AndrewChapmanCreative Gives Viral Audio Memes a Beatdown

Andrew and Matt kick things off with an unboxing of Sony’s new mic, the C80, and the headphones, MDR-7506. These bad boys sound crisp, but the first meme showcases a singer who might be a bit misguided in using her mic. She treats it like it’s some kind of magic wand, pointing it all the wrong ways while still getting usable sound. It’s hilarious, and a bit of praise is due to Sony’s C80 for its clarity even when the mic’s position is completely off. They joke about the singer maybe trolling, as the quality seems too good for what’s shown. Matt and Andrew laugh it off, imagining a world where you intentionally record your shoulder instead of your voice. With a little patience and some extra guidance, even mic blunders like these can teach rookies about the importance of proper technique.

Andrew and Matt recall the rise in fame of Tascam preamps, something like the Cinderella story of gear, but with an inflation twist. They discuss how guitarists chase after that ‘certain sound’, blowing up the prices and leaving them shaking their heads at the thought of a $500 Tascam 424. Andrew’s a bit lukewarm on this trend, dropping a hot tip that the Tascam 414 is a cheaper alternative with the same preamps. But be warned, prices might skyrocket faster than you can spin a mixtape if everyone catches on. During their discussion, Andrew offers a clever hack on how to max out your guitar sound using the Tascam’s gain stages, painting a scene that only true gear enthusiasts can fully appreciate.

The conversation takes a turn towards the juicy tale of Behringer’s legal battles. Andrew tells us how Behringer’s Centaur clone led to a lawsuit saga, transforming it into the Centaura. In a cheeky play, Behringer manages to tap into some free marketing by simply ending up in court, and they even price their knock-off pedals ten bucks cheaper post-lawsuit. It’s like watching a street performance where the drama is as captivating as the music. Andrew and Matt point out how the whole uproar has inadvertently made these pedals collector’s items even before the ink is dry on the court settlement. It’s a classic case of gear-fan hype fueling a financial frenzy.

The guys delve into the fascinating world of audio illusions, revealing that what we think is rain in movies is often the crackle of frying chicken. Andrew relishes the surprise akin to discovering a hidden sample on a vinyl B-side. They marvel at the practicality of sound design, appreciating the ingenuity behind using such simple tricks to create convincing auditory experiences. The duo nod at Foley artists with respect, aware that capturing the essence of a scene often requires thinking outside the box. Just like mixing beats, it’s about layering the right sounds to craft a believable and immersive picture.