#echo input setup

[tf-kinky]

The faint hum of Ninja’s streaming setup filled the air, a symphony of RGB lights and cooling fans casting an eerie glow across his room. It was late—too late for his usual audience—but this wasn’t a typical night. His chat buzzed with the usual fervor, though tonight, their hero wasn’t clutching a Victory Royale. He was clutching something far darker: a secret he’d kept buried behind his trademark grin.

Ninja leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the desk as he stared at his phone. The app glowed on the screen, its icon a swirling vortex of black and purple. He’d stumbled across it weeks ago on some sketchy deep-web forum—a transformation tool, they called it. No one believed it was real, just another troll thread. But Ninja had tested it. A stray sock had become a mouse. A water bottle had morphed into a flickering candle. Small stuff. Harmless. Until tonight.

“Clix has been talking smack again,” Ninja muttered to himself, his voice low, almost drowned by the whir of his PC. The kid had been relentless—dissing Ninja’s skills, his age, his relevance. It wasn’t just banter anymore. It was personal. And Ninja had a plan to shut him up for good.

He tapped the app, its interface cold and minimalistic. A single input field appeared: Target. Ninja grinned, typing “Clix” with a deliberate slowness, savoring the moment. A second field popped up: Form. His fingers hesitated, then danced across the screen: Adidas Samba OG White Sneakers. Clean. Classic. Permanent.

The app pulsed once, twice, then a prompt appeared: Enhancements? Ninja’s grin widened. He wanted Clix to feel this. He typed: Heightened senses—extreme sensitivity. Full awareness. A final tap, and the screen flashed red. Somewhere, miles away, Clix’s world was about to unravel.

Clix had been mid-stream, trash-talking his chat with that cocky smirk plastered across his face, when it hit. A jolt—like electricity surging through his spine. His vision blurred, his limbs locked up, and a scream caught in his throat as the room warped around him. His body folded inward, shrinking, twisting, reshaping. Skin hardened into leather. Bones melted into rubber soles. His senses didn’t fade—they sharpened, excruciatingly so. The faint hum of his monitor became a deafening roar. The stale air of his gaming den stung like acid. And then—nothing. Darkness. Stillness. But he was awake. Aware.

He couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, but he could feel. Every fiber of his being screamed in silent horror as he realized what he’d become: a pair of pristine white Adidas Sambas, laces neatly tied, sitting in a sleek black box. The smell hit him next—packaging foam, faint rubber, and something distant, musky. Feet. Oh God, no. Clix’s mind recoiled. He’d always hated feet—sweaty, grimy, repulsive things. The thought alone made him gag, back when he could gag. Now, it was worse. He could sense everything.

A delivery drone dropped the box at Ninja’s doorstep within hours. No questions asked. The app had its ways.

Ninja peeled open the package, his eyes glinting as he lifted the sneakers out. “Well, well, Clix. Look at you now.” His voice was a mocking purr. He turned them over in his hands, admiring the craftsmanship. They were perfect—crisp white leather, black stripes, a faint sheen under the studio lights. He could almost feel the rage radiating off them. Good.

“Chat, check these out,” he said, holding them up to the camera. “Fresh kicks for the stream. Limited edition.” The comments exploded—Dope shoes, Ninja! Where’d you get those? He chuckled, slipping them onto his feet. The moment his socks brushed against the insole, Clix’s silent scream echoed in his own mind. Ninja’s feet—warm, slightly damp from hours in his gaming chair—pressed down, and Clix’s heightened senses erupted. Every crease of skin, every bead of sweat, every shift of weight was unbearable. He wanted to shrivel up, to die, but he couldn’t. He was trapped, forced to endure the stench, the pressure, the feet.

Ninja flexed his toes, smirking as he stood. “Comfy as hell. Might keep these on permanently.” He paced the room, each step a fresh torment for Clix. The kid’s disgust fueled Ninja’s glee—he could almost imagine Clix’s voice, whining about how gross it was. “Should’ve kept your mouth shut, man,” Ninja whispered under his breath, too quiet for the mic to catch.

Days turned into weeks. Ninja wore the Sambas everywhere—streams, workouts, even casual strolls outside. Clix’s awareness never dulled. The dirt from the pavement, the sweat from long gaming sessions, the occasional spill of energy drink soaking into the fabric—it was a nightmare without end. His hatred for feet, once just a quirky gripe, became his eternal prison. And Ninja? He never took them off. Why would he? They were his trophy, his silent victory.

One night, mid-stream, Ninja leaned down, brushing a speck of dust off the toe. “Still holding up,” he said to no one in particular. “Guess you’re built to last, huh, Clix?” The chat laughed, oblivious. But deep within the sneakers, a consciousness raged, helpless, drowning in the repulsive reality of its new existence. And Ninja kept winning.

Months dragged on, and the once-pristine Adidas Sambas began to fray. The white leather yellowed, the soles thinned, and a faint stench clung to them despite Ninja’s relentless wear. Clix’s heightened senses had cataloged every degrading moment—the scuffs, the sweat, the slow unraveling of his prison. Ninja barely noticed at first, too caught up in his streams, but one night, mid-rant, he glanced down and grimaced.

“These kicks are trashed,” he muttered, peeling them off with a flick of disgust. The chat spammed RIP shoes, oblivious to the weight of his words. He stood, holding the worn-out Sambas by the laces, their tattered form dangling like a defeated foe. “Time to retire you,” he said with a smirk, striding to the kitchen.

Clix’s mind raced—relief, dread, fury—as Ninja swung open the trash bin. The sneakers hit the pile with a dull thud, sinking into a mess of soda cans and takeout wrappers. The lid slammed shut, plunging Clix into darkness. The rancid stench of garbage replaced the torment of feet, but the reprieve was fleeting. His senses, still razor-sharp, drowned in the rot. Ninja walked away, already scrolling for a new pair, while Clix lay buried, abandoned, his silent screams lost to the heap—forever aware, forever trapped.

[mistydeyes]

Mission gone wrong ?

Where reader and ghost are stuck in Oymyakon during winter,freezing in the snow waiting for backup?

ahhhh anon! thank you so much for this request!! i love the idea so much (like cmon who wouldn’t want to be stuck w simon in a cabin)

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summary: After the mission goes completely south, you and Ghost are left trudging through the wintery landscape of Oymyakon. When you finally arrive in the comfort of a secluded cabin, you two try to make light of the situation.

pairing: Simon "Ghost" Riley x gn!reader

warnings: swearing, violence

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"Just a little bit further," Ghost encouraged as you trudged through the meter-high snow. His voice echoed across the frozen landscape. As far as the eye could see, there were sparse trees coated in a heavy blanket of snow and ice. Getting away from the guns and snowmobiles was half the battle but now you were making the expedition to this fabled safe house. Out of all the missions you had with him, of course, this one had to go to absolute shit. "That's what you said 30 minutes ago," you mumbled, following in his large footprints. You had lost feeling in your lower extremities and you wondered how he could continue. With every step, you could feel pins and needles shoot through your sore body. Your breath felt harsh on your knitted balaclava and you secretly envied the many layers of fabric and silicone of Ghost's infamous mask. "If you quit complaining, it'll make the journey quicker," he said and you could tell the bastard had a smirk on his face. "God I hate Oymyakon."

Eventually, you could see a small cabin on the edge of your vision. "A mirage in the cold desert," you could hear Ghost joke and you picked up the pace. "Price did say this was isolated," you said through your chattering teeth, finally seeing the full picture of the home in arm's reach. You gripped the cold padlock in your gloved fingers and inputted the memorized set of coded numbers. Ghost shoved the iced-over door and gave way into the darkened, freezing cabin. "Home sweet home," you joked half-heartedly as you checked the bare-bones setup. Safe houses were all the same, only having the most simple of necessities and furnishings. As Ghost rummaged for a life-saving space heater, you looked through the cabinets to see if there were any food or hand warmers. The metal handle felt frigid on your fingertips and you saw two sizable mugs at home on the empty shelf.

"How romantic," Ghost said behind you and you jumped at the sudden baritone of his voice, "You gonna make us some tea?" You rolled your eyes at his typical British humor. "Maybe, if you got that space heater working," you replied and he gestured exaggeratedly to the small glowing machine that lit up the living room. "Speaks for itself," he smirked and you rolled your eyes before brushing past him to warm yourself. You took off your frozen boots and shook out your socks and jacket before you were left in your thermals under your gear. You could hear Ghost rummaging around in the adjacent bedroom before returning with two blankets. "No clothes but I do have these," he said and held up the flannel blankets. You nodded and he added his outerwear and gear next to yours.

As you sat wrapped in your blankets, you watched the snowfall and wind whip through the air. "If we weren't stuck here, this would actually be nice," you smiled as you stretched out your fingers in front of the space heater. "I got a cabin up in the Isle of Sky," he mentioned, "if we make it out of here, remind me to take you there." You beamed up at him and nodded eagerly at the offer. "That's in Scotland, right?" you asked and he let out a small grunt in confirmation. "This isn't some boy's cabin you and Soap share, right?" you questioned and he chuckled at the absurdity of the thought. "Fuckin' hell, I'd never," he swore, "just something I bought with a Lieutenant's salary." You thought for a moment before responding to his initial offer. "Well then, is that an offer for a romantic getaway, Lt?" you questioned and he quickly looked away from you. Despite the dim lighting of the room, you could see the subtle hint of pink on his ears. "Depends, hopefully evac gets here before we freeze to death." You shared a dry laugh as you continued to look out the window.

