This device for transcribing needs some more explanation. All of your
suggestions are valid but you must realize that this device from Akai is less
than $200.
If anyone is interested, I've included a description and spec of this device
from Akai's home page. I think some might agree this sounds a whole lot
better and cheaper than some of your suggestions. Even a used reel-to-reel.
Having a phase loop automatically at half speed, and at normal pitch is alot
swifter than using a tape transport. Check out that note grabber function.
It sounds like as your learning a phrase, you can loop in one note at a
time.
Thanx for your ideas
Mitch
Portland Or
Learn your favorite riffs at your speed! Digitally sample any musical phrase
and slow it down without changing its pitch.
*The Riff-O-Matic is the perfect tool for learning a hot guitar part from a
CD or transcribing a complex jazz solo.
*The Riff-O-Matic takes advantage of Akai's advanced Digital Signal
Processing (DSP) technology to let you digitally sample any
musical phrase (up to 26 seconds) and slow it down without changing its
pitch.
*With the Riff-O-Matic, you can slow a riff down to half speed and still
practice along at the original pitch. As you learn it, speed it up
to 2/3 speed and then back to full tempo, all at the same pitch.
*Use the Filter to emphasize the frequency range of the phrase you want to
learn.
*Want to learn a recorded part in a different key? No problem. The
Riff-O-Matic lets you transpose it over a +/-6 semitone range.
*For figuring out those really fast solos, the Riff-O-Matic's "Note Grabber"
function lets you isolate and loop each note. Transcription
has never been easier.
There's even more. Check out these features and functions:
Playback Tempo
This is what it's all about! Choose the original recorded tempo or 2/3 or 1/2
of that tempo. The original pitch remains the same
at any tempo.
Filter Isolates mid-range or low frequencies to help you hear the solo or
base instrument you're interested in.
Semitone Transposes the sampled riff over a range of x6 semitones
Fine Tune Tunes the sampled riff to your instrument
Select: Up/Down
Use these buttons to select and adjust a function. For example: Press Select
until the Playback Tempo LED is lit and then use Up
or Down to choose Normal, 2/3 or 1/2 the normal tempo.
Note Grabber
Press this button and use the Up and Down buttons to isolate and loop a
single note. Great for figuring out those really fast solos.
Normal Record
Records until you press Stop or fill up memory.
Continuous Record
In Continuous Record, the Riff-O-Matic is always sampling. When you hear the
riff you want go by, press Stop and you've just
captured the last 13 (or 26) seconds.
Set Loop: Start/End
During playback, press Start and End at the start and end of the riff you
want to work on to loop just that riff. Press Start and End
at the same time to clear that loop and hear your whole recording again.
Record Time x2
Press to double the available recording time from 13 seconds to 26 seconds
(but with reduced frequency response).
Record Level
Displays the input signal level. If LED 3 lights, turn down the Line In level
a bit.
Rear Panel Controls
Headphone
Plug headphones in here for private practicing.
Output Level
Controls the volume from both the headphone and line outputs.
Line Out Plug your amp or stereo in here to keep your neighbors updated on
your progress.
DC10.5V The 10.5 volt DC power transformer (included) goes here.
Instrument In
Plug your guitar or other electronic or amplified instrument in here.
Line In Level
Sets the recording level for the music that you're sampling.
Line In This is the sampling input. Plug a CD player, cassette player, etc.,
in here.
Specifications type
Riff-O-Matic U40 back
Sampling Time: Normal: 13 seconds, Rec Time x 2: 26 seconds
Playback Tempo Selection: Normal tempo, 2/3 of normal tempo, 1/2 of normal
tempo
Output Filter:
Off: full range response
Mid: to isolate midrange instruments
Low: to isolate bass instruments
Tuning: Transposition: x6 semitones, Fine Tune: x50 cents
Looping:
Normal: realtime nondestructive looping
Note Grabber: to isolate individual notes
Record Modes: Normal, Continuous
Inputs:
Instrument In: 1/4" phone, 47k ohms impedance
Line In: 1/8" mini phone, 47k ohms impedance
Outputs:
Line Out: 1/4" phone, 130 ohms impedance
Headphones: 1/8" mini phone, 130 ohms impedance
Power Requirements: 10.5V DC
Included Accessories: 10.5V DC, 300mA power transformer; audio connection
cable (1/8" stereo mini phone
Dimensions: 140mm W x 113mm D x 29mm H
Weight: 200 grams