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

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.

Customize 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

1. Install Image2icon (or your preferred icon-editing tool).
   You can find Image2icon on the Mac App Store or from its developer's website.
   
2. 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

1. Open Image2icon and drag your chosen image into the app.
   
2. Export the icon in ICNS or Finder icon format (depending on the tool's settings).

Step 3: Replace the BBEdit Notebook Icon

1. Locate your BBEdit Notebook file in Finder.
   

2. Get Info on the Notebook file by selecting it and pressing Command + I.
   

3. Click the small icon in the top-left corner of the Info window to highlight it.
   

4. 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

1. Remove the Notebook from the Dock by dragging it out until you see the "Remove" label.
   
2. Drag your Notebook back in from the Finder onto the Dock's document area.
   
3. 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.

How 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:

1. Open Automator (Finder > Applications > Automator).
2. Click New Document, then select Quick Action and click Choose.
3. In the Workflow receives current dropdown, select Movie Files in Finder.
4. From the Library on the left, search for Extract Audio from Movie and drag it into the workflow area.
5. In the action settings, choose Audio Only and select your preferred format (e.g., M4A, AIFF, WAV).
6. Add the Move Finder Items action to save the extracted audio file in the same folder as the original video.
7. 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:

1. Locate a video file in Finder.
2. Right-click the file, hover over Quick Actions, and select Create Audio from Video.
3. 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?

Art 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!

Master 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Apple Lowpass Filter
   Filters out high frequencies using Apple's proprietary algorithms, ideal for smoothing recordings or reducing shrill sounds.

10. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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!

How 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

1. Open Pixelmator Pro: Launch Pixelmator Pro and create a new document.

2. 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.

3. Access the Preset Menu: In the "All Templates" window, located usually when you create a new document, look for the Preset dropdown menu.

4. 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).

5. 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."

6. 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

1. Open Pixelmator Pro: Launch Pixelmator Pro and create a new document.

2. Access Your Presets: In the "All Templates" window, locate the Preset dropdown menu.

3. 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.

4. 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.