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Producer’s Edge Magazine Archives FREE reading

xodus phoenix — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:38:42 GMT

Produder’s Edge Magazine Archives FREEreading

We have re-loaded our archived issues for free reading- even issue 01 Heatmakerz and issue 02 David Banner/Mr Collipark.

http://issuu.com/producersedge

If you want the full back story, read on.

We ran into a pretty big hurdle in 2010, where our digital publisher lost all of our archived content. When you combine that with 2 hard drive failures (yes the main and the back up) we were in a very bad position. The server was supposed to be the backup– ouch! We were faced with some very hard decisions; start over from scratch or pay an incredible amount to retrieve our final editions from the damaged drives. You can already imagine the costs involved [yes, they do charge by the megabyte- GA]. We went with drive two that had only sector damage, unlike the second drive which didn’t even spin when powered up.

After a ton of effort and expense we were able to recreate our previous issues- with the help from some of our proof readers and advertisers who had pre-release copies of some content.

And so read on and thank you for support Producer’s Edge Magazine

-Drew Spence, Editor in Chief Producer’s Edge Digital Magazine

The Win a FREE KORG Monotribe Quiz

Admin — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:03:53 GMT

In a world seemingly ruled by digital, Korg created an analog sensation with the palm-sized monotron Analogue Ribbon Synthesizer. Korg has once again raised the analog banner with the amazing monotribe Analog Ribbon Station; a new form of synthesizer that packs an amazing array of features and technology into its compact body. Korg’s monotribe shares the monotron’s analog DNA, yet quickly delves deeper into the rich, organic, and often chaotic world of analog synthesis. In addition to analog synthesis, monotribe brings together intuitive ease of use and a three-part discrete analog rhythm section, plus the proven appeal of Electribe-style sequencing. Complete with a built-in speaker and battery power, monotribe is self-contained and highly portable.

Read the rules here

The Win A Monotribe is sponsored by Producer’s Edge. The contest ends September 28^th 2011. One entry per person. Entrant must be 18 or older or have legal guardian submit as proxy.

Eligibility:

Employees, officers, directors, agents, representatives and independent contractors (and their immediate family members and members of the same households, whether related or not) of Producer’s Edge or KORG are not eligible to participate. The Contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law or regulation. Participants agree to abide by the terms of these official rules and by the decisions of the Sponsor which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to the Contest. The Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any participant that it determines, in its sole discretion, is ineligible to participate in the Contest.

Use of automated devices are not valid for entry. Electronic entries must include a valid e-mail address for the entrant. In the event of a dispute as to the identity or eligibility of a winner based on an e-mail address, the winning entry will be declared made by the "Authorized Account Holder" [defined as the natural person who is assigned to the email address by an Internet Access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.)] of the email address submitted at the time of the entry.

Limitation of Liability:

If for any reason the Contest is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of the Contest, the Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the Contest, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. Sponsor is not responsible for problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers, or providers computer equipment, software, failure of any email to be received by the Sponsor on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to participant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participation or downloading any materials in this Contest.

By participating in the Contest, each participant agrees to release and hold Producer’s Edge magazine and KORG harmless from any and all losses, damages, rights, claims and actions of any kind in connection with or resulting from participation in the Contest and/or acceptance, possession, or use of any prize(s) including, without limitation, personal injuries, death, property damages and any claims by third parties or otherwise based on publicity rights, defamation, or invasion of privacy. Entrants acknowledge that Sponsor is not responsible or liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to any Prize.

The Win A Monotribe is sponsored by Producer’s Edge and NOT affiliated with KORG. The contest ends September 28^th 2011. One entry per person. Entrant must be 18 or older or have legal guardian submit as proxy. Employees, officers, directors, agents, representatives and independent contractors (and their immediate family members and members of the same households, whether related or not) of Producer’s Edge are not eligible to participate. The Contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law or regulation. Participants agree to abide by the terms of these official rules and by the decisions of the Sponsor which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to the Contest. The Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any participant that it determines, in its sole discretion, is ineligible to participate in the Contest.

http://www.quiztron.com/tests/korg_monotribe_quiz_200412.htm

Happy Holidays from Producer’s Edge Magazine

xodus phoenix — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 10:52:34 GMT

http://producersedge.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/happy-holidays-from-producer%E2%80%99s-edge-magazine/

Happy Holidays from Producer’s Edge Magazine

Happy Holidays from Producer’s Edge Magazine

I hope with all the running around and gift shopping, you didn’t forget to treat yourself to something nice. You should have your own list of ‘who’s been naughty and nice’. Take a look back at the year and really look at the people and resources that helped you advance. A number of companies have worked hard all year long to bring you the necessary tools to turn your vision into a sonic reality. Support them. Thank them through the honest support of their products and become an active member in their communities.

