June 2005 Newsletter

Welcome to the June edition of the Binary Interface newsletter, providing news and updates on what's new in our corner of the world of music technology. We always welcome any comments, suggestions or contributions. In this issue we take a look at a new book about visual media production and great new composition teaching tool. There's also a new monitor speaker from Roland and we'll tell you about the upcoming Maryborough Teachers' Conference and a visit from an American music lecturer. We've also got dates for our upcoming training courses.

New Technology Books

Viewfinder
This book by Mike Jones is deceptively small in size, but contains a wealth of information about creating visual media in the digital age.Viewfinder comprises over 150 pages, with detailed descriptions of the past, present and future roles and psychology involved in creating visual media in the digital age. The historical content is well illustrated with examples from well-known cinema classics, and the appendices contain a comprehensive glossary of terms related to digital media production, as well as a list of useful websites, bibliography and a filmography. The book also comes with a CD-ROM from Sony Media with demo versions of their video and audio software, including Vegas, Acid, and Sound Forge.
RRP $34.95 inc GST

O-Generator

O-Generator: Learning to Compose
With the introduction of O-Generator comes a new concept in learning music. It takes the metaphor of a wheel to symbolise the rhythmic sequencing of music, where each each measure (bar) is represented by one rotation of the wheel. Each quadrant (beat) is further sub-divided into 4 (semiquavers) and each concentric ring represents a different instrument. The authors call it 'stunningly simple software' and it really is. If you can move and click a mouse, you can use this software to create an original song in minutes!
All the sounds used are samples, so there is no need for expensive add-on sound cards or modules to make your compositions sound great. The built-in O-instructor acts as your guide through a series of lessons, covering all the basic musical concepts needed to create a modern composition. The software is cross-platform (Windows or Macintosh) and is suitable for both classroom presentation or for students working independently or in pairs at the computer.
The program comes as a CD-ROM with guided lessons, video clips and tips, and a 'Teachers Lesson Guide' book which includes simple lesson instructions and photocopiable pages.
It covers 4 key learning areas:

Rhythm
Melody, harmony and arranging
Guitars, hooks and riffs
Songwriting

Assessment is included at the end of each lesson to confirm students have assimilated the lesson's key points.
RRP (single) $149

Softkeys Fold-away MIDI Keyboard
Here's a handy new product that you will love for its convenience and flexibility - it's so new we haven't yet settled on a name, so for the moment we're calling it 'Softkeys'
It has 37 full-sized cushioned keys, has a USB powered MIDI interface, and folds away into the included compact soft carry case. Up and down octave buttons complete the picture for this device. While obviously not a performance instrument, this keyboard is ideal for fast notation data entry whether you're at school, at home, or on the move. And set up is a breeze, allowing teachers to transform any computer lab into a music keyboard lab in a matter of seconds.

Our price $199

Roland Cube 30 Monitor
Roland have come up with a surprisingly powerful monitor speaker system in a small package that would suit many classroom or live audio applications. Rugged, compact and versatile, this unit has convenient front-mounted channel controls with 2-band EQ, and a host of connectivity options on the back including XLR mic input, 2 more stereo input channels, as well as 2 auxiliary stereo inputs (mini-jack and RCA). A stereo link port allows you to connect 2 units to form a mini stereo PA rig. The 30 watts RMS output is powerful enough for the noisiest classroom or on-stage monitoring application.

RRP $399 now on special at $299

Maryborough Music Teachers' Conference
Our biennial trip to the Maryborough Conference is on again this year, from 3rd to 6th July. Binary Designs will be there with a trade display in the foyer of the Brolga Theatre, as well as a full and exciting program of new music technology workshops at the nearby Wide Bay Resource Centre. We hope to see you there, and that you can make it to some of our workshops for this premier music teaching PD event. Check out the full program at www.widebayresourcecentre.com.au

John Kuzmich Seminar
Join us at the 4MBS studios at Coorparoo on 21st July for an exciting seminar presented by noted US Jazz and Music Technology educator John Kuzmich, Jr. John will only be visiting Australia for a short period and we are fortunate to have secured his services for this one-off event. John will be presenting some great ideas on how to use new technology in the music studio and classroom, so come along for a feast of hi-tech education with 'Inspire your Music Teaching with new hi-tech Tools'.

Where: 4MBS Classic-FM performance room, 384 Old Cleveland Rd, Coorparoo
When: Thursday 21st July 4:30-6:00 pm
Cost: $10 teachers, $5 students
(includes afternoon tea from 4:00 pm)
RSVP by Mon 18th July to (07)3822 4884

Loop 2 the Max Competition
Our Loop 2 the Max composition competition closes on 17th June, so hurry and get your entries to us now! We're looking for the best song created using Sony's Super Duper Music Looper ® (SDML) or Acid ® software. The competition has 2 sections:

for 13 years and under (as at 1st Jan 2005, using SDML)
for 14-18 years (as at 1st Jan 2005, using Acid Pro or Acid Music Studio)

There will also be a prize for the school or institution who submit the most entries. Entries must be submitted as a music track on a standard audio CD and judging will be by an independent expert adjudicator from Sony Corporation. For more details and the official entry form see our website (www.binarydesigns.com.au/l2m/loop2max.html). Fabulous prizes on offer include software and gift packs from Sony. Entries must be submitted by 17th June 2005, so get your entries in now!

Superscope Specials
For a limited time, prices on the Superscope range of portable CD players and burners are at an all-time low.
With simple controls that let you manipulate the tempo and key of ordinary audio CD's on the fly, they are an invaluable tool for teachers in all the performing arts.
These amazing units let you produce high-quality audio CD's at the touch of a button with direct-to-CD recording.

PSD300 was $2195 now $1495 inc GST
PSD300P was $2395 now $1695 (with phantom power)

for more info, click this link to our website: www.binarydesigns.com.au

Superscope PSD300 portable CD player and burner

Vale Shirley Swygart

On 21st March 2005, our much-loved and loyal office administrator Shirley Swygart passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was aged only 42. Shirley had been with Binary Designs for over 8 years, and for several years before that had worked with Karen at the Wynnum Yamaha Music School. She has already been sorely missed and our sincere condolences go to her family in Toowoomba.

Professional Development Courses
Upcoming courses for June and July 2005:

Date Course Comment/Cost Time

Sat 25th June O-Generator Intro Workshop Hands-on $35 1:30pm-3:00pm

Sat 25th June Mobile Audio Recording Introductory Seminar $25 3:30pm-5:00pm

Sat 9th July Audio Editing with Sound Forge Intro Workshop Hands-on $35 1:30pm-3:00pm

Sat 9th July Video editing with Vegas Intro Workshop Hands-on $35 3:30pm-5:00pm

Sat 30th July Introduction to MIDI Sequencing Intro Workshop Hands-on $35 9:30am-11:00am

Sat 30th July Introduction to Audio Recording Introductory Seminar $25 11:30am-1:00pm

Limited numbers
Phone (07) 3822 4884 or email midi@binarydesigns.com.au to reserve your place

or check our website www.binarydesigns.com.au/training.html for more details

For enquiries or comments about any articles in this newsletter, please contact us via email: midi@binarydesigns.com.au
or Ph: 07 3822 4884
Fax: 07 3822 4636

Binary Designs
Linking Music & Technology

To unsubscribe - click here