
Mono to Stereo Conversion Made Easy
Create a new Quick Action using Automator
Here's a simple Automator to Convert Mono Audio to a "Stereo" audio.
Why Convert a Mono File?
- Wider Soundstage: Stereo files can create a wider soundstage, making the audio feel more immersive and engaging.
- Improved Depth: Stereo audio can provide a sense of depth, with sounds appearing to come from different distances. Especially when listening to the audio in a car or on airpods.
Keep in mind that simply converting a mono file to stereo won't magically create a true stereo image. The original recording's limitations will still be present. However, conversion can be a useful step in audio post-production, especially when working with archival or legacy content.
Automator Steps
This will create a new action, so when you right click an audio file in the finder, you can just select "Convert Mono to Stereo."
To do this action, I had to use ffmpeg. There's another blog that I wrote on how to install it. It's a cool media utility to install and it's free!
- Open Automator (Finder > Applications > Automator).
- Click New Document, then select Quick Action and click Choose.
- In the Workflow receives current dropdown, select Audio Files in Finder.
- From the Library on the left, search for Run Shell Script and drag it into the workflow area.
- In the Shell: command select /bin/bash
- In the Pass input: use "as arguments"
- Add the Bash Code below.
- Save the file as "Convert Mono to Stereo"
Automator Action ScreenShot
Bash Code Used
for f in "$@"; do
# Define output file name (force .m4a extension)
output="${f%.*}_stereo.m4a"
# Use ffmpeg to convert mono to stereo and output as m4a
/usr/local/bin/ffmpeg -i "$f" -ac 2 -c:a aac "$output" -y
done
Permalink
Copy as Markdown
Clean Copy text to DayOne
I've noticed that when I paste text from Chrome into DayOne, it strips away formatting like bullet points and headers, leaving the entry looking messy. To address this, I use a Chrome extension called "Copy as Markdown." It simplifies the process by preserving most of the original formatting - think clean bullet lists and bold headers - making my DayOne entries more organized and visually appealing. It's not flawless (it works about 80% of the time), but it's reliable enough to save me effort.
The only drawback is that I have to right-click and select the extension from a menu each time. This extra step can feel tedious, especially when I'm pasting multiple items in a row. Still, for now, it's a solid workaround.
Simply right click to copy the selected content as Markdown.
Extension Info
The extension allows you to copy selected text on a page as Markdown with support for features including the following
- Ability to copy links, images, and selected text as Markdown.
- Linked images, will have options to individually select link or images.
- Formatted text such as Italic, bold, strike-through, and inline code.
- Unordered and ordered lists, with task lists support.
- Tables, with respect to GFM.
- Fenced code blocks, with language detection using info strings.
Note: When copying links and images, Chrome doesn?t let you extract images alt text or anchors text content to be used in Markdown, instead the links themselves are used as link title. Firefox doesn?t have this limitation though.
PermalinkCustomize BBEdit Notebooks in the Dock
A Step-by-Step Guide to Boost Your Mac Productivity
Hello, fellow Mac enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you probably have a BBEdit Notebook for every project under the sun - blogging, coding, writing documentation, and more. After all, the beauty of BBEdit's Notebook feature lies in its ability to help us stay organized, especially when we're juggling multiple ventures at once.
But here's a little annoyance that has irked me (and possibly you) for quite some time: when you add several BBEdit Notebooks to the right side of your Dock (the "Documents" area), they all show up with the same default BBEdit Notebook icon. It can make it tough to tell them apart at a glance, particularly if you have more than one. So what's a Mac power user to do? Let me walk you through a quick and easy fix to customize those icons - giving each Notebook a unique look - so you can access them without the guesswork.
The Challenge: Identical Icons in the Dock
By default, your BBEdit Notebooks look identical in the Dock's document area. If you keep more than one Notebook down there (and who doesn't?), you'll be left playing "icon roulette" whenever you want to open one. This is far from ideal, especially when you're in the middle of a productive streak and want to jump right into a specific Notebook.
Before/After
The Workaround: Custom Icons
My solution uses a handy little app called Image2icon (though you can use other methods, too). With Image2icon, you can turn just about any image (a logo, a project icon, or even a picture of your cat - hey, you do you!) into a custom icon. It's the same concept as replacing any folder's icon; we're just applying it to the BBEdit Notebooks.
Step 1: Prepare Your Icon
- Install Image2icon (or your preferred icon-editing tool).
You can find Image2icon on the Mac App Store or from its developer's website.
- Choose or create an image for your Notebook icon.
This can be a PNG or JPG. I like to use distinct icons that remind me of each project's theme - like a pen for writing projects or a code bracket for development.
Step 2: Convert the Image to an Icon
- Open Image2icon and drag your chosen image into the app.
- Export the icon in ICNS or Finder icon format (depending on the tool's settings).