Before you knew it, the sun had set over the horizon and your body began to shut down from the day's events. You tried to suppress your yawn in your blanketed arm but Ghost noticed your small action. "You should sleep, there's one bed in the room over there," he gestured as you laughed softly. "Only one bed?" you smirked and you could almost hear his eye roll. "Not the time," he mumbled before he moved his hand in dismissal, "I'll keep the first watch." You got up slowly and dragged the blanket behind you. You reached the doorway and turned to him, wishing him a quiet goodnight. As you settled into the warm sheets, you turned to face the doorway and smiled as you saw Ghost perched over the small heater. If there was anything that was motivating you to survive, it was the potential to spend a weekend in a snowy cabin with Simon and no threat of danger.

[thekingofgear]

Sam Petts-Davies's Setup for Thom's 'Everything' Tour

A photo of the setup, shared by Sam on his instagram account with the caption "tour begins tonight. i’ll be parked at front of house with this box of esoterics for the duration. it’s going to be something really special."

Thom's solo tour has just begun with a show in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Sam Petts-Davies is along for the ride!

Since Radiohead's earliest shows, there's always been at least a few effects added by an engineer at the FOH (front of house) mixing desk to keep the band's sound clear and coherent. With Radiohead, that role was filed by Jim Warren. Even after Thom started bringing pedalboard full of vocal effects on tour, Jim continued to apply additional effects including plugins such as the Waves C4 multiband compressor for vocals. You can find more info on Jim's work in these posts.

For The Smile, even fewer hardware effects were needed at the FOH desk, in part due to Thom's expanded vocal pedalboard. In 2022, the Smile's mix engineer mainly relied on plugins from an Avid VENUE S6L-32D digital desk, supplemented only by a TUBE-TECH CL 1B Tube Optical compressor (presumably for Thom's vocals).

It's clear that when Thom is performing totally solo, a different approach is needed. But it's hard to imagine that any past FOH setup has been so full of hardware effects! And not just effects, but also modulators and an usual mixer, as we'll see....

For those who don't know, Sam initially served as a engineer under Nigel during the recording of Junun in 2015. He subsequently did engineering work on Spectre, A Moon Shaped Pool, and on the strings for the OKNOTOK singles. In 2018, he co-produced the soundtrack to Suspiria with Thom, and apparently Thom was a fan because Sam received a full production credit for Thom's soundtrack to Confidenza. He also produced both of the Smile albums released this year: Wall of Eyes and Cutouts.

For comprehensibility, we've divided the setup into four sections: the core, the modular, the pedals, and the rack. We'll start with the core setup.

Core Setup

This section is the nexus: receiving input from Thom's stage setup, sending it through various effects, and mixing it all together. The Matrix Mixer is using to both mix together and feedback the various effects in Thom's eurorack setup. The Yamaha DM3-D appears to be the central mixing console for the entire setup. Despite its small size, the Yamaha boasts 22 channels and a huge range of built-in effects, and on top of that it can also run VST plugins.

Death By Audio Echo Master delay

? Electro-Harmonix 45000 looper

Roland RE-201 Space Echo tape delay

?

Erica Synths Matrix Mixer

Yamaha DM3-D Digital Mixing Console

Modular Setup

In the decade since Thom first used a Make Noise Shared System Plus to process his voice and piano, his eurorack effects setup has expanded quite a bit! The Shared System is designed to be both a sound generator and an effects processor, and since then Thom has created dedicated setups for each of those applications. This setup is the effects processor, with lots of delays, filters, and reverbs, plus some LFOs and CV sources to modulate those effects. The additional Doepfer case that Thom has on stage, might have some of his sound generators, but knowing Thom it could just as easily be even more Make Noise Echophon delays.

Row 1 (left to right):

Make Noise Maths (unused)

Intellijel Planar² joystick

Xaoc Devices Belgrad dual filter (unused)

4ms Dual Looping Delay

4ms SISM: Shifting Inverting Signal Mingler

blank panel (4hp)

Row 2 (left to right):

4ms QCD: Quad Clock Distributor (unused)

Soma Lyra8-FX (unused)

Make Noise Echophon delay

Make Noise Erbe-Verbe reverb

Vermona TAI-4 transformer-isolated I/O

Row 3 (left to right):

Intellijel µMIDI interface

Make Noise Richter Wogglebug random generator

Make Noise MULT

Make Noise QPAS dual filter

Rossum Electro-Music Panharmonium spectral resynthesizer

? Make Noise Memophon delay

Vermona TAI-4 transformer-isolated I/O

Row 4 (left to right):

Make Noise Morphagene sampler

Mannequins Three Sisters filter

Mannequins Just Friends

Qu-Bit Aurora reverb

Earthquaker Devices Afterneath reverb

unknown module (2hp)

Xaoc Devices Kamieniec phaser

It appears that these are Thom's Rows 1 and 2 are kept in a Doepfer A-100P6 Suitcase 6U case. Rows 3 and 4 are kept in a Doepfer A-100PB Suitcase Base case. The modules on row 4 are impossible to identify at this angle, but Make Noise style knobs are clearly visible on the left-most module.

Pedal Setup

Furman M-8Lx power supply

? Radial Engineering EXTC-Stereo reamp

Eventide Pitchfactor

? Hologram Chroma Console

Empress Effects Reverb

Rack Setup

We'll double back on this one once we have a better photo...

Edit (Feb 27, 2025): added missing bits of gear to the lists.

[blankd]

(I was going to attach this text to a reblog but I lost the original post, I'm appending more text to make it stand on it's own since it's a topic worth discussing IMO)

The Problem with Taash, an opinion from a ~*Mixed Race Queer Person and a Writer*~

spoilers for Veilguard and Taash's quest- while I haven't seen the ending of the game yet these are egregious writing issues that a 3rd act revelation isn't going to fix

Taash is technically not a "bad character" in a vacuum, they are bad because they are in a Dragon Age game with preexisting lore and this game has writing that is inconsistent with the tone and setting of the previous entries.

Their language is as anachronistic as the rest of Veilguard's main cast dialogue, with disbelief finally shattering at the idea that this Dark Medieval Fantasy suddenly manifests a damn about the gender binary, much less echo the same contemporary terms of 2024 Americans. If they took the time to come up with their own term (or god forbid, something UNIQUE to the setting), I PERSONALLY wouldn't quibble about it. The use of nonbinary is just a symptom of a bigger problem, bad/weak writing, and it is the most emblematic of the lack of care or priority in keeping DA's tone consistent.

Some may argue that using "modern terms" is good, but like anything that isn't a capsule of a specific time period, this kind of writing will age POORLY at best.

More subjectively, but still related to the bad writing problem: I initially didn't mind Taash being blunt and immature, but when no other companion pushed back on them (and Rook is mostly an enabler), it rapidly wore out its welcome. As the focus shifted (with the grace of an anvil) that their plot would be about Gender, I felt the interesting avenues for the character perish in real time. I KNEW more unique in-game hooks were being sacrificed to focus on this, and later scenes would show I wasn't wrong. I PERSONALLY would have preferred if Taash was NB out the gate so that their personal quest could be about literally anything more unique to Dragon Age.

The real crime is that the game literally sits you down to have a 101 chat, despite it being an M-rated game, it's insulting to everyone involved. That this is an inexorable part of Taash is not a "win" unless your litmus for quality is built entirely on reactionary "owns". If you are part of this group, I ask you to consider how practical it is to punish an audience for the words of people who are NOT in that audience. The people who were already reacting with disgust about the option to be NB in the character creator are NOT going to make it to Taash's personal quest.

Some may argue it's "good" it's mandatory, but to that I beg the question of what is LOST by having Taash being NB right out the gate. I know what the game would gain- it would have to actually put something else into Taash's character and maybe we'd be spared the hamfisted sensitivity conversation about pronouns. Like for fuck's sake the end of the world is happening, but sure let's pause the Dark Fantasy Apocalypse to attend an HR meeting in a pirate queen's office- yeah that's the MOST interesting thing that could happen there.

But really this all acts as setup for how despite taking great pains to make sure the player understands that Taash is NB (and that's heckin' valid), they then "have to decide" which SINGULAR culture they will embrace/identify with.

I genuinely don't know why this beat is here at all, but it's baffling to bludgeon that gender is not limited to a binary while presenting CULTURE as mutually exclusive. That ROOK has any input at all is just as staggering display of either a disrespect for the fiction or the player, or both. If you're going to have a sacrificial Very Special Episode character, you can't have it end as having shifted the same 'problem' over to a different topic.

I don't hold ill will to anyone who likes Taash as a character, but as a writer, queer rep is WELL beyond a character looking at the camera and saying they're Nonbinary. "But people will argue against it, they HAD to!" That is a bullshit excuse, GOOD writing doesn't cater to bad faith losers. The painter does not paint for the arsonist.