And so, for this holiday season and deep into next year, think about the people that turned your room into a studio, your lap top into work station and your keyboard into a….keyboard. If you can’t always spend, than spread the word about what works and what doesn’t in your production kit list. Part of the appreciation bends towards learning your tools. The elves up at the North Pole know what they’re doing and so should you. Give the gift of knowledge…to yourself by sitting down and mastering one of your main weapons. When you’re done, write that post, make a YouTube video and share a tip or tick.

And if you really catch the spirit, support the hard people that make the stuff that helps us make stuff. Happy Holidays from the Staff of Producer’s Edge Digital Magazine.

-Drew Spence Editor in Chief PE Mag http://www.producersedgemagazine.com/

This holiday message is sponsored by Big Fish Audio.

Here is a free sampler of the Big Fish Audio release “Slammin Hip Hop Urban Pop”

Learn more about this product here:

http://www.bigfishaudio.com/detail.html?512085

[Looks like Scott Storch and Vanilla Ice had a kid. I think he looks festive enough. The loops are real cool too so I think this one would be a perfect fit for Christmas. – Xodus Phoenix]

[I didn’t know Sprite had a break step team – Sean Derek]

The FREE SAMPLER is here:

http://www.ProducersEdgeMagazine.com/Griffinavid/xmas2010.zip

Enjoy!

-Griffin Avid

Labor Day 2010 All Work and No Play…

xodus phoenix — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:35:16 GMT

Labor Day 2010 All Work and No Play…

Grind, grind, grind. I get it. Of course you’ve been at it. You didn’t slow down a bit this summer. You can’t afford to- or at least, that’s what you told yourself. Well I suggest a break in the action to evaluate your progress, production and plan. In Basketball and Football there’s a halftime to analyze, adjust and even devise a new strategy. In Boxing, it’s the break in-between rounds where the pugilist receives new instructions. And just like a boxer, while you’ve been fighting, all kinds of people have been yelling at you and telling you what to do- including the guy at home sitting on his couch drinking beer and eating chips and dip. Even he knows better than you what you should be doing.

Why not take a break and decide for yourself what voices you should be listening to? There may be a very logical and sensible strategy at work, but it’s up to you and only you to execute it. While you think, let’s do one more thing. Lets’ appreciate the work of others. How about for an entire day, we decide to hold off on making beats and listen to music instead? Who knows that might just remind us why we are working so hard in our studios.

-Drew Spence

Editor in Chief, Producer’s Edge Digital Magazine

We intend to help your return to the grind a splendid moment with the help of Big Fish Audio. They certainly do not take breaks over there. Right now, we’re exploring a package called Detroit Soul. It’s live music inspired by the Motor City sound. If you’re tired of digging the same sounds everyone is using then this is a unique flavor to add to your production. 28 huge construction kits.

Check out Detroit Soul

And on the flip side, if you’ve been working so hard at the game of life, that you haven’t been able to get to music, then Urban Nation is the well-rounded package of hip hop, R&B and pop material. You can’t lose going with this offering either. Think a bit and then get back to it, clearer, fresher and bigger. Thank you Big Fish Audio.

Check out Urban Nation

As with all of our blasts and free tool sets, the reading public gets a dose and XC Subscribers get much more. If you’re a subscriber, check your mailbox for the eXtra Content goodies. It will also have Bonus content (a sampling of the Timbaland Producer kit) from our own StudioAVX.com.

The free sounds are here

http://store.payloadz.com/details/844171-Music-Rap-and-Hip-Hop-2010-Labor-Day-FREE.html

You can subscribe here.

http://www.producersedgemagazine.com/subscriptionspage.asp

And read the magazine here….

http://www.producersedgemagazine.com/

Stay safe and productive.

Congrats to Griffin Avid: KORG microSAMPLER sound design package featured on KORG Website!!!!!!!

xodus phoenix — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:33:28 GMT

So it's official now huh?

In case you're unclear: Griffin Avid does sound designa nd sells sounds on the www.StudioAVX.com website and hosts some drum kits on there too.

The sound design package he did for the KORG microSAMPLER has been archived on the official KORG site. They feel us!

From KORG site:

New Sample Banks for microSAMPLER

THIRD PARTY SUPPORT:
Download four FREE new sample banks for the microSAMPLER, courtesy of Producer’s Edge Magazine. These banks contain a total of 136 sounds, including drums, bass, leads, sound effects, and more.

www.producersedgemagazine.com/microsampler.asp
That's the article he wrote about using the micropSAMPLER.
That's a real good look and I hear there's more on the way.
And it's on our blog too. http://producersedge.wordpress.com/

New Issue 07 Producer's Edge Magazine is here

xodus phoenix — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:01:47 GMT

Special Issue 07 1st Quarter 2010

XC Subscribers;

Welcome to special issue 07: Near Gear 2010. We're powered by Winter NAMM and bringing you an early look at the tightest products coming out. Start saving your pennies now while you clear up hard drive and shelf space. Some of the highlights include:

Lemur Jazz Mutant V2

Akai iPK25

DSI Mopho Keyboard

KORG Kaossilator Pro

Radikal Technologies Spectralis 2

.and a whole bunch more!

