Pettifogging?  Gosh dern it, jimminy cricket, it ain't.

Actually I was just pointing out that singers used to require a, hmm... an aquired skill? that is no longer as necessary thanks to technology.  This is a parallel to when Dylon used an amplified guitar I think (albeit THAT really does color the tone - and we love it for that.)

AT


Mics and preamps do more than amplify the volume.  You can change the tone of the voice w/ proper (and improper) mic placement, overdriving the input/output, etc. etc.

While I don't see the purpose of instant composer programs, that comes mainly from the fact it is extremely easy to come up w/ a unique composition quickly using loop libraries.  If I was producing a spot, etc that would be my prefered method.  Of course, completely removing the human element has its own charm, since you don't have to worry if the drummer is late or get into arguments about the "meaning" underneath the jingle so the singer can find her moment.  "What is the meaning of Fruity Loops?" or something similiar.  I'm talking about a producer viewpoint of having to deal w/ "ar-tists."

Of course, those all involve choice, which is something the auto-composing programs (I suppose - I haven't used one) take away.  Having grown up Presbyterian, I prefer choices.  It is so perfect to work at times with great musicians.  However, sometimes working with them is worse than pulling eye-teeth when you just need a bit of incidental music.

@
 

 
 Could not agree more on the aspects of working with real musicians. It can be a real challenge, plus those son-of-a-guns have to work with me too,lol. A lot has been said and agreed on concerning the type of personality associated with those who are artistic or creative.
 
   After having spent the last 20 years working with different types of musicians I can say that we managed to make things work pretty well most of the time but there were times when personalities got in the way. When I was in my early to mid 20's the egos were so thick just about everything fell apart. Everybody had an opinion and they couldn't see anyone elses lol ! We also thought we knew way way more than we really did....sometimes a group of people gel and then its the best!  I think every team needs some kind of a leader and too many people now can't grasp that concept. Sometimes everyone agrees on a leader and then won't let that person do their job......so I'll spare you the lengthy bio but just say I totally agree with you on that one.
 
   I am forced right now to use loops and midi on my drums because I don't have a drummer. I at times try to play the drums in myself to add more of a human element with some success.
 Removing the human element isn't something I prefer to do. The loops were played by a real drummer though. I think CW is selling a set of "Neil Pert" drums right now which I am strongly considering.Not sure if they include Neil loops or if its just the drums...... I would always rather have a studio with a nice set of drums miked up and a REAL drummer in there but that isn't an option for me. I think that having played with real drummers gives me some insight into what they do and how they do it and I can incorporate that into my ideas for realism.I think I heard gosh dern Youroldpal refer to that.....Just kiddin'n with ya there Pal!
 
   I think that auto accomaniment programs like Ableton(and now matrix view in Sonar) were the offshoot of DJ popularity which came about because DJs were cheaper and more reliable than the club owner hiring a real band to play. A way for one man to do something that 5 men did at one time.When people are drunk and looking for sex they don't care about the music very much so something to dance with works just fine in that setting.
  BIAB comes more from a midi background and I think makes a great sketch pad to track over with real instruments. I'm working with a guy right now at that very thing.
 
  As a musician,however good or bad I may be, I can't  see a DJ as a peer musically. I can certainly respect the ability of a DJ to mix those loops and songs though.