Misc Points I disagreed with more directly but had no real segue points (and some futureproofing against people who might use these to disregard what I've said): "Taash is only getting crit b/c they're BIPOC coded and queer [therefore this crit is founded in racism]" -Neve and Davrin ARE BIPOC, so unless they are bundled with the "unfair crit", this is not a substantiated assumption. As a tangent, if we're going to dig this deep whatever happened to the outrage at "making 'nonhuman species' NB". Diversity WIN the most inhuman party member is NB! (I personally don't have any strong feelings about that point, but I'm familiar with this being a common complaint from those who seek NB rep.)

"Taash gets crit but these NPCs don't [that's suspicious]" the NPCs don't have cutscenes dedicated to them coming out. The NPCs keep the game moving, but Taash's ~journey~ requires the player be invested and give input which creates the strange dissonance that Taash is trading out their mother's approval for Rook's (which is weird since NEVE is the one that introduces Taash to ~queer identities~ but is relatively ABSENT for the rest of it). Party members ought to have a sliver more autonomy- they can hook up without Rook, yet they can't be true to themselves unless Rook is there, what are the writers implying or achieving with this? The writers also tip their hand about what they want, defeating the point of having options at all in any of these scenes. The removal of player agency is not going to endear ANYONE to this character!

"Taash is also autistic [and is being unfairly criticized]" Taash can still be unpleasant and the lack of pushback from others is what makes it irritating since it comes across as the writers holding back for the sake of optics rather than committing to writing sensible to the fiction.

[talesfantastic]

-swings back around after a writing binge elsewhere- Hi.

Thinking about RP groups. Skip to the bottom if you want my current thoughts and not how it's rehashed.

I have to start with a shout out to Pokémon Echo, which is my one successful rp group. It is a labor of love and there's only four players right now but it's so good. The image links, if you're interested in seeing the blog and pinned post.

There were two others I tried to put up, both of which did ultimately fail.

CRYSTAL LEGENDS

Crystal Legends was my first experiment, actually, and several friends humored me -- I think they liked it, even, but ultimately there just wasn't... enough. Enough interest, enough setup. Enough. It failed.

MIRROR MIRROR

There was actually decent interest in Mirror Mirror, and I think it had more to it by far in the sense of potential plotline. It was open to all Final Fantasy Games, and you would play a canon character or an OC (either way, well developed) and they would be from an AU of their original canon. Everyone would be, meaning that if it echoed ye olde RPC and there were like ten Sephiroth's, ten Clouds, an any number of others, you could still play your character without having to fight for the role. In fact, it made it better because you could more easily work together in-character to figure out what was going on.

Despite the interest no one actually bit. The premise was too story heavy, perhaps? Too confusing? I don't know. I was sad not to get to play in that sandbox. Maybe I'll turn it into a fic... [tagging my writing blog, @ladykf-writes for later!]

HONORABLE MENTIONS

ZRPG

It's not around anymore, but there was a brilliant forum based rp group (that's such a small word when they were so many) set around the games -- by the end, it was situated post Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. You played OCs, with OC level starting powers, and you grew with a consistent, forum-wide story line. I cannot do it justice but it was amazing.

PELAGO ISLANDS

PI was my first Tumblr RP group; I played two characters and had an amazing time. It was farm sim based, where you took the characters from a farm sim and dumped them all into a different but similar world... not unlike Mirror Mirror, actually...

Anyway both of those left an imprint on my thoughts.

A FINAL NOTE

My dream is to find a way to unite the RPC in a way that Tumblr really... doesn't? And have a real sense of community and belonging. (Raise your hand if you were there for the SOLDIER Olympics x-years ago) It would be amazing. Final Fantasy is my home, but there's other fandoms I adore too. I'd lean into a generic fantasy, shaped by whoever is interested. Or broaden Mirror Mirror's setting.

But I don't really know that the climate of the RPC is right for this right now. I think it'd be easiest in the long run to keep straight on a forum, but I don't know that most people remember -- if they ever knew -- how to function in a forum. Hey, it's been a long time for me too.

Still want it. XD

But I don't really know. Does anyone run, participate in, have participated in, or are curious about RP groups? Is there even an audience for this kind of play? I wish I knew. Mirror Mirror's blog turned 2 today and I've been feeling a way about it. I'll reblog this to get other fic writers opinions, some that aren't currently in the RPC, maybe some that couldn't get traction.

If you're interested in any of this, I would greatly appreciate a reblog with comments / tags OR just a comment on here. Likes ❤️ are great for telling me I've been heard, but it tells me nothing about if you liked it or not. You can also pop into my ask, here or on @ladykf-writes or even @ladykittenfair I don't mind wherever. But I'd really, really appreciate some input.

are you interested, and if so in what fandom / genre?

tumblr vs forum vs discord / any

That's it. Just two questions. You can stop at 1 if you're not interested.

[thepinkpanther83]

The Silent Duet (Pt.3 The Echo Labyrinth)

Story Prompt: “Turtle Song”

Bayverse Leonardo x Fem!Reader - Soulmate AU - Action/Romance

Masterlist

Find me on AO3.

Read this story on AO3.

Find the full series on AO3.

Previous Chapter: Chapter Two: “Nocturne for the Marked” Next Chapter: Chapter Four: “The Siren’s Pulse”

Click "Keep Reading" below the cut to read. 😘

Chapter Three: “The Echo Labyrinth”

You expected darkness. Maybe damp, silence, the scrape of stone and rusted metal. What you didn’t expect… was light. Strange, warm pools of it, scattered across the sewer hideaway like secrets made visible.

You follow Leo through a series of tunnels and metal doors. They hiss and slide open under his touch, revealing a place that feels alive- wires and vines and glowing screens tangled like roots, music humming from low speakers, faint and wordless. There's a beat to this place. A pulse.

You’re not scared.

Maybe you should be.

But your gut’s quiet. Calm. The masked figure- Leo, his name is Leo, you trust him.

The lair sprawls wider than you imagined. You catch glimpses of movement, one of his brothers, with a red mask, built like a tank, passes through with an energy drink in each hand, pausing only to nod politely at you before disappearing into the maze.

But Leo leads you straight to a sleek, modern space carved into the heart of the sewer. Tech everywhere. Glowing panels, consoles, holoscreens flickering with schematics you don’t understand. This isn’t a basement science project. This is surgical. Purposeful.

A tall, lean turtle with violet mask, and tech-glasses perched across his brow greets you with a nod, fingers already moving over a touchscreen with casual precision.

You recognize the younger energy in him immediately, different from Leo’s quiet control.

This one is the scientist.

He types something fast. Signs just as quickly: “Name? Allergies? Last full physical?” Then, aloud and deadpan: “Kidding. Sort of.”

You blink.

Leo gently nudges your shoulder and mouths while signing, “That’s Donatello. My brother. The smart one. I told him we were coming.”

“Obviously,” Donatello says without looking up, then finally gives you a proper glance. “Welcome to the lab. Sorry for the clinical setup. We’re currently in a bit of a global crisis, and you may be part of the solution.”

You give him a wary look. Doing your best to read his lips.

He smiles- not unkindly. “Don’t worry, we’re past the dissecting-strangers phase.”

You sign back: “Good to know.”

Before you can say more, a girl enters the room- human, in her twenties or thirties perhaps, coffee cup in one hand and a data tablet in the other. She doesn’t stare at you the way most people do. Instead, she signs a casual, “Hey, you must be the violinist.”

Her smile is genuine. She moves like she’s belonged here forever.

Leo leans in and signs as he speaks. “That’s Donnie’s mate. His systems analyst. Brilliant. Sarcastic. Weirdly good at Mario Kart.”

You nod, and your hands move without thinking: “She’s the first person I’ve met who doesn’t look at me like I’m broken.”

Leo gives you a look. That same look from the rooftop- gentle, steady, seeing everything.

“You’re not,” he says softly while signing. “Not even close.”

Donatello clears his throat. “Okay, kids, moment’s over. I’ve got scans.”

He pulls up a neural map- yours, apparently, and overlays it with half a dozen others. “She’s showing signs of what I’ve been calling a ‘resonance anomaly.’ But more than that- her neural echo pattern doesn’t spike under the AI control frequency. Not at all. I think her hearing impairment is acting like a natural firewall.”

He points to a section of the screen pulsing faintly in blue. “See that? That’s her resonance signature. It's responding only to Leo’s input.”

You freeze.

Donnie glances between you both, then adds, “It’s like you’re tuned to a different channel. A channel none of the rest of us can hear unless we're bonded. And Leo…” He pushes his glasses up. “You’re coming in loud and clear.”

Leo doesn’t answer right away. He looks at you instead.

Not with surprise.

But with something like… certainty.

Donnie’s analysis continues in the background- holographic graphs humming softly through the air. But your eyes aren’t on the data anymore. They’re on Leo.

He hasn’t stopped watching you.

Not in a scrutinizing way. Not even protective, really.

Just... present.

You feel it before he says anything. The tension that coils just behind his calm expression. He hasn’t sat down. He paces the lab like a sentry trapped in his own thoughts.

Donnie catches it too.

