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aaryan-mwa-blogs · 19 days ago
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How to Reduce Distortion in Live Sound Systems: A Complete Guide
Distortion in live sound systems can be one of the most frustrating issues to deal with, whether you’re a performer, sound engineer, or an avid concertgoer. It takes away from the clarity of the music, leaves the audience annoyed, and can even damage equipment if left unchecked. But what causes distortion, and how can you reduce or eliminate it?
Let’s break it down step by step to understand what distortion is, how it occurs, and the best practices to ensure your live sound system delivers crisp and clear audio every time.
What is Distortion in Sound?
Distortion happens when a sound system’s components are pushed beyond their limits, leading to a warped or unpleasant sound. It’s often described as “clipping,” “fuzziness,” or “crackling.” Instead of producing clean audio, the system amplifies a signal incorrectly, creating unwanted noise.
This can occur at any stage of the audio chain—from microphones and mixers to amplifiers and speakers. Distortion isn’t just bad for your audience; it can also overwork and damage your equipment.
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Common Causes of Distortion
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s identify the main culprits behind distortion in live sound systems:
Overloading the Input: When the input signal is too strong for a system component, it causes clipping. For instance, if a microphone is too close to a loud sound source, it can overwhelm the preamp.
Overpowered Amplifiers: Driving an amplifier beyond its capacity creates distortion and can damage speakers.
Incorrect Gain Staging: Gain staging refers to balancing the levels throughout your audio chain. Poorly managed gain can lead to unwanted distortion.
Low-Quality Cables and Connectors: Faulty or low-quality cables can introduce noise and signal degradation.
Environmental Factors: Feedback from poorly placed microphones or loudspeakers can also add to distortion.
Tips to Reduce Distortion in Live Sound Systems
Now that we know the causes, let’s look at actionable ways to reduce distortion and achieve high-quality sound in live setups.
1. Proper Gain Staging
One of the most critical steps in preventing distortion is managing your gain staging. This means ensuring that each component in your signal chain is set to the optimal level.
Start with the input: Adjust the gain at the preamp stage so that the signal is strong enough without clipping. Use the signal meter on your mixer to monitor levels—aim for the green zone and avoid red.
Maintain balance through the chain: Keep the levels consistent as the signal passes through mixers, processors, and amplifiers.
2. Choose the Right Microphone Placement
Where you place your microphones can significantly impact sound quality. Microphones that are too close to loud instruments or speakers can pick up excessive sound pressure, leading to distortion.
For vocals: Position the microphone a few inches away from the singer’s mouth and use a pop filter if needed.
For instruments: Experiment with placement to capture the natural tone without overwhelming the mic.
3. Use High-Quality Equipment
While it’s tempting to cut costs with cheaper gear, investing in quality audio equipment makes a huge difference in sound clarity and durability. Reputable audio shops are your best bet for finding reliable gear, ensuring that every component in your setup meets professional standards.
4. Adjust the EQ (Equalization)
Sometimes, distortion isn’t caused by overload but by frequencies clashing or being overly emphasized. EQ allows you to cut unwanted frequencies and boost the ones you want to highlight.
Low-end rumble: Reduce unnecessary bass frequencies that can muddy the sound.
Feedback reduction: Identify and cut problematic frequencies that cause feedback or harshness.
5. Monitor Volume Levels
Cranking up the volume doesn’t always result in better sound. Overpowering your speakers or amplifiers is a common cause of distortion. Instead, work with your system’s capabilities and ensure each component is operating within its safe range.
Use a limiter to cap the maximum output level and prevent sudden volume spikes.
6. Use Proper Cables and Connectors
A clean signal starts with high-quality cables and connectors. Cheap or damaged cables can introduce noise, which contributes to distortion.
Regularly inspect your cables for wear and tear.
Use balanced cables (e.g., XLR) to minimize interference.
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7. Optimize Speaker Placement
Speakers that are poorly placed can create feedback loops, contributing to distorted sound.
Position speakers away from microphones to reduce the chance of feedback.
