Forget song of the week, here’s a song for the months… Oh, have I mentioned I’m learning German? Well now I have. And forget about Rammstein or whatever else you know, Wir sind Helden is the best German band ever (and one of my favorite now, just in general).
Here’s a video of them singing 2 songs in an elevator. The second one Wir sind Helden — Von Hier an Blind is probably my favorite (also the name of the CD which the song is on).
Other ones I like by Wir Sind Helden (though they’re all pretty good): Gekommen Um Zu Bleiben, Nur Ein Wort, Zuhalter, Der Krieg kommt schneller zurueck als du denkst, Lass uns verschwinden, and there’s more but I haven’t even fully listened to all of them yet. Thanks Hayley!
Another video by Die fantastischen Vier [the fantastic 4] called Die Da, pretty amusing though it helps to understand what they’re saying. Thanks Clayton!
Southern Culture on the Skids — Walk like a Camel
Heard it in Psych — Weekend Warriors (Season 1, Episode 6) a while ago and really loved it. Thanks to youtube I found the whole song. Though I kinda like this version better, without vocals and stuff—except it’s short.
Oh, also Psych is amazing!
Thanks to recommendations from Martin Andersen and a few others, I decided to stop at a Guitar Center last friday on my way back from school. I looked between the M-Audio Axioms and the novation ReMote series. Ultimately I liked the feel of the keys better, and the guy recommended it too, so I went with the 37SL.
No complaints so far, I’d just been playing around in Garage Band since I have yet to get Logic Studio. But I want to wait till Macworld just in case they come out with something new or an upgrade.
My Logitech Z-2300 just weren’t cutting it. Not that they’re bad speakers or anything (they’re pretty awesome, especially for a hundred bucks). But my desk situation is quite unique. Basically I have 2 desks in an L in a corner, #1 for computing (with the Mac pro and monitors) and one for paper, pencil, etc.
I wanted ideal sound quality and distribution on both desks, but a 2.1 system couldn’t cover that. So I ordered a set of Z-5500’s (5.1 set by logitech), as well as an AirPort Express (for Airtunes) and the Apple Airport Express Stereo Connection Kit for the optical cable.
It’s a bit of a unique solution, but it seems to be working for now. Given the L shape and distribution of speakers, the problem is obviously that the balance is going to be off, since you’d have 1 speaker on one side and 3 to the other. Also, AirTunes only works through iTunes audio—so there would be no system sounds (esp. stuff like youtube videos, or even movies/videos in VLC.
I actually figured out the solution through a lucky mistake. Once I realized I wouldn’t have other important sounds through AirTunes, I thought I’d just connect them to the computer. But the optical cable I’d gotten only worked with the Airport express port (built into a standard 1/4 port rather than the typical optical one) and the Mac Pro didn’t have all the channel outputs to connect it via regular cables. So I used my old Logitech’s for that.
Then I immediately realized the benefits this would have. 1. I’d be able to access the speakers from my MacBook via Airtunes. 2. I’d have two subwoofers, which is a lot better than 1 (better distribution, not one sided) 3. I’d be able to adjust the balance by changing the volume ratios of the two speakers. iTunes plays to both speaker systems via AirTunes, and everything else comes out of the Z-2300’s, which is what I was using earlier anyways.
Later on I might get a sound card or something and connect the Z-5500’s to the mac pro as well (it can take multiple inputs I believe) for watching 5.1 movies, etc. Other small problem is that my center channel doesn’t work, probably because I’m doing stereo x2 sound.
I’m still cleaning and redecorating the place, so I’ll post photos once it’s all done. (here is an old one from a few months ago) Also got a bunch of new lighting solutions that are quite great, but that’s for another post.
xoxo
april zero
Comments
This place isn't ALL about me — just mostly.
Julian Schrader
6 months, 1 week ago
Hey, I didn’t know you’re learning German — I’m learning English ;-)
I like Gekommen um zu bleiben as well, but I’ll have to check out Von hier an blind since I don’t know it (at least from the title).
Anand
6 months, 1 week ago
Hehe :)
That’s great, I’ll talk to you sometime when I need help with my homework :D
Those were all the comments. But don't be shy — Add your own!