Tech Archives • INGO VOGELMANN

Harmonic Mixing and Composing with the Camelot Wheel

Ingo — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Harmonic mixing and composing have become essential skills for modern DJs and music producers, as they strive to create seamless, engaging, and emotionally resonant mixes and compositions. The Camelot Wheel, a popular tool in the electronic dance music scene, offers a systematic and intuitive approach to harmonic mixing, making it easier for artists to identify compatible musical keys and create harmonious transitions between songs. This essay explores the concept of harmonic mixing, the functionality of the Camelot Wheel, and its practical applications in both mixing and composing. Harmonic Mixing Harmonic mixing refers to the process of blending two or more musical tracks that are harmonically compatible, meaning they share the same key or a closely related key. This technique allows DJs and producers to create smooth transitions between tracks, enhancing the overall flow and emotional impact of a mix or composition. By paying close attention to the harmonic relationships between songs, artists can build tension, create moments of release, and maintain a consistent musical narrative throughout their sets or compositions. The Camelot Wheel: A Practical Tool for Harmonic Mixing The Camelot Wheel, also known as the Circle of Fifths, is a circular diagram that visually represents the relationships between the twelve major and twelve minor keys in Western music. Each key is assigned a unique alphanumeric code, with major keys labeled from 1B to 12B and minor keys labeled from 1A to 12A. Adjacent keys on the wheel share a close harmonic relationship, making them suitable for mixing or composing. The simplicity of the Camelot Wheel lies in its ability to quickly identify harmonically compatible keys. DJs and producers can easily find the next track by moving one step clockwise,…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

The Future of Jobs in the Music Industry

Ingo — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

As we enter the age of automation and artificial intelligence, many industries are undergoing significant changes, and the music industry is no exception. From the way music is produced and distributed to how it is consumed, the music industry is evolving rapidly. But what does the future hold for jobs in the music industry? Will machines take over and leave musicians out of work? Let’s take a closer look. The music industry has always been notoriously difficult to break into. Even with the advent of digital technology and social media, it’s still a highly competitive industry that requires talent, perseverance, and a little bit lot of luck. That said, the digital age has created a whole host of new opportunities for musicians, songwriters, and producers. With platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud and whatnot, artists can now reach a global audience from the comfort of their bedroom, without the need for a record label or a massive marketing budget. But what about the more traditional jobs in the music industry? The jobs that require certain expertise? Well, it’s true that some of these jobs may become automated in the future. For example, there are already AI programs that can compose music and even write lyrics. However, machines can’t replace the human touch when it comes to music. Music is an art form, and there will always be a demand for talented musicians who can connect with audiences on an emotional level. In fact, the rise of technology in the music industry has created new job opportunities that didn’t exist before. For example, there is now a growing demand for experts in music data analysis. With the rise of streaming services, record labels…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

The Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool

Ingo — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 18:36:56 +0000

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present to you: The Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool, which is designed to help you always mix or compose harmoniously. No matter which recommendation you follow, the result will always fit. All you have to do is decide on the direction you want your mix or composition to go. Here you will find the very simple tool, easy to use for everyone. You can also find it at the top of the menu under “Stuff“. Let me know what your experience with the tool is, and I wish you much joy and success with it! Tags: camelot, chord progression, chord progressions, chords, compose, composing music, composition, dance, Disc jockey, DJ, dj mixing, djing, electronic, Electronic dance music, electronic music, Energy, harmonic, harmonic mix, harmonic mixing, harmonics, harmonies, help, how to, how to dj, key, mix, mixed, mixed in key, mixing, music, music production, music theory, musical, recommendation, Relative key, sound, techno, tips, tools, traktor Related posts The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) Harmonic Mixing and Composing with the Camelot Wheel (0) Why I Abandoned Social Media (3) The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2) A Psychological Guide to Harmonic Mixing and Composing (0)

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“Free Download” Scam

Ingo — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Ugh, those “free download” apps that turn out to be nothing but scams. Infuriating! These sneaky software companies lure you in with promises of a “free download,” only to reveal later on that it’s just a limited or trial version. And the kicker? Once you want to continue using it, they hit you with a demand to buy a license or subscription. It’s not only misleading, but also downright dishonest. These companies are preying on unsuspecting users who think they get a free app. They should be upfront about the limitations of the “free” version and the costs associated with the full working version. They’re using our time and attention to market their product, only to hit us with a paywall later. It’s disrespectful and shows a complete lack of consideration for other people. Do yourself a favor and read the fine print before you hit that download button. Don’t let scammers take advantage of you and your time and energy. Tags: Crime, Energy, free app, how, Human behavior, ost, Paywall, scam Related posts Why I Abandoned Social Media (3) The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) The Top 50 Most Successful Albums of All Time (0) The Exasperating Trilogy of Modern Speech: Upspeak, Vocal Fry, and the ‘Like’ Epidemic (0) The Complexity of Engaging With My Russian Fans (0)

From INGO VOGELMANN.