Ensure that speakers are angled correctly to cover the audience without overloading specific areas.
8. Regularly Maintain Your Equipment
Maintenance plays a huge role in keeping your sound system distortion-free. Dust, wear, and electrical issues can all degrade performance over time.
Clean your equipment regularly to remove dust and debris.
Test each component before every performance to catch potential issues early.
Troubleshooting On-the-Spot Distortion Issues
Sometimes, distortion pops up despite your best efforts. Here’s how to address it during a live performance:
Check the Levels: If you hear distortion, the first step is to lower the gain or volume on the affected channel.
Inspect the Signal Chain: Work backward from the speakers to identify where the distortion is happening.
Replace Faulty Cables: Swap out cables or connectors to rule out signal interference.
Adjust the EQ: If a specific frequency is causing the issue, use the EQ to make adjustments.
Why Reducing Distortion Matters
Good audio isn’t just about loudness; it’s about clarity, balance, and an enjoyable listening experience. Distortion disrupts all of that, leaving audiences disappointed and potentially harming your reputation as a performer or sound engineer.
Additionally, managing distortion protects your equipment from unnecessary wear and tear, saving you money in the long run. Investing in high-quality gear and following best practices ensures your sound system delivers consistently excellent performance.
Conclusion
Distortion in live sound systems might seem like a daunting problem, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely preventable. By focusing on gain staging, proper equipment use, and regular maintenance, you can enjoy clean, distortion-free audio for every performance.
Remember, achieving high-quality sound is as much about preparation as it is about the equipment you use. When in doubt, rely on reputable audio shops to guide you toward professional-grade gear that fits your needs.
Clear, distortion-free sound isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for creating unforgettable live experiences. Whether you’re rocking out on stage or managing the soundboard, these tips will help you keep your sound crisp, clean, and audience-approved.
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soundrooms · 2 years ago
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S O U N W A V E   |  🔊 🌊
What’s your favourite environment to create in?
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charlesmwa · 19 days ago
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The Role of Mixers in Live Sound: A Comprehensive Overview
Imagine standing in the middle of a concert, surrounded by the perfect blend of instruments and vocals, every sound complementing the other seamlessly. This magic doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the work of a mixer. Mixers, often referred to as the heart of live sound systems, play a pivotal role in ensuring every performance sounds flawless. Whether it’s a small gig at a local café or a massive stadium concert, mixers are an essential part of live sound setups.
Let's understand what  mixers do, why they’re important, and how they bring live performances to life. Whether you're an aspiring sound engineer, a musician, or simply curious, this comprehensive overview will break it all down in simple terms.
What is a Mixer?
At its core, a mixer is a device that takes multiple audio signals—like vocals, guitars, keyboards, and drums—and blends them into a cohesive output. Think of it as the control center for all the sounds in a live performance.
Mixers allow you to:
Adjust the volume of each input (like turning up the vocals or lowering the bass).
Shape the sound using equalizers (EQ) to balance frequencies.
Add effects like reverb or delay to enhance the audio.
Route signals to different outputs, such as speakers, monitors, or recording devices.
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Whether you're using a compact analog mixer or a high-tech digital console, the principles remain the same: taking raw sound and refining it for the audience's ears.
Why Mixers Are Crucial for Live Sound
1. Balancing the Audio
Live performances often involve multiple sound sources—vocals, instruments, backing tracks, and sometimes even crowd noise. A mixer ensures that no single element overpowers the rest, creating a harmonious balance that’s pleasant to listen to. For instance, without a mixer, a loud drum kit could drown out a singer's voice, making the performance feel chaotic.
2. Customizing the Sound
Every venue has unique acoustics. What sounds great in a small indoor space might not work for an open-air festival. Mixers allow sound engineers to adapt the audio for different environments. By tweaking EQ settings, they can reduce echo in large halls or add warmth to a cold-sounding room.
3. Providing Real-Time Control
Live performances are unpredictable. A singer might step away from the mic, or a guitarist might accidentally play too loudly during a solo. With a mixer, sound engineers can make instant adjustments to keep everything running smoothly.