Step 3: Replace the BBEdit Notebook Icon
Locate your BBEdit Notebook file in Finder.
Get Info on the Notebook file by selecting it and pressing
Command + I
.
Click the small icon in the top-left corner of the Info window to highlight it.
Paste the new icon you created (select the icon in Image2icon's Info panel or drag it from your export, and use
Command + V
in the BBEdit Notebook Info window).- Alternatively, if you used Image2icon's drag-and-drop functionality, you can just drag the new icon onto that small icon in the Get Info window.
Step 4: Refresh the Dock
- Remove the Notebook from the Dock by dragging it out until you see the "Remove" label.
- Drag your Notebook back in from the Finder onto the Dock's document area.
- Voil?! You should now see your shiny new icon in the Dock.
Pro Tips and Extra Ideas
- Keep a Consistent Theme: If you regularly create new Notebooks, it can be helpful to have a common theme or color palette for your icons. It keeps your Dock looking tidy and makes each Notebook icon instantly recognizable.
- Use Short, Descriptive Names: Even though the icons are front and center, a short name or label can go a long way in quickly identifying a Notebook. Right-click on a Notebook in the Dock, select "Show in Finder," and rename the file for clarity (e.g., "Blog Notebook," "Code Docs," "Marketing Plan").
- Drag and Drop for Quick Access: If you're creating a new BBEdit Notebook and already have a set of icons ready, don't forget you can instantly drag it onto the Dock for immediate use. No need to wait until later - get it set up the moment you create it.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it: a simple yet powerful way to distinguish your BBEdit Notebooks in the Dock. By replacing the default icon with a more personalized one, you'll spend less time hunting around and more time being productive in the apps and Notebooks you love.
Got any favorite BBEdit or Dock customization tricks up your sleeve? I'd love to hear about them! Feel free to share in the comments below or drop me a message on social media. Let's keep turning our Macs into the productivity powerhouses we know they can be.
PermalinkHow to Extract Audio from Video on Mac Instantly Using Automator
Turn any video into an audio file with a simple right-click in Finder—no third-party apps needed! Learn how to set up an Automator Quick Action to streamline your workflow.
As a long-time Mac user, I'm always looking for ways to simplify common tasks. One handy trick is extracting audio from a video file using Automator. Instead of launching a separate app, you can create a Quick Action that allows you to right-click any video file in Finder and instantly generate an audio file in the same folder.
Why Use Automator?
Automator is a powerful macOS tool that lets you create custom workflows without needing to know how to code. By setting up a Quick Action, you can convert video to audio without opening an application - just a simple right-click and you're done!
Setting Up the Quick Action
Follow these steps to create a Quick Action in Automator:
- Open Automator (Finder > Applications > Automator).
- Click New Document, then select Quick Action and click Choose.
- In the Workflow receives current dropdown, select Movie Files in Finder.
- From the Library on the left, search for Extract Audio from Movie and drag it into the workflow area.
- In the action settings, choose Audio Only and select your preferred format (e.g., M4A, AIFF, WAV).
- Add the Move Finder Items action to save the extracted audio file in the same folder as the original video.
- Save the workflow as Create Audio from Video.
This is what the Automator Action should look like.
Using the Quick Action
Once you've set up the Quick Action, using it is a breeze:
- Locate a video file in Finder.
- Right-click the file, hover over Quick Actions, and select Create Audio from Video.
- Within seconds, the extracted audio file appears in the same folder!
Conclusion
This is a great way to quickly extract the audio from a video file - whether it's a lecture, interview, or music clip - without the need for third-party apps. Automator makes your Mac work smarter, so why not take advantage of it?
PermalinkArt Text 4 AI Features
Cool tool to create amazing images
If you're a designer or someone who loves playing with typography and graphic design, you might be thrilled to know about the latest advancements in Art Text 4, especially with its integration of AI tools. Here?s an in-depth look at how these AI features can revolutionize your design process.
Introduction to Art Text 4
Art Text 4, developed by BeLight Software, has long been a favorite among Mac users for its robust capabilities in creating text effects, logos, and animated text. With the latest update to version 4.4, Art Text takes a significant leap forward by introducing AI-powered tools that not only enhance the functionality of the software but also bring a new level of creativity to the table.
AI Tols Wizard in Art Text 4.
AI Wizard - The Heart of Innovation
The centerpiece of AI integration in Art Text 4 is the AI Wizard. This tool offers users:
- Seamless AI Access: Designers can now leverage artificial intelligence directly within Art Text to enhance or even generate graphics based on text prompts. This means transforming simple text descriptions into complex, visually stunning designs without needing to switch between multiple software tools.
- AI Styles: Art Text 4 introduces AI Styles, which are specially trained models for specific effects. These styles help in creating typography that's not only detailed but also hyper-realistic, pushing the boundaries of traditional design.
