Mixtape Nerd

In today's digital age, if you are serious about making analog mixtape, you probably have a good reason to commit to it. While recording from modern digital audio sources is admittedly appealing, there are also new challenges to confront.

Transferring digital audio to analog tape resembles mildly downsizing. Although retaining everything is virtually possible, there isn't much room (dynamic-range) to waste. It's wiser to measure and plan in advance than guess and hope on-the-go. This is what a computer can help. Computer is not only a new media player, but also a precise audio analyzer, capable of fitting digital audio on analog medium -- also know as format-specific remastering. Such remastering work aims to utilizing the analog tape to its full capacity, rather than catering to subjective preferences or commercial interests.

Due to the unique complexities of analog tape recording, mastering analog mix-taping is an art of harmonizing subjectivities and objectivities. Using analytical tools at early stage may effectively control the technical uncertainties, allowing you to focus more on subjective satisfaction. If you have your tape recorder(s) serviced/calibrated with dedicated instruments, you are already on the track. The rest of the journey will be all about keeping your mix-taping workflow on the track. In the past long time, instruments for remastering mixtapes were intricate and pricey. Fortunately, the situation has been changed since the digital age where everything can be virtually done on a computer by using a general purpose DAW (digital audio workstation). But If you have done this a few times, you may find the procedure is quite routine and repetitive. Using a general purpose tool means repeating the same step-by-step procedure with limited convenience/automation. If your passion for creating mixtapes hinges on tool efficiency, a dedicated software tool might better meet your needs.

Mixtape Nerd app was developed based on a series of "nerdy efforts" pursuing a streamlined mix-taping experience. Simply drag-and-drop audio files to start building a mixtape project. The app will pre-analyze all the audio files on your behalf and summarize their audio dynamics in the standard metrics like peak, volume, loudness and crest-factor. This allows it to compute the optimal way to transfer the digital audio to your chosen tape recorder, which is specified by saturation ceiling (MOL) and noise floor (SNR). The app's use cases include but not limited to: unifying levels, preventing tape overload/underload, fitting tape length, and negotiating a common reference level with the tape recorder.

In the finishing stage. you can preview, test and refine the result in real-time, and fine-tune the settings if necessary. Upon completion, the mixtape project can be exported as a master audio file (per side) for offline duplication, with an optional auxiliary audio file which contains a reference test tone for calibrating the duplication system. Alternatively, a mixtape project can also be played within the app for real-time tape recording, optionally driving the sound card in exclusive mode for the shortest and undisturbed audio path.

To use this app to its full potential, basic understanding of analog tape recording would be highly beneficial, e.g.: terms like "dB", "VU", "MOL" and "SNR"... The app's core functionalities are designed around these concepts. The app comes with documentation, wizard, and online videos to ease the learning curve. Once you've picked up the new workflow, it will become effortless. But please be aware before acquiring the app.

Functionas and Features

Limitations:

Please note, this app is not a PRO grade tool by design, instead, it is a lightweight utility for audio enthusiasts who appreciate tape-based analog HiFi. Analog mix taping is a multi-factor optimization art, harmonizing objective rules and subjective preferences. Everyone has unique workflow and feature requests to suggest. Developing a universally accommodating software for serving such a task is a challenge, especially with limited resources. Hence, this app retains its commitment to being focused, concise and cost-effective, and steering clear of an overwhelming user interface akin to a spaceship's cockpit. Nevertheless, there might still be a bit of a learning curve to getting started. Especially for beginners, this app is merely a tool rather than a cookbook, having a basic understanding of analog tape recording beforehand would be of great help to overcome the initial learning curve.

Please also be mindful of the following technical constraints:

- Online streaming sources are not supported, unless pre-downloaded as local files.
- Items protected in the local Audio Library (e.g.: iTunes) are not supported.
- Tracks on LP, CD and tapes are not directly supported, unless digitized to local files.
- Acceptable audio file formats are: wav, flac, mp3, aac, m4a and ape, with standard stereo L/R channel layout, 44.1kHz ~ 192kHz, 16/24Bit.
- Preferred audio file location is the system designated "Music" folder, or otherwise explicit access permissions will be required repetitively.
- Works only with standard sound card with standard stereo L/R channel layout. Advanced PRO/Game sound cards may work but may require additional channel-remapping work pre-done at OS level.
- Exclusive sound card mode is currently in experiment and not guaranteed to work with any given sound card.
- Common DJ features are not included
   - No plugin interface.
   - No cloud sharing.
   - No beat match during cross-fade.
   - No graphic equalizer.
- Basic knowledge in analog tape recording would be required.

How to Install:
The software is being exclusively distributed via App Store or Microsoft Store.
The best way to download and install the app is to use the OS built-in "Store" app (such as "App Store" on macOS or "Microsoft Store" on Windows 10+). A registered user account with Apple or Microsoft will be required to start. Although a transaction can be finished outside of the Store, e.g.: via a Web browser, the actuall download/install should be completed by using the OS built-in "Store" app. So, it is recommanded to do all the procedures by using the "Store" app.

See also:
NAK T-100 (Audio Analyzer)
DDi Codec (for Dolby-B/C)
DxII Codec (for dbx-II/Disc)
DxI Codec (for dbx-I/Disc)

Short Introduction Video
Long Demo Video