Key Features of Mixers
When exploring mixers, it’s important to understand their features. Here are some key components that make mixers so versatile:
1. Channels
Mixers have multiple channels, each dedicated to a specific input (e.g., a microphone or instrument). Small mixers might have 4-8 channels, while larger ones can have 32 or more. Each channel has its own controls for volume, EQ, and effects, giving you granular control over individual sound sources.
2. Equalization (EQ)
EQ lets you shape the tone of each input. For example:
Boost the treble for a brighter vocal sound.
Cut the bass to reduce rumbling noises.
Adjust midrange frequencies for clarity.
EQ is essential for ensuring that all elements in a mix complement each other without clashing.
3. Aux Sends and Effects
Auxiliary (aux) sends allow you to send specific audio signals to different destinations. For instance, you can send a mix of vocals and instruments to on-stage monitors so performers can hear themselves.
Many mixers also come with built-in effects like reverb, delay, and compression, which can add depth and polish to the sound.
4. Faders and Pan Controls
Faders control the volume of each channel, while pan controls adjust the stereo placement of a sound. For example, you can pan a guitar slightly to the left and a keyboard slightly to the right for a more immersive stereo effect.
5. Digital vs. Analog Mixers
Analog Mixers: Known for their simplicity and tactile controls, analog mixers are a great choice for beginners or smaller setups.
Digital Mixers: These offer advanced features like presets, wireless control via apps, and the ability to handle complex setups. They’re ideal for larger venues or tech-savvy users.
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How Mixers Enhance the Audience Experience
A well-mixed performance can transform how the audience experiences live music. Here’s how mixers contribute to a great show:
Clarity: Mixers ensure that every instrument and vocal is heard clearly, even in a crowded or noisy environment.
Energy: By controlling dynamics, mixers can make the music feel more powerful and engaging.
Emotion: Effects like reverb and delay can add atmosphere and emotion to a performance, making it more memorable.
Tips for Using Mixers Effectively
If you’re new to mixers, here are some practical tips to get started:
Start Simple: Focus on getting the basics right—like balancing volume levels—before diving into advanced features.
Learn to Use EQ: Understanding how to use EQ can make a huge difference in the quality of your mix.
Practice in Real Settings: Mixing in a live environment is different from mixing in a studio. Practice in different venues to get a feel for how acoustics affect sound.
Invest in Quality Gear: A reliable mixer can make your life much easier, especially during live performances. Purchasing from reputable audio shops ensures you get equipment that’s durable and built to perform.
Conclusion
Mixers are more than just pieces of equipment—they’re the bridge between raw sound and a polished performance. By understanding their features and functions, you can unlock their full potential and deliver a live sound experience that captivates your audience.
Whether you’re a performer, a sound engineer, or just someone passionate about music, investing time in learning about mixers is well worth it. After all, great sound doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of careful planning, skilled mixing, and quality equipment.
So the next time you’re at a concert or gig, take a moment to appreciate the mixer and the person behind it. They’re the unsung heroes making the magic happen!
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hazmoonstore · 10 months ago
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اكتشف عالم الصوت عالي الدقة مع سماعات هاز مون اللاسلكية بتقنية البلوتوث |...
https://hazmoon.store/?route=product/product&product_id=108
Immerse Yourself in High-Fidelity Sound with Haz moon Bluetooth Earbuds
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prolight-sounds · 7 months ago
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Explore a vast collection of music gear from top sellers at Prolightsounds. Find everything you need for your music production and performance, all in one place.
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lifestyleloot · 1 year ago
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Linsoul KZ ZS10 PRO X: Deep bass, clear highs, all-day comfort.
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liillyliilly · 7 months ago
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Detective Business
kenji sato x reader words; 7009 synopsis; enemies to friends to lovers- she's a private investigator and he's just ultraman (but she doesn't know that). she also has to deal with that annoying pro baseball player who just won't leave her alone.
