Thursday, November 4, 2021

Note to five years younger self (when I just got Line 6 Helix)

0. Go stereo from day one
1. Read manuals of real-life hardware which Helix is modeling
2. Learn to love sag
3. Use high cuts and low cuts
4. Address resonant frequencies
5. Learn everything about the most important FX on Helix: EQ and compression

Helix
bonus tip:
6. (Never been guilty of doing this but) Don’t put compression at the end of the chain before inserting any other effects

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Circle of Fifths update

The "Circle of Fifths" mini-website which was overwhelmingly well-received has a huge update now. I'm frequently trying to debug the whole thing and bring new functionality to make this a one stop online learning tool but this time allow me the excitement to list a few major novelties since the initial version:

  • Search any scale and any chord (and play it while you edit);
  • Find all the matching chords (and slashchords) within any given (preset or custom-entered) scale;
  • Assign chords (including those slashchords) to computer keyboard and play back;
  • Store chord-to-key layouts as bookmarks (use "save" button and copy the link); a couple are included to get you started with the idea;
  • full Modal interchange chords table;
  • Browser compatibility checked, now works on most navigators.
Here you go - circle away ! Circle of Fifths website

Friday, November 1, 2019

Graphtech Ghost piezo saddles passive and active comparison vs Dimarzio magnetic pickups

This is a comparison of GraphTech Ghost piezo system passive vs active. For reference, we have magnetic (Dimarzio) pickups. All pickup positions are full volume, tone pot at max, no post FX, just direct signal.

Friday, January 25, 2019

Circle of fifths, modal interchange and scale/chord relations tool

Ladies and gentlemen ! May I present a tool for finding all matching chords within a chosen scale. Also a circle of fifths with modal interchange features. All chords clickable for sound previews. Theoretically, you should be able to navigate all (simple) chords of any song in one page. There you have it - http://morpho.lanet.lv/circleoffifths

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Using Line 6 Helix with software ampsims (with Helix pre and post fx)

Here is a quick tutorial how to run software ampsims within Line 6 Helix fx chain. This method requires a PC, but allows to use Helix pre and post effects and any software audio plugin of your choice and availability.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

"Pārsliņa" (Flake)




"Pārsliņa" means "flake" (when referring to snow), and it is a name for my Ibanez guitar with the green pickguard. This is a meditation on a guitar, music, holiday and winter solstice theme. Happy New Year, and let there be harmony upon us !

Friday, December 3, 2010

Poulin LeCab 2

All hail LePou again ! We have the new version of guitar and bass impulse loader LeCab which features now 6 slots, input channel, low cut, high cut, phase inversion, panning, and - what makes a real difference - convenient browsing thru the impulses with "back" and "forward" buttons as well as drop-down menu with directory contents, and proud to mention design by Requietus. Get the LeCab 2 here, on LePou's site (~2 MB).

Sunday, March 7, 2010

LeGion from LePou

Another great VST amp sim from LePou. This time it is completely original design, not based on any hardware gear. This high gain amp does not require any booster before it in the sound chain. GUI by Requietus. Download it here.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Floyd trem mods

A couple of neat mods to floyd rose equipped guitars - Ibanez Edge Pro arm torque and Schaller SureClaw replacement for conventional spring claw.

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You might also like the article about tremolo stabilization tools.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

LeXTAC from LePou

Inspired by a great Californian boutique amplifier, LePou has made another vst amp sim masterpiece. Check out the new LeXTAC at his website. GUI by Requietus.