- Enhanced Descriptions: When configuring an AI task, the tool encourages users to use descriptive text prompts. Words like "saturated," "vibrant," "dramatic," or "photorealistic" guide the AI to produce outcomes that align closely with the designer's vision.
- Customization Options: The AI Effect Amount and Keep Original Shape settings allow for fine-tuning how much influence the AI has on the final image, balancing between automated creativity and manual design control.
Generated AI Stitched & Knitted Gallery
Practical Applications
- Typography Graphics: With the AI Wizard, creating stunning typography graphics has never been easier. Whether you're looking for a logo with a unique twist or dynamic text effects for marketing materials, the AI tools can generate or enhance these elements.
- Image Upscaling: For those needing higher resolution images, the AI Upscale tool can generate 4K images from your designs, ensuring your work looks sharp across all platforms.
- Design Automation: The AI can automate parts of the design process, like suggesting color schemes or text effects based on the content or theme of your project, saving time and sparking creativity.
Pricing and Availability
Art Text 4.4 is priced at $29.99 and is available both from the BeLight website and the Apple Mac App Store. It requires an Apple Silicon or Intel processor running macOS 10.13 or higher, making it accessible to a wide range of Mac users.
Some of the AI Themes are priced at $24.99 a set (with 40 AI renders) or you can buy a bundle for $99 - which included 640 AI Renders.
The Creative Edge
The introduction of AI tools in Art Text 4 signifies a shift towards more intuitive, user-friendly design software. Here are some of the benefits:
- Increased Efficiency: With AI handling some of the more repetitive tasks, designers can focus more on creativity and less on technicalities.
- Innovation in Design: The AI's ability to interpret and visualize ideas can lead to novel designs that might not have been conceived through traditional methods alone.
- Accessibility: Even those without advanced design skills can create professional-looking graphics, democratizing design to a certain extent.
Letter Craft AI Styles has some many cool applications.
Conclusion
Art Text 4 with its AI enhancements is not just about making design easier; it's about making it more inventive. Whether you're a professional looking to streamline your workflow or a hobbyist eager to explore new artistic avenues, Art Text 4's AI tools offer something for everyone. They exemplify how AI can be a partner, not just a tool, in the creative process, helping to bring visions to life with unprecedented ease and sophistication.
So, why wait? Dive into Art Text 4, explore these AI capabilities, and see how they can elevate your design game to new heights. Remember, in the world of art and design, the only limit is your imagination, and with AI, even that limit expands.
Sample output of the Boston "Snow" using one of the free designs.
Say Command
List of Current Voices
One of the hidden gems in macOS is the say command, a simple yet powerful tool that allows users to have their Mac speak text out loud. While many people know the say command exists, few explore the wide range of voices available and how they can be customized for different purposes.
Basic Usage of the say Command
To use the say command, simply open Terminal and type:
say "Hello, welcome to macOS!"
Your Mac will immediately read the text aloud using the system's default voice.
Listing Available Voices
To see all the voices installed on your Mac, run:
say -v "?"
This command will display a list of voices, their names, and the corresponding language/accent. This is the current list of 175 voices:
Albert en_US # Hello! My name is Albert.
Alice it_IT # Ciao! Mi chiamo Alice.
Alva sv_SE # Hej! Jag heter Alva.
Amlie fr_CA # Bonjour! Je mappelle Amlie.
Amira ms_MY # Hi my name is Amira
Anna de_DE # Hallo! Ich heie Anna.
Bad News en_US # Hello! My name is Bad News.
Bahh en_US # Hello! My name is Bahh.
Bells en_US # Hello! My name is Bells.
Boing en_US # Hello! My name is Boing.
Bubbles en_US # Hello! My name is Bubbles.
Carmit he_IL # , .
Cellos en_US # Hello! My name is Cellos.
Damayanti id_ID # Halo! Nama saya Damayanti.
Daniel en_GB # Hello! My name is Daniel.
Daria bg_BG # Hello! My name is Daria.
Wobble en_US # Hello! My name is Wobble.
Eddy (German (Germany)) de_DE # Hallo! Ich heie Eddy.
Eddy (English (UK)) en_GB # Hello! My name is Eddy.
Eddy (English (US)) en_US # Hello! My name is Eddy.
Eddy (Spanish (Spain)) es_ES # Hola! Me llamo Eddy.
Eddy (Spanish (Mexico)) es_MX # Hola! Me llamo Eddy.
Eddy (Finnish (Finland)) fi_FI # Hei! Nimeni on Eddy.
Eddy (French (Canada)) fr_CA # Bonjour! Je mappelle Eddy.
Eddy (French (France)) fr_FR # Bonjour, je mappelle Eddy.
Eddy (Italian (Italy)) it_IT # Ciao! Mi chiamo Eddy.
Eddy (Japanese (Japan)) ja_JP # ! Eddy
Eddy (Korean (South Korea)) ko_KR # . Eddy.
