[pq0ak2nnd]

I find it interesting to consider the implications of the quality that comes out of mastering on iOS vs a real studio (where you have a trained engineer and dedicated equipment): the former is of lower quality, but it doesn't really matter because we've become of culture of "good enough" that settles for sub-par achievements. I would say that falling standards have made content creation more prolific, to the disappointment of those who care (and not just perfectionists). A culture raised on overcompressed and pitch fixed productions just won't care about dynamics and good mixing. To quote a friend when discussing food: "If all you've ever had is Velveeta..."

[mikestew]

but it doesn't really matter because we've become of culture of "good enough" that settles for sub-par achievements

Congratulations, that strikes me as one of the more elitist things I've read in a while. We are not a society of "good enough", we are a society that decided we don't need to go to the high priests in order to cut a demo. Because what you might call "quality" others might call "over-produced". Because some people would rather produce quality music instead of twiddle knobs. All kinds of reasons that GarageBand is adequate to replace a room full of equipment, if for no other reason other than every kid with an iPhone who wants to be a rock star can pretend to put an album together (which I'm sure will be of basement quality).

A culture raised on overcompressed and pitch fixed productions just won't care about dynamics and good mixing.

And how are they supposed to learn that for less than $200/hour? If only there were free software...

(And don't for a minute think I'm denigrating the importance of quality studio work. It's just not always necessary.)

[romwell]

> A culture raised on overcompressed and pitch fixed productions just won't care about dynamics and good mixing.

I think you are harming your own argument here. A lot of expensive gear and studio time is what created the over-produced, over-compressed, pitch-fixed productions you deplore.

In the less-is-more spirit, a four-track tape machine is all one needs to make a good demo (not even that, really). GarageBand is more than enough for a lot of music - in most cases, problem exists (and is fixed) between the touchscreen and chair.

Now, personally, I haven't found any iOS music software that I'd make music with - but not because of its technical capabilities; it's the UI that gets in the way (and lack of VSTs that I love). But I can absolutely see how great music can be recorded on this platform alone.

[21]

Content is first, production value is second.

There are so many musicians with racks of very expensive equipment and who mix and produce in the world best studios yet their music is shit (in my beholder eye).

And then you have a 15-year old putting an amazing song on SoundCloud, with atrocious mixing and mastering.