Novation/Ableton launch a monome–style controller for Ableton Live. Retails for $240 according to this site.

via Bleep!Box

While checking out iPhone microphones that I could use to record samples I found the Brando Workshop Flexible Mini Capsule Microphone. There are some “coming soon” type announcements on the tech blogs, but no reviews that I could find. One thing I am aiming for is to make some recordings for use in music composition and for that I prefer monophonic samples — they are smaller files and more sensible when most audio composition software has it’s own stereo panning capabilities. For this the Brando Mic seems to be perfect. It’s compact, inexpensive, and does what I need. I’m also interested in the Blue Mikey but some users have complained about its poor stereo separation — the microphones are built in contact with each other the stereo sound isn’t discernible. I think that I may buy the Brando mic and save toward a better quality stereo mic later. I hope for more developments as there have not been any announcements of high quality iPhone microphones since the OS 3.0 was announced with its tighter hardware integration.

While checking out iPhone microphones that I could use to record samples I found the Brando Workshop Flexible Mini Capsule Microphone. There are some “coming soon” type announcements on the tech blogs, but no reviews that I could find.

One thing I am aiming for is to make some recordings for use in music composition and for that I prefer monophonic samples — they are smaller files and more sensible when most audio composition software has it’s own stereo panning capabilities. For this the Brando Mic seems to be perfect. It’s compact, inexpensive, and does what I need.

I’m also interested in the Blue Mikey but some users have complained about its poor stereo separation — the microphones are built in contact with each other the stereo sound isn’t discernible. I think that I may buy the Brando mic and save toward a better quality stereo mic later.

I hope for more developments as there have not been any announcements of high quality iPhone microphones since the OS 3.0 was announced with its tighter hardware integration.

Chroma Paints, INC.

… WTF is ‘Hyper Gouache’?

Sakura of America

Like other artists I love Sakura’s Pigma Micron pens. I’m excited to browse through their other products but so far I’m a bit disappointed how heavily they market them to American Crafters – Rubber Stampers, Quilters, Scrapbookers. I guess it reflects the state of the arts in the United States.

Observations on the Waterbrush

A great write–up on waterbrushes; how they work and what companies make them.

For those who don’t know, a water brush or waterbrush (some makers use two words while others combine them into one) has a soft plastic barrel which contains water. When you squeeze the barrel, water enters the bristles, thus eliminating the need for a separate water container. It also makes cleaning the brush between colors a breeze. These are great for watercolor sketching on location.

Sakura Travel Waterbrush

I may have to try these out. I love Sakura Micron pens. Amazon has them for almost 40% off.