Trying to find the identity of Ultraman is no easy job for the Tokyo Investigative Department, but for her? It’s more than finding Ultraman, it's about also finally arresting Kenji Sato for his reckless driving on the highway.
Unfortunately, she’s also a reckless driver. Which is why Kenji Sato was folding his arms and frowning while she pulled out a pad of ticket paper from under her motorcycle’s seat. The rain was dripping on her helmet and Mr. Sato’s white shirt was getting soaked through.
“I just think I shouldn’t be getting a ticket, Officer.”
“I’m not an officer, I’m a private investigator under contract with the department. Don’t lump me with them.” She bites the pen cap off and starts writing a ticket for him clocking in at around 170 kilometers per hour.
“You don’t even have a radar detector, so the only way you know I was speeding is because you were too.” Kenji kicks off from the wall of the divider on the highway. He inspects her motorbike slowly, dragging fingers over the dashboard and the mirrors. The key in her ignition is black, with a small baseball keychain, he notes this and keeps it in mind.
She grins, “As I said, I’m not a policeman.” She lowers her voice a little, “My bike isn’t factory tuned like theirs are.”
He groans, upset at her for giving him the ticket. But also because she intrigued him more than most people did. MINA spoke into his helmet, reminding him about the Kaiju raging in Sendai. He shushes MINA’s comments.
She scoffs, assuming that the shush was for her. She shoves the ticket into his chest, accidentally soaking up some water that was drenching his t-shirt.
“If you want to fight the ticket, go to Courthouse 5 in Tokyo at 9 am on Wednesday. A representative from the department will have all my notes from this. And Mr. Sato, please drive safely, it’s raining. Hydroplaning is no joke.”
“I’ll drive safely if you drive safely, Officer.” He laced the title with some grittiness, the kind of tone that grinds her gears.
“I’m not an officer. I’m-”
“A private investigator, yes I know, you’ve told me three times before. Since you’re the only one who can actually clock me going above the speed limit.” He rolls his eyes, ���Same time next week Officer?”
She sighs, putting the visor of her helmet down. When she gets onto her bike, kicking up the stand and revving her engine, Kenji teases her and blows an overdramatic kiss in her direction where she can clearly see it in her mirrors. She brings her hand up to throw him a middle finger, he earnestly returns the gesture.
The road is empty now, and she’s far enough away to not recognize Kenji using his willpower to morph into Ultraman, needing to get to Sendai soon according to MINA’s instructions.
MINA speaks into his audio system, “You really should listen to her. She’s smart. Safe driving is critical in the rain Ken.”
“MINA, I love you, but please shut up.”
She never liked arrogant people. Maybe because she was arrogant herself? But the real reason for arrogance is that it masks the reality behind the person, it’s a cover for something more futile and undeniably human. Arrogance acts like a shield holding back a person from revealing too much. For her, arrogance defended against her ideals. The world could be changed to be better. Peace is well within a grasp. That ideal, that dream of what the world could be is hidden and buried deep within her. To cover for it, arrogance does a great job biting into people she meets.
It’s a good thing her best friend was always there for her. Ito Yuuta, rookie of the year and a new addition to the Yomiuri Giants baseball team. He was one of the first round draft picks, immediately getting sweeped into the team. So there she sat with Yuuta, while he threw pitches in the baseball cage, her talking about his teammate with disdain.
Yuuta clocked in some high speeds, and was extremely sweaty. His shoulder was killing him, but practicing as often as possible was a new priority if he wanted to be utilized and get off the bench for this season.
“I don’t understand how you can play on a team with a guy like that.” She chews a piece of licorice, a guilty pleasure snack that she was addicted to. Yuuta steals a piece and sits next to her.
She’d met Kenji before, in circumstances where she wasn’t giving him a fine for speeding down highways. When her friend got scouted, she met the members of his team at a mixer. Kenji Sato just didn’t seem to play nicely with his teammates. When Yuuta had initially introduced himself, Kenji had given him a signed baseball card, saying something about how selling it would be worth something.