“I know that look,” he mutters without looking up. “That’s the 'I-want-to-wrap-her-in-bubble-wrap' look.”

Leo stops in his tracks.

“I want her safe,” he says, slowly. Measured. “But she’s not a prisoner.”

You sign gently: “You’re afraid.”

His eyes soften, and he signs back: “You were targeted. Because of this.” He gestures toward the monitors. “Because of what you might be.”

You sit quietly with that.

Then: “And because I’m yours.”

The words make his breath hitch. You see it in his throat.

He nods. Just once.

It’s Mikey who shatters the heavy quiet.

He bursts into the lab with all the subtlety of a sugar rush, holding a bag of cheese curls in one hand and a glowstick in the other. He freezes mid-step when he sees you, then gasps dramatically.

“No one told me we had company! Rude!”

Before you can process it, he’s sidling up with a grin so wide it might be classified as a security threat.

“You’re the soulmate, huh? Dang, you’re way prettier than Leo deserves.”

You blink.

Then, slowly… you smile. He’s ridiculous. But genuine.

You sign, “He’s not so bad.”

“Oh! You sign! I sign too! Poorly. Mostly insults.” Mikey immediately stumbles through something that might be ‘turtle fart’ in ASL.

You laugh. You actually laugh. A sharp, surprised sound that catches even you off guard.

Leo’s expression changes instantly- softens like morning light over stone. He’s watching you like he’s watching a miracle.

“You smiled,” he says, quietly.

You sign, “He’s funny.”

Leo nods once. “Yeah. He is.”

Mikey beams, then shuffles off again, muttering something about needing to introduce you to “Mario Kart” later.

You watch him go.

Then, gently, you lean toward Leo and sign: “Your family is… something else.”

“They’re home,” he signs back.

You believe him.

And for the first time in days, you feel a little less like you’re running.

Time loses shape in Donnie’s lab.

At first, you tried to keep track- counting days by your breath, or the hum of machines. But eventually, the data charts and the soft-spoken murmurs between Donatello and his mate started to lull you into a kind of rhythmic calm.

It’s not that you trust them, not yet.

But you’re not afraid anymore either.

Not of them.

Donatello gestures you toward the holo-platform again. You take your place with practiced ease. Electrodes and sensors already feel familiar on your skin, though you still flinch when they activate.

Leo stands nearby- still, quiet, hands folded behind his back. Watching you.

Always watching you.

He doesn’t stare like the others. He studies.

Donnie begins murmuring to himself, fingers flying over glowing keys. His mate joins him with a soft “hmm” and a brow raised.

“What is it?” Leo asks, moving in.

Donnie turns to you, eyes wide behind his glasses. “Her neural signature… it’s clean.”

You raise a brow at that. “Clean?”

Donnie spins a nearby monitor toward Leo. “No distortion. No echo haze. No influence markers from the control frequency we intercepted from Project Siren’s tech.”

“She’s not just unaffected by the signal,” Donnie adds, glancing back at you, “She nullifies it. The data’s reading her like she’s a silent node- one the tech can’t even ping. It’s like… it’s like she was built to jam it.”

Leo takes that in quietly.

His expression darkens just a little.

“You were right to be afraid.”

He turns to you and signs: “They want you. For this.”

You nod. “I know. I felt it.”

A quiet moment passes. Then Leo breathes deep, as if weighing a decision. He signs again: “Let me teach you.”

Your brows furrow.

“Teach me?”

“To move. To defend yourself. To listen without hearing.” He taps his chest. “To feel rhythm. Like your music. But in your body.”

That catches your interest.

He steps back and motions for you to follow.

Later in an empty training hall.

Your bare feet press into the cold cement of an underground sparring ring.

Leo stands across from you, calm and focused, no weapons. Just presence.

He motions for you to mimic him. You do.

Slow steps. Controlled turns. Breath held, then released.

It starts like tai chi- fluid, thoughtful movements. Then a spin. A block. A reactive motion when he steps closer.

You flinch.

He stops.

“Again,” he signs. “But feel the air. Not me. Feel the shift. Like a song before the beat drops.”

You inhale slowly. Focus.

He moves again.

And this time- you respond. A perfect sidestep. Light on your toes. Almost danced.

Your chest tightens with something that feels like memory. Muscle and breath and music, all wrapped in one.

Leo’s expression doesn’t change, but you catch the gleam in his eyes.

Pride.

You’ve impressed him.

He steps forward again- closer this time. Then he signs:

“You learn fast.”

You smile faintly. “I’ve always had to listen with more than just my ears.”

He pauses. Like he wants to say more. Then simply nods.

The two of you begin again. Movement. Flow. Trust built in silence and echo.

And somewhere, deep inside you, the song hums.

Waiting.

Pulling...

The rooftop air smells like tar and cold metal. But it’s clean. Open.

Free.

You sit with your knees hugged to your chest, your violin case by your side, feeling the quiet weight of the city pressing in from all around. Neon lights blink against windows far in the distance. The hum of power lines vibrates faintly beneath you.

Beside you, Leo perches like a gargoyle at the edge of the roof, arms crossed over his chest, watching the streets below.

He hasn’t said much since you left the lair.

But his silence doesn’t bother you.

He’s the kind of quiet that feels full, not empty. Like music between the notes.

You tap lightly on his shoulder. When he looks, you sign: “Why bring me up here?”

Leo tilts his head. Then answers aloud, voice low, “Because you deserve to breathe.”

You blink. That… catches you off guard.

“I don’t want you to feel like you’ve been buried just because you found us,” he says. “You still have a life. You should get to live it.”

You nod slowly. You’re not sure what you expected him to say- but it wasn’t that.

You rest your chin on your arms. “You’re… not what I expected either,” you say aloud. Then, signing in tandem: “But that’s not a bad thing.”

He gives a half-smile. Shrugs. “I get that a lot.”

For a while, you just sit in stillness together. He doesn’t hover. He doesn’t crowd you. He just is.

So you reach for your violin.

He watches you unpack it with care, settle it against your chin, and lift your bow with practiced grace. His eyes soften with recognition. This has become the place where your languages meet.

You hum.

The music rises.

The city disappears.

Your body forgets the tension. You forget the chase. You forget the tech, the data, the fear.

Until-

A flicker in the shadow below.

Too fast.

Too sharp.

You pause. Leo straightens.

You don’t even get to react before he’s moving.

Shhhk. The sound of a sword being drawn.

You feel the vibration of it.

Then chaos.

Figures in black- blurs of motion. Grappling hooks snap against the side of the building. Boots thunder onto the roof. You spin around just as one closes in- and Leo is already there.

He moves like smoke and steel. Silent but deadly. A blur of blue slicing between you and danger.

You drop your violin and dive, barely dodging a swing of metal.

Two more climb up from behind. You scramble back- only for Leo to knock one out cold with a roundhouse kick, blade catching the rooftop light in a deadly flash.

The other aims for you.

Leo growls- a sound you can feel, and slams into them, full force. They go down hard. Don’t get back up.

Three more advance. He doesn’t hesitate.

You sit frozen. Heart pounding. Breath too tight in your lungs.

You can’t hear the fight- but you feel it.

Every vibration in the cement. Every thud. Every grunt. The way Leo moves- for you.

Then suddenly it’s over.

The last one drops with a muffled cry, unconscious at Leo’s feet.

He breathes hard. Turns to you.

You meet his eyes- and all at once, every ounce of false safety collapses.

You’re not safe.

Not out here.

Not alone.

He walks toward you, offering his hand.

You take it.

No words needed.

The city blurs behind them as they drop into the alley and disappear into the night.

You don’t protest. You just clutch your violin case and follow, silent, heart racing like a second song under your skin.

Leo can feel it. The pull. The resonance.

It's getting stronger.

And as Leo leads you back into the sewer tunnels once more, his chest aches.

Not just from the fight.

But because he knows you don’t belong in the dark.

And yet... he can’t let you go.

Not now.

Not ever.

Next Chapter: Chapter Four: “The Siren’s Pulse”

Who loves TMNT, show of hands! 😂 Let me know if you want to be added to my tag list!

@justalotoffanfiction, @yorshie, @jackalope-in-a-storm, @sophiacloud28, @redsrooftopprincess, @ninnosaurus, @iridescentflamingo, @adebauchedsloth, @eveandtheturtles, @thelaundrybitch, @tmnt-tychou, @milykins, @the-cauldron-witch, @ahhhhhhhhhfuck

Masterlist

[charlesmwa]

The Role of Mixers in Live Sound: A Comprehensive Overview

Imagine standing in the middle of a concert, surrounded by the perfect blend of instruments and vocals, every sound complementing the other seamlessly. This magic doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the work of a mixer. Mixers, often referred to as the heart of live sound systems, play a pivotal role in ensuring every performance sounds flawless. Whether it’s a small gig at a local café or a massive stadium concert, mixers are an essential part of live sound setups.

Let's understand what  mixers do, why they’re important, and how they bring live performances to life. Whether you're an aspiring sound engineer, a musician, or simply curious, this comprehensive overview will break it all down in simple terms.

What is a Mixer?