Eddy (Portuguese (Brazil)) pt_BR # Ol, meu nome Eddy.
Eddy (Chinese (China mainland)) zh_CN # Eddy
Eddy (Chinese (Taiwan)) zh_TW # Eddy
Ellen nl_BE # Hallo! Mijn naam is Ellen.
Flo (German (Germany)) de_DE # Hallo! Ich heie Flo.
Flo (English (UK)) en_GB # Hello! My name is Flo.
Flo (English (US)) en_US # Hello! My name is Flo.
Flo (Spanish (Spain)) es_ES # Hola! Me llamo Flo.
Flo (Spanish (Mexico)) es_MX # Hola! Me llamo Flo.
Flo (Finnish (Finland)) fi_FI # Hei! Nimeni on Flo.
Flo (French (Canada)) fr_CA # Bonjour! Je mappelle Flo.
Flo (French (France)) fr_FR # Bonjour, je mappelle Flo.
Flo (Italian (Italy)) it_IT # Ciao! Mi chiamo Flo.
Flo (Japanese (Japan)) ja_JP # ! Flo
Flo (Korean (South Korea)) ko_KR # . Flo.
Flo (Portuguese (Brazil)) pt_BR # Ol, meu nome Flo.
Flo (Chinese (China mainland)) zh_CN # Flo
Flo (Chinese (Taiwan)) zh_TW # Flo
Fred en_US # Hello! My name is Fred.
Good News en_US # Hello! My name is Good News.
Grandma (German (Germany)) de_DE # Hallo! Ich heie Grandma.
Grandma (English (UK)) en_GB # Hello! My name is Grandma.
Grandma (English (US)) en_US # Hello! My name is Grandma.
Grandma (Spanish (Spain)) es_ES # Hola! Me llamo Grandma.
Grandma (Spanish (Mexico)) es_MX # Hola! Me llamo Grandma.
Grandma (Finnish (Finland)) fi_FI # Hei! Nimeni on Grandma.
Grandma (French (Canada)) fr_CA # Bonjour! Je mappelle Grandma.
Grandma (French (France)) fr_FR # Bonjour, je mappelle Grandma.
Grandma (Italian (Italy)) it_IT # Ciao! Mi chiamo Grandma.
Grandma (Japanese (Japan)) ja_JP # ! Grandma
Grandma (Korean (South Korea)) ko_KR # . Grandma.
Grandma (Portuguese (Brazil)) pt_BR # Ol, meu nome Grandma.
Grandma (Chinese (China mainland)) zh_CN # Grandma
Grandma (Chinese (Taiwan)) zh_TW # Grandma
Grandpa (German (Germany)) de_DE # Hallo! Ich heie Grandpa.
Grandpa (English (UK)) en_GB # Hello! My name is Grandpa.
Grandpa (English (US)) en_US # Hello! My name is Grandpa.
Grandpa (Spanish (Spain)) es_ES # Hola! Me llamo Grandpa.
Grandpa (Spanish (Mexico)) es_MX # Hola! Me llamo Grandpa.
Grandpa (Finnish (Finland)) fi_FI # Hei! Nimeni on Grandpa.
Grandpa (French (Canada)) fr_CA # Bonjour! Je mappelle Grandpa.
Grandpa (French (France)) fr_FR # Bonjour, je mappelle Grandpa.
Grandpa (Italian (Italy)) it_IT # Ciao! Mi chiamo Grandpa.
Grandpa (Japanese (Japan)) ja_JP # ! Grandpa
Grandpa (Korean (South Korea)) ko_KR # . Grandpa.
Grandpa (Portuguese (Brazil)) pt_BR # Ol, meu nome Grandpa.
Grandpa (Chinese (China mainland)) zh_CN # Grandpa
Grandpa (Chinese (Taiwan)) zh_TW # Grandpa
Jester en_US # Hello! My name is Jester.
Ioana ro_RO # Salut! Numele meu este Ioana.
Jacques fr_FR # Bonjour, je mappelle Jacques.
Joana pt_PT # Ol! Chamome Joana.
Junior en_US # Hello! My name is Junior.
Kanya th_TH # !
Karen en_AU # Hi my name is Karen
Kathy en_US # Hello! My name is Kathy.
Kyoko ja_JP # ! Kyoko
Lana hr_HR # Bok, zovem se Lana.
Laura sk_SK # Ahoj, volm sa Laura.
Lekha hi_IN # ,
Lesya uk_UA # ! .
Linh vi_VN # Xin cho! Tn ti l Linh.
Luciana pt_BR # Ol, meu nome Luciana.
Majed ar_001 # ! .
Tnde hu_HU # dvzlm! A nevem Tnde.
Meijia zh_TW #
Melina el_GR # ! .
Milena ru_RU # ! .
Moira en_IE # Hello! My name is Moira.
Mnica es_ES # Hola! Me llamo Mnica.
