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> gear which did not lend itself easily to such conditions could you expand on this a bit? I don't see how software vs hardware could impact this, doesn't it a

by skulk 5y ago

> gear which did not lend itself easily to such conditions could you expand on this a bit? I don't see how software vs hardware could impact this, doesn't it all just go through an amplifier to your headphones at the end?

ubercore 5y ago
Only think I can think of is taking the effect of cables and preamps out of the loops when running through outboard gear?
rectang 5y ago
I built my AB system in software, which allowed me to make a tiny crossfade on switching and avoid a big click. It's well understood that such clicks wreak havoc on your ability to perceive small changes. I didn't have access to an analog version of that at the time. It was also more difficult to set up and compare multiple "wet" settings for hardware devices, and it was less convenient to "save" settings, take a break and come back with fresh ears (because the studio might be used for something else in the interim.) It's possible to give yourself optimal conditions with hardware tools, it's just less convenient (and thus more expensive). I believed that giving myself optimal perceptual conditions and an ideal workflow was far more important than gear choice — especially in terms of value, but in my view even in terms of doing my best work in an absolute sense.
- wholinator2 5y ago
  One thing ive done with my tiny amateur setup is close my eyes and click the switch a bunch of times, such that I can attempt to discern between two settings but no longer know which is which, and then attempt to discern a difference. The crossfade sounds like a very interesting method although it would prevent the destruction of knowledge for me as (at least I don't know how) you can't randomize it. But maybe my approach is terrible, it's just something I cooked up because I noticed I couldn't tell what anything was doing anymore, it helped make difficult decisions slightly easier. I would also be interested in hearing about the studio! Was it just a big place that you were renting occasionally, is it possible to rent a real room with a mastering desk? Im still renting so I can't do all those fancy room modifications yet.

by skulk 5y ago

ubercore 5y ago

Only think I can think of is taking the effect of cables and preamps out of the loops when running through outboard gear?

rectang 5y ago

I built my AB system in software, which allowed me to make a tiny crossfade on switching and avoid a big click. It's well understood that such clicks wreak havoc on your ability to perceive small changes. I didn't have access to an analog version of that at the time. It was also more difficult to set up and compare multiple "wet" settings for hardware devices, and it was less convenient to "save" settings, take a break and come back with fresh ears (because the studio might be used for something else in the interim.) It's possible to give yourself optimal conditions with hardware tools, it's just less convenient (and thus more expensive). I believed that giving myself optimal perceptual conditions and an ideal workflow was far more important than gear choice — especially in terms of value, but in my view even in terms of doing my best work in an absolute sense.

wholinator2 5y ago
One thing ive done with my tiny amateur setup is close my eyes and click the switch a bunch of times, such that I can attempt to discern between two settings but no longer know which is which, and then attempt to discern a difference. The crossfade sounds like a very interesting method although it would prevent the destruction of knowledge for me as (at least I don't know how) you can't randomize it. But maybe my approach is terrible, it's just something I cooked up because I noticed I couldn't tell what anything was doing anymore, it helped make difficult decisions slightly easier. I would also be interested in hearing about the studio! Was it just a big place that you were renting occasionally, is it possible to rent a real room with a mastering desk? Im still renting so I can't do all those fancy room modifications yet.