Binary Interface

November 2007

Welcome to the November edition of the Binary Interface newsletter, providing news and updates on what's new in our corner of the world of music technology. As always, we welcome any comments, suggestions or contributions.

Executive Summary:
This issue we are pleased to present articles submitted by Peter Moses, Education Director from Australian microphone manufacturer, Røde Microphones about their new M3 microphone, and Ray Partridge, Education Specialist from Intelliware, on using music software in the classroom. Check out the fabulous offers from Sibelius Software for Primary Teachers and Primary Schools for the end of the year in this issue. To mark the release of the Røde M3, we have created 2 new Superscope bundles as all-in-one CD recording solutions. Digidesign prices have dropped, so now you can become a Pro Tools user at a much lower entry level. If you need further PD training on your favourite music software or hardware, why not enrol in one of our upcoming Courses and Workshops in our on-going Professional Development Series.

New Australian Microphone - Røde M3
by Peter Moses, Education Director, Røde Microphones

"The RØDE M3 is the perfect option for school use.
This studio quality condenser microphone is rugged enough to be used by hundreds of school students without any damage and still keeping its sonic integrity.

The features include an option for battery operation vs phantom power, a PAD for all those loud sound sources (loud students especially) and a HPF (high pass filter) for removing low end rumble.

The M3 can be used on musical instruments, to address students in class for presentations and even at assembly gatherings, plus a 10 year guarantee  makes the decision easy.

The RØDE M3 looks to be a new choice not only in studios and rehearsal rooms, but also classrooms and schools."

Included accessories: Carry case, Windshield and RM3 mic clip
Warranty: 10 years!

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Finale PrintMusic 2008

When it comes to using technology for your music classes, there are a number of choices you can make.
But if you choose to integrate 'music notation' into your teaching, then you need to be aware of the range of educational based notation programs from Finale. There are 5 in the 'Finale family' including a FREE entry-level version (Finale Notepad) which is readily downloadable from the internet.
The program that has become very popular in the classroom is the inexpensive version called Finale PrintMusic, just recently upgraded to the 2008 version. PrintMusic may have a small price tag (Pricing ranges from $149.00 for a single user to $399.00 for a 5-user lab pack) but is packed with all the features you would normally expect from a more expensive program. With features such as improved scanning, real time recording from a keyboard, guitar tab, a powerful mixer window, the ability to import/export graphics, auto-harmonising, a facility to convert your song into an MP3, a selection of drum grooves and an included set of quality synthesiser sounds, you will have your students composing, arranging, printing and recording their work faster than you ever thought possible.
For a demo of Print Music, contact Binary Designs. And why not download the FREE Finale Notepad as well. Great for sharing files with your students across the internet.

Acid Music Studio

Your students will enjoy the experience of learning the fundamentals and essential elements of music creation when you introduce them to Sony Acid Music. Your students will be creating music in seconds by selecting from a huge included library of musical loops and then arranging them into a completed song. Musical elements that are reinforced using acid include structure, form, tone colour, expression, modulation and arranging. And for your 'movie soundtrack' lessons, simply insert a movie clip and let your students experience for themselves the fun of creating a musical soundtrack complete with sound effects and their own recorded 'voice overs'. All of this in one simple to use and inexpensive software program called Acid Music Studio.
Sony also offer a huge 'additional library of loops' ranging from pop/rock, funk, jazz and blues to traditional classical, orchestral and cinematic loops.
For a demo of Acid Music, contact Binary Designs. And why not download the FREE Sony Acid Xpress as well. A great starting point.

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Sibelius Primary Teacher Pack

Limited Time Offer for Primary Teachers and Primary Schools

Sibelius are offering 3 software titles, Sibelius 5, Sibelius Starclass and Sibelius Instruments for the low bundled price of $395 until the end of January 2008. This represents a saving of over $300.
Sibelius 5 (normally $495) is the complete software for music score writing.
Starclass (normally $149) provides music concepts and lesson plans, and includes hundreds of printable and playable music resources.
Instruments (normally $59) is a unique interactive encyclopaedia of instruments, bands and orchestras.
(NB: To qualify for this offer, please provide a copy of your Primary Teacher ID, or forward a School Purchase Order
For more information or to order, click this link:
Sibelius Primary Teacher Pack

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Sibelius Licence Expansion Offer

Limited Time Offer for Multi-user Sibelius expansion

Sibelius are offering 1 free seat for every 5 seats purchased if you order an expansion of your multi-seat Sibelius licence before 31st December 2007.