Montse ca_ES # Hola! Em dic Montse.
Nora nb_NO # Hei! Jeg heter Nora.
Organ en_US # Hello! My name is Organ.
Paulina es_MX # Hola! Me llamo Paulina.
Superstar en_US # Hello! My name is Superstar.
Ralph en_US # Hello! My name is Ralph.
Reed (German (Germany)) de_DE # Hallo! Ich heie Reed.
Reed (English (UK)) en_GB # Hello! My name is Reed.
Reed (English (US)) en_US # Hello! My name is Reed.
Reed (Spanish (Spain)) es_ES # Hola! Me llamo Reed.
Reed (Spanish (Mexico)) es_MX # Hola! Me llamo Reed.
Reed (Finnish (Finland)) fi_FI # Hei! Nimeni on Reed.
Reed (French (Canada)) fr_CA # Bonjour! Je mappelle Reed.
Reed (Italian (Italy)) it_IT # Ciao! Mi chiamo Reed.
Reed (Japanese (Japan)) ja_JP # ! Reed
Reed (Korean (South Korea)) ko_KR # . Reed.
Reed (Portuguese (Brazil)) pt_BR # Ol, meu nome Reed.
Reed (Chinese (China mainland)) zh_CN # Reed
Reed (Chinese (Taiwan)) zh_TW # Reed
Rishi en_IN # Hello! My name is Rishi.
Rocko (German (Germany)) de_DE # Hallo! Ich heie Rocko.
Rocko (English (UK)) en_GB # Hello! My name is Rocko.
Rocko (English (US)) en_US # Hello! My name is Rocko.
Rocko (Spanish (Spain)) es_ES # Hola! Me llamo Rocko.
Rocko (Spanish (Mexico)) es_MX # Hola! Me llamo Rocko.
Rocko (Finnish (Finland)) fi_FI # Hei! Nimeni on Rocko.
Rocko (French (Canada)) fr_CA # Bonjour! Je mappelle Rocko.
Rocko (French (France)) fr_FR # Bonjour, je mappelle Rocko.
Rocko (Italian (Italy)) it_IT # Ciao! Mi chiamo Rocko.
Rocko (Japanese (Japan)) ja_JP # ! Rocko
Rocko (Korean (South Korea)) ko_KR # . Rocko.
Rocko (Portuguese (Brazil)) pt_BR # Ol, meu nome Rocko.
Rocko (Chinese (China mainland)) zh_CN # Rocko
Rocko (Chinese (Taiwan)) zh_TW # Rocko
Samantha en_US # Hello! My name is Samantha.
Sandy (German (Germany)) de_DE # Hallo! Ich heie Sandy.
Sandy (English (UK)) en_GB # Hello! My name is Sandy.
Sandy (English (US)) en_US # Hello! My name is Sandy.
Sandy (Spanish (Spain)) es_ES # Hola! Me llamo Sandy.
Sandy (Spanish (Mexico)) es_MX # Hola! Me llamo Sandy.
Sandy (Finnish (Finland)) fi_FI # Hei! Nimeni on Sandy.
Sandy (French (Canada)) fr_CA # Bonjour! Je mappelle Sandy.
Sandy (French (France)) fr_FR # Bonjour, je mappelle Sandy.
Sandy (Italian (Italy)) it_IT # Ciao! Mi chiamo Sandy.
Sandy (Japanese (Japan)) ja_JP # ! Sandy
Sandy (Korean (South Korea)) ko_KR # . Sandy.
Sandy (Portuguese (Brazil)) pt_BR # Ol, meu nome Sandy.
Sandy (Chinese (China mainland)) zh_CN # Sandy
Sandy (Chinese (Taiwan)) zh_TW # Sandy
Sara da_DK # Hej! Jeg hedder Sara.
Satu fi_FI # Hei! Nimeni on Satu.
Shelley (German (Germany)) de_DE # Hallo! Ich heie Shelley.
Shelley (English (UK)) en_GB # Hello! My name is Shelley.
Shelley (English (US)) en_US # Hello! My name is Shelley.
Shelley (Spanish (Spain)) es_ES # Hola! Me llamo Shelley.
Shelley (Spanish (Mexico)) es_MX # Hola! Me llamo Shelley.
Shelley (Finnish (Finland)) fi_FI # Hei! Nimeni on Shelley.
Shelley (French (Canada)) fr_CA # Bonjour! Je mappelle Shelley.
Shelley (French (France)) fr_FR # Bonjour, je mappelle Shelley.
Shelley (Italian (Italy)) it_IT # Ciao! Mi chiamo Shelley.
Shelley (Japanese (Japan)) ja_JP # ! Shelley
Shelley (Korean (South Korea)) ko_KR # . Shelley.
Shelley (Portuguese (Brazil)) pt_BR # Ol, meu nome Shelley.
