Chord charts (Worship Tutorials) // Visit Alastair’s website

In this video tutorial, I illustrate the technique I use to line up audio and video clips in Apple Final Cut video editing software. I’ve been asked how I do this several times, and it’s really a lot easier than it might seem.

Let’s say you’ve recorded an acoustic version of a song and you took video during the recording. So, you’ve got a video clip with audio from the mic on the camera you used. Plus you’ve got the audio from your recording interface. You’ll want to use that audio from the recording interface and ditch the audio from the built-in camera microphone. Syncing the video and the audio can be a tedious task! In a nutshell, do this:

1. Tell Final Cut to show the audio waveforms of the clips.
2. Line up the waveforms.
3. You’re done!

The Studio Projects C1 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone. Mine is a version 1 (the original model). The current production model is “version 2″. I’m not exactly sure what the difference is. Mine is also identified as “797 Audio”. A quick internet search id’s 797 Audio as a company in China that produces “electro-acoustic” equipment.

The new models retail for $249. Back when I bought mine they sold for more like $200, and I got mine used for around $150 or less. Either way, you could definitely call these budget friendly.

I also recall from the research I had done that the C1 is widely regarded as a very good vocal mic for the price. The Studio Projects B1 is known as more of an all-purpose mic, but I use my C1 for absolutely everything.

It comes (at least mine came) with a really nice metal case, foam pop filter, and a well-made shockmount. Here’s a photo of what I got with mine:

The construction on all of it is top notch. I’ve owned this mic for several years, and you can kind of tell the previous owner put some wear on it.

I’ve recorded the following things with this mic:

Vocals

I’d say this mic is best suited for vocals. It’s very articulate and clean sounding. I’d say bright, too. When comparing with my Shure Beta 58a, the C1 has a lot more clarity. That’s one of the big differences between dynamics and condensers.

Acoustic Guitar

This mic has become my main acoustic guitar mic (actually, I’ve sold the mics I used to use for acoustic). I like the sound – very bright and clear. It really does a great job of capturing the sound of whatever you put in front of it.

Electric Guitar (amp’d)

I know the SM57 is the go-to mic for electric guitar, and I have one, but I like the sound of the C1 on the amp. Again – it does a good job of capturing the source.

Cons

The only con I’d say about this mic is that it can have the tendency to sound a bit harsh/brittle. I’ve never had the privilege of using really high-end gear, but it’s my understanding that using premium tube preamps and microphones give you a lot of warmth, and using these budget mic’s results in a lack of said warmth. That’s my experience.

Overall, I really do love the way this mic sounds and performs. I have a feeling I’d have to spend way more money than I can afford to get any noticeable improvement.

So what does it sound like?

Reviewers can babble on and on about these things, but listening to recordings gives you the best idea of this mic. I’ve embedded my “Strings EP” below. I recorded pretty much all the acoustic guitars and vocals on this whole EP with the C1 into my PreSonus Firepod.

Conclusion

Looking for one single mic that you can do pretty much anything with in your home studio? Put this one on your list for sure. If you can find a retailer and try one out, that’s the best way to decided. Line it up with a few others in your price range, sing (or play) into it, and pick the one that sounds the best. Overall I’m very happy with this mic.

I think I’ve finally got this business card design knocked out. Here they are, front and back:

Clean and simple. Thoughts? (that’s not my number, by the way…)

Those icons (all except the guitar) can be downloaded for free here.

That’s an actual photo of my PreSonus FirePod. I’ve had it for years, and it is the heart of my recording setup. I’m not even sure how long I’ve owned it. I wrote a review over at Harmony Central back in 2005, so it’s been at least 6 years. Presonus has renamed this unit the “FP10″. I’ve got one of those, too – I daisy-chain them together. It’s been discontinued, but can still be purchased on the used market for a steal.

Let’s get started with what it does…

Inputs/Outputs and Connectivity:

It’s firewire – 10 in and 10 out, but two of those channels are digital (spdif). It does 8 XLR or 1/4 inch ins (combo jacks), 8 1/4 inch outs.  Here’s a look at the front and back:

I’ve worked in Youth Ministry for a few years, and I’ve spent many years as a youth leader/sponsor/camp counselor/etc. From my (not so) vast experience, I’ve compiled an essential list for surviving a mission trip – or any youth trip. for that matter. Every one of these is inspired by an actual event. I call it…

Mission Trip Survival 101

1. Make sure your air mattress can support the combined weight of three grown men.
2. Master the art of using a super-duty black accordion-style plunger. Accept no substitute.
3. Find a Dairy Queen. Order a Mississippi Mud Pie Blizzard (if it isn’t on the menu, ask for it by name). Repeat.
4. When a chicken lays an egg on your pillow, it means breakfast tomorrow morning.
5. Adding multiple espresso shots into your coffee is not recommended. Only use in case of emergency.
6. Related to my last post – coffee trumps all those energy drinks that taste like medicine. No questions.
7. The giant stuffed iguana hanging above your bed isn’t going to attack you in your sleep.
8. When presented with local cuisine, never ask, “What is this?”. Rather, ask, “where is the bathroom?”
9. 4:30 a.m. Comes early. Go to bed.
10. The emergency room is your friend. It’s more of a love/hate relationship.
11. Gas station chimichangas are not recommended.
12. Make no mistake; too much ice cream can actually be a bad thing.
13. Embrace 80′s Christian rock. Specifically, Rage of Angels. Google them.

Download chord charts for all the songs

We had a great time at the Hope Cafe gig last week! We had a full band for about half the gig. The band consisted of musicians from the worship band at church. They were:

• Justin – Lead guitar
• Terry – Drums
• Dominic – Bass
• Mike – Keys
• Me – acoustic guitar/vocals

Photos:

We played a lot of worship stuff, originals, and a few covers. I did “To Love Somebody” by the Bee Gees. What a great song! It was a lot of fun to play, and I heard some good feedback about it from the audience. We took a break about half-way through, and I took some time to go around and talk with people in the audience – it was a lot of fun to connect with people that way. We even sang “Happy Birthday” to somebody who happened to be there on her birthday.

Here’s the set list. Hit links to view videos of me performing the songs.

Full Band Set 1

Awesome Is The Lord Most High – Chris Tomlin
You Are So Good To Me – Third Day version
I Will Follow – Chris Tomlin
Everlasting God – Brenton Brown
You Never Let Go – Matt Redman
Unfailing Love – original
Though I Walk Through The Valley – original

Acoustic Set 1 (Just me and Terry on Djembe)

I Have A Plan For You – original
Come Find Rest – original
To Love Somebody – Bee Gees
Mysterious Ways – U2 (Justin played guitar on this one)
Running To Stand Still – U2 (Justin played guitar – also, I broke a string half-way through and had to start over)

Break

Full Band Set 2

Our God – Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman
One Our Side – Chris Tomlin
How He Loves – John Mark McMillan
Blessed Be Your Name – Matt Redman
Enough – Chris Tomlin

Acoustic Set 2

Your Love Never Fails – Chris McClarney
Things – original
Seasons – original
I Will Send My Son – original
Grace – U2
I’ll Be There For You – Bon Jovi
Deconstruction – Justin McRoberts

Chord Charts

Key of G (capo) // Key of B

Chords diagrams: