Brandon Royer

Review: Fostex MR-16HD

2010-10-09T23:52:00.005-04:00

I bought a Fostex 16-track HD recorder about a year ago, because my previous one, a Fostex MRII-8 track recorder broke.
Now the reason my Fostex mrII8 broke, was because I left it in my father's garage. Moisture must have gotten in, and destroyed the LCD screen. The recorder still worked, but the LCD screen was dead. I now keep my recorders in the house, where the humidity is around 45.
The Fostex 16 Track recorder, with a build-in cd burner, and hard drive. I've recorded myself, and a few friends with this recorder, and it is great! I highly recomend it if you are just starting out recording. This recorder would be good if you are a solo player. You can lay down your own drum track, via drum machine, then make a guitar track, then a vocal track, and wahlaa, your done! Actually, you have 13 more tracks to play with, so you can get really creative!

Information about: Fostex MR-16HD

Ever since they pioneered the first 8-track recorder that could use 1/4" tape (without the expected crosstalk), Fostex has found new ways to give you more in less space and for less money.The MR16 digital recorder gives you 4-track simultaneous recording and 16-track playback, plus the ability to bounce 16 tracks to a new song file, so you get your full 16 tracks at mixdown. A built-in 40GB hard drive gives you up to 8 hours of recording (16-track). The Fostex MR16 also provides 4 x analog inputs (mic/line) with phantom power, one of which features built-in analog distortion, amp simulation, and mic simulation, for guitar. Input EQ for sound-shaping is also available. Input signals can be assigned to the stereo buss to output through the monitor and stereo output along with playback audio.On the output side, the MR16 recorder offers 2 x aux output so you can use outboard signal processors, S/PDIF digital out (optical) for digital dubbing to MD/DAT recorder, and a MIDI output to send MTC or MIDI Clock to an external sequencer or recorder.You also get built-in digital effects including reverb and delay, plus dedicated mastering effects (3 presets) on a stereo bus (good for track bouncing or stereo mixing). The Fostex MR16 also features powerful editing functions including Copy/Paste, Move, Import, Exchange, Erase, etc of selected tracks or part.A USB 1.1 host port lets you to connect an external CD-R for creating audio CDs and a USB 2.0 port gives you high-speed transfer to a PC, plus easy file conversion of audio data on Track 15-16 to stereo WAV file. Used with the bounce function, this provides a convenient way to create audio CDs on PC, or music files for a portable playe

Home Again

2010-08-03T21:39:00.003-04:00

Another long day of work, and an interview, and I'm finally home! Not a very good day, found out that in my Rail Road job that I have to come in 2 times a day because of 2 trains for now on. We don't get paid any extra because we don't get a full 40 hours, even though we are guaranteed 40 hours a week no matter what.

My interview on the other hand with UPS went pretty good. I still don't know if I got the job. I have to wait for a phone call which I think if they were going to hire me, they would give me a call tomorrow or atleast by Friday. I'll keep my fingers crossed, because I need that extra money!

I Got an Interview

2010-08-02T22:01:00.003-04:00

Well I went into my UPS walk-around today, and got a phone interview with them. I then set up an appointment tomorrow for a person to person interview at 1:15pm. I think I will get the job, or they wouldn't have gone through the trouble for the interviews. I think they are just in need of people to do their dirty work.

At least things are starting to look up. With this job, if I get it, I will be able to pay up all the bills that are behind. And after that, I can work on the credit card debt I've created for my family. That might take a year! I hope I can get it paid off within a year anyways. After we get out of the hole, maybe I will be able to just work one job and make a decent living.

Baby Showers

2010-08-01T13:22:00.002-04:00

Well the day has come for me and my family to go to my sister's baby shower. Man I hate these things! But she went to my wife's baby shower, so we will go to hers.

On another note, I plan on going up to the mountains sometime tonight to hang up my deer cam. I've wanted to put it up all summer, but I just couldn't find the time, or you could say I was just too lazy. I just want to get some pictures and see what kind of deer come in the area I've been hunting for 10 years and only ever got 1 deer! I usually don't hunt the whole day, so atleast the camera will keep track of times, and give me a general idea of what time I can expect deer to show up.

Now this would only work if I were hunting in bow season which comes in first. The deer won't be spooked by loud gun shots, and not as many people hunt bow so there would be less people in the woods scarying the deer. When rifle season comes in, the Monday after Thanksgiving, deer are going to be all over the place. They will be running across streets, highways, and will show up in people's backyard! Its crazy is Eastern Pennsylvania around buck season. Deer are dead all over the sides of the road because they are always getting spooked out of the woods onto the highway.

Playing Again

2010-07-31T15:42:00.002-04:00

I decided to put the lawn chair out on the front porch, and I picked up my guitar willing and played for about an hour! Its nice to sit down and relax and forget about all of your worries for atleast alittle bit.

