Soundscan numbers for 04/21/08

Here's this week's top 10 Sound Scan numbers:

Microphone Comparison Clip: Shure SM-57 vs. Audix I-5

Two Microphone Workhorses battle it out

Today we're comparing 2 of the most popular microphones for miking a guitar cabinet, the Shure SM-57 and the Audix I-5.

The I-5 is a relative new comer to the game, whereas the SM-57 is the old workhorse, used on countless recordings since it was introduced 30 years ago. For those looking to incorporate some new sounds into their recordings, the I-5 may be a welcome change.

Both of these mics offer very similar features. They are approximately the same price, both are solidly constructed, and both are capable of handling very high SPLs. When deciding which mic to choose, it really comes down to which sound you prefer.

Hopefully this sound clip will provide help you when making your decision. Both mics were used to mic the same guitar cabinet, in the exact same position.. The guitar was a LTD EC-1000, loaded with a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge position. The amp was a Mesa Boogie Roadster head going into a Randal XXL 4x12 cabinet, loaded with Celestion V-30s.

From our testing, the mics produced some fairly different results. The SM-57 produced the old familiar crunch we've become accustomed to, similar to say Metallica's tone on 'Master of Puppets'. The I-5 seemed to produce a shaper, more modern sound, but seemed to lack the body of the SM-57. I preferred the sound of the SM-57 for this application, but again, it definitely a matter of personal preference.

Stay tuned for our sound comparison of the SM-57 and I-5 for Snare drum miking.

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Shure SM57 Instrument/Vocal Mic Features:



* 40Hz-15kHz frequency response

* SPL handling of 140dB

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* Natural sounding

* Durable bulletproof design

* Used widely in studios as well as on stage

* Frequency response: 40Hz-15kHz

* Tight cardioid polar pattern



Street Price: $99.00



Website: www.shure.com

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Audix I-5 Instrument Microphone Specifications:



* 50Hz-16kHz frequency response

* SPL handling of 140dB



Audix I-5 Instrument Microphone Features:



* Cardioid pattern

* Smooth, uniform frequency respons

* High SPL handling

* Durable cast zinc alloy body

* Dent-resistant grille

* Black E-coat finish

* Heavy-duty mic clip and carrying pouch



Street Price: $99.99



Website: www.audixusa.com

Interview with Ken Fluid

iMusicWeb recently sat down with an up and coming rapper from South Carolina, Ken Fluid. Check out the interview below:

iMusicWeb: What's good fam?

Ken Fluid: Chillin, just grinding man.

iMusicWeb: I know you got an album coming up, tell us a little bout it and who you working with on this project?

Ken Fluid: Yea, well its gonna be called 'The Don', its just good hip hop man....you got the introspective joints, the club anthems, but its cohesive man...it just flows...I got this cat called The Synthesis on there...he produced a few joints on there...My homeboy Prime out of Cali produced a few on there...he doing the bulk of the project....My nigga C Lowe got some shit on there....hopefully we can get a few other cats on there before we wrap it up....as far as guests its mainly me and the artists on my label, Hussellers Ave Entertainment.

iMusicWeb: How would you describe your style?

Ken Fluid: Haha that’s kinda hard....I'm just me man, but if I had to describe it...I'd say if Marvin Gaye could rap, he'd sound like me...lol

iMusicWeb: How will you separate yourself from the rest of the artist trying to come up in this game?

Ken Fluid: By just being me man, I see alot of folks going with the trends....I try to be more of a trendsetter...I make music from the soul, and just hope people appreciate it....

iMusicWeb: Being from South Carolina where do you get your influence from?

Ken Fluid: I love music man....I'm a young old school head....shit I listen to James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Otis Redding, The O’jays....I'm fortunate enough to have grown up with all my grandparents, so the type of music they listened to plays a big part in the type of music I make. My momz had me when she was 16, so when I was growing up I use to wake up and she'd be playing Biggie, Jay, Nas, Wu Tang, Mary J....so all of their early albums are big influences.

iMusicWeb: I know you got a track with DJ Toomp, how did ya’ll hook up?

Ken Fluid: Maaaan, I met Toomp through this guy I use to work with here in Atlanta...he introduced us....then we went to Toomp mom's crib....he played this one joint he was like man just go when it come on....I just went off top, and he was like that’s your beat....that song ended up being 'She' from my first underground album 'A Few Drops of Life' ....we ended up doing like a few more joints...some ended up on my indie release 'Hip Hop Records & Country Rap Tunes'...but yea Toomp is good dude....shout to him, and hopefully we'll be doing some more business real.

iMusicWeb: Do you feel you can make it without getting a record deal nowadays?
Ken Fluid: I believe it is possible....you got the iTunes and ringtones jumping right now so you can definitely survive out here if you can find your niche in that...plus you got indies dropping good records everyday, shooting their own videos and all....so yea its possible.

iMusicWeb: I know you do a lot of your own production. What kind of equipment you use?

