Talking about what's new in music tech

Store Promotion / Course Review-Style Overview

The speaker promotes a limited-time sale on RickBiato.com for two “flagship” learning products:

1. Biato Book Interactive (music theory course)

   • Described as ~500 pages of music theory content in a video/interactive format.

2. Completely redone Ear Training course

   • Rebuilt “from scratch” with:
     • 20 chapters
     • ~180 interactive ear training lessons
   • Mentions features such as:
     • Audio embedded in examples
     • Light/dark mode
     • Listen mode

Pricing and terms

• $59 for the ear training course (positioned as part of a larger discounted bundle/offer)
• Includes lifetime access plus all future updates for free
• Sale timing is described as running until:
  • Thursday, Oct 1 at midnight
  • Later text also says “through August 1st at midnight,” which likely indicates a subtitle inconsistency

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Tech Analysis: Why “Backwards Compatible” Pro Tools Sessions May Sound Different

Core claim: Pro Tools backward compatibility exists, but imported/upgraded sessions may not sound the same.

Explanation

• When older Mix/TDM-era sessions are opened on newer systems, playback can change.
• The speaker describes A/B-style testing using archived burned data discs (CD-ROMs holding about ~700 MB) and transferring recorded material back into a legacy environment.

Conclusion / implied takeaway

• To reproduce the original sound, you may need to run sessions through the same era’s TDM/Mix hardware/software pipeline, not just rely on import compatibility.

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Hardware/DAW Deep Dive: Restoring Vintage Pro Tools Mix Systems

The speaker discusses building and maintaining old Pro Tools TDM setups from the late 1990s/early 2000s, including examples like:

• Digi 01 (1999)
• Later Mix/TDM configurations (e.g., Mix Plus, plus core and farm PCI cards)

Mac-era + connectivity notes

• PowerPC G4 Macs (OS 9.2.2, “pre-Intel”)
• Mentions workflow transitions such as SCSI → FireWire → USB 1.0 / slow USB

Limitations mentioned

• Track/voice capacity constraints are referenced as being linked to:
  • DSP / chips on PCI cards
  • (Subtitles mention 32 vs 64 tracks)

Motivation: why he sought out the gear

• The speaker claims he purchased multiple working G4 Quick/QuickSilver units
• He also tracked down scarce Mix TDM cards, describing them as:
  • old
  • undervalued/rare on the market

“Review” angle (personal evaluation)

• The speaker asserts that Mix systems can sound better than his newer HDX rig for certain material—especially regarding:
  • perceived bottom end
  • mid clarity
  • overall tonal character / “overall sound”

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Branding/Market Note: Vintage Gear Scarcity

The speaker suggests Mix/TDM cards may be undervalued because:

• They sell for relatively low amounts compared to other gear
• Shipping costs can be disproportionately high, discouraging sellers

He also implies there’s a niche audience of people who want these systems specifically for legacy session playback.

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New Channel Series Direction (Format/Production Concept)

The speaker describes starting a live/performance-focused series, such as:

• bands coming in to perform

The concept is positioned as expanding beyond interviews toward more complete performances—aiming for an “MTV Unplugged”-style future direction.

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Music AI / Stem Availability Commentary (Analysis, Not a Tutorial)

The speaker critiques how people talk about AI in music, arguing that studying production requires high-quality source material.

Stems vs separated tracks

• He discusses stems vs separated tracks, claiming stem separation tools can introduce:
  • artifacts
  • poor isolation
• He gives an example (subtitles reference bass separation) as evidence of bad separation outcomes
• Overall argument: it’s better to use pristine, non–computer-separated multitracks/stems

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Tech/Innovation Spot-Checks Mentioned in Passing

• Music robotics at Georgia Tech
  • Robots that improvise/perform instruments
• “Harmonicaster” product suggestion
  • Described as a “true electric harmonica” designed to avoid mic feedback
  • Emphasizes “native tone” and pedal-friendliness
  • Mentioned as a future check/video request

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Main Speakers / Sources (as referenced)

• Rick Biato (primary speaker; “Rick” / “Rick Music Tech”)
• GL (assisting/working in the control room)
• Cheryl Crow (guest referenced via interview/studio visit)
• Daniel Lanois (referenced as advising channel direction)
• Andy Wallace, Chris Lord-Alge, Brendan O’Brien (interviewed guests referenced)
• Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and Paul (studio-related mentions)
• Georgia Tech music robotics program / “Gil” (referenced)
• Walter Murk, Devin (lawyer) (referenced via comments/claims)