Shelley (Chinese (China mainland)) zh_CN # Shelley
Shelley (Chinese (Taiwan)) zh_TW # Shelley
Sinji zh_HK #
Tessa en_ZA # Hello! My name is Tessa.
Thomas fr_FR # Bonjour, je mappelle Thomas.
Tina sl_SI # ivijo, ime mi je Tina.
Tingting zh_CN # Hi my name is Tingting
Trinoids en_US # Hello! My name is Trinoids.
Whisper en_US # Hello! My name is Whisper.
Xander nl_NL # Hallo! Mijn naam is Xander.
Yelda tr_TR # Merhaba, benim adm Yelda.
Yuna ko_KR # . .
Zarvox en_US # Hello! My name is Zarvox.
Zosia pl_PL # Hi my name is Zosia
Zuzana cs_CZ # Hi my name is Zuzana
Why the 2019 iMac 5K is Still Worth Talking About
Still my Primary Computer
The iMac Retina 5K, 27-inch (2019) might not be Apple's latest all-in-one, but it still holds its own. It was one of the last Intel-based iMacs, and for some users, that makes it special. Let's dive into some fun facts about this powerhouse Mac!
User-Upgradeable RAM - A Dying Feature
One of the best things about the 2019 iMac is its user-accessible RAM slot. Unlike today's sealed Apple Silicon Macs, this model lets you upgrade the RAM yourself. Officially, Apple supports up to 64GB, but tech enthusiasts have successfully installed 128GB. That's a serious boost for video editors, developers, and anyone running resource-heavy tasks.
That Gorgeous 5K Display
The Retina 5K display (5120?2880 resolution) is still stunning. It supports P3 wide color gamut and True Tone, making it a favorite for designers and video editors. For years, people considered it the gold standard for built-in Mac displays. In fact, it was so good that many professionals stuck with this iMac instead of shelling out thousands for an external 5K or 6K monitor.
The iMac That Outlived the Mac Pro
When Apple discontinued the iMac Pro (2017) in 2021, many professionals looked to the 2019 iMac as a worthy replacement. It had an option for a Core i9 processor, which outperformed some base-level 2019 Mac Pro configurations in certain single-core tasks. Not bad for an all-in-one!
Boot Camp and Virtualization Still Matter
Unlike Apple Silicon Macs, this iMac still supports Boot Camp, meaning you can run Windows natively. It's also a great machine for running older versions of macOS, making it useful for developers and legacy software users.
The T2 Chip - A Blessing and a Curse
Apple's T2 security chip improved SSD encryption, microphone privacy, and camera processing. It also enabled Hey Siri without an iPhone nearby. But it came with a trade-off - it made some repairs harder and added restrictions on downgrading macOS.
Why People Still Love This iMac in 202
Some people still prefer this model over newer Macs. Why?
- It supports Intel-based apps without emulation.
- You can boot from external drives more easily.
- It's still one of the best-looking all-in-one Macs ever made.
The 2019 iMac 5K isn't just a relic of the past - it's a Mac with a lasting legacy. If you still have one, you've got a piece of Apple history that's worth holding onto!
PermalinkMaster Ocenaudio Filters: Unlock the Power of Professional Audio Editing
Explore clear and concise descriptions of Ocenaudio’s key filters to enhance your audio editing skills and simplify your workflow.
Ocenaudio offers a wide range of filters to enhance audio, but the variety can feel overwhelming. To simplify things, I?ve provided descriptions of the major filters to clarify their functionality
Here are brief descriptions for each of the Oceanaudio audio filters:
General Filters in Ocenaudio
Lowpass Filter
Use the Lowpass Filter to remove high-frequency sounds, allowing only lower frequencies to pass through. It's ideal for reducing hiss or other high-pitched noise in recordings.Highpass Filter
The Highpass Filter removes low-frequency sounds, permitting higher frequencies to pass through. It's commonly used to reduce rumble or eliminate unwanted bass noise.Bandpass Filter
The Bandpass Filter isolates a specific range of frequencies while cutting both high and low frequencies outside that range. This is useful for focusing on particular frequency bands, like vocals or instruments.Bandstop Filter
The Bandstop Filter removes a specific frequency range while allowing frequencies outside that range to pass through. It's helpful for eliminating specific noise, such as hums or feedback.Apple Bandpass Filter
Similar to the Bandpass Filter but optimized with Apple's unique algorithms, it focuses on specific frequencies for a more refined and efficient result.Apple Filter
A general-purpose filter from Apple's audio suite that allows for customizable frequency adjustments. It's versatile for enhancing or attenuating frequencies as needed.Apple Highpass Filter
Removes low-frequency noise with precision using Apple's highpass technology. Perfect for eliminating bass-heavy interference while retaining clarity in higher frequencies.Apple High Shelf Filter
Boosts or attenuates high frequencies above a certain threshold. This filter is excellent for brightening audio or reducing harshness in higher tones.Apple Lowpass Filter
Filters out high frequencies using Apple's proprietary algorithms, ideal for smoothing recordings or reducing shrill sounds.Apple Low Shelf Filter
Boosts or attenuates low frequencies below a set point, making it useful for enhancing bass or minimizing muddiness in recordings.