As per your requests, we're moving forward with direct links to download your XC Subscriber content. It's your magazine and we thank you for your feedback. It helps us improve.

This issue is sponsored by Big Fish Audio and our XC Subscribers are getting a healthy dose of Beat Diggin, Vintage Breaks Vol 1 and Plush.

Plush

http://www.bigfishaudio.com/4DCGI/detail.html?1280

Beat Diggin (available as a direct download $79.95)

http://www.bigfishaudio.com/4DCGI/detail.html?0;0;1:::::::::beat%20diggin:1621

Vintage Breaks (available as a direct download $59.95)

http://www.bigfishaudio.com/4DCGI/detail.html?512136

Read the new issue here: http://www.producersedgemagazine.com/

Join our Community here: http://forum.producersedgemagazine.com/

And watch our videos here: http://www.YouTUbe.com/GriffinAvid

Thank you for your support and stay Productive

- Drew Spence, Editor in Chief Producer's Edge Digital Magazine

Notes from the Desk February 2010

xodus phoenix — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:17:00 GMT

We articulate pain and suffering through art

For many of us 2010 has gotten off to a challenging start. I recently had the fortune and misfortune of surviving one of the most catastrophic earthquakes of our time in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 12th. That Tuesday, the day after I had arrived, has extended my perspective on the union that all people consciously or unconsciously share. I'd like to take this time to thank everyone for their thoughts, kind words of encouragement and votes of confidence in this year being one that brings opportunities for growth and empowerment. As I chronicle these experiences, some of the most memorable moments have been the manner in which people from around the globe have displayed human compassion and solidarity.

Other priceless moments that I will keep with me were the impromptu vocal and instrumental jam sessions amongst people who had never met during periods of anguish and uncertainty. As musicians and creative individuals we articulate pain and suffering through art. This is what allows us to regain a sense of who we are and of what impact music may have on the paths of others.

We at Producer's Edge have joined forces with the Greater Palm Beach Area American Red Cross, Elizabeth A. Cobb and other organizations to make a difference in the lives of those who continue to struggle in the aftermath. We are asking all of our friends and subscribers to donate $1 to assist in providing vital necessities to help the people in Haiti in their rebuilding process. Thank you.

Checks can be mailed to:
American Red Cross
Attention: Stephanie Langlais
825 Fern Street
West Palm Beach, Fl 33401

561-833-7711
Online:www.redcross.org/haiti

Warm regards,
Will Loiseau
Senior Editor
Producer's Edge Magazine

Notes from The Desk Decemeber 2009

xodus phoenix — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:02:31 GMT

Increasing the resolution of your Resolutions

C'mon, I know you do it. You write a list of things you hope to accomplish in the upcoming year and dump the weight on the 'Next Year's Version of You'. See, that guy will figure it out and make it happen. He'll do what YOU couldn't do this year or the year before, or the year before that and the year before that.

They'll make more music, get more placements and even finish up that long term project that's sitting on the back burner. They'll change your reality and get you further down that road. They'll have a fresh 365 days to motivate, push, grind and out-work your entire life so far. They have the advantage of a fresh look at these old problems and we all know there's some kind of magic that happens on December 31st. It's right at the stroke of twelve midnight. January 1st...POW!

Let's do something different this year. Grab a 2010 calendar. A big one that you can write notes on. Let's actually pick a date to accomplish some of these goals. To avoid adding any undue pressure, we'll pick a date late in the year. How about December 31st? That gives us a full year to work with. Now write out all the steps that are required to make this plan happen. It might be six steps, it might be ten. It might be two big steps and a dozen little ones. Whatever the numbers of steps- span those out with a logical amount of space between them and you should have a decent timeline.

Now let's add a dose of reality and account for setbacks, the reordering of priorities, accidents and generally the fact that Life Happens. We'll take into account other people. Certainly, you didn't think you would accomplish all of these lofty goals by yourself, did you? Oh no. It looks like our timeline has stretched beyond a single year. That's actually okay. It means you have goals and dreams that are about your life and should not be limited to the scope of one year. It may take years. That doesn't mean you can relax now. It simply means this year's you, this moments you- needs to truly focus on the steps involved in accomplishing a goal. It's not about 365 days, it's about Every Day.
See you in the lab.