In the near future I'm going to be playing at open mics around the area. Pappy's Pub is going to be my first stop in Waynesboro. I need to find out when they have their open mics and check them out, then hopefully I can sit in and play a few sets!

Working Man's Blues

2009-10-20T01:34:00.002-04:00

Man you better rethink your life when you think its a good idea to have a baby, then get married the very next month, then three months later buy a house lol. I already have the second job, plus I do some farm work on the side. I had a mowing business on the side as well during the summer, but of course that season is over now.
A funny thing at my second job today though. My second job is Jiffy Lube, its an oil change and lube center. We were replacing a car battery, and it was one of the battery that had the battery tie down at the bottom, with the bolt. Well my co worker that hates me yelled at me because he was loosening the bolt and I started jerking on the battery so you didn't have to take the bolt the whole way out. Well, the dickhead didn't want to do it my way, so I let him do it his way.
So after he took the bolt the whole way out, changed the battery and attached the terminal wires, he then started working on that damn bolt he took out which I thougt it would be easier to slide the battery out without the hassle of rethreading that bolt in. So I let him work on it for about 15 minutes then said..."Well, if you would have done it my way it would have been done 10 minutes ago. He threw the tools at me and said, "If you think you know more about cars then I do then you can put the damn battery in the car and he pushed me and walked away.
So I got to work. Tore the battery back out, threaded the tie down, slide the battery back in, and tighened the bolt and was done in 5 minutes. The dude didn't talk to me the rest of the day lol.

Another Sleepless Night

2009-08-08T23:22:00.002-04:00

Man, I really wish I knew how to get a 3 week old baby to stay asleep at night! Me and my wife have been up every night since his birth. He sleeps only 2 hours at a time it seems like, and he only goes to sleep when someone is holding him. If we put him down carefully sometimes he will sleep awhile, but usually he wakes up after about 15 minutes until you pick him up again!
Other than that, I've been working, writing, and playing guitar when I can. Can't wait till fall gets here! I'm tired of summer, and I'm tired of my on the side mowing jobs. I plan on plowing snow in the winter. Hopefully next summer I will have enough money to get a pa system and do some gigs for extra cash. It beats having a 2nd job!

Almost a Year!

2009-08-02T22:34:00.002-04:00

Wow, I've been away from updating my blog, and site for almost a year now. I haven't really been doing anything with music till recently, I've been busy!
First of all, as of June 19th, 2009 I got married to my girlfriend of 3 years, Robin. Then on July 15th, 2009, we had our first baby. His name is Aidan Michael Royer, and as of today he is in the hospital for a infection. Robin's staying with him while I stay at home and protect the fort lol.
Anyways, my life has been crazy, and just when I think everything is going to settle down, something else happens. I guess I will just have to wait until I'm old and can't do shit lol.
Tonight is about the only time I really had to myself, so I think after I'm done with this blog I'm going to go and update the website.

In the Studio

2008-08-30T01:29:00.001-04:00

Well, its not really a studio. Its my room but oh well close enough. I've got three new songs written for my new cd which won't be out for awhile. I'm going to do a better job on this album, since I know how to use the equipment alittle better. So far I have the drum track of one of the songs recorded, and am currently trying to get a good rhythm guitar track recorded. Since this is my first time playing with drums, its taking me alittle longer. Then later on after I add the vocals I'm going to try some lead guitar with my Tele, then see if I can add a harmonica in there somewhere. My main goal is to try to make my music sound different from each other, and get some different instruments in there. I plan on learning the mandolin next year, and then maybe the piano. Lol, I've got a long list of stuff I'd like to get done, but first I have to get my real life issues out of the way. I am in the process of switching careers, buying a house, and getting married on July 19, 2010!

Updated!

2008-04-26T02:51:00.003-04:00

As you can see I added some cool new things to my blog! I added a few links, and put some of my youtube videos on there for you all to see! I'm not too sure about the banner, I might have to do alittle work on that, or just change the layout.

Its Done

2008-04-01T00:21:00.001-04:00

Its done..No this is not an April Fools joke the cd is done! I am finished recording and as soon as I come up with the money, its going off for copyright. So look for a summer release.. things aren't going too well at work. I'm going job searching tomorrow. I got laid off again! But the cd is done, and as soon as it is copyrighted, I will be sending some off to cd baby for sales. I'll update you all on the progress. For now, take care!

Its March...

2008-03-24T23:06:00.002-04:00

Actually its the end of March but oh well. I've been recording, and re-recording, and jamming, and working. Also, I've been actually writing again. I got a great idea for a song, but I refuse to finish it until I'm done with the cd. I have 12 songs recorded out of 12 songs. I need to re-record 3 of them.
Thats about it for this month! Damn time flies fast doesn't it? I expect the cd to be released this summer, so be looking for it! I wanted a summer release anyways!

Hello

2008-02-06T19:30:00.001-05:00

Wow, this is the first news post of the year..where has the time gone! I've been very busy this past month, haven't really had time to do anything. I did manage however in my busy schedule to play with my new digital recorder I got for Christmas. So far I've finished two songs. I'm really into music this month, I don't know if its because I'm broke and I need to sing the blues, or the fact the spring is on its way. I'm really into it and you can expect more news really soon! I will keep you updated as always, take care.

Jammin

2008-01-12T00:29:00.000-05:00

Howdy, how have you all been? I'm just sitting here listing to indie music on cdbaby.com. This music speaks to me. Its all from the heart of the singers, because most of them wrote it. That is the most important connection, singers that are also songwriters. Everything they sing they have experience something in that song in someway. They have a way of connecting with an audience, because they speak from there hearts.
What about the music you hear on the radio today? Ya, some of its pretty good stuff, and yet some of it is just written so the singer could cash in some more checks. What rather you listen too? Would you rather listen to a song that was written by a group of six or more people crowed around an office thinking of ways to write a song that will make them a million bucks? Or would you rather listen to a song written by a singer, who writes his/her songs on there front porch, about their life, not worrying about money? Money is an evil thing and you have to be careful with it. Stay true to yourself and don't worry how much money you make. Be happy with what you have, and learn to use it.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T23:21:00.000-05:00

I would like to wish everyone here at BrandonRoyer.com a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
No other news at the moment..been too busy. Hope you all get lots and lots of gifts! Take care!

November 8th, 2007

2007-11-08T23:41:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone, hope your November is going well..mine ain't! I am still as of now recovering from the flu. I had to leave work early yesterday because I wasn't feeling too great and had a fever. Good thing I got it now and not during hunting season!

I didn't get a chance to do any voice sessions yet this month..because of my illness. But my voice is feeling pretty strong right now and I might try a few sessions tomorrow since I'm off work. Might as well, there really isn't much other to do around here lol.

I've also updated the forum style. Its not so plain now, although I still don't have a banner. I like the colors, I think it fits the website perfectly, and should be more inviting for visitors to post.

Well, that's all the updates for now, have a Happy Thanksgiving, and take care!

November Update!

2007-11-03T04:28:00.001-04:00

Wow, its already November! Christmas is sneaking up fast, and things are starting to get alittle crazy everywhere. We are slowing down allot at work, so that's good for my music, but bad on the paycheck! Too bad you can't have them both, huh?

I have a small update, as I'm really trying to get this done before Christmas. I have all 12 songs completed music wise, and I am currently working on the vocals. Things aren't going too smoothly. I'm finding little things that irritate me in the music, but there isn't much I can do about that, as I am recording in a small budget home studio. A really small budget..lets say $200 total...haha. I'm cheap.

Well there you have it folks..my small update. There will be allot happening this month as I have four days off work to work on this project..you know, between deer hunting and everything :).

BrandonRoyer.com Update!

2007-10-15T23:19:00.001-04:00

There are a few updates I've added onto the site today. All the pages should no longer have "Under Construction" on them. I have updated the Biography page, the shop page with a picture of the cover for the new album. The site should look alittle different, I had some help on another forum cleaning up some of my code. Everything should look fairly good on all web browsers.

On the music side of life, I now have four songs recorded for the new cd, and have figured out there will be a total of 12 songs on this album! I recorded a few with the acoustic, and a few with the electric..lets see if you can tell the difference! I hoping to get some more time in the near future to record. I want to have the album avalible before the new year, I will update you as work progresses!

Update on Progress

2007-10-06T22:28:00.000-04:00

I would like to update you all on my recording sessions and on how much I've got finished, and how much I've got to go yet. Also I will fill in on my life since my last post, which was in June.
I'm going to try to get a post on my blog atleast once a month now. Keep it kinda active. Now, for the recording side of life, I have four songs recorded for my debut album. One out of the four I need to redo the vocals..no big deal. I'm still not sure how many songs will be on the album, as I keep on writing more lol. I'm thinking around 12-13 songs. I've got a price figured up already, but I will keep that a secret for now. It ain't much at all! Most of those recordings were done today while I had the house to myself. Its good to be alone once in awhile!
Now, for the rest of my life in the past few months..hmm lets see! I had a birthday on September 8th, I'm now 22. I bought myself a b-day gift, you can now check out http://www.brandonroyer.com! I thought I might need a website for my music and pics! I didn't do a whole lot really since June...I did go to an open mic last Tuesday just to watch. Might play there someday, dunno. I've also been busy hunting, working on my motorcycle, putting brakes on my truck, and working at my real job!
Well, I guess thats all for now, I gotta sign off and go to bed. Thanks for reading, and check out my website!

