Mixtape Nerd

If you are serious about making analog mixtape in today's digital age, you probably have a good reason to commit to it. But analog tape recording has its own complexities. Mastering analog mix-taping is a multi-factor balancing art. How do you ensure quality and how do you measure success? Perhaps, the most intuitive rule of thumb is simply chasing auditory satisfactory. But subjective perception alone may not always ensure the best use of the format. A mixtape without technical precision can hardly be considered art. Maybe it's time to leave the comfort zone for progresses. If you have your tape recorder(s) overhauled upfront, you are already on the way pursuing technical precision. The rest of the journey is all about mix-taping workflow. Especially when using digital audio files as the audio source, considering mixtape and playlist as synonyms oversimplifies the concept, as a computer can do much more than just a media player.

Transferring digital audio to analog tape resembles downsizing. To retain everything, there isn't much room to waste. It is wiser to measure and plan than to guess and hope. To be more specific, utilizing the tape's length is an obvious goal, yet, utilizing its magnetic dynamic-range is a more appealing and challenging goal. This is what a computer can help. Imagine a computer-aided mix-taping workflow where the targeted analog tape recording system is known by its length (time), ceiling (MOL) and floor (S/N). The computer generates a test tone to negotiate a common reference level with the linked tape recorder. And then, the levels of all selected audio files will be automatically normalized to ensure that the tape's MOL will be fully utilized without excessive distortion. Meanwhile, if the audio files' dynamic-range extends too deeper below the tape's S/N, compression is inevitable in an uncontrolled manner. For this case, DR compressors are provided for the users who prefer controlled compression over hiss. For curating a double-sided mixtape, the computer can help to find the optimal arrangement of all the audio files that best fill both sides of the tape length. If a perfect fill is still unattainable, additional options such as fading-out, cross-fading or silence padding will be provided. In the final stage, the user can preview, test and refine the result based on personal experiences. Upon completion, a mixtape project can be exported as a master audio file per side for offline duplication, optionally with an auxiliary audio file containing a test tone for calibrating the duplication system. Alternatively, a mixtape project can also be played back within the app for real-time tape recording, optionally driving the sound card in exclusive mode for a clean audio path.

Mixtape Nerd is a software app that supports (but not enforces) the above outlined mix-taping workflow. This app is based on a series of "nerdy endeavors" pursuing a streamlined mix-taping experience. Upon initial use, it starts as a basic playlist app with all the mixtape enhancements disengaged by default. This allows the app to be easily integrated into the user's existing mix-taping workflow. And then, its mixtape enhancements can be engaged one at a time for experimenting and evaluating, and progressively picking up the new workflow. The app comes with embedded documentation to help the user using each function, along with a YouTube video demo. Despite, getting started is not effortless as it requires basic understanding of analog tape recording, such as MOL (maximum output level), S/N (signal to noise ratio). But once the initial learning curve has been overcome, no extra efforts will be needed to repeat the new workflow.

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)

Watch Demo Video