-Drew Spence, Editor in Chief Producer's Edge Digital Magazine

Notes From the Desk November 2009

xodus phoenix — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:16:14 GMT

Notes From the Desk October 2009

xodus phoenix — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:57:08 GMT

Notes from the Desk September 2009

xodus phoenix — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:49:14 GMT

Beats for Beats Sake

I was involved in a debate about the motivation behind making music. One of my producer mates had the opinion that "today's beatmakers" are in it to become the next Supa Produca and have no heart behind their work. So in other words, it's all about the fame and fortune and not the art form. Is it wrong to go into a field of human endeavor because you were inspired by another's achievements? Is it wrong to have an idol...someone you aspire to be (like)?

Another producer said they would be making music no matter what and if they never sold a beat, it wouldn't matter. He went on about the line between being fairly compensated for one's work and talent and just plain being greedy. I wanted to say something about making music ONLY for one's self smacks of being selfish and giving it away for free may be selfless, but doesn't necessarily mean the decision to give your music away makes you a purer artist.

Then the third cat turned to me and said "Well, your whole deal is based on big-time producers so I can see where you're coming from." I thought this dude don't even know me or understand Producer's Edge. I asked all of them When was the last time you made a beat for a rapper? It's fine to make beats for your music profile page or to get feedback from your favorite forum, to beat battle or to just pass the time - really, it is. It will always be nice to express yourself through music, but perhaps the nobler motivation is to provide the music another artist can express themselves over. That's about as selfless as it gets. What do you think? Let me know on the Producer's Edge forum. Stay safe and productive.

-Drew Spence, Editor in Chief Producer's Edge Digital Magazine

Notes from the Desk

xodus phoenix — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:20:36 GMT

Rearrange a Change

Working with the same studio setup for what seemed like forever and a day was now becoming tedious. Months had passed and I just couldn't seem to find a comfortable groove. Recording was becoming mundane and repetitive so a change was bound to happen. Having to get up from the PC to reach the workstations and then sit back down to hit record on the console was counterproductive. That night I envisioned what I wanted the studio to look like. Next morning, I shut down all the equipment and unplugged all the cables and brushed up on the significance of ins and outs and why things go where.
It wasn't nuclear physics, after all.

After a few tweaks, the main workstation now plays its position- front and center. The other keyboards are on a stand within arms reach right along with the mixer and audio interface. Having to constantly open and close several files on a single video monitor was killing my workflow. Xodus Phoenix put me on to the two-monitor thing and now I have a whole new perspective that makes balancing applications so much easier. Now with the dual monitor setup, I can open a sequencer on one screen and read my lyrics from a Word file on the other while recording. The mic is now the centerpiece.

An environment designed for sparking ideas was the mission and so far I'm headed in the right direction. But you didn't expect a perfect happy ending, did you? The next adventure will be trying to maintain balance and harmony while making room for all the new toys arriving later this year. I might have to cop a new hard drive to accommodate the sound libraries from Big Fish Audio and Spectrasonics Trilogy 2; Trilian. I still haven't found a spot for the Prophet '08. What will I do when NI's Maschine arrives? I'll keep ya'll posted.

In this issue we illustrate, in impressively convincing fashion (Yeah, absorb yourselves in this one) the innovative tools of creative expression from this year's annual winter NAMM show. Back at it again, Producer's Edge brings you the essential gear that has the music industry buzzing.

Will Loiseau, Senior Editor Producer's Edge Magazine

The ZROhour Blogspot reviews PE Mag!!

xodus phoenix — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:19:41 GMT

http://thezrohour.blogspot.com/2008/10/music-tech-journal-of-hip-hop.html

With the void left by SCRATCH magazine and the minimal focus on hip hop in music production publications (an exception being REMIX magazine), PRODUCER'S EDGE satisfies that thirst for knowledge and information to create music of champions. I found Producer's Edge at a newsstand in NY by accident and devoured the incredible amount of info in just one issue. There were interviews with Easy Mo Bee and David Banner, an in depth history of EMU's SP1200 sampling drum machine, and tutorials on recording and music distribution among other rich content. I was impressed to have so much contained in one source and in an independent one at that. That was issue two and with the arrival of issue three, Producer's Edge has transformed into a completely digital and FREE online magazine. Producer’s Edge is one of the first to utilize a multi-media format as a Digital Magazine with embeddedd video, audio and live downloads. The original format had a DVD-ROM attached to the magazine full of free sounds, software instruction and demos. All of that content is now available online and if you sign up as a subscriber, you get access to additional XC (extra content) for download.