First Recording

2007-06-06T23:14:00.001-04:00

Tonight I decided to pick up the old acoustic Taylor and have a go at a recording session. I think I did about five takes and finally have a decent recording. Its not perfect, but this ain't a perfect world, and I'm not a very good guitar player! I think I might use it for the album though. I have to have some singing sessions in the coming days and see if I can polish it up alittle bit. Then I will only have ten more songs to record! Man, this is alot more work than I figured! I'm glad I am an independent artist. My own boss, my own time....but also my own money lol. Anyways, keeping you updated! I'll post again this month!

LIVE

2007-05-13T22:14:00.000-04:00

Last night I played live at the "Grand Old Jamboree," a local picking parlor. This is the second time I played there, and the 2nd time total I played live. I was really nervous at first, but settled down by song two. I played two Waylon Jennings tunes, "Lonesome O'nry and Mean, and "Waymore Blues." The last two songs I did I wrote myself, which the crowd still seemed to enjoy it. I even had some old lady in the front row dancing lol. It made me feel really good about my singing and playing. I am looking forward to singing there again soon.

Ugly Week

2007-04-17T21:52:00.000-04:00

It has just been a terrible week! The weather was cold, damn, raining and snowing for the past 3-4 days. A week prior to this, we had 70 degrees F weather. Now to go from hot to cold is just plain torture! I'm ready for summer, big time. I'm really getting sick of this cold icky weather. Another thing is that I was laid off of work once again. I think I only worked a month and a half out of the new year so far! Business is slow as hell.
In music news, well...there really isn't any news. I've been messing around with a few new songs, an trying different things with my old songs. I've also been doing alot of Waylon Jennings songs on the webcam and posting them on YouTube.com. I'm not that great with other people's songs! There is still no release date on my cd or the new site. I am shooting for sometime in September for the website, but we will see how much recording I get done first. I have the layout finished, and everything is almost ready to upload. So my time hasn't been a total waste!
Anyways I'm back to work now, we are still very slow. I've been playing alot more guitar and getting back into the music groove..so look out!

Here We Go!

2007-03-11T21:58:00.000-04:00

I really didn't think I would figure this recording software out today, but I played around with it for about an hour and am finally making progress! I practiced one of my songs a few times, and figured out all the little controls I need to mix it. So...wow alot of things are going to be happing in the next few months. I will be working on my new cd, and brandonroyer.com will be started.
So lets see here...I have to design a website and put content on it. I have to update my myspace with some of my songs and pictures. I have to record all of my music and send it in for copyright, and I have too keep you all updated here! I'm really going to be working on my music in the next coming weeks, hopefully I will get a song or two recorded. I'm not real good with the whole singing thing, but I'm sure it will sound OK. Anyways, just keeping you updated!

Nothing Yet

2007-03-11T00:26:00.000-05:00

I said in the last post that I would update you all on my first recording session...right? Well, I never really had time to have a good one yet. I've just been messing around with the software, and seeing what I could do with my acoustic.
Its hard to find time to record when there are five people living in this house, and someone is always sleeping or resting! Its really hard to get them out of the house, which is my dad, mom, grandpa, brother and soon my sis and her husband when he gets done with college this year! Sometimes I just want to move out right away. But I can't see the point in paying rent for something you will never own. Rent around here is as much as a house anyhow so it would be just plain stupid to rent. I got some money saved up, and I hope to move out in the next year or two. Plenty of time to work on music! Hopefully I will have my second album out by then!
Just updating on my absence and what I've been doing. Nothing really yet, just messing around with the guitar, and trying different things with my songs! I will try and keep this updated twice a month! So stay tuned!

Welcome

2007-03-03T00:03:00.000-05:00

This is my blog for my hobby, music. I am a new musician, and not really that good, but I have passion in my music, and my songs. I write all of the songs you will hear someday, and I put music to most of them. There will someday be a website to promote my recordings, but for now this will do.
I've been playing guitar for about three years now, and have just moved from the acoustic to an electric. What better way to start playing an electric than going out and buying a new guitar? I bought myself a brand new Standard Fender Telecaster. The color is electron blue, and let me tell you, that guitar sings! I love it, and will never sell it. Hell, I might even be buried with it!
Anyways, this blog is to show my progress on my recording sessions, which will start tomorrow. I have twelve original songs to cut, and I have my whole life to do it in! So this blog is to try and keep me motivated! I will have a fifteen minute practice session, then an hour of recording sessions. I plan on working on one song till I get it right, then move on from there. So, we will see how it goes! I will keep everyone posted tomorrow on how the recording session went.