Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
The Sennheiser HD 200 PRO monitoring headphones deliver powerful studio sound for recording your own tunes, practicing silently, or simply enjoying your favorite music. The HD 200 PRO’s closed, around-ear headphone design reduces ambient noise, while Sennheiser’s proprietary transducers deliver stereo sound reproduction with powerful punchy bass. Soft ear cushions and the ergonomic design provide enhanced fit and comfort.
Samson MediaOne M50 Powered Studio Monitors feature internal amplifier and solid wood construction. The 5.25-inch polypropylene woofer and .75-inch silk-dome tweeter housed in a custom waveguide provide balanced frequency response and stunning full-range audio. A bass boost switch allows users to enhance the lows. The internal 80-watt (40-watts per channel), studio-grade A/B amplifier produces robust, detailed sound. It connects to mixers, audio interface, computer, mobile devices, or powered subwoofer through stereo RCA and 1/8-inch inputs. A front panel headphone jack allows private listening sessions.
Hooke Audio’s Verse headphones are unique in that they can also record in 3D audio. Incorporated specially designed binaural 3D microphones capture sound exactly as the human ear hears it, localizing sounds in 360 degrees. Hooke Audio’s apps allow users to pair the Verse with a smartphone camera, record videos (or just audio), and upload the results directly to social networks, delivering binaural 3D audio to any stereo headset or speaker configuration.
A concise and comprehensive guide to audio and recording equipment and techniques, Audio Made Easy contains everything you need and nothing you don’t. Author Ira White, shares more than 35 years of recording studio experience, providing real-world solutions and tips that show results. He delves into often-misunderstood details of digital mixers, EQ, speaker specifics, and recording techniques using easy-to-understand language. The book also contains access to online demonstration audio tracks.
Audio Made Easy, or How to Be a Sound Engineer Without Really Trying, 5th Edition, by Ira White, Hal Leonard, www.halleonard.com.
Focusrite’s compact and robust RedNet X2P audio interface allows quick I/O and monitoring expansion and provides high performance audio conversion with more than 118 dB dynamic range. It features two mic pre’s, stereo line outs, and a stereo headphone amplifier. A single Ethernet cable provides power, audio, and remote control. A crossfader enables level control of local inputs versus network inputs assigned to feed either the line outputs or the headphone outputs. Flexible control locks enable local control of mic pre-settings and output settings, or both, to be locked. Artists can adjust their headphone mix and level, safe in the knowledge that they cannot accidentally adjust the mic pre-gain. The unit can be mounted directly to a mic stand, keeping it out of the way, yet always within reach.
IK Multimedia’s Advanced Room Correction (ARC) System 2.5 with MEMS measurement microphone uses measurement software, together with an audio correction plug-in and Audyssey MultEQ XT32 technology, to improve the audio monitoring accuracy of speakers in any studio or room. By measuring the room in multiple positions it produces an accurate representation of acoustic response, then generates a correction filter. The ARC System 2.5 allows sound engineers and composers to create a true representation of their music regardless of the acoustic characteristics of a room.
BandLab Machines’ Link series inexpensive audio interfaces let you easily record into a phone or computer without any hardware installation or set-up. Available in three models: Link Analog single input audio interface; Link Digital single input USB audio interface; and Link Digital Duo double input USB audio interface. The impeccably engineered product features high quality Neutrik Combo Jacks for XLR and instrument input; clear sound thanks to internal battery and custom-made copper braid and aluminum-shielded signal cable. Its design works with a wide variety of digital audio workstations (DAWs), as well as the BandLab App, which allows users to record, collaborate, and share music with more than 1.5 million musicians in 180-plus countries.
BAE Audio’s PDI passive injection box utilizes a new transformer designed to lend any signal passed through it a pleasing warm analog richness and mix-ready sound for guitar, bass, keyboards, or just about any instrument. Priced economically at around $120, it features Neutrick connectors, including quarter-inch input and low-impedance XLR output on one side, with duo audio through outputs on the reverse side. A ground lift switch helps tame any ground loop issues. Hand-assembled in California with timeless circuit design, gold-plated PCB, 100% through-hole components, and rugged steel chassis, it holds up well to daily use in studio or on stage.
The Galaxy TQ8 provides 150-watts of high performance audio in a lightweight, portable package. Its powerful eight-inch woofer and wide-dispersion HFhorn, with one-inch compression driver, offers professional clear audio performance. TQ8 has two wired mic/line inputs, an SD card slot, USB connection, left/right audio connections, and Bluetooth compatibility. Two optional wireless mic receivers work with Galaxy’s handheld or body pack wireless microphones.
MKIIs and Super Rocks are two active monitors for critical near field listening that are trusted by some of the world’s best artists. Musicians, producers, and engineers use Rocks as the new studio reference. Fifty percent of the world’s top 10 selling albums in 2015 used Unity Audio Monitors to craft their sound. Sealed enclosures provide tonal accuracy and balance with low coloration. Ribbon drivers have an unusually even HF characteristic that is smooth and clean, providing great accuracy and detailed imaging. With custom amps designed by Esoteric Audio Research these monitors translate well and will give you a reference monitor you can trust. Check the websites for more details.