At its core, a mixer is a device that takes multiple audio signals—like vocals, guitars, keyboards, and drums—and blends them into a cohesive output. Think of it as the control center for all the sounds in a live performance.

Mixers allow you to:

Adjust the volume of each input (like turning up the vocals or lowering the bass).

Shape the sound using equalizers (EQ) to balance frequencies.

Add effects like reverb or delay to enhance the audio.

Route signals to different outputs, such as speakers, monitors, or recording devices.

Whether you're using a compact analog mixer or a high-tech digital console, the principles remain the same: taking raw sound and refining it for the audience's ears.

Why Mixers Are Crucial for Live Sound

1. Balancing the Audio

Live performances often involve multiple sound sources—vocals, instruments, backing tracks, and sometimes even crowd noise. A mixer ensures that no single element overpowers the rest, creating a harmonious balance that’s pleasant to listen to. For instance, without a mixer, a loud drum kit could drown out a singer's voice, making the performance feel chaotic.

2. Customizing the Sound

Every venue has unique acoustics. What sounds great in a small indoor space might not work for an open-air festival. Mixers allow sound engineers to adapt the audio for different environments. By tweaking EQ settings, they can reduce echo in large halls or add warmth to a cold-sounding room.

3. Providing Real-Time Control

Live performances are unpredictable. A singer might step away from the mic, or a guitarist might accidentally play too loudly during a solo. With a mixer, sound engineers can make instant adjustments to keep everything running smoothly.

Key Features of Mixers

When exploring mixers, it’s important to understand their features. Here are some key components that make mixers so versatile:

1. Channels

Mixers have multiple channels, each dedicated to a specific input (e.g., a microphone or instrument). Small mixers might have 4-8 channels, while larger ones can have 32 or more. Each channel has its own controls for volume, EQ, and effects, giving you granular control over individual sound sources.

2. Equalization (EQ)

EQ lets you shape the tone of each input. For example:

Boost the treble for a brighter vocal sound.

Cut the bass to reduce rumbling noises.

Adjust midrange frequencies for clarity.

EQ is essential for ensuring that all elements in a mix complement each other without clashing.

3. Aux Sends and Effects

Auxiliary (aux) sends allow you to send specific audio signals to different destinations. For instance, you can send a mix of vocals and instruments to on-stage monitors so performers can hear themselves.

Many mixers also come with built-in effects like reverb, delay, and compression, which can add depth and polish to the sound.

4. Faders and Pan Controls

Faders control the volume of each channel, while pan controls adjust the stereo placement of a sound. For example, you can pan a guitar slightly to the left and a keyboard slightly to the right for a more immersive stereo effect.

5. Digital vs. Analog Mixers

Analog Mixers: Known for their simplicity and tactile controls, analog mixers are a great choice for beginners or smaller setups.

Digital Mixers: These offer advanced features like presets, wireless control via apps, and the ability to handle complex setups. They’re ideal for larger venues or tech-savvy users.

How Mixers Enhance the Audience Experience

A well-mixed performance can transform how the audience experiences live music. Here’s how mixers contribute to a great show:

Clarity: Mixers ensure that every instrument and vocal is heard clearly, even in a crowded or noisy environment.

Energy: By controlling dynamics, mixers can make the music feel more powerful and engaging.

Emotion: Effects like reverb and delay can add atmosphere and emotion to a performance, making it more memorable.

Tips for Using Mixers Effectively

If you’re new to mixers, here are some practical tips to get started:

Start Simple: Focus on getting the basics right—like balancing volume levels—before diving into advanced features.

Learn to Use EQ: Understanding how to use EQ can make a huge difference in the quality of your mix.

Practice in Real Settings: Mixing in a live environment is different from mixing in a studio. Practice in different venues to get a feel for how acoustics affect sound.

Invest in Quality Gear: A reliable mixer can make your life much easier, especially during live performances. Purchasing from reputable audio shops ensures you get equipment that’s durable and built to perform.

Conclusion

Mixers are more than just pieces of equipment—they’re the bridge between raw sound and a polished performance. By understanding their features and functions, you can unlock their full potential and deliver a live sound experience that captivates your audience.

Whether you’re a performer, a sound engineer, or just someone passionate about music, investing time in learning about mixers is well worth it. After all, great sound doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of careful planning, skilled mixing, and quality equipment.

So the next time you’re at a concert or gig, take a moment to appreciate the mixer and the person behind it. They’re the unsung heroes making the magic happen!

[marvs-alberto]

How to Produce Music at Home

Introduction

Welcome to Your Home Studio Journey

Embark on an exciting adventure into the world of home music production! If you've ever dreamed of creating your own music but felt daunted by the idea of setting up a home studio, you've come to the right place. At marvsalberto.com, we’re dedicated to making the process easy and guiding you through every step.

Why Produce Music at Home?

Why should you consider producing music at home? It’s incredibly convenient. No more booking expensive studio time or trying to fit your creative moments into someone else’s schedule. Having your own space allows you to experiment and refine your sound at your own pace. Whether you’re a budding artist or an experienced musician, a home studio offers limitless creative potential.

Getting Started with Your Home Studio

Understanding Your Goals

Before diving into the technical details, take a moment to define what you want to achieve. Are you looking to record vocals, produce electronic music, or create full-band demos? Your goals will determine the equipment and setup you need.

Budgeting for Your Studio

Budget is a crucial factor in building your home studio. You don’t need to break the bank to get started. Focus on essential equipment and start with the basics. You can always upgrade as you progress.

Essential Equipment for Home Music Production

Computer and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

Your computer and DAW are the core of your home studio. Choose a computer with sufficient RAM and storage capacity. For your DAW, popular software options include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro X. Each has its own strengths, so pick one that suits your workflow and genre.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is essential for converting analog signals, like your voice or instrument, into digital ones that your computer can process. Look for interfaces with quality preamps and multiple input/output options.

Microphones

A quality microphone can significantly enhance your recordings. For vocals, a condenser mic like the Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great starting point. For instruments, dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 are versatile and reliable.

Studio Monitors

Unlike regular speakers, studio monitors offer a flat frequency response, helping you hear your music accurately. Brands like KRK, Yamaha, and JBL provide a range of monitors suitable for different budgets.

Setting Up Your Space

Choosing the Right Room

The location of your studio can impact your recordings. Choose a quiet room, away from external noise, with minimal reflective surfaces. Avoid rooms with many windows or hard surfaces, as they can create unwanted echoes.

Acoustic Treatment Basics

Acoustic treatment helps manage reflections and improve sound quality. Start with bass traps in the corners and absorption panels on the walls. This doesn’t have to be costly; even DIY options can be effective.

Setting Up Your Equipment

Position your desk and monitors correctly for the best sound. The “equilateral triangle” setup, where your listening position and the two monitors form a triangle, ensures balanced sound delivery. Keep your microphone stand and pop filter within reach for easy access during recordings.

Optimizing Your Workflow

Cable Management

A tidy setup is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Use cable ties and organizers to keep your cables neat. This prevents unwanted noise and makes troubleshooting easier.

Ergonomic Setup

Ensure your setup is comfortable for long periods. An ergonomic chair, a desk at the right height, and well-placed equipment can prevent strain and keep you productive.

Software Essentials

Choosing Your DAW

Your DAW is central to your music production. Whether it’s the loop-based workflow of Ableton Live or the extensive plugin support in FL Studio, choose one that aligns with your needs. Most DAWs offer free trials, so explore a few before making a decision.

Must-have Plugins and VSTs

Plugins and VSTs expand your sound palette. Essential ones include EQs, compressors, reverb, and delay. Consider investing in high-quality plugins like those from Waves, FabFilter, or Native Instruments.

Sample Libraries

Sample libraries provide you with ready-made sounds and loops, especially useful for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop. Websites like Splice and Loopmasters offer extensive libraries for every genre and style.

Recording Techniques

Recording Vocals

Vocals are often the centerpiece of a track. Use a pop filter to reduce plosives and record in a treated room to minimize background noise. Experiment with mic placement to find the sweet spot.

Recording Instruments

Each instrument has unique recording techniques. For guitars, direct input or miking an amp works great. For drums, multiple mics are usually required. Always aim for the best raw sound to simplify the mixing process.

MIDI Recording

MIDI recording offers flexibility. You can edit performances, change instrument sounds, and automate parameters easily. Make sure to quantize your MIDI notes to keep the timing tight.

Mixing and Mastering Basics

Introduction to Mixing

Mixing involves blending all your tracks into a cohesive piece. Focus on balancing levels, panning instruments to create space, and using EQ to carve out frequencies.

Introduction to Mastering

Mastering is the final polish on your track. The goal is to make it sound great on all playback systems. Use limiting, EQ, and compression to increase loudness and clarity without losing dynamics.

Essential Mixing Tools

Invest in good-quality headphones and reference monitors. Use a spectrum analyzer to visualize frequencies and a metering tool to monitor levels. Plugins like iZotope Ozone can also assist in mastering.

DIY Acoustic Treatments

Bass Traps

Bass traps control low-frequency energy that tends to build up in corners. They are crucial for accurate low-end monitoring.

Diffusers

Diffusers scatter sound waves, helping to control reflections without deadening the room. These are best placed on the rear wall or ceiling.