Ken Fluid: haha yea I mess around a lil...its more of a hobby...man a lil bit of everything...me and my partner C Lowe was using the Korg M3...we did a few for the album on that...that’s a nice machine....alot of software and plug-ins...a few other boards, I'ma keep on the low for now....

iMusicWeb: Any last words?

Ken Fluid: Yea shout out to my nigga Prime One, Mr. Chaz Lowe, the whole Hussellers Ave Movement...B Sharpe, Dot, Day Nice, Tone Capone, SP, T Gunner, South Cak.....Ken Fluid 'The Don' coming soon..... check the myspace......www.myspace.com/kenfluid....I preciate you guys taking the time to talk to me ...God is Love.....Half of 2


Check out Ken Fluid's Official Myspace page here: www.myspace.com/kenfluid

Interview with Shaun Glass of Dirge

Shaun Glass, former guitarist of the popular Hard Rock band Soil, and current guitarist of Dirge recently sat down with us to chat. Check out the interview below:

iMusicWeb: Hey Shaun, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today.

Shaun Glass: No problem!

iMusicWeb: Here at iMusicWeb, we focus mainly on the production aspect of the music industry. I'd like to ask you a few questions about some of your gear and recording techniques you've used......

iMusicWeb: Can you give us a rundown of the gear you're currently using?

Shaun Glass: My main guitars are Esp vb-400 and Ltd vb-300s with EMG 81 pickups. I’m using Line 6 Flextone 2 heads and Randall T-2 heads through Randall XXL cabinets. I also run the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor and SIT strings.

iMusicWeb: I heard you recently got a pretty wicked new axe from ESP, can you tell us a little about it?

Shaun Glass: Yes, after leaving the company I was with for most of 2006, I really felt like my ESP's were my axe of choice. I knew I wanted something special coming back to ESP, so i asked Stephen Jensen from F3 designs to contribute to my idea with the rust design he did for Dimebag, mixed with some other graphics. He did some revisions to it for the body style of the viper and it came out amazing! I’m hoping once the Dirge debut album is out to work on the Rusty Glass, and to get it soon, so hang tight.

iMusicWeb: Who were the guitar players that influenced you?

Shaun Glass: I grew up as a Kiss child, so for sure Ace. I love guy's who are great songwriters as well as shredders. John Sykes (Whitesnake, Thin Lizz), James Hetfield, Chuck Schuldiner, Piggy and DIMEBAG was a huge influence on my riffing.

iMusicWeb: What is the one piece of gear you'd never go into the studio without?

Shaun Glass: My OG Line 6 Flextone Series 1 head, it always delivers the goods.

iMusicWeb: What are your thoughts on the current state of the Music industry, how do you think bands and labels have to re-act?

Shaun Glass: It really weeds out the weak. Now it really is about a solid image, song and touring. To be honest the song does come first, that is and always will be. As far as labels go, it really means they need to think of new and exciting ways to market albums. Retails prices also have to go down, as iTunes is now kicking all's asses for sales in the states, which is sad to me as I really don’t value an mp3 as much as a proper store bought CD.

iMusicWeb: You recently left Soil and are now focusing on Dirge full time, what plans do you have for Dirge coming up?

Shaun Glass: We’re in talks with some amazing business people that will be involved with us, so a lot of touring and a debut CD is all in the works. As soon as we can say the dirt we will!

iMusicWeb: Do you have any advice for aspiring guitar players trying to break through in this business?

Shaun Glass: Be yourself as a player, but also pay attention to what is new and never lose your vision of your own art!

iMusicWeb: Hey Shaun, thanks a lot for your time.


Check out Shaun's new band, Dirge, here: www.myspace.com/dirgeil

Product Review: M-Audio Audio Buddy

Today we are reviewing an audio pre-amp for those on a budget, the M-Audio Audio Buddy. Priced at $79.95, the Audio Buddy is inexpensive enough that it can find its way into just about any home studio. Considering the price of this unit, the features it offers really gives you a solid value. The Audio buddy features 2 channels or either microphone pre-amplification (with 41.4v of phantom power) or Direct input, for those wanting to plug a guitar or bass straight into the unit. The front panel displays clip and signal LEDs, which are useful for getting a clean signal which won't overpower your recording device.

The sound of this unit is surprisingly good, considering the cost. The unit paired well with both dynamic and condenser mics during our testing. It was equally at home recording both vocals and miking guitar and bass cabinets. I would definitely suggest this unit to those who are just starting a home studio and are looking for their first mic pre-amp.

New Blog

Welcome to iMusicWeb. This blog will bring you all the latest news and articles on the ever evolving world of music production. We will be featuring gear reviews, software tutorials, and interviews with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Make sure to bookmark us and check back for regular updates.


-The iMusicWeb Staff.