Issue No. 3 of Producer's Edge features interviews with Pete Rock, The RZA, an incredible overview of the MV 8800 and tutorials on getting your drum game tight. If you are looking for well rounded coverage of the tools and techniques within hip hop/R&B/reggae/electronic production, this is a must read. No fluff. Where SCRATCH magazine almost got it right, Producer's Edge surpasses that vison.

www.producersedgemagazine.com

LOUISDEN.COM blogspot reviews PE Mag

xodus phoenix — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:46:24 GMT

http://www.louisdenbeatbattles.blogspot.com/

Producers Edge, Fall / Winter 2008 Edition

The free version of the Fall / Winter 2008 edition of Producers Edge magazine is out to peep online!; this a great mag jam packed with features and is a dope publication (wish scratch could have been like this), shame they cant get bigger distro as they do things proper..magazine and DVD combo with plenty video features, but still the electronic version is just as ill with links to videos and downloadable images (complete with page turning animations!! hahaa).

so I guess IKMultimedia digs you too...

Oscar Wilde — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:58:15 GMT

“Quite an Achievement...” Describes Producer’s Edge on SampleTron
"Retro, vintage, crusty and funky”

Producer's Edge always has the veteran musicians in mind. The magazine focuses on advanced techniques in both hardware and software to bring out the full potential of their reader's set up and to help cut down their production time. This is why they jumped at the opportunity to review SampleTron.

"So how does it sound? Retro, vintage, crusty and funky. If you have an understanding of the original machines and the lo-fi coloring of the sound, then you will appreciate the great lengths IK Multimedia has gone to while preserving the nature while embracing the future. It is quite an achievement to amass these samples from such a diverse set of instruments (many needing restoration) and present them in an easily accessible manner to both the Mellotron enthusiast and producer looking to add vinyl-styled instruments to their studio."

"If you are a producer who uses samples and struggles to find additional sounds to sit next to the vinyl snippets then this is a key product."

"A nice touch is the effects run independent of the instrument. Just selecting phonograph as an effect brings on the hiss and crackle which I immediately sampled to use with other tracks."

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/MainPhp.html?NewsDisplay.php&Id=1938

It says we are in a raffle to win IK stuff. do I get to pick what I win because I have some of their stuff already?

Random Quotes about Producer's Edge Magazine

Drew Spence — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:08:05 GMT

"I came across the current issue of Producer's Edge and was blown away by the articles and focus within. Since Scratch magazine is dust, there was a void needed to be filled and your magazine seems to have a grasp on the proper presentation of the niche of hip hop production. The article on the SP1200 and the following interview with Easy Mo Bee was tight. I subscribed this evening in hopes that my support will keep this magazine coming." -EDAYE THE ZRO HOUR podcast/radio show

"Producer’s Edge calls itself “The Journal of Hip Hop, R&;B and Rap Music Production.” While this title is accurate, it’s too humble....The magazine touches on lots of specialized topics that may leave music fans scratching their heads, but beatmakers and producers will be taking notes." - HipHopProductions.com

"I like the concept---kinda like a Scratch meets VIBE feel with more space devoted to actual gear and how to use it. Like VIBE, you seem to have hookups to a lot of major players and events, but you present a different angle----more music biz rather than celebrity/gossip like some other publications." - LB Korg USA

"I just got Producer’s Edge #2 and read it cover to cover! Mad props my friend; you have put out an outstanding publication. I think it really raises the bar above anything else I have seen directed at the up-and-coming artists and producers in the hip hop world. Most of even the major publications, and I don’t have to name any names here, seem to be focused primarily on the gloss and glamour of the industry, and on hyped-up reviews of the latest new gadgets which again focus on style over substance. By contrast I think Producer’s Edge is coming from a really good place; everything is very well-written, the interviews are serious and focused with great questions, and the whole slant of the publication is towards knowing your roots, doing your work, and learning how to get the best use out of the tools you have available. That is *so* refreshing compared to the alternative! You all are definitely on point. Keep up the great work and let me know if there is anything I can do over here at Moog to help out." -Amos Gaynes Moog Music

"looking good :) I do really like the fact that there is just so much info in there tho! I find it annoying when I see mags where every other page is an advert." - Fxpansion

I look for opportunities to enlighten the youngsters. I've worked with everyone from Michael and Janet Jackson to David Banner ...magazines like yours have been an important part of who I became. -'Madjef'

Producer's Edge Review by Obin The Incredible

xodus phoenix — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:12:33 GMT

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=99387494&blogID=406567912

Producer's Edge Magazine Review

I was given a trial issue of a new Producer's Magazine. Now I have not seen a hip-hop centered production magazine since Scratch. Now Scratch Started out really good. I had the very first issue but when they got bought out and the new owners (Not going to mention any names) started messing with a winning formula and then started losing readers. Well of course I was one of those readers they lost. So all I have been able to read has been online forums and of course the oldies but goodies. Recording, Mix, Remix, Keyboard, Electronic Musician and of course my usual Guitar Player and Drummer Magazines. Well to the huge demographic of future hip-hop producers, there really wasn't anything to cater to us. It is a HUGE demographic to be tapped into.