Absorption Panels

Absorption panels control mid and high-frequency reflections. Place them at first reflection points, where sound waves first bounce off the walls.

Advanced Techniques and Tips

Layering Sounds

Layering sounds can add depth and complexity to your tracks. Layer similar sounds with slight variations to create a richer texture.

Automation

Automation allows you to add dynamic changes throughout your track. Automate volume, panning, and effects to add movement and interest.

Sound Design Tips

Get creative with sound design. Use synthesis, sampling, and effects to craft unique sounds. Experimentation is key to finding your signature sound.

Staying Creative and Inspired

Overcoming Creative Blocks

Creative blocks happen to everyone. Change your environment, collaborate with others, or try a new genre to reignite your creativity.

Collaborating Remotely

Collaboration is easier than ever with online tools. Use platforms like Splice or Dropbox to share projects and work together, no matter where you are.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dealing with Latency

Latency is a common issue in home studios. Lower your buffer size during recording and increase it during mixing. Use direct monitoring if available.

Fixing Audio Quality Problems

Ensure clean recordings by using high-quality cables and maintaining your equipment. Address issues like hums, buzzes, and pops using noise gates or filters.

Expanding Your Studio Over Time

Investing in Better Gear

As you grow, consider upgrading your equipment. Higher-end mics, preamps, and monitors can elevate your productions.

Adding More Instruments

Expanding your instrument collection adds versatility to your productions. Keys, guitars, and a drum set provide a broad range of sonic possibilities.

Sharing Your Music with the World

Online Platforms for Distribution

Platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify allow you to share your music with a global audience. Each has its own features and audience, so choose those most suited to your goals.

Promoting Your Music

Promoting your music is crucial for reaching your audience. Use social media, engage with music communities, and consider paid promotions to increase exposure.

Conclusion

Recap of Key Points

Setting up a home studio and producing music at home is an exciting and fulfilling journey. From choosing the right equipment to mastering your tracks, each step enhances your creative toolkit.

Encouragement to Get Started

Don’t wait for perfection. Start with what you have and build from there. The world is waiting to hear your music, so dive in and start creating!

FAQs

Can I build a home studio on a tight budget? Absolutely! Start with essential equipment and upgrade over time. Many high-quality budget options are available for every piece of gear.

What is the most important piece of equipment in a home studio? Your computer and DAW are the central elements. These will be the backbone of your setup, so invest wisely.

How can I improve the acoustics of my room inexpensively? DIY acoustic treatments like foam panels and bass traps made from rock wool can improve room acoustics without breaking the bank.

Do I need any special skills to produce music at home? Basic knowledge of music theory and production can help, but many resources and tutorials are available online to help you learn.

How can I stay motivated to create music at home? Set regular goals, collaborate with others, and keep exploring new sounds and techniques to stay inspired. Join online communities to share your progress and get feedback.

Start your musical journey today with marvsalberto.com and transform your dreams into reality right from the comfort of your home!

[prajna-alva]

Gophish Setup Guide: Launching Phishing Campaigns

Phishing Scenario : CASE 1 - Breaking news

Objective: The objective of this phishing campaign is to lure employees into clicking a malicious link disguised as breaking news from the company. The landing page masqueraded as a Gmail sign-in page, prompting users to enter their login credentials. This page was designed to steal users' email account credentials.

Install Gophish framework

Make the required changes in the config.json file

Launch Gophish and our first step would be to set up the sending profile by which we will send out phishing emails. 

Let’s assume that the target company is using Gmail server

(When setting up the sending profile in Gophish using a Gmail account, you have to enable 2FA and give app access to Gophish)

Since our target company is using Gmail server, we will use Gmail email on our phishing campaign so we have set host as smtp.gmail.com:587. After creating the sending profile, we have to test if the sending profile works by sending a test email.

We're using the email address adster.matrix@gmail.com as our designated Gmail account for sending phishing emails. Make sure to include the password that was generated when granting Gophish access to this Gmail account. After configuring the sending profile, we can test it by sending a test mail.

This is what the test mail will look like:

Email Template

The next step involves integrating an email template for the phishing campaign. We can opt for a pre-made template, for example, here we use a Breaking News email template, for initial testing. We can incorporate a tracking image within the emails to monitor various engagement metrics, including email opens, clicks, and receipt statuses. It also has an option where we can add a link which will redirect the victim to the landing page. On the landing page we can proceed to request for more valuable information from the user.

Landing Page

In the third step, set up a landing page where targets will be directed after clicking a link in the email. This landing page plays a crucial role in the phishing campaign, as it's where you can capture sensitive information like passwords. Gophish defaults to using http://0.0.0.0:80 for the landing page, but we can customize it to look like a legitimate login page or other enticing content to attract targets. We'll need to specify a redirect page where users will be sent after submitting their credentials.

In the User & Groups section, you'll need to input the email addresses of your targets. Gophish framework requires you to provide the first name, last name, email address, and the rank of each target individual on the user groups page. You can also upload target details from a CSV file stored on your local system using import feature.

Install and set up Ngrok:

Install ngrok via Apt with the following command:

curl -s https://ngrok-agent.s3.amazonaws.com/ngrok.asc \

 | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/ngrok.asc >/dev/null && echo "deb https://ngrok-agent.s3.amazonaws.com buster main" \

  | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ngrok.list && sudo apt update && sudo apt install ngrok

Run the following command to add your authtoken to the default ngrok.yml configuration file.

ngrok config add-authtoken 2crm6P5lWlbTm4rwoGqn0QSHhPA_6nf7WmMJFKXVSD2SgBohF

Create an index.html page for the landing page and launch python http server in the port 8001

               • python3 -m http.server 8001

               Note: Verify in the browser if it's actually accessible.

We can also use other login page cloning techniques like built in gophish cloner, or Github projects (we used), Custom or by using third party clones (ex-goclone).

If it's a php file use the following command instead:

               • php -S localhost:8001 -t . 

Launch ngrok :

ngrok http http://localhost:8001/

Use the URL under forwarding and paste it on the Gophish URL section in the campaign page shown below:

Creating Gophish Campaign:

Go to the Campaigns section.

Choose the right email and landing page templates.

Enter the landing page server URL.

Select the target group.

Start the campaign and monitor its progress.

Once we click on the link we are directed to the landing page, where we can enter our credentials.

You can find all the phishing reports related to a specific campaign on the Dashboard in the Gophish framework. Here, you can see details such as sent emails, opened emails, clicked links, submitted data, and any emails reported as phishing by the targets. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing phishing campaign.

Phishing scenario: Case 2 - Password Reset Campaign

The aim of this phishing campaign is to trick users into divulging their login credentials by pretending to offer account protection in response to a fake mailbox compromise.

Users received an urgent email claiming their mailbox was compromised. They were directed to a phishing landing page disguised as a password reset portal.

Upon clicking the link, Users were redirected to a fake password reset page resembling the email service provider's design, where they were prompted to enter their login credentials.

[asapeventss]

How to Choose the Right Audio Equipment for Events: A Complete Guide

Think back to a corporate seminar or even a wedding where sound was cutting in and out. Annoying right? Audio is the lifeblood of any successful event. Whether it's a business event, live concert, or special wedding, quality audio sets the tone for your guests to tune in, your speakers to engage, and the overall success of your event.

In this comprehensive guide, ASAP Events, a reliable partner in event equipment rentals in Dubai, will guide you through everything you need to know about choosing the right audio setup for your event, big or small, local or overseas.

1. Understand Your Event’s Audio Needs

Before picking up any gear, it’s essential to understand the nature of your event and the sound environment.

Event Type Matters

Different events have different audio requirements:

Corporate meetings need clear speech reinforcement.

Weddings require discreet, aesthetically pleasing audio.

Concerts need powerful sound systems with rich bass and coverage.

Outdoor events demand weather-resistant and high-output setups.

Audience Size and Venue Acoustics

The number of attendees and venue structure greatly influence your audio setup. A small conference room requires different gear compared to an open-air event.

Tip: For venues with echo or reverb issues, consider acoustic panels or cardioid speakers to minimize sound reflection.

2. Core Audio Equipment Components Explained

Getting the right mix of components is key to delivering crystal-clear audio.

Microphones

Handheld Mics – Great for speeches, Q&A sessions, and performers.

Lavalier Mics – Ideal for speakers and presenters who need to move freely.

Headset Mics – Perfect for fitness events or stage productions.

Speakers

Powered Speakers – Easy to set up, ideal for small to medium events.

Line Array Speakers – High-output speakers used in large venues for concerts.

Subwoofers – Add depth for music-heavy events or performances.

Mixers and Amplifiers

Mixers combine audio from multiple sources like mics, instruments, and laptops.

Amplifiers boost sound to levels that can fill your space without distortion.

Cables and Accessories

Never overlook the little things:

XLR and TRS Cables for secure, balanced connections

Stands, clamps, and racks for a stable, professional setup

Adapters and surge protectors to ensure reliability

3. Choosing the Right Setup Based on Event Type

When selecting audio equipment, your event type plays a critical role. Here's how to match your setup to your event:

Corporate Seminar: Use two wireless lavalier microphones for speakers, a compact PA system for sound projection, and a small mixer to manage audio input levels. This ensures clear, professional speech delivery.

