Manual or Automatic?

When you hear the question “Manual or Automatic?” most people assume the topic is cars, more specifically car transmissions. Although I am referring to equipment, I’m not referring to cars. I’m talking about the music equipment you own. And whether it’s operated in a manual vs. automatic mode, as I use the terms, refers not to how the gears are engaged, but rather in how your mind is engaged.

When you get a new device, do you always read through the entire user’s manual before you try out the device? Most people do not. They may read enough to turn the device on, or to do the very basics. But most people do not know the full operating capabilities of the items at their finger tips.

Part of this is due to advances in user interfaces that are so simplified that most folks can turn the device on and do basic tasks successfully without ever having to read any parts of the user’s manual. Part of it is due to user excitement, wanting to dig in and experience what this new thing can do, instead of spending time just reading about it. That impatience of “doing” tempts us more than “reading about doing”.

This is especially a problem with devices that facilitate creation of music. We’re so used to just diving in, that rarely do we know the full capabilities of the hardware and software that we’re using to facilitate our making and recording of music. But especially in music, where we are likely to have a long chain of devices (instruments, effects, amps, mics, pre-amps, midi controllers, etc) it is important to not only understand each individual device, but also how the various devices interact with each another. In an environment where tone is critical, shouldn’t you be in a position to exercise the maximum amount of control in your power over that tone?

It’s only human nature to want to take a test drive when you get some new equipment. The problem is, most people never go back and read that manual after they’ve taken that test drive. They learn enough to “get by” during the test drive. That may maximize the fun, right off the bat. But it limits the possibilities, too, if you never go back and learn about the finer details of your machines.

Like most things in life, the key here is to find a good balance. Go ahead and take that test drive. But after you’ve driven your musical equipment around the block a few times and feel comfortable driving, take the time to go back and read through the manuals of your equipment. And here, I’m not just talking about the “Getting Started” sections. I’m talking about reading through the entire User’s Manual. There may be equipment that you’ve used for years and you feel very comfortable with that equipment. You should still go back and re-read that equipment’s corresponding User’s Manual. Over time, there may have been characteristics and capabilities that you have forgotten about. There may be parts of the manual that you didn’t understand before. But now that you have more music knowledge and experience under your belt, you’ll probably understand more of it now. You’ll also be reminded of useful care and maintenance tips that can save you hundreds of dollars!

But there’s another important aspect of this topic: used gear with missing user’s manuals. Used music gear can be a treasure trove for the audiophile or musician on a budget. But most used gear comes sans manual. This is where most buyers would put their brains on automatic, and just jump right in and drive. Again, there’s nothing wrong with a test drive. But don’t let all your drives be test drives. Search online and find the manuals for all your products, especially any used gear you may have purchased without a manual. Read these manuals cover to cover. You will be surprised at what you learn! This is the absolute best way to improve your skills and your equipment set up without spending a dime! Dig in and learn more about the stuff you’ve already got!

So take your mind out of automatic pilot. Go on a search for all your User’s Manuals, and search on the Internet for the ones you can’t find in the closets at home. Make it a priority to educate yourself, on all those devices at your finger tips. And remember, when it comes to driving all your musical gear, put your mind in manual transmission!


Copyright ©2010 W.A. Blevins