After hearing that story, which Yuuta laughed at and gladly embraced as a characteristic of Kenji’s behavioral traits, she just furrowed her eyebrows and puckered her face. It rubbed her the wrong way for someone to act like that. But she couldn’t control the roster of the Giants’ team.
“He’s a great player. You’re just too tied up in your whole ‘I’m a harbinger of justice and righteousness’ to see that there are people out there with the exact same personality as you.” Yuuta drinks some water and throws a sweaty towel on her, which she tosses back to him in disgust, “Come to a game, watch him play, maybe then you’ll join a fanclub other than mine.”
She clicks her tongue to her teeth, bouncing her knee in consideration. Yuuta let the whole Kenji Sato thing go, and instead just invited her to come watch him play in the most upcoming game.
He had her try to throw a ball, how to raise her leg just enough, bringing her arm and hand back just enough. While he was adjusting the length of her arm and the angling just so, none other than Kenji Sato walked into the baseball gym. He slinks over to the pitching cage and watches for a moment, the rookie member of his team sliding his hands over Kenji’s pretty private investigator. He just had to make a comment, right?
“You should move her hips a little to the left while you’re at it, Ito.” She jumps a little at his voice, dropping the ball. It rolled over to Kenji’s foot through the wire fencing around the cage, he reached down and picked it up from under the cage. Throwing the ball up a little, analyzing it. Ito accepts the help, and uses his hands to twist her hips just a smidge.
She couldn’t help it that she was ticklish. A brief laugh escapes her, and she chokes when she sees Kenji stare right at her. Except it wasn’t at her face, rather where Ito’s hands began to slide up to her waist to tickle her a little more. Kenji presses his lips into a line, tossing the ball over the cage.
Ito yells out a quick thanks and Kenji waves his hand while walking to the locker room.
She throws the ball that Kenji had returned to her. It clocked in at around 128 KPH. Yuuta lets out an approving hum in reaction to the speed of her fastball. She does a little spin and flexes her arms to show off her natural talent. It’s a good thing the locker room had TVs that showed camera footage from all the baseball cages. Kenji laughed at her silliness while he was watching on the screen, tightening his shoes.
A few days later, at the Tokyo Police Station, she’s getting briefed on the newest details of the Ultraman case. It’s all things she’s heard before, and they were no where closer to uncovering the true identity of Japan’s biggest hero. Biggest hero, her ass, more like the biggest vigilante who runs around fighting Kaiju and also destroying the structural integrity of Japan’s cities.
All the secretaries and computer techs loved Ultraman, all the mugs in the kitchen area were Ultraman themed to prove it.
She spins around in her chair, listening to the Head of the Detective Department drone on in his monotone voice.
“Which is why I’ve decided to reach out to the KDF in helping us.”
Now, that was something she did not like. The KDF were brutalistic, inhumane, and quasi-militaristic. It was like their organization ran on the idea of killing out the entire Kaiju race with no concern for the theories and realities that Kaiju could actually help the world. If only people actually did their research and showed patience with the dedicated scientists who worked tirelessly to find out more about Kaiju.
She would prefer Ultraman to the KDF anyday. Ultraman at least gave the Kaiju respect, and he always seemed to guide them in certain directions once he got them to the ocean. Almost as if he was releasing the beasts to their homeland.
“No way. The KDF are horrendous. They treat Kaiju like pests that need to be destroyed. Any sort of information they have on Ultraman’s identity is sure to be unethically obtained.” She raised her concerns, looking to her fellow coworkers for support in backing her statement. They just lowered their heads when faced with her stare.
“Miss. You’re just a private investigator, all you need to do for us is follow instructions and see where our leads take us. And, you’re one to talk about ethically obtaining evidence, we all know your little tricks.”
She bites her tongue, leaning back into her chair. She had three more months of working for the police and then she could go back to discovering cheating husbands and trailing drug cartels for the other government departments. At least when she was doing that she wasn’t at risk for getting crushed underfoot by a superhero or getting lasered by KDF robots and fighter pilots.
Her boss puts a hand on her shoulder, picking away a piece of lint before going back to the head of the table.