Equalization Filters in Ocenaudio
11-Band Graphic Equalizer
Offers control over 11 frequency bands, allowing you to adjust specific ranges to enhance or reduce particular tones. It's a simple and effective way to shape your audio for general corrections or creative effects.31-Band Graphic Equalizer
Provides precise control over 31 frequency bands, ideal for fine-tuning audio across a wide spectrum. This is perfect for detailed equalization or addressing complex audio imbalances.Apple Graphic Equalizer
A user-friendly equalizer from Apple that adjusts multiple frequency bands for overall tonal balance. Use it for quick and effective audio enhancements or corrections.Apple N-Band Equalizer
An advanced equalizer offering customizable frequency bands, giving you precise control over specific audio frequencies. It's great for tailoring audio to your exact preferences or addressing detailed sound issues.Apple Parametric Equalizer
Allows targeted adjustments to specific frequencies with control over bandwidth and gain. This filter is ideal for surgical edits, such as removing problem frequencies or enhancing specific audio elements.
Dynamics Processing Audio Filters in Ocenaudio
Compressor
Reduces the dynamic range by lowering the volume of loud sounds while keeping quieter sounds unaffected. This is useful for achieving a balanced and polished sound, especially in vocal or music tracks.Expander
Increases the dynamic range by reducing the volume of quiet sounds below a set threshold. It's ideal for enhancing clarity and reducing unwanted low-level noise.Limiter
Ensures audio does not exceed a specified volume level, preventing distortion or clipping. It's essential for mastering and creating audio with consistent loudness.Noise Gate
Silences audio below a certain threshold, effectively removing background noise or hum. This is great for cleaning up recordings with unwanted ambient sounds.Apple Dynamics Processor
A versatile tool for managing dynamics, combining compression, expansion, and limiting features. Use it for precise control over audio levels and tonal balance.Apple Peak Limiter
Prevents audio peaks from exceeding a defined limit, ensuring clean and distortion-free output. It's commonly used in mastering to control sudden loud spikes.Apple Multiband Compressor
Divides the audio into frequency bands and applies compression to each band independently. This allows for detailed dynamic control, making it ideal for complex audio mixes or mastering.
Special Audio Filters in Ocenaudio
Apply Quantization
Reduces the bit depth of audio, creating a lo-fi effect or preparing audio for specific formats. It's useful for creative sound design or adapting audio for digital applications.Add Random Noise
Introduces random noise to your audio, often for testing, masking other sounds, or creating special effects. It's helpful in simulating certain acoustic environments or adding texture.Apple Distortion
Applies distortion to the audio, creating an overdriven or gritty sound. It's commonly used in music production for creative effects or emphasizing certain frequencies.Apple Net Send
Sends the audio stream to another device or software via a network, useful for real-time processing or collaborative work. It's ideal for live setups or remote audio workflows.Apple AAC Encoder Round Trip
Simulates the compression and decompression of the AAC audio codec. This is helpful for previewing how audio will sound in AAC format without permanent conversion.Apple Roger Beep
Adds a tone (beep) at the end of a transmission, often used in radio communications. This can be applied for authenticity in simulated broadcasts or fun effects.Apple Sound Isolation
Isolates specific sounds or reduces background noise to enhance the clarity of a target audio source. It's excellent for cleaning up recordings with significant ambient interference.
Adding Custom Songs and Clips to the Apple Loop Library
Enhance Your Music Production
Hello, fellow Mac enthusiasts and music maestros! Welcome back to another Friday edition of Macintosh Blog, your go-to source for all things Apple and music production. Today, we're diving into a fantastic feature that can supercharge your creative workflow: Adding Your Own Songs and Clips to the Apple Loop Library in GarageBand.
Whether you're a budding producer or a seasoned pro, having a personalized loop library can make your projects more unique and streamline your creative process. Let's walk through the simple steps to enrich your Apple Loop Library with your custom creations.
Why Customize Your Apple Loop Library?
Before we get into the how, let's quickly touch on the why. Apple Loop Library is a treasure trove of pre-made loops and samples that can be seamlessly integrated into your music projects. By adding your own clips:
- Personalization: Tailor your library to match your unique sound and style.
- Efficiency: Quickly access your favorite sounds without hunting through countless files.
- Organization: Keep your workspace tidy by categorizing your loops effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Clips to Apple Loop Library
1. Create or Select Your Clip
Start by opening your preferred music production software - GarageBand, Logic Pro, or any other compatible application. Create a new project or open an existing one and select the song or clip you want to add to your Apple Loop Library. Ensure that the clip is well-mixed and mastered to maintain quality across different projects.
