8 chapters across the catalog
The hosts reflect on 17 years of the No Agenda Show, recalling the launch of the first iPhone in 2007. A technical discussion follows regarding the limitations of using Linux for professional audio production due to persistent driver issues, despite the software's utility for other tasks.
Linux Production Challenges and Sweetwater Backorders
Adam Curry discusses the difficulties of running a professional audio production on Linux, offering a $5,000 Bitcoin bounty for anyone who can solve specific driver and interface issues. He recounts an attempt to purchase a new device from Sweetwater, only to find it backordered for two years due to a factory fire and the global chip shortage. The segment highlights the technical hurdles of moving away from Windows for live broadcasting.
The hosts open the program by addressing severe audio crackling issues that plagued recent recordings. Troubleshooting involved switching from professional ASIO drivers to WASAPI after a Windows update potentially broke USB device compatibility. A lack of analog audio inputs on modern hardware like the Microsoft Surface and MacBook Air necessitated a complex "Lego-like" setup of USB-C adapters and mini-audio devices.
Windows 10 Privacy, Focusrite Scarlett Driver Issues
A discussion on institutional spying in Windows 10 leads to a technical grievance regarding the Focusrite Scarlett USB audio interface. One host describes a frustrating experience attempting to install drivers, involving mandatory account registration and "bloatware" installation. The product is compared unfavorably to M-Audio devices which typically offer "plug and play" functionality.
A detailed account of a technical failure involving the Universal Audio Apollo Twin audio interface follows a software update. Despite rules against installing updates before a show, the installer began modifying drivers automatically after a Firefox download. The resulting interface changes and routing issues caused a significant delay in the broadcast, eventually requiring a firmware downgrade to restore functionality.
Linux Operating System Challenges and Driver Compatibility
A discussion regarding the difficulties of switching from Windows 8.1 to Linux Ubuntu 12.04 highlights persistent driver issues. While peripheral devices like wireless keyboards and mice worked immediately, failures with M-Audio drivers and Skype 4.2 interface issues on Linux are noted. The technical hurdles of dual-booting on a MacBook Air and the limitations of running Photoshop via Wine are also addressed.
Headphone Testing and Mumble Audio Troubleshooting
The hosts engage in a lengthy technical debate regarding audio feedback loops in the Mumble software. Adam Curry argues that John Dvorak's refusal to wear headphones is causing echo cancellation software to trigger, while Dvorak blames the software drivers and hardware configuration.
Technical Difficulties, Seagate Drive Failures and Audio Quality
The broadcast quality is impacted by hardware failures involving Seagate hard drives and malfunctioning sound ports. One host is forced to use a budget microphone setup while the primary studio machine undergoes rebuilding and driver updates.