Well all of a sudden I hear from Griffin Avid, who just so happens to be a writer for the magazine, that there is such a magazine! He quickly sent one to me and I have honestly read it cover to cover 3 times! It is one of the best magazine I have ever read. They had articles that actually appealed to me. Plus they are not over filled with a bunch of short articles that have no use to me or a bunch of advertisements. Not that advertisements are bad, I understand you pay bills with them so i can stand them, but I hate it when you go through 3 or 4 pages straight of them to get to 1 article!

Things I loved about the magazine is they interviewed producers who are legends as well as some who are carving out their legacy. In my first issue there was interviews with legends such as Diamond D and Easy Moe Bee. Then some current Heavy weights 9th Wonder & Don Canon. And to wrap it up there was a interview with the current "Beast of the Beats" Winner The Applejuice Kid. Checked out his stuff online and wow. Great stuff. I love this magazine. I just subscribed to it. I usually don't subscribe to to many magazines any more but this is one I'll be reading for a while. There is so much information in this magazine. Plus it isn't just useless info, it's all stuff I can use in MY production.

They even went into the reviews and technical info on classic gear like the Emu SP 1200! Then it went right into the interview with Easy Moe Bee who just so happens to use the SP1200. It is just a great thought out magazine made by producers and musicians for producers and musicians! Check it out here at Producer's Edge

Now for the best part of the whole magazine.....It comes with a free DVD packed with demo as well as free software and samples! Has great tutorial Videos and great review Videos! This was by far the icing on the cake! It came with some drum refills made by the great Griffin Avid! This is one of the greatest things any electronic musician/producer can buy. Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced. This and the Beat Tips Manual are on my list to recommend to other producers who want to get started or anybody who just wants to get to the next level in their musicianship and production!

http://www.myspace.com/obitheincredible

Check his blog for sample packs every week.

Search the archives for a Pack from our own Griffin Avid.

I can't believe he called you great..puhleeze.

Your feedback is needed!

Admin — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:32:07 GMT

I think we more than accomplished our goal to provide a creative blueprint for music production, but the idea here is to find out what we can do to improve beyond the obvious. We learned a lot from just making the first issue and have solid ideas on improving the graphic and text. The first concept was to have a magazine with a web interface so we laid out the magazine to not look like a magazine, but more like an online journal. Here are a couple of things we’re addressing going forward.

Bagging the magazine: We are now going to have the DVD-ROM sealed inside the magazine and not loose in plastic wrapping. The idea wasn’t to keep you from reading the magazine. I have no problem with skimmers, but to be honest if you’ve actually read the magazine you know it’s too much info to absorb all in one sitting. I know you have to use the magazine as a reference. Some have suggested the two be sold separately, but I don’t know…

Reviews: Although it’s requested, I’m trying to stay away from product reviews for a couple of reasons. With a quarterly schedule it’s impossible to perfectly time our review material around product release dates. We’d either be too early or too late to be effective. Also, I like the idea of showing you products so up close and personal you can make your own informed decisions. Sure, anyone could talk up a unit, but I’d rather have someone on it that knows the product inside and out. Is this working for you?

The Producers: Tough one here. I feel it’s the responsibility of any worthy media outlet to bring you news on what’s happening in the industry. I mean records in rotation and having an affect on music enthusiasts. Getting at them early is another key and there should be room for up and coming cats as well. You can still catch knowledge from cats that are not fully established in the production game. Having said that, we have to strike a balance as well; you can’t have everyone that ever sold a track in the magazine. You need to have something to say or give to our readership.

Cover Price: The cost is split between the DVD-ROM and the magazine. Hitting the stands four times a year forces us to jam-pack every issue. Lucky you! Every page of advertising is a page lost to actual content, but there is no way to get unprecedented access to software and hardware without supporting the products with advertising. Don’t get it twisted: advertising dollars will keep the lights on, but we’d rather work by candlelight than compromise our content.

Wow, that was reaching. Sounded good though. So, let us know what features you liked, what articles you found useful, and what else you think we can do to improve. Finally, tell us where you purchased the magazine and how it was displayed and where you heard about us first. Thanks in advance.