2. Drag the Clip to the Apple Loop Section
Once your clip is ready:
- Locate the Timeline: This is where your tracks are laid out.
- Select the Clip: Click on the song or specific segment you wish to save as a loop.
- Drag and Drop: Click and drag the selected clip from the timeline directly into the Apple Loop Library section. This action initiates the process of adding your custom loop to the library.
3. Name Your Loop Effectively
Naming your loops thoughtfully is crucial for easy retrieval later. Follow these tips:
- Be Descriptive: Use names that describe the clip's mood, instrument, tempo, or key (e.g., "Sunny Acoustic Guitar - 120BPM - C Major").
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent naming convention to keep your library organized.
- Avoid Generic Names: Steer clear of vague names like "Loop1" or "Track A" which can make searching tedious.
4. Categorize Your Loop
After naming, categorize your loop to fit seamlessly within your existing library structure:
- Genre: Rock, Pop, Jazz, Electronic, etc.
- Instrument: Guitar, Drums, Synth, Vocals, etc.
- Mood/Style: Chill, Energetic, Dark, Uplifting, etc.
Proper categorization ensures that you can quickly locate the perfect loop during your creative sessions.
5. Finalize and Save
Once named and categorized:
- Review: Play back the loop to ensure it sounds as intended.
- Save: Confirm the addition to your Apple Loop Library. Your custom loop is now ready to be accessed in any of your future projects.
Tips for an Organized Apple Loop Library
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically review and update your library to remove unused loops and add new ones.
- Backup: Keep a backup of your custom loops to prevent data loss.
- Tagging: Utilize tags or keywords for even quicker searchability within your library.
- Version Control: If you frequently update a loop, consider versioning (e.g., "Bassline V1", "Bassline V2") to keep track of changes.
Conclusion
Adding your own songs and clips to the Apple Loop Library is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your music production workflow. By following these simple steps - dragging your clip to the library, naming it thoughtfully, and categorizing effectively - you can build a personalized library that reflects your unique sound and accelerates your creative process.
Stay tuned for more tips and tricks every Friday here at Macintosh Melody. Until next time, keep creating and harmonizing with your Mac!
PermalinkHow to Save and Add Your Own Preset Templates in Pixelmator Pro
Simple Steps to make life easier
Pixelmator Pro offers a powerful feature that allows you to save your own preset templates, making it easier to start new projects with consistent settings. Whether you frequently create blog headers, social media graphics, or specific print sizes, saving presets can streamline your workflow and ensure uniformity across your designs. Here's how you can take advantage of this feature:
Saving a New Preset Template
Open Pixelmator Pro: Launch Pixelmator Pro and create a new document.
Set Your Document Parameters: Choose the image orientation, size, resolution, and color depth that you want to save as a preset. These settings should match your typical use case, such as a standard blog header size or a social media post size.
Access the Preset Menu: In the "All Templates" window, located usually when you create a new document, look for the Preset dropdown menu.
Create a New Preset: Click on the down arrow next to the Preset dropdown menu, then select the option to add a new preset ('+' symbol).
Name Your Preset: Give your preset a descriptive name that helps you identify its purpose easily, such as "Blog Header Format" or "Social Media Post Size."
Save Your Preset: After naming your preset, confirm or make any other changes you may need and click "Save" or "OK" to add it to your presets list.
Selecting a Previously Saved Preset
Open Pixelmator Pro: Launch Pixelmator Pro and create a new document.
Access Your Presets: In the "All Templates" window, locate the Preset dropdown menu.
Choose "My Templates": Click on the arrow next to the Preset dropdown menu, then select "My Templates" to view a list of all presets you've saved.
Select Your Preset: Scroll through the list of saved presets and click on the one you wish to use. Pixelmator Pro will automatically apply the saved settings to your current document.
Benefits of Using Preset Templates
- Efficiency: Save time by quickly applying predefined settings for common project types.
- Consistency: Ensure that all your designs meet specific size and resolution requirements.
- Customization: Tailor presets to your exact needs, such as specific color depths or orientations.
By utilizing Pixelmator Pro's preset templates feature, you can maintain consistency in your designs while speeding up your workflow. Whether you're a graphic designer, blogger, or social media manager, saving and using presets can significantly enhance your productivity.
PermalinkAbout
A Mac veteran since 1989, I'm here to share my experience with tips and tricks every Friday. Witnessing the evolution of Mac software and hardware firsthand, I've gained a deep understanding of how these machines work and can help you troubleshoot any issues that may come up.
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Tuesday 18 | QA |
Wednesday 19 | Pytest |
Thursday 20 | PlayWright |
Friday 21 | Macintosh |
Saturday 22 | Internet Tools |
Sunday 23 | Misc |
Monday 24 | Media |
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