Sound Lock: Volume Limiter for Windows

Ingo — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

What if I told you that you could be the master of your Windows PC’s volume levels, per sound device, per channel? A software limiter to avoid bursts of loud sound. With Sound Lock, you can easily set your desired sound output limit and enjoy your music or video without worrying about sudden bursts of deafening sound. Plus, you can even set different sound limits for each output device on your computer — because who says your speakers and headphones have to have the same volume? That’s not all. You can set volume limits for each channel individually or use the master filter mode for ultimate sound control. And the best part? Sound Lock is a tiny little app that doesn’t make a big fuss. It may not look like a supermodel, but it gets the job done. So go ahead, set it and forget it. Your ears will thank you. Tags: Audio electronics, Audio signal, Headphones, Loudspeakers, music, sound, system Related posts You Need to Fail to Succeed (0) The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) The Top 50 Most Successful Albums of All Time (0) The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2) Harmonic Mixing and Composing with the Camelot Wheel (0)

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Free Volume Sliders App for Windows: EarTrumpet

Ingo — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

EarTrumpet for Windows is a must-have app for anyone who wants to take their audio control to the next level. It’s a simple and elegant audio control panel that allows you to easily manage all your audio devices and applications with just a few clicks. The app is lightweight and unobtrusive, so it won’t slow down your computer or clutter your screen with unnecessary features. One of the best things about EarTrumpet is the level of customization it offers. You can adjust the volume of individual apps, set up hotkeys for quick access, and even choose different audio outputs for different apps. It’s like having your own personal audio engineer at your fingertips. The interface is also very user-friendly and intuitive, with a minimalist design that is easy on the eyes. The app is so easy to use, you’ll wonder why Windows doesn’t have this functionality built in. Plus, it’s completely free, which is a pleasant surprise in a world where everything seems to come with a price tag. Tags: DJ, eartrumpet, free app, key, sound mixer, tips, windows app, windows mixer Related posts The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) The Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool (0) The Power of Simplicity: Unraveling the Secret to Crafting Memorable Music (0) The Complexity of Engaging With My Russian Fans (0) The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2)

From INGO VOGELMANN.

My Take on AI like ChatGPT (and the Real Threats)

Ingo — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 06:14:18 +0000

I fear slowing down the development and implementation of AI more than the everyday use of it. AI is not inherently good or evil, it’s basically a tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, and it is up to humans to decide how to use it. Many of the concerns about AI are based on science fiction and exaggerations rather than real-world applications and limitations of current AI technology. The development of AI is still in its early stages, and while it has shown significant progress recently, it is still far from reaching a point where it can pose a threat to humanity. AI like ChatGPT is useful and somewhat impressive (or not) but far from dangerous. It knows less than humanity actually does. It has no capacity for opinion, emotion or decision-making. And it is precisely these 3 things that get us into trouble as humans. Artificial intelligence is only as “intelligent” as we feed such a system with data. So, it always depends on how intelligent the feeder is and how extensive and balanced the data is. I highly doubt very stupid people would have access to this feeding process or even understand how to feed. That brings me to our real problem: ignorant or stupid people. Now if you think I’m about to bash people with a lack of mental abilities, read on first. The actions of unintelligent or ignorant people have a greater negative impact on society than those of intentionally malicious individuals, like say Donald Trump (who is both stupid and ignorant, the most dangerous combination). While both ignorance and intentional malice can and do certainly have negative consequences, it is also…

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Rick Beato Interviews Steven Wilson

Ingo — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000

Yes, an interview with Steven Wilson again. This is no intention, it just happens. It doesn’t matter whether you are a prospective, young producer or an old, experienced dog, this interview contains everything you need to know. Two producer legends talk deeply about production, songwriting, mixing, recording, and everyone can only learn from it. Tags: Audio mixing (recorded music), British musicians, Guitarists, mix, mixing, Musicians, Record producer, recording, Steven Wilson Related posts The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2) The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) Steven Wilson Openly Talks About the Music Industry (1) Peter Gabriel’s “i/o” Album Review: He’s Back, Better Than Ever Before (0) I Suffer From Sensorineural Hearing Loss (4)

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The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart

Ingo — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 05:09:57 +0000

Before you dig in… The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart is a visual aid for musicians, producers, composers and DJs to easily create music that always has harmonic chord progressions. This sheet is now widely used worldwide as a teaching and practical tool in music and DJ schools and has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times. The situation As both a DJ and composer, the Circle of Fifth or the Camelot Key Wheel system — amongst others — have always been handy tools for me to write and mix music harmonically. There are just too many options in chord progressions than I could ever have in my memory (maybe you can, but I don’t). So yes, I could always have a look at above mentioned helpers to orientate myself through the notes and chords jungle, in case needed, which is not always the case. I have the most common chords in my head. Just not always. As a composer I’m fine with the musical key/chord system, i.e. “A minor“, but as a DJ it isn’t very likely (for me, again) to remember all the musical chords to know what to mix into what. So, Mark Davis came up with Camelot Keys (used in Mixed in Key, which I prefer, because of its accuracy) and then there are the Open Keys (Traktor). Which is basically a range of 12 keys for each gender, major and minor chords. “A minor” is 8A (Camelot Key) or 1m (Open Key). In a nutshell: if you mix 1A into 2A (and so forth, up until 12A and then into 1A again) you’re generally fine. Your mixing transitions will always be harmonic, no key clashes. This…

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