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A nice Instagram post about my old band playing in 2004

A nice Instagram post about my old band playing in 2004

I feel the need to share this somewhere… Why not the old blog, right? Check out this sweet share from Jasper Coolridge: www.instagram.com/p/CUXUaWolnyG/ It was a great show at Sin-e in NYC in early 2004. I have awesome memories from that night. Thanks Jasper!

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The settings I recommend for the Tascam DR-10L

The settings I recommend for the Tascam DR-10L

The default settings of the Tascam DR-10L are solid, but I still recommend changing a few of them. For example, I always think it’s a good idea to use the DUAL RECORD feature. For the best results with the Tascam DR-10L, just follow the chart below. Changing the settings on the DR-10L is logical and straight-forward. With the unit turned on, you simply press the Menu button, then scroll up or…

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Tascam DR-10L Audio Recorder In-Depth Review

Tascam DR-10L Audio Recorder In-Depth Review

When it comes to recording sound for video production, everyone wants it to be easy, but most people aren’t willing to sacrifice sound quality for ease-of-use. Sounding professional is a top concern, no matter what. I’ve used lots of gear over the years, but it wasn’t until I tried the Tascam DR-10L belt-pack recorder that I realized that — for the first time — getting good sound in video…

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How to Sync Sound from Audio Recorders in Final Cut Pro

How to Sync Sound from Audio Recorders in Final Cut Pro

When you shoot a video, you should always record the sound separately with an audio recorder. It sounds drastically better and is definitely worth the extra effort. It’s not very difficult to do. If you use Final Cut Pro, this is how sync externally recorded audio files with your video footage. (more…)

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Surprise! iPhone 12 costs $100 more than iPhone 11

Surprise! iPhone 12 costs $100 more than iPhone 11

Earlier this week Apple announced 4 new iPhone models and a smart speaker that’s the same size as a $5 snow globe. There was a lot of information to take in, with 5G being added, a built-in magnetic charging thing, and some fancy camera tech that’s exclusive to the most expensive models. What got lost in the fanfare was the fact that the new iPhone 12 costs $100 more than the iPhone 11.

Last…

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How to remove stickiness from audio recorders and other gear

How to remove stickiness from audio recorders and other gear

There are certain portable audio recorders, headphones, and other equipment have a special kind of external plastic that “feels rubbery” to the touch. The advantage was that it made the gear easier to grip when you held it, reducing the likelihood that you would accidentally drop it. It was made out of plastic, but it felt like it was made out of hard rubber. Awesome, right?

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Apple Watch Series 6 and SE: All you need to know [episode 45]

Apple Watch Series 6 and SE: All you need to know [episode 45]

Today the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE were both announced. Here are the most important things you need to know about these new smartwatches…

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Apple Watch Series 5 report card [episode 44]

Apple Watch Series 5 report card [episode 44]

In this episode we share our thoughts on what it’s been like to wear an Apple Watch Series 5 for the past year. Have a listen:

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iPhone 11 report card: 9-month review [episode 43]

iPhone 11 report card: 9-month review [episode 43]

My wife and I have both been using the iPhone 11 for 9 months non-stop, and I figured we should give it a report card, seeing as the new iPh0ne models will arrive in 2 months. Read on for a written review, or hit play on the podcast episode below on the topic (skip to the 29 minute mark to hear our iPhone 11 discussion):

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How to use one microphone with the Zoom H4n Pro and Tascam DR-40X

How to use one microphone with the Zoom H4n Pro and Tascam DR-40X

The Zoom H4n Pro and Tascam DR-40X have great sounding built-in stereo microphones and multiple inputs, but there are often occasions when you only need to use a single external microphone. Both of these recorders have settings you can adjust that make using a single microphone sound even better. I explain how to do this in this post, and provide sound samples so you can hear the difference.

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First thoughts on the Zoom H8 audio recorder

First thoughts on the Zoom H8 audio recorder

The new Zoom H8 audio recorder was just announced and I wanted to share my initial thoughts on the device. This machine offers an interesting new spin on the role a portable audio recorder can play, and it does a few things that I think are impressive and compelling. If you’re someone who records music, podcasts, and audio-for-video, the H8 has a lot to offer. But is it the right tool for you?

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Garmin Forerunner 245 vs. Apple Watch Series 5

Garmin Forerunner 245 vs. Apple Watch Series 5

If you’re looking for a truly excellent fitness watch there are two models you should consider: the Apple Watch Series 5 and the Garmin Forerunner 245. I’ve owned both for over 6 months and wanted to share my impressions. If you’re trying to decide which one to get, hopefully this info can help you.

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How to start making a Final Cut Pro X video

How to start making a Final Cut Pro X video

I often forget how to do things I occasionally want to do, so I write down notes that remind me how to do them. Instead of storing these notes privately, I publish them on this blog so others can maybe benefit. Because it’s confusing, I always forget how to properly begin a video project in Final Cut Pro X. So in this blog post I explain how to do this as clearly as I can.

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Review of Apple Watch Series 5 after 7 months of use

Review of Apple Watch Series 5 after 7 months of use

When September of 2019 rolled around, I had no intention of upgrading my Apple Watch Series 4to whatever it was going to be replaced by. My watch was in good shape, it was much better than the Series 3 it replaced, and nothing could tempt me away from it. Then the Series 5 was announced and it only did two things differently. One of the things was inconsequential, the other convinced me to get it.

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I saw Modest Mouse live 20 years ago today and published a review

I saw Modest Mouse live 20 years ago today and published a review

My career as a music critic was extremely short — I only had a single article published, and it happened long, long ago. It was a review of a live rock show of the bands Les Savy Fav, Califone, and Modest Mouse. It took place 20 years ago today at the Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge, MA.

I didn’t aspire to become a music writer. This was the only piece I wrote of this kind, and I did it…

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Film scanner buying guide 🎞

Film scanner buying guide 🎞

A photographer climbs a tree beside a restaurant where Beyoncé is dining and finds a perch where they can use their $6500 Canon 1DX Mark III camera with a $2400 28-300mm telephoto lens to get a shot of the singer slurping noodles. A young child wanders around their backyard taking pictures of bugs with a $60 FUJIFILM Instax instant camera. Two people using extremely different cameras for…

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Zoom H4n Pro vs. Tascam DR-40X

If you’re looking for an entry-level portable audio recorder that has XLR inputs — and let’s face it: you are — there are two models you should definitely consider: the Zoom H4n Pro and the Tascam DR-40X. In this post, I compare them closely, show you what makes them different and what features they share, and suggest which model better suits different kinds of people. It will be fascinating and…