Soldering fail!

New song "Killing Me Softly" piano cover posted!

New song "Killing Me Softly" piano cover posted!  This is one of my favorite songs that I decided to arrange for piano and a few accompanying instruments about six years ago now.  Sheesh.  I hope you enjoy.  Please subscribe to my youtube channel and leave a comment if you like it! :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6auc3U5das&feature=youtu.be&hd=1

New (old) song coming tonight!

New song coming tonight!  Stay posted.  :-)

New Sansa Fuze V2 Themes!

For anyone using a Sansa Fuze V2 player, I've created my first two themes!  Both are based on a minimal simple design.  One dark and one light with various different features.  WPS and SBS screens only for now.  Please let me know what you think in the comments!

Light and Simple
http://themes.rockbox.org/index.php?themeid=1939&target=sansafuze

Minimal Retro

http://themes.rockbox.org/index.php?themeid=1938&target=sansafuze

Etymotic Research is awesome!

So I purchased a pair of Etymotic ER4S earphones a few months ago.  They are amazing.  I will be making a detailed review sometime for them.  Suffice to say, I accidentally washed all of my stock tips in the laundry (they were in a baggy together).  They became warped and unusable.

So, I emailed Etymotic asking if they sold a pack of the stock set of tips for the ER4S.  Instead of selling me a pack, they sent me one of each tip for free!

That's great customer service.  They have also been very friendly and informative answering any questions I've had.  I highly recommend the ER4S and the experience they provide when you purchase something from Etymotic.

C5 size comparison with iPods and adapters

For anyone considering purchasing a C5 portable amplifier from JDS Labs* for use with an iPod Classic or 5th generation iPod Touch, I decided to take a few comparison photographs to help give you an idea of how they fit together and how a few different connectors work with them as well.

In each case, you can see the BTG** cable is much nicer in every way.  It has held up better so far (I've used it the longest without issue).  It's more flexible for a better fit laying the devices together.  It has a shorter 30-pin connector, and it's simply higher quality all around.  The dock connector doesn't seem much different than the FIIO, however, it has held up so far and the rest of the adapter seems very nice.  For what it's worth, I've been using the iPod Touch exclusively for a while.

Sorry for any bad lighting, etc.  The photos were taken pretty quickly.  I tried to get a few angles of each device and each adapter, as well as two styles of earphone connectors with the BTG adapter for a couple of overall "real life" examples.  If you find this helpful or have any questions please leave a comment. :-)

5th gen ipod touch size comparison:

ipod classic size comparison:

FIIO L9 adapter:

You can see in both cases the adapter tension wants to lift the ipod up putting strain on the connectors.  I tried a few things such as working the cable out physically, attaching bands and things to hold the cable in place, relieving the strain.  This may have caused the downfall of the adapter, but it's better the adapter die than my C5. :-P  The classic is heavier, so it looks better, but it's probably actually worse putting more strain on the connectors.

FIIO L3 adapter:

This is better in terms of strain "if" you let it sit crooked.  Otherwise, it wants to pull the ipod to the side.  Forcing it to sit straight puts more strain on the connectors.  I couldn't get this to work itself out either and ended up using bands and things to hold the cable at the right angle.  No vertical lift really with this adapter.

BTG adapter:

Much more flexible.  Allows device to sit perfectly with room for movement.  No tension on the connectors at all really (minus any inevitable "normal" strain).  Shorter 30-pin connector allows a small footprint with both devices.  Very nice with the classic.  Much better with the touch.

Lightning Adapter and 30-pin connector size comparison:

Note that the L3 has the side buttons that you have to press to release the connector from the device.  The BTG and L9 do not have these and simply pull free.

Real life example of two earphone connector types:

Straight:

L-shape:

Links:

*C5 Portable Headphone Amplifier:

http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=70

**BTG Audio iPod LOD:

http://btg-audio.com/webstore.htm#ecwid:category=3351504&mode=product&product=14274706

Head-Fi in-depth discussion on the C5:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/647838/jds-labs-c5-portable-amplifier-appreciation-discussion-thread-check-1st-post-for-review

Jumping Spider Attack!

This isn't exactly music related, but I recently got attacked by a spider.  Of all the luck!  I was trying to overcome my fear of arachnophobia and I pick a jumping spider to do it with...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rzeqWrZhtQ&feature=youtu.be

Ugh.  Leave comments.  I'm sure this will be funny to most people. Ha.  I can assure you I wasn't laughing... :-P

Boston Marathon Tragedy

I'm sure you've heard of the explosions that devastated the Boston Marathon yesterday.  I'd just like to ask that everyone say a prayer for everyone involved.  It can be a sad world we live in.  Let's all try to make the best of what we have and offer any help we can and good wishes to those involved in the tragedy.  It brings to mind a favorite song of mine by Michael Jackson...

Heal the World by Michael Jackson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWf-eARnf6U

New Sennheiser HD439 Review Posted!

Check it out.  A great value pair of headphones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMSjdD_u28A

New Song "The Eagle Will Rise Again" Posted!

New song "The Eagle Will Rise Again" posted!  This is a cover of one of my favorite Alan Parsons Project songs.  This is a collaboration with a friend from Italy!

I hope you enjoy and please feel free to leave a comment. :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtxDfF_IdUE&hd=1