Week 4 EOC: There's An App For That

Introducing, iControl.

iControl is a brand new application specifically designed for the ipad, that is revolutionizing how people mix and record on the go. Many people record and mix an immense amount of diverse media. When someone wants to go to another location, the thought of taking equipment comes to mind. If you are going to be on the go, you may want to take only the necessities. Computer, microphones, console. The iControl is a revolutionary virtual console that you can take anywhere your iPad goes.

iControl is fully integrated with AVID and performs flawlessly with Pro Tools 8 and above. It also comes with many different virtual interfaces to adapt to the preference of the user. iControl has partnered with Mackie, Yamaha, Behringer, Focusrite, and many other companies to provide the user interfaces that people are already used to mix with. Upgraded mixing consoles are also available as add-ons in the App Store. Faders, knobs and switches are fully integrated to meet the exact specification to the actual mixing console.

The iControl comes in 3 different options all with 1 free download code for the application in Apple’s App Store. The first option comes with a 4 channel mic. Interface for your iPad and sells for $79.99. The second comes with an 8 channel interface, for $104.99 and the third gives you a 12 channel interface for $129.99.

The interfaces all connect to your microphones either with a 1/4 “ or XLR connection.

If you are an audiophile that is constantly in different locations, or you just want to go to a friends and record a friends drums or guitar into Pro Tools, check out iControl in the App Store or visit icontrolmixing.com.

Week 3 EOC: My Demographics

"Millennials- also called Generation Y or the echo boomers, Born between 1977 and 2000, these children of the baby boomers number 83 million. This group includes several age cohorts: tweens (aged 9–12), teens (13–18), and young adults (19–32). With total purchasing power of more than $733 billion, the Millennials make up a huge and attractive market."-Analyzing the Marketing Environment (page 16). \

          - I would definitely agree with my demographic that I am categorized in. Born in 88’, many differences can be noted within my own family that reflect my parents generation, and grand parents generation. My brother, my sister, and myself, are all attending college, where my parents and grandparents did not. We are all fully integrated with our current technology in today’s time and continue to grow with it. As technology grows, we grow with it, and our generation does not have one problem with spending their hard earned dollars on the latest and greatest.

Week 3 EOC: Boston Consulting Group - Video Games

In terms of the Boston Consulting Group rubric, I see the video game systems in the following way; Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony Playstation 3, as cash cows. iOS devices would fall under question marks. Nintendo Ds, and Sony PSP as dogs. As for the ‘star’ category, I currently do not see anything new in the video game industry that I would qualify as a star. This is all based on current findings. In The past, many companies have claimed to have the highest selling video game system. One good example is the Nintendo DS. “Nintendo Claims Best-Selling Videogame System In US History” -http://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverchiang/2011/01/04/nintendo-claims-best-selling-videogame-system-in-us-history/. I categorize the DS into the dog because, yes, in 2004 Nintendo may have sold more copies of the DS than any other system, but today the DS has taken multiple price cuts, and sales are almost non-existent compared to 2004.

            Apple has revolutionized the electronics industry many times, but in terms of tapping into the video game system I believe Apple is not doing a very good job. Many companies put their  hands in many different revenue streams for simply that, revenue. “Steve Jobs and Apple's Influence on Gaming Massively Overstated” -http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2011/11/04/steve-jobs-and-apples-influence-on-gaming-massively-overstated/.

            As for the ‘star’ category, like I have stated above, I have not seen anything current in the industry that has provided a big enough spark to make its way in the ‘star’ category. I feel as of now, consumers are in some sort of a limbo area with games and their systems. The current line up of consoles has been in full effect for a strong 7 years, and the next generation release is just on the horizon. “Guide To the Next Generation of Video Game Consoles: Xbox 720, PlayStation 4, Wii U, and Beyond!” -http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/717083/guide-to-the-next-generation-of-video-game-consoles-xbox-720-playstation-4-wii-u-and-beyond/. 

Week 1 EOC: Great Customer Service

“Imagine a retailer with service so good its customers wish it would take over the Internal Revenue Service or start up an airline.” –Cotler, Philip. Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corp. Chapter 1, Page1.

Every person is eventually going to purchase something at some point of their lives. We will all have horrible shopping experiences but we will also have some amazing ones. My most recent customer service came from JT, owner and operator of a small family owned bicycle shop in Henderson, NV. I am an avid cyclist and frequent the store regularly. One day when I was just casually browsing through the shop, I noticed an amazing rich, brown leather wrap on a bicycle that would be perfect for my current build project. As I examined it on the bicycle that it was on, JT approaches me and says hello. He tells me he has seen in the store on a few occasions, and buying a spare part or two. He asked if there was anything I was looking for in particular and I quickly pointed out the brown leather wrap on the bike. He tells me that this specific wrap only comes when you purchase the bicycle that it was on. It is not sold separately. The bike cost right under $2,000 and it seemed there was no way I would get that wrap. He continues talking to me and in the conversation, he finds out we share a passion for building bikes. He tells me to give him one second. JT goes to the back and reappears with the exact leather wrap I was eyeing earlier. He tells me someone had purchased another bike and wanted a different wrap so the shop ended up keeping the wrap. He handed it to me and said It was mine for $5. This kind of service is rare, and I appreciate JT for what he did. It’s the little things that count, and JT has earned a customer for life.

Week 1 EOC: My Voice

Hi, my name is Francisco.

As an audio professional, sound and audio have always been a major part of my life. To me audio is art. Live sound is my main priority, but pre-production sound and installation is a tremendous passion of mine. I have done many audio installations such as weddings, multi-room sound for restaurants, small business office sound, and on site audio mixing. Another large part of experience comes from full in-home theatre installation. From in-wall wiring to building custom frames for projector screens, I have done it all when it comes to custom home theatre needs. Dream Ent. is a company based in Las Vegas, and is where most of my pre-production experience comes from working side by side with the founder to set up many different sound audio systems for many different companies. Station Casinos is one of the largest clients for Dream Ent. and I personally set up multiple audio systems for every station casino. A career in live sound reinforcement would be an absolute dream come true to me. Working for a venue and being an on site live sound technician is what I am striving for hopefully one day ending up in the city of Chicago, Il.