I have had same/similar problems with other OS I have used, including those compatible with the 122. I have no idea what causes this (dodgy device driver seems to be a culprit) but I find that some VST plugins (perhaps related to Cubase also?) can make it unhappy and cause a blue screen.

I have had my trusty Tascam US-122 for well over six or seven years now. It has been through a lot with me: it came to University to study music with me and left a year later when I did; joined the many computers and laptops I have owned over the past few years; it has assisted in the recording of many half-hearted, unfinished tracks that still remain so; it has helped me vent frustration, anger, love, heartbreak, crushes, lust, depression, anxiety; despite my dreams of becoming a 'proper' musician or band manager becoming less and less realistic, it has been there to support my hobby and at least preserve my ideas.

However, as technology evolves, I have found it increasingly difficult to get my 122 working without hassle. But I'm not quite ready to part with him (it's a he btw) just yet. I have a warm affection, despite the newer models. He may be slightly grubby but he is sturdy - he has lived in no less than five properties with me and survived intact! Back when Cubase was Cubasis...

Unnecessary and slightly strange outpouring of affection aside, I know there are others with similar driver issues, particularly where Windows 7/64 bit OS are concerned. This is what I did to get it up and running. Hopefully this will work for you too (and save you time faffing around!).

TO INSTALL TASCAM US-122 DRIVERS ON 64 BIT WINDOWS 7
(Note: untested for other Windows 32/64 bit OS but if you're having issues, it can't hurt to try!)

1. Download Tascam US-122 drivers from their website (click here for link). Make sure to download v. 3.40 for Windows Vista and XP.

2. Find the downloaded driver file, unzip if necessary and RIGHT click the installation (.exe) file. Select 'Properties' and find the 'Compatibility' tab.

3. Select to run in compatibility mode, then select Vista (Service Pack 1). Select 'Run as Administrator' (I think - if it doesn't work first time, try unchecking this option).

4. Apply. Run (remember to make sure the 122 is unplugged) and, hopefully, you'll be up and running in no time! After installation is complete, plug it in and watch that pretty green button light up :-)

Any queries or comments? Please comment below and I'll do my best to assist!