TAXI.com

I stumbled upon this website, that would seem to be very useful for mixing engineers. There are all sorts of audio tests. In the left column there are audio tests, test tones and blind listening tests. Eq bands, phasing, dynamic range, pitch, smallest levels in db you can distinguish, smallest differences in pitch you can hear, dynamic range, check for aliasing, etc. etc.
Super cool!!!

http://www.audiocheck.net/blindtests_index.php

This is really neat, Len. Thanks man!

Looks interesting, thanks Len.

Stuart

I like this. Thanks for the link.

I'm going to be the Christmas Grinch here. I think that the primary function of a producer is to produce a song that resonates with the public, that might be popular. Why would any legit producer care about a test that measures who well he scores on various sonic frequency resonance questions? The public will tell him if he's go it, or not. Ott

ottlukk wrote:I'm going to be the Christmas Grinch here. I think that the primary function of a producer is to produce a song that resonates with the public, that might be popular. Why would any legit producer care about a test that measures who well he scores on various sonic frequency resonance questions? The public will tell him if he's go it, or not. Ott

It's a great test to help you determine how well you can distinguish between subtle auditory changes. I find these skill are VERY useful when I'm editing audio tracks.

In one band I was in (for a few years) our studio and FOH engineer was John Boshua (ex-AC/DC engineer). He used to amaze me because he could tell exactly which band to adjust (and by how much) on the EQ just by listening to the mix.

John Boshua

Also, I assume that these skills would be immeasurably important to mastering engineers.

Stuart

ottlukk wrote:I'm going to be the Christmas Grinch here. I think that the primary function of a producer is to produce a song that resonates with the public, that might be popular. Why would any legit producer care about a test that measures who well he scores on various sonic frequency resonance questions? The public will tell him if he's go it, or not. Ott

I agree these tests are probably useless to a producer, or even a seasoned engineer, but for those among us who mix our own that aren't as experienced, though maybe not necessary, are an educational tool, helping to recognize and get to where you need to go quicker, allowing more leisure time away from the mixing desk,lol!

Ott's right; in a lot of ways, it's a sh*tty idea to take such a test, particularly if you need an excuse not to make, produce or engineer music. Your ear and your skills are something you can develop independently of your specific bodily shortcomings; if Sammy Davis had listened to his detractors, he coulda never become a dancer, due to his lack of depth perception. Fact is, there are five or six successful music producers (and these are only the ones I know of) who have only one functional ear. All of them would fail such a test, including one who's functionally deaf. (meaning he can't hear all frequencies from even his good ear) People forget that a lot of folks perceive music in less than ideal circumstances, and not everything is in stereo. On the other hand, if you have a weakness, it's good to know about it, and even better to now how to compensate. Just don't let it scare you off.

mojobone wrote:Ott's right; in a lot of ways, it's a sh*tty idea to take such a test...

On the other hand, if you have a weakness, it's good to know about it, and even better to now how to compensate. Just don't let it scare you off.

Yes, your right, but I enjoyed it as a kind of reality check.

In fact, I was disappointed that I was unable to accurately distinguished between the more subtle variations...but at least I know where I'm at now.

Stuart

My point? Don't let anything stop you. Knowing where you're at can never be a bad thing. Party on, Wayne...