Blog

  • Ranking Radiohead albums from best to Pablo Honey

    Ranking Radiohead albums from best to Pablo Honey – Mixed Signals

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_vNnXUzPZw

    Summary

    ### Summary
    – The speaker ranks Radiohead Studio albums in order from best to worst.
    – Key points include comparison of „OK Computer“ and „Kid A“, and appreciation for „In Rainbows“.
    – Discussion on personal preferences, listening experiences, and the sequencing of tracks.

    Highlights

    • 🎸 The speaker’s favorite album is OK Computer.
    • 🌈 They find In Rainbows to be emotionally heavy.
    • 🚀 They are surprised with the release of In Rainbows without any announcement.
    • 🔍 They are interested in knowing why 15 Steps was not included in the album.

    Key Takeaways

    • 🎸 The speaker became a fan of the band after watching TV specials and listening to their music.
    • 🕒 They joined the Discord community in 2005-2006 and discusses various topics including Radiohead, audio gear, and music production.
  • Algorithms are ruining the music industry (+ your taste)

    Algorithms are ruining the music industry (+ your taste) – Mixed Signals

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trXHTH2C1mk

    Summary

    ### Summary
    – Algorithms play a crucial role in influencing music discovery and listening habits, leading to an explosion of content available for listeners.
    – The rise of Napster and iTunes led to changes in the way we discover and consume music, with streaming services like Spotify exposing users to vast catalogues of music for a monthly payment or free with ads.
    – Algorithms can be problematic due to biases such as popularity bias and cold start problem, but platforms are working to address these issues.
    – The shift towards single tracks and playlists has led many artists to focus on creating music that fits specific moods or themes, resulting in a homogenization of music.

    Highlights

    • 💥 Algorithms influence music discovery and listening habits.
    • 🎵 Napster and iTunes revolutionized music consumption.
    • 🎧 Streaming services like Spotify expose users to vast catalogues of music.
    • 🔍 Algorithms can be problematic due to biases.
    • 🎸 Artists may focus on creating tracks for specific moods or themes, leading to a homogenization of music.

    Key Takeaways

    • 🎵 Music streaming platforms like Spotify use algorithms in playlists to influence music selection.
    • 🎶 Major labels perpetuate an uneven playing field for artists and dominate the industry.
    • 🌍 Alternative platforms, artist-owned rights, and social media are potential future of the music industry.
    • 🤖 Generative AI has the potential to change the music industry by generating mass amounts of music algorithmically.
  • Audio Interface vs Mixer – What’s the difference & which one should you buy?

    Audio Interface vs Mixer – What’s the difference & which one should you buy? – Mixed Signals

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U8MyeX_-1w

    Summary

    ### Summary

    In this transcript, we discuss the differences between audio interfaces and mixers. An audio interface connects microphones, instruments, and audio gear to a computer for recording, while a mixer combines and adjusts multiple audio signals before sending them to a recording device. The choice between an audio interface and a mixer depends on your needs – recordings or live events.

    Highlights

    • Audio interfaces: Connection & signal conversion, records separately
    • Mixers: Adjusts levels & combines signals, typically for live sound
    • When to use: Podcasts, recording music (interface) vs. Live performances, multi-track recording, PA systems (mixer)

    Key Takeaways

    • Use an audio interface for recordings
    • Use a mixer for live events
    • Choose based on your needs: recordings or live events
  • Its an LFO and an Envelope with Sidechain and it’s FREE! SuperShaper for Ableton Live.

    Its an LFO and an Envelope with Sidechain and it’s FREE! SuperShaper for Ableton Live. – Mixed Signals

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHzBA3-0kNM

    Summary

    ### Summary
    The transcript discusses the development of SuperShaper, a modified version of Ableton’s Shaper device designed to simplify sidechain-style volume modulation effects without requiring third-party plugins. The author created SuperShaper because he found the built-in devices like Auto Pan, Shaper, and Envelope Follower lacking an easy way to trigger custom modulation curves with sidechain signals.

    Highlights

    • 🎛️ Development of SuperShaper: a more advanced version of Ableton’s Shaper device
    • 🔗 Accessible through a free link in the description
    • 💬 Users are encouraged to join Discord for help or sharing new device ideas

    Key Takeaways

    • 📝 SuperShaper is designed for sidechain-style volume modulation effects without third-party plugins
    • 🚀 Enhances the original Shaper’s capabilities, offering endless potential for modulation and uses
  • Spotify is screwing independent musicians again…

    Spotify is screwing independent musicians again… – Mixed Signals

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpnMRCiJdcY

    Summary

    ### Summary
    The text discusses Spotify’s proposed changes to its royalty payout system in 2024. The aim is to increase legitimate artist royalty payments and address issues with the current system that disproportionately benefits top artists. Changes include raising the threshold for royalty payments, penalizing distributors for fraudulent activity, and introducing a minimum length of time non-music tracks must reach before receiving royalties.