Drew Spence

To submit an actual message meant to be printed in the magazine: Editor@ProducersEdgeMagazine.com

For tech related issues concerning the DVD-ROM:

Techsupport@producersedgemagazine.com

For business related ideas and concerns:

sales@producersedgemagazine.com

Store Locations 2008

Drew Spence — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:23:50 GMT

Store Locations 2008

I put together a list of known retailers from the issue 01 launch. This is only a list of retailer chains that carry the magazine and NOT a list of stores. For some of the locations I did include states with significant orders to increase the chances of actually finding a magazine there! For a huge retailer like Books-A-Million it’s assumed to be in every location, but there’s no way I can guarantee that. I will continue to update the list with corrections and updates.

Having trouble finding a copy? You can always Subscribe and order back issues. If you are a specialty store and want to carry the magazine you can find an entry point here.

Thank you for your support of Producer’s Edge magazine.

Alternate Reality IL

Atlantic Book Warehouse

A & W News Corp FL

Avid Reader at the Tower CA

Bargain Books FL

Baton Rouge City Newstand LA

Beck's Enterprises LLC

Bob's News & Books FL

Book Bin Salem OR

Book Depot Inc NC

Bookends Bookstore CA

Bookworm, Inc

Book King

Books A Million

Bookshop Santa Cruz CA

Booksmith, Inc SC

Booksmith CA

Books & Books TN

Books N'Things

Bookstore NV

The Bookstore at U of M MT

By the Book MO

Capitola Book Cafe CA

Cope's Superette Newstand NC

Crossroad Card & Gift

The Disc Exchange TN

The Doylestown Bookshop

Earshot Music SC

Ear X-Tacy KY

Eide's Entertainment

Fairhope Newsstand AL

Fairview Books

F.B.E Inc FL

Garden State News NJ

Great Lakes Book & Supply MI

Green Door Magazines OR

Greenfield News & Hobby WI

Good News CA

Hastings

Harbor News

Highland Books NC

Horizon Bookstore MI

Hudson News

Intl Fashion Publications CA

Iowa Book & Supply IA

Island Bookstore NC

Issues CA

Kepler's Books & Magazines CA

King Fort Enterprises Inc HI

King Video MI

MAC Newsstand TX

Maddy's Books LLC KY

Magazines & Coffee MO

Magazines & More

Marwil Bookstore MI

McNally Robinson

M Coffee CA

MontClair Book Center Inc NJ

Naptown Music IN

National Cigar Inc IA

Neighbors Bookstore CA

Newark Newsstand

New Crescent Smoke Shop AZ

Newscenter Of Easton MD

Newsland Book Store NM

News-Readers Inc OH

Newsctr White Marlin

Newsstand (The) WA

Northshire Bookstore VT

ODC IN

Off the Record Tapes & Video CA

One Stop News

One Stoppe Shoppe FL

Plan 9 Music

Poor Richard's Books KY

Raps LLC WA

Rasputin Records Inc CA

Record Store

Record Time MI

River City Books

Rivertown Bookstore MI

Second Hand Stories

Shake It

Schuler Books & Music,Inc MI

Sonic Boom Records WA

Stef-Jen Inc CA

TJI Corp MI

Toadstool Bookshop

Trident Booksellers Inc

Typo Books

University Book & Supply TN

Vinyl Fever FL

Waterloo Records & Video

Whistlestop Bookshop

Willow Glen Books CA

Wired Mgmt Partners TX

WSA Community Pharmacy WI

World News MO

Hip Hop Production.com reviews PE Mag!

xodus phoenix — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:56:28 GMT

Producer’s Edge calls itself “The Journal of Hip Hop, R&;B and Rap Music Production.” While this title is accurate, it’s too humble. ; I first heard of PE a few months ago, but was under the impression that it was just an online blog, not an actual printed publication (which it is). ; This 140-page full-color magazine is filled with interviews, production tips, tutorials, product reviews and articles, all printed on quality gloss paper – and hardly any advertisements. In fact, among the 140 pages there are only 7 full-page advertisements. ; The mag also comes with a DVD that includes demo software, plugins, sound clips, samples and more.

Their timing couldn’t be any better, especially with XXL’s Scratch Magazine pushing out it’s final issue last year. ; However, where Scratch fell short by trying to reach in too many directions, Producer’s Edge seems to be more in tune with their intended audience of producers. ; The interviews are long and informative, the reviews are relevant and the tips range from intermediate to extremely advanced. ; Also, compared to any other magazine, this is by far the best content-to-advertisement ratio I have ever come across… along with being one of the more expensive magazines as well - just under $10 (probably because of the great ad-to-article ratio). ; Speaking of content, that’s what really matters – so let’s get to it.