Wedding Ceremony: Opt for discreet speakers that blend into the decor, a lavalier microphone for the officiant, and a playback system for ceremony music. This setup provides a romantic and interruption-free audio experience.

Conference or Expo: A podium microphone is ideal for keynote speakers, combined with a wireless handheld mic for audience interaction. Use multi-zone speakers to distribute sound evenly across large or partitioned areas.

Live Music Event: Equip the stage with dynamic microphones for performers, subwoofers to enhance bass, full-range speakers for audience coverage, and a multi-channel mixing console to control complex audio sources.

4. DIY vs. Professional Audio Setup

Thinking of setting it up yourself? Here's what to consider:

DIY Audio Rental

Cost-effective for small events

Works for tech-savvy users

When to Go Pro

Large audience or complex venue

Multiple audio sources

Live music or multi-day events

ASAP Events offers complete setup and on-site technical support, ensuring zero sound hiccups and professional-grade results.

5. Tips to Avoid Common Audio Pitfalls

Even with the best gear, mistakes can happen. Avoid these common issues:

Feedback: Caused by poor mic positioning. Use directional mics and avoid pointing them at speakers.

Dead Zones: Make sure speakers are angled to cover the entire venue.

Interference: Choose wireless mics with stable frequency ranges.

No Sound Check: Always test the full setup before the event starts.

6. Why Choose ASAP Events for Audio Equipment Rentals

With years of experience and a reputation for reliability, ASAP Events is your one-stop destination for event audio rentals in Dubai.

Here’s why our clients trust us:

Wide Range of Equipment – From handheld mics to full concert setups

Professional Consultation – We help you choose the right setup based on your needs

On-Site Support – Experienced technicians for seamless execution

Affordable Packages – Custom rental solutions for every budget

Local Expertise – We understand Dubai venues and local regulations

Need a tailored audio setup for your event? Contact ASAP Events today and we’ll help you sound your best.

Conclusion

High quality audio can elevate a good event into a memorable one. It doesn’t matter if you are laser focused on a corporate event or just a kick back outdoor event, choosing audio equipment of adequate quality is of the utmost importance. Use this guide to help you make your decisions - and keep in mind that with ASAP Events, we can provide you with professional quality audio equipment at the end of the line.

Ready to level up your event sound? Contact ASAP Events now for expert audio rental services in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What audio equipment is essential for a small event?

For small events, a basic PA system with 1–2 wireless microphones and powered speakers is usually sufficient.

2. How can I reduce feedback during a live speech?

Keep microphones away from speakers, use cardioid mics, and ensure the mixer gain is set appropriately.

3. Can I rent a full sound system for an outdoor wedding?

Yes! ASAP Events offers outdoor-ready speakers, wireless mics, and even generators if needed.

4. Does ASAP Events offer setup and technical support?

Absolutely. Our team handles delivery, setup, testing, and on-site troubleshooting.

5. What’s the cost of renting audio equipment in Dubai?

Pricing varies based on the event size and equipment needed. Contact ASAP Events for a free quote.

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WinBridge S100 Pro – 70W Portable PA System with Dual Wireless Microphones & Instrument Support

The WinBridge S100 Pro is a 70W portable voice amplifier designed for anyone needing strong, clear audio in various settings—be it classrooms, events, or performances. What sets it apart is the inclusion of two wireless handheld microphones, each offering four unique vocal modes: Acoustic, Professional, Popular, and Hip-hop.

In terms of sound, the S100 Pro delivers excellent clarity with a balanced audio profile—deep bass, crisp highs, and smooth mids—ideal for both speech and music. It features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, along with ports for USB, TF card, AUX, and 6.35 mm inputs for instruments or additional mics. This system also supports headphone monitoring and real-time streaming, making it great for live setups or content creators.

Its sturdy metal build, ergonomic handle, and five-dial control panel (including mic and instrument volume, echo, and master volume) give it both durability and ease of use. A one-touch mute function is an added convenience during speeches or presentations.

Battery life is decent—about 6 hours for the speaker and over 10 hours for each mic, making it suitable for medium-length sessions. Though slightly bulkier than smaller voice amps, it more than makes up for it in power, versatility, and control.

Ideal for teachers, public speakers, trainers, and performers, the S100 Pro is a comprehensive, professional-grade audio solution that handles demanding environments with ease

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Complete PHP Tutorial: Learn PHP from Scratch in 7 Days

Are you looking to learn backend web development and build dynamic websites with real functionality? You’re in the right place. Welcome to the Complete PHP Tutorial: Learn PHP from Scratch in 7 Days — a practical, beginner-friendly guide designed to help you master the fundamentals of PHP in just one week.

PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, is one of the most widely used server-side scripting languages on the web. It powers everything from small blogs to large-scale websites like Facebook and WordPress. Learning PHP opens up the door to back-end development, content management systems, and full-stack programming. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience with HTML/CSS, this tutorial is structured to help you learn PHP step by step with real-world examples.

Why Learn PHP?

Before diving into the tutorial, let’s understand why PHP is still relevant and worth learning in 2025:

Beginner-friendly: Easy syntax and wide support.

Open-source: Free to use with strong community support.

Cross-platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and integrates with most servers.

Database integration: Works seamlessly with MySQL and other databases.

In-demand: Still heavily used in CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.

If you want to build contact forms, login systems, e-commerce platforms, or data-driven applications, PHP is a great place to start.

Day-by-Day Breakdown: Learn PHP from Scratch in 7 Days

Day 1: Introduction to PHP & Setup

Start by setting up your environment:

Install XAMPP or MAMP to create a local server.

Create your first .php file.

Learn how to embed PHP inside HTML.

Example:

<?php echo "Hello, PHP!"; ?>

What you’ll learn:

How PHP works on the server

Running PHP in your browser

Basic syntax and echo statement

Day 2: Variables, Data Types & Constants

Dive into PHP variables and data types:

$name = "John"; $age = 25; $is_student = true;

Key concepts:

Variable declaration and naming

Data types: String, Integer, Float, Boolean, Array

Constants and predefined variables ($_SERVER, $_GET, $_POST)

Day 3: Operators, Conditions & Control Flow

Learn how to make decisions in PHP:

if ($age > 18) { echo "You are an adult."; } else { echo "You are underage."; }

Topics covered:

Arithmetic, comparison, and logical operators

If-else, switch-case

Nesting conditions and best practices

Day 4: Loops and Arrays

Understand loops to perform repetitive tasks:

$fruits = ["Apple", "Banana", "Cherry"]; foreach ($fruits as $fruit) { echo $fruit. "<br>"; }

Learn about:

for, while, do...while, and foreach loops

Arrays: indexed, associative, and multidimensional

Array functions (count(), array_push(), etc.)

Day 5: Functions & Form Handling

Start writing reusable code and learn how to process user input from forms:

function greet($name) { return "Hello, $name!"; }

Skills you gain:

Defining and calling functions

Passing parameters and returning values

Handling HTML form data with $_POST and $_GET

Form validation and basic security tips

Day 6: Working with Files & Sessions

Build applications that remember users and work with files:

session_start(); $_SESSION["username"] = "admin";

Topics included:

File handling (fopen, fwrite, fread, etc.)

Reading and writing text files

Sessions and cookies

Login system basics using session variables

Day 7: PHP & MySQL – Database Connectivity

On the final day, you’ll connect PHP to a database and build a mini CRUD app:

$conn = new mysqli("localhost", "root", "", "mydatabase");

Learn how to:

Connect PHP to a MySQL database

Create and execute SQL queries

Insert, read, update, and delete (CRUD operations)

Display database data in HTML tables

Bonus Tips for Mastering PHP

Practice by building mini-projects (login form, guest book, blog)

Read official documentation at php.net

Use tools like phpMyAdmin to manage databases visually

Try MVC frameworks like Laravel or CodeIgniter once you're confident with core PHP

What You’ll Be Able to Build After This PHP Tutorial

After following this 7-day PHP tutorial, you’ll be able to:

Create dynamic web pages

Handle form submissions

Work with databases

Manage sessions and users

Understand the logic behind content management systems (CMS)

This gives you the foundation to become a full-stack developer, or even specialize in backend development using PHP and MySQL.

Final Thoughts

Learning PHP doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With the Complete PHP Tutorial: Learn PHP from Scratch in 7 Days, you’re taking a focused, structured path toward web development success. You’ll learn all the core concepts through clear explanations and hands-on examples that prepare you for real-world projects.

Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or aspiring developer, PHP remains a powerful and valuable skill to add to your web development toolkit.

So open up your code editor, start typing your first <?php ... ?> block, and begin your journey to building dynamic, powerful web applications — one day at a time.

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YOGIPRO YJ-301 Amplifier: Versatile Power for Every Stage

The YOGIPRO YJ-301 Amplifier is a robust 300W RMS audio solution, ideal for diverse venues—from religious gatherings to outdoor events. It features six microphone and two auxiliary inputs, accommodating various audio sources. With speaker outputs supporting 4/8-ohm and 70/100V configurations, it offers flexibility for different setups. The built-in digital echo effect and two-way tone control enhance sound quality, while safety features like AC circuit breakers and over-temperature protection ensure reliable operation. Crafted by ATI Pro Technologies, the YJ-301 combines performance and durability for professional audio applications.