“You’ll meet with a KDF representative, take detailed notes, follow the trails you find, and then report back to me. Do you understand?”
She mumbles.
“What was that?”
“Yes, sir. I understand.”
That night, she had to put on dressy clothes for the dinner with her KDF intelligence personnel. On the phone with Yuuta, she’d gotten appraised when she slid on a tight black number, “Damn! I thought you only had jeans and black shirts in your closet. Maybe I’ll have to ask you on a real date and not just the baseball banquet in two months.”
She held her head in her hands, while her elbows rested on her desk, phone sat up against her water bottle. Yuuta put the back of his hand against his forehead, giving a playfully deep sigh as he got a view of her cleavage. She rolled her eyes at Yuuta’s behavior, but still felt slightly proud at her ability to clean up nicely.
“Bye Yuuta, I’ll text you later.”
He waves to the camera, holding up a peace sign before finally ending the call.
The restaurant is dimly lit, live jazz music ebbs and flows throughout the building. Tables have white and black cloth laid out, and there’s an overabundance of marble decor. The KDF employee couldn’t have been younger than forty, but the salt and pepper hair did add an appeal she didn’t expect.
He pulled out her chair for her, and had the waiter take her order first. She sipped some water, not wanting to feel buzzed at all from alcohol. He was nice enough, just making some small talk before they got into the real meat of why they were there.
“We have intel that the ‘Hero’ is likely a sporting figure. We’re leaning towards baseball, due to the popularity of the sport. Also, based on audio recordings, he spent time abroad, using a mixture of slang and an American accent to color his lived experiences.” He downs his beer when he finishes the bulk of his information.
She jots the main points down on her notepad. In between sips of water, and bites of her pasta dish, she finds herself quickly making trails and thinking of all the roads she could go down to find Ultraman. When all the information is expressed, she leans back in her chair, waiting for the waiter to come back so she could pay for her meal.
When twenty minutes elapse, she says she’ll go looking for their server so they can leave. He nods, finishing off his fish and chips.
Turning the corner, she bumps into a solid wall. Except, the solid wall lets out a short ouch. It’s Kenji. Despite trying to clearly cover something up, his suit only goes so high on his neck. There’s black and blue bruises canvassing his face and neck, she glances and sees that there’s marks on his hands as well.
“What happened to you?” She reaches out instinctively to touch his cheek where there’s a dark purple bloom from the peak of his cheekbone to right above his jawline. He whines when she makes contact, but eases up when her warm hands soothe the flow of blood beneath his skin.
“You should see the other guy.” He remarks. In response she just scoffs a little, dropping her hand even though he wishes she would’ve just kept it there.
Soon, the salt and pepper KDF member finds her, “Hey, you need to come back.” He waves his card in the air for a moment, letting her know she needed to pay. He motions for her to hurry and come, and Kenji feels appalled. She nods, but Kenji furrows his eyebrows.
“What kind of man makes his date pay?” His voice is scratchy, and only she can hear him.
She puts a hand on his chest, “It's not a date, it’s business.”
Kenji nods, letting his hand graze hers as it slides down his chest. What once was, no longer is.
When the much older man puts a hand on the small of her back, his jaw clenches reflexively. He twitches in pain when he realizes he pulls the muscles where he’d taken a massive hit from the most recent Kaiju attack. At least he’d managed to make the fight only last around thirty minutes. The quickest fight of the year.
His legs were crossed, bouncing his foot that rested on his knee. He used his chopsticks and prodded at his noodles. His private table was hidden in a nook, with a bamboo room divider separating him and the world. Appetite crushed and meal soggy, Kenji pursed his lips slightly. Contemplation could only last for so long.
Pushing his plate away from him, he leaves a stack of bills on the counter. Stalking away to steal one last glance of her. He saw her hair, the curve of her spine, and heard the click of her shoes as the entrance to the restaurant came to a close.
What kind of business did she have, and more importantly who was he to think about what she was doing? The whole internal monologue was getting tired quick, especially when his thoughts had become plagued with her. Everytime he dished his attitude out for