Sibelius Expansion pricing:

• 5-19 users $349 per user
• 20-29 users $299 per user
• 30-39 users $269 per user
• 40-49 users $249 per user

Sibelius 5 Upgrade pricing:

• 5-19 users $139 per user
• 20+ users $119 per user

Please phone or email us for a full quote on your expansion and upgrade requirements. Click here to see what's new in Sibelius 5.

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Sibelius Groovy Music Offers

Limited Time Offers for Groovy Music

Sibelius currently have two special offers for those considering purchase of Groovy Music.
The first is a 30-day Free trial of all 3 Groovy titles (Shapes, Jungle and City) at your school. This gives teachers an opportunity to try Groovy Music with classes and evaluate its usefulness without obligation.
The second is a special price on single user versions of Groovy Music, with savings of 30% off regular pricing. This offer is available to all, and parents can make a great Christmas gift for their young kids learning music.

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Loop 2 the Max

It's on again for 2007-08. Our loop-based music composition competition is open to all school students aged 18 years and under. This time, we've decided to give students plenty of time to compose over the holidays, so get your kids composing right away, and have their entries in by 4th April 2008. There are 2 sections: 13 years and under, and 14-18 years (as at 1st January 2008).

All you have to do is compose a piece of music in any style using any of the Sony Creative Software titles: Super Duper Music Looper, Jam Trax, Acid Music Studio, or Acid Pro. Send your composition to us to be eligible for some great prizes from Intelliware and Binary Designs. For competition details and to download entry forms, go to this link:

www.binarydesigns.com.au/l2m/loop2max.html

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Superscope Recording Bundles

In response to customer demand, we've put together 2 bundles for the Superscope PSD340 as complete CD recording packages, making it easy to get the most from this versatile direct-to-CD recorder, and saving you money at the same time.

Bundle 1 - Director's Pack.

• 1 x PSD340 CD recording and playback system
• 2 x Røde M3 condenser microphones
• 2 x 25ft XLR microphone cables
• 2 x tripod boom mic stands
• 1 pair Sennheiser HD201 stereo headphones
• 1 x CA300 or CA350 carry case
• 10 x CD-R disks in jewel cases     Bundle Price: $2,750

Bundle 2 - Studio Pack.

• 1 x PSD340 CD recording and playback system
• 2 x Behringer C2 condenser microphones with stereo mount
• 2 x 25ft XLR microphone cables
• 1 x tripod boom mic stand
• 10 x CD-R disks in jewel cases     Bundle Price: $2,125

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Digidesign Price Drops

As a result of a new distributor being appointed for the Digidesign Pro Tools LE product line, prices of the Mbox range have reduced, making it even more affordable to get into professional Pro Tools recording. The new prices (and new products) are:

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Binary Designs on the Move

Over the next few months, Binary Designs will be out and about visiting schools across Australia. If we are traveling to your area, please contact us if you would like to arrange a visit.

• November: 28th to 29th - visiting schools in Cairns District
• December: 3rd to 4th - visiting schools in Mackay District
• January: 6th to 11th - Presenting and Trade Stand at Mosaic: Orff Shulwerk Annual Conference at Toorak College, Mt Eliza, Victoria. Click here for more information.

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Did You Know?

Did you know Binary Designs suppy not only the best in music software, but can also provide all your music technology accessories. e.g. Digital Pianos, MIDI keyboards, headphones, microphones, USB flash drives, CD-R/RW disks, cables, scanners, printers, memory cards and virtually anything else you may need to make the job of creating music easier. We also supply Piano Sheet Music and Music Giftware.

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Professional Development Courses
Upcoming courses Nov/Dec 2007:

These workshops form part of our Binary Designs Basics series for
Vocational Education Training:

Vital
  Effective
    Today

Date	Course	Comment/Cost	Time
Sat 1st December	Portable Quality Recording without a computer	See how easy it is to produce CD-quality recordings using the Superscope player/recorder and R09 hand-held recorder Hands-on $45	2:00pm-3:30pm Includes a/tea, workbook, & your CD
Sat 15th December	Presenting the Finale Family: PrintMusic, Finale, SmartMusic	Integrate your music notation, rehearsal, and recording tasks with this software suite BYO Instrument $45	2:00pm-3:30pm Includes a/tea, workbook, & your CD
Sat 19th January	Using Sibelius to create teacher resources	Find out how to create worksheets, audio CD's and webpages using Sibelius' built-in tools Hands-on $45	2:00pm-3:30pm Includes a/tea, workbook, & your CD
Sat 19th January	Notation & sequencing with MIDI Guitar!	Now you can easily create your scores and sequences via guitar input Hands-on $45	4:00pm-5:30pm Includes a/tea, workbook, & your CD

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