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Choosing the Best Action Camera, Vlogging Camera, and Microphone Lavalier for Real-World Content

In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, the ability to capture compelling content isn’t just a hobby—it’s a vital part of building a presence, telling stories, or connecting with an audience. Whether you're scaling a mountain, navigating city streets with a lens in hand, or filming a sit-down vlog, your gear can make or break the final outcome. But what exactly qualifies as the best action camera, the best vlogging camera, or the ideal microphone lavalier? Let’s explore these essential tools not from the lens of hype—but from practicality, performance, and what actually helps content creators thrive.

Why the Best Action Camera is More Than Just Durability

Action cameras have come a long way from their early days of basic point-and-shoot capabilities strapped to a helmet. The current market is full of models that offer 4K and even 5K video, high frame rates, slow-motion support, and stunning image stabilization that feels like magic.

But finding the best action camera isn't about chasing specs—it’s about matching a device to your use case. Are you diving into the ocean? You’ll need waterproofing that’s reliable without an external case. Are you mountain biking or trail running? Look for shock resistance, lightweight design, and voice control. And then there’s battery life—because a dead camera in the middle of your adventure is worse than no camera at all.

Versatility is what separates a good action cam from a great one. The best options allow for quick mounting, intuitive menu navigation even with gloves, and a mobile app that lets you quickly review and transfer content. It’s this balance of usability and quality that allows creators to stay in the flow while capturing high-impact moments.

What Makes a Camera Truly the Best for Vlogging?

On the surface, the best vlogging camera sounds like a personal choice. But when you dig deeper, patterns emerge. Vloggers need cameras that start fast, focus quickly, and deliver great image quality even in less-than-perfect lighting. If you're filming at home one minute and in a café the next, you need something that adapts just as quickly.

Flip screens are essential—there’s no point in guessing whether you’re in frame. Autofocus with reliable subject tracking means your footage stays sharp even if you move around. And audio input support is a must, because in-camera mics just don't cut it when you’re speaking directly to an audience.

It’s also worth considering portability. Many creators shoot spontaneously. Hauling a bulky DSLR around every day doesn’t work for everyone. Some of the best vlogging setups are surprisingly compact—mirrorless or even high-end compacts that pack power into a travel-ready form factor.

Again, it's not about what's most expensive or hyped—it’s about what lets you film consistently, adapt quickly, and feel confident that the footage will meet your creative standards. That’s what truly defines the best vlogging camera for your needs.

Lavalier Microphones: The Quiet MVP of Crisp, Clear Audio

If there’s one tool that doesn’t get nearly enough credit, it’s the microphone lavalier. These tiny clip-on mics are subtle in presence but massive in impact. When it comes to clear, hands-free audio, especially in interviews, tutorials, or mobile vlogs, lav mics make all the difference.

What sets a good lav mic apart isn’t just clarity—it’s how well it manages the environment. Wind, traffic, and room echo can all wreck a good take. High-quality lavaliers filter out that background noise while preserving the natural tone of your voice. Whether you're walking through a busy street or shooting indoors with minimal echo control, a reliable lav mic saves the footage.

Wireless lavaliers take things a step further. They free you up from being tethered to the camera, allowing for movement, natural pacing, and remote shooting. But again, it’s not always about the most feature-packed model—it’s about dependability. How easily does it connect? How strong is the signal range? Can it last through an hour-long shoot?

For creators, audio is often an afterthought until it becomes a problem. A lavalier mic bridges that gap quietly and efficiently. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it tool that earns its keep every time it’s used.

Wrapping It Up: Match the Gear to the Story

In the end, the best tools aren’t always the ones with the longest spec sheets—they’re the ones that get out of the way and let you create. Whether you’re hunting for the best action camera to document your next outdoor trek, seeking the best vlogging camera to build your online brand, or investing in a microphone lavalier that ensures your voice is always heard clearly, the goal is the same: smooth production, reliable quality, and the freedom to focus on your message—not your gear.

Each of these tools plays a different but complementary role in content creation. So if you're looking to level up your video game, start with what helps you tell better stories, more consistently, and with greater ease. Because in content creation, consistency and clarity often win out over pure technical prowess.

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Best PA Amplifier in India – High-Performance Sound Solutions

Looking for a powerful and reliable PA amplifier India? ATI Pro Technologies offers a wide range of high-quality PA amplifiers designed for public address systems, concerts, DJ setups, and professional audio applications. Our PA amplifiers deliver crystal-clear sound, high power output, and excellent durability, making them perfect for indoor and outdoor events. We provide various models, including low-wattage and high-wattage PA amplifiers, ensuring seamless sound distribution across large areas. Equipped with advanced features like digital processing, echo effects, and multiple input channels, our PA amplifiers are built for superior sound clarity and flexibility. Whether you need a PA amplifier for schools, auditoriums, religious gatherings, or live performances, we have the ideal solution for your needs. As a trusted supplier in India, ATI Pro Technologies ensures competitive pricing, nationwide delivery, and excellent after-sales support. Upgrade your sound system today with a powerful PA amplifier from ATI Pro Technologies. Contact us for the best deals and expert recommendations!

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Top Audio Equipment Upgrades for Community Theaters

A community theater is all about creating an immersive experience for the audience, and audio plays a crucial role in achieving that. No matter how talented the performers are or how stunning the set design looks, poor sound quality can ruin the entire production. If your community theater is looking to enhance its audio setup, upgrading key equipment can make a world of difference. Here are some of the most impactful audio upgrades that can take your theater’s sound system to the next level.

1. High-Quality Microphones for Clearer Dialogue

One of the most common audio challenges in community theaters is capturing clear, consistent dialogue. Investing in high-quality microphones ensures that every word spoken on stage reaches the audience without distortion or feedback. Here are a few microphone options to consider:

Lavalier (Lapels) Microphones – These are great for musicals and plays where actors need hands-free operation. They provide natural sound and allow for more movement on stage.

Headset Microphones – These offer better stability and sound quality compared to lavalier mics and are perfect for high-energy performances.

Shotgun Microphones – Ideal for picking up sound from multiple actors without needing individual mics, shotgun mics can be placed overhead or at the edge of the stage.

2. Upgraded Speakers for a More Immersive Experience

Speakers are the backbone of any audio system, and upgrading to high-quality ones can drastically improve sound clarity and distribution throughout the theater. When selecting speakers, consider the following:

Line Array Speakers – These are excellent for larger theaters as they distribute sound evenly across the audience.

Subwoofers – Adding a subwoofer enhances the depth and richness of sound, especially for musical productions.

Monitor Speakers – These help performers hear themselves on stage, preventing timing and pitch issues.

3. Digital Mixers for Precision Audio Control

An analog mixer might be sufficient for small productions, but a digital mixer offers far more control and flexibility. A digital mixing console allows sound engineers to fine-tune every aspect of the audio, including:

Adjusting individual microphone levels

Reducing background noise

Adding effects like reverb for a professional touch

Saving preset settings for different performances

Digital mixers also allow remote control via apps, making real-time adjustments much easier.

4. Wireless Audio Systems for Better Mobility

Cables running all over the stage are not only an eyesore but also a tripping hazard. Wireless audio systems eliminate this issue while offering greater mobility for performers. Consider upgrading to:

Wireless Microphones – These give actors more freedom to move around without worrying about tangled cables.

Wireless In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) – Instead of traditional stage monitors, IEMs provide a clearer sound directly to the performers’ ears, helping them stay in sync with the music and dialogue.

5. Acoustic Treatments to Reduce Echo and Noise

Upgrading audio equipment is important, but the acoustics of the theater also play a big role in sound quality. If your theater has a lot of echo or background noise, adding acoustic treatments can help. Consider:

Acoustic Panels – These absorb excess sound and reduce unwanted reverb.

Bass Traps – These help control low-frequency sounds, preventing muddiness in audio playback.

Stage Curtains and Soundproofing – These help block external noise and keep the sound within the theater space.

6. High-Quality Audio Interfaces for Seamless Connectivity

If your community theater records performances or integrates live music, an audio interface can improve sound capture and connectivity. A good audio interface helps:

Convert analog audio to digital signals with better clarity

Reduce latency in live recordings

Allow multiple inputs for instruments and microphones

7. Stage Communication Systems for Smooth Coordination

A well-coordinated show requires clear communication between the director, stage crew, and performers. Upgrading to a professional intercom system ensures smooth backstage coordination. Wireless and hands-free options help crew members stay in sync without disrupting the performance.Enhancing the audio setup of a community theater doesn’t just improve sound quality—it transforms the entire audience experience. Whether it's upgrading microphones for clearer dialogue, investing in better speakers, or optimizing acoustics, these changes can elevate your productions to a professional level. When considering upgrades, it’s always beneficial to explore options at reputable audio shops, ensuring you get the best equipment tailored to your theater’s specific needs. With the right audio setup, every performance will leave a lasting impact on the audience.