YouTube has just launched its new TestTube site, which allows you to test out beta features that haven't been fully deployed. One of these new features is "Replace Audio", allowing you to sub out the audio track of your YouTube video with a licensed track. Here's how to do it:...

Most synthesizer module circuits have much of their real estate occupied by a few common functions: Power supply regulation and decoupling components Input buffers, using op-amps, perhaps with AC coupling components Output buffers, using op-amps Signal converters: dozens of kinds of voltage-controlled resistor-ish functions (for example, using transconductance amplifiers, diode or transistor configurations, vactrols, etc.), and voltage to current converters...

In case you hadn't heard, Starbucks launched its own record label about 10 days ago; it will be an extension of their Hear Music brand. The first artist they've announced signing is Paul McCartney (for a one album deal distributed both through Starbucks and through regular retail channels). This move towards creating their own label wasn't particularly a surprise to...

The Linux Audio Conference is in full swing until March 25th in Berlin. If you can't make it, you can view the streams during the program. As in previous years, the streams will be archived and made available after the conference.  There are also several IRC channels devoted to the conference (copied from their page) #lac2007 for general chitchat about...

The description in the press release for this gadget was so bizarre that I immediately requested photos. Can you guess what it is? Hint: The SRS button "creates a wide and full sound stage with deep rich bass and adds a definition control for realistic clarity and significantly enhanced sound quality." Hint 2: Here's another photo, showing accessories:...

Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Napster Freebies. These un-DRMed MP3 files are free for a limited time and can be downloaded from just about any country. Enjoy! "Time2hitdaclub (Explicit)" by 8BallRepresenting half of legendary Memphis rap duo 8Ball & MJG, this 8Ball solo outing does the legend proud. All downtempo boom, hairy synths, and lyrics devoted to everyone's...

I love the Game Developer's Conference! the lights, the cameras, the action, all the best and brightest coming together for meets and greets and foods and drinks, it's exciting, exhilirating, and completely exhausting! This year, the conference was SO HUGE! two expo floors, a gajillion sessions and keynotes and special guests and parties and awards shows and demonstrations and...

Podcasting Hacks author Jack Herrington turned me on to a bunch of excellent interview podcasts that I've been following ever since. One show in particular, Morning Stories, has a lovely informal feel, and part of the secret is the clever recording technique host Tony Kahn uses. Instead of jabbing a giant mic in the interviewee's face or forcing him to...

Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Napster Freebies. These un-DRMed MP3 files are free for a limited time and can be downloaded from just about any country. Enjoy! In other news, ever hear of Michael Brennan? Nope, neither had I. Apparently eMusic had this contest where Mr. Brennan made their 100 millionth eMusic download. The Barenaked Ladies composed a...

In audio, as in the rest of life, the basics rule. For example, you can spend all the money in the world on great gear, but if your room is bad, you're just going to end up with a great recording of a bad room. On the other hand, if you improve the room, everything else will sound much better....