    Highlights

    • Spotify proposes changes to its royalty payout system in 2024
    • Aim is to increase legitimate artist royalty payments and address issues with current system
    • Changes include raising the threshold for royalty payments, penalizing distributors for fraudulent activity, and introducing a minimum length of time non-music tracks must reach before receiving royalties

    Key Takeaways

    • The proposed changes have potential drawbacks that should be considered
    • It’s essential to improve detection algorithms and verification processes for fraudulent activity
    • Introducing minimum length for non-music tracks raises philosophical questions about what constitutes music or noise
  • The BEST dynamic microphone for podcasting and streaming – Shure SM7b vs EV RE20 ultimate test

    The BEST dynamic microphone for podcasting and streaming – Shure SM7b vs EV RE20 ultimate test – Mixed Signals

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F_CHoBhIt8

    Summary

    ### Summary
    The text compares SM7B and Electrovoice RE20 dynamic broadcast microphones, testing them for background noise rejection, plosive testing, and performance with a range of male and female voices. The RE20 retails at £530 ($450) while the SM7B is priced at £370 ($400). Both have low sensitivity and require much preamp gain. They both have robust build quality, but the SM7B’s foam shield could be a potential weak point. The video also shows how filter switches affect the sound of the two mics and their performance in background noise tests.

    Highlights

    • Comparison of SM7B and Electrovoice RE20 dynamic broadcast microphones
    • Tested for background noise rejection, plosive testing, and performance with various voices
    • Pricing: RE20 at £530 ($450), SM7B at £370 ($400)
    • Both mics have low sensitivity and need a lot of preamp gain
    • Robust build quality for both mics, but SM7B’s foam shield could be a weak point
    • Video showcases how filter switches affect sound and performance in background noise tests

    Key Takeaways

    • Both microphones have low sensitivity and require much preamp gain
    • Video demonstrates the effect of filter switches on sound and performance in noise tests
    • SM7B’s foam shield could potentially be a weak point in build quality
    • The RE20 retails at £530 ($450), while the SM7B is priced at £370 ($400)
  • Hardware Synths & Ableton – Ultimate Guide for Connecting, Controlling and Automating External Gear

    Hardware Synths & Ableton – Ultimate Guide for Connecting, Controlling and Automating External Gear – Mixed Signals

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neCkusmRvI8

    Summary

    ### Summary
    – Learn how to connect a synthesizer to your computer and integrate it into Ableton.
    – Cover workflow tips such as recalling presets, recording automation, adding LFOs, envelopes, and modulators.

    Highlights

    • Connect the audio out of your synthesizer to an input or two inputs (if it is stereo) on your audio interface.
    • Ensure your synthesizer has MIDI over USB; connect it to the computer with a USB cable.
    • Go to Preferences > MIDI and enable MIDI IN and OUT in the „MIDI Port“ section.
    • Create a new MIDI track in Ableton Live and add an External Instrument device.

    Key Takeaways

    • Understand how to connect, set up and control synthesizer using Ableton Live.
  • What is S/PDIF and how can you connect your digital devices with it?

    What is S/PDIF and how can you connect your digital devices with it? – Mixed Signals

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXKnruUDyU

    Summary

    ### Summary
    The Sony Phillips Digital Interface (SPDIF) is a digital audio connection type that carries uncompressed or compressed audio through optical cables with TOSLINK connectors or coaxial cables with RCA connectors. SPDIF is commonly found in consumer entertainment systems and recording studios, allowing for direct connections between various devices without analog conversion.

    Highlights

    • 💻 SPDIF connections are used in consumer entertainment systems and recording studios
    • 🔀 Devices must be synced to the same master and operate at the same sample rate
    • 📹 More information can be found by leaving a comment or joining the Discord server

    Key Takeaways

    • 🌐 SPDIF connections are versatile and used in various devices
    • ⚙️ Devices must be properly synchronized for SPDIF to work efficiently
    • 🔍 Further information can be found through community engagement
  • 9 Gift Ideas for Musicians under $150

    9 Gift Ideas for Musicians under $150 – Mixed Signals

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55LvDVTFC64

    Summary

    ### Summary

    This text provides gift suggestions for musicians and producers, focusing on affordable items that cater to different interests within the music industry. The gifts include a contact mic, guitar pick hole punch, Ebow, Cuts synthesizers, space t-shirts/prints from Glasgow in Scotland, DIY Guitar Pedal kit, DIY guitar or bass kits, coiled guitar cables, and 303 Alternative (TD3).

    Highlights

    • Contact Mic: A fun, cheap gift that translates vibrations into sound.
    • Guitar Pick Hole Punch: Perfect for guitar or bass players who keep losing picks.
    • Ebow: An electronic bow device that adds effects to an electric guitar’s strings.
    • Cuts synthesizers and space t-shirts/prints: High quality gifts for synthesizer enthusiasts and those appreciating space-themed designs.
    • DIY Guitar Pedal kit: For those interested in building their own pedals with electronic components.
    • Coiled Guitar Cables: Ideal for musicians with multiple guitars in the studio, available at various prices based on design.
    • 303 Alternative (TD3): Sounds like a 303 and comes in different colors, with orange being the cheapest option.

    Key Takeaways

    1. A contact mic can be used to transform physical vibrations into sound.
    2. Guitar pick hole punches are perfect for guitar or bass players who keep losing picks.
    3. The Ebow adds effects to electric guitar strings, making a massive sound.
    4. Cuts synthesizers and space t-shirts/prints cater to musicians interested in synthesizers and space-themed designs.
  • You Left the Door Open

    You Left the Door Open – Mixed Signals

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L90vW4adLFs

    Summary

    ### Summary

    The given text is a transcript containing music and applause, with no actual content. It is important to include emojis to make it easier for humans to read the text.

    Highlights

    • Music and applause in the text
    • Emojis needed for better readability

    Key Takeaways

    • Transcript lacks content