Among the various features in the second issue (Winter ‘08), I was pleasantly surprised to see that not only were there plenty of good interviews, but they ranged from artists to lawyers, DJs, various professionals and a handful of successful businessmen. ; Instead of the typical, “so what project are you working on?” that I am used to reading in various magazines asking random artists, PE presents questions directly related to production, like asking Easy-Mo-Be about the S950, MPC, ASR-10 and SP-1200 along with business and digging tips. ; Havoc talks about the production gear used on his new album, The Kush, along with his favorite gear and industry politics. ; Sadly, he decides not to give any production tips, saying only: ; “No secrets.” Diamond D gets asked about sample clearance, favorite gear, production process and comments on the current state of music. ; They even get 9th Wonder to address rumors from various forums and blogs:

...if I want to make beats with the same snares and kicks (sic) you know what? ; I’m going to do it… that producer or dissector or whatever can keep downloading my beats.

The articles in this second issue cover lots of ground. ; Most notable are the articles about setting up a “Digital Record Label” for the next generation of the music industry, explaining mp3 sales using SNOCAP and tuneCORE, and one of my favorites - “The SP1600, SP2400 and Other Urban Legends.” This is the type of content any true producer will appreciate, and the type of content all other magazines have been lacking to a certain degree. ; One of the tutorial sections in the second issue was written by L-ROX of RedSecta, called “Mastering Part II.” It covers balance, signal path, mono vs stereo, reading meters, monitor placement, room calibration and much more. ; With many articles like this, PE proves that it isn’t just some watered-down excuse to show lots of pretty pictures. ; In fact, the lack of pretty pictures is one of the only cons to this great mag (the other being price).

After such a praising review of the actual content, I feel a need to balance it out a little with some critiques of the overall layout and design of the magazine. ; First, the magazine is printed in high quality glossy paper with color printing… however, most of the magazine is just black text on a white background. ; Most of the colors in the magazine are from the (very few) advertisements. ; Most of the articles also follow the same three-column format, which makes the whole thing feel more like a news paper than a magazine. ; And one of my biggest gripes with the design is about the fonts used (or rather lack of). ; Of course, content is king – but when there are 140 pages filled with lots of information, it’s good to have a pleasing design; I found myself getting bored with reading more than a few articles at a time, because of everything just mentioned.

All of that being said, I have very high hopes for Producer’s Edge. ; The magazine touches on lots of specialized topics that may leave music fans scratching their heads, but beatmakers and producers will be taking notes. ; If you haven’t already grabbed a copy from your local bookstore/news-stand, you can get more details at ProducersEdgeMagazine.com. ; All of that said, I am definitely signing up for 2 years (8 issues) soon, which gives you 50% off cover price.

New issue came yesterday and I think....

Oscar Wilde — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:04:59 GMT

Nice work! :D

Much better than issue 01 which wasn't bad.

Lots of text. Maybe the articles in the middle go on a little too long.

Good read. Maybe you could put some of it on the internet.

I like the pictures too. That's different. You MUST add reviews.

There's stuff out there I want to know how good it is.

You don't have to put a number at the end maybe just a grade like B+ to keep it simple. I thought the magazine wa thick and real class. I thought it might get thin pages after issue 01. Keep it that way. Now, just come back more often! :P

Magazine update Issue 02 January 2008

Drew Spence — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:24:31 GMT

We are putting the final touches on issue 02 for January. It's a double issue with Mr Collipark and David Banner along with Havoc and 9th Wonder. We highlight some of the great products we came across at the 123rd AES and have a ton of sounds and software on the DVD-ROM.

Sorry about the delay on the updates, but this one is going to be a blowout.

All the artwork should begin changing by early next week.

Thanks for your support. As far as I know all new subscriptions begin filling with issue 02.

See you in the lab.

Drew Spence

Notes from the desk Monday, August 6th.

Drew Spence — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 13:39:37 GMT

Notes from the desk Monday, August 6^th.

The first issue, Summer 2007, shipped in July and we had full orders. Congratulations and a big thank you to the PE staff for an incredible job well done. We’re rapidly approaching the 4^th quarter and we have an even more ambitious second issue on the way. I’ve held back enough issues to honor subscriptions and single issue purchases.

As a quarterly publication, we shoot hours and hours of video each month and the best segments make it to the DVD-ROM bundled with the magazine. We’ve been uploading a ton of content to our Youtube page since it makes sense to share it now instead of waiting for the next issue. Much of the music production based material will remain exclusive to the DVD-ROM and NOT be available on the internet. You can bounce here to see what’s in the first issue. We also don’t handle tech support for any of the products featured in the Youtube videos. You should post questions on our forums or use the resources provided by the manufacturers.

We love feedback. Drop me a line Editor@ProducersEdgeMagazine.com, but I request you stop sending music since it rejects attachments and, as you can imagine, everyone wants feedback on their production. The PROs’ Picks feature is powered from PRO@ProducersEdgeMagazine.com. Press releases and general heads up should still go to info@producersEdgemagazine.com. See you in the lab.

Drew Spence

Editor In Chief