Finally: A multipurpose device created for singers, songwriters, and musicians alike

By Lalo Carillo

I can't believe how many ways this machine has helped me in my work. From learning difficult passages in a song, to writing my own music, Superscope's PSD300 has helped me grow in such a short period of time.

With this incredible machine you can record yourself while playing along with your favorite tunes. You can slow or speed up the tempo, change the key of a song, and even reduce lead vocals at the touch of a button. I've got a selection of jazz standards on CD that I can put in the PSD300 and play along at different tempos and different keys.

Right now I'm getting ready to go out on tour again with Luis Miguel. I have demo recordings of some of the songs we will play on the tour. I can put those demos in the PSD300, slow them down and use the A-B loop button to easily transcribe and learn my part. On one song, we decided to change its key, and with the PSD300, it was so easy. I used the key change controls, and the machine transposed all of the notes for me.

"I really believe in the benefits of listening to recordings of yourself playing. It's the only way for musicians to truly critique themselves."

To record myself with a CD, or just to record alone, I first plug my bass into a little bass effects box to get some reverb and the sound I want. At this point, I can go from the line outputs of the effects box directly into the front panel line inputs of the PSD300. More often, however, I plug into my favorite old tube amp. I can then use the stereo line out from the amp into the PSD300.

I will also connect a portable sequencer to the PSD300, play along to something I've created on the sequencer, and record myself right to a CD. I use a rewritable disc, so I can erase the disc, or the last track; when I've got a disc filled with tracks I want to keep, I'll then copy it to a CD-R disc. I label these CD-Rs and date them, keeping a record of my songwriting and playing.

I really believe in the benefits of listening to recordings of yourself playing. It's the only way for musicians to truly critique themselves. When I listen to recordings of myself, I might decide I'm playing too many notes in that spot, or I need to do try something else.  

I can't say enough good things about the PSD300. So just go out and get one, and you'll find yourself using it all the time.

 About Lalo Carillo

Lalo Carrillo was born and raised in Mexico City. He began his studies in Mexico City and then moved to Acapulco where he lived and played professionally for two years. In 1982, he moved to the United States. While in the States, he played in Disneyworld and Disneyland for eight years. During that time, he studied privately in Los Angeles with a few famous bass players.

In 1993, he began touring with Luis Miguel. During his nine years working with Luis Miguel, he has had the opportunity to travel all around the world and has played in such places as Madison Square Garden and Radio CIty Music Hall in NYC, the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles, and Azteca Stadiumin Mexico City and the Velez Stadium in Buenos Aires.

He has also played at the World Expo in Sevilla and Vina del Mar in Chile. Lalo has recorded two live albums, three DVDs and four studio albums with Christian, Alejandro Sans, Alejandro Pires, Crystal Lewis, Laura Pausini, Charlie Za and Alejandra Guzman.

Lalo exclusively plays Fodera's Emperor 1 and Emperor 2 basses and uses SWR's amplification system when performing and recording. His style is unique.

This well-rounded musician can play all types of music from jazz to funk.  If you wish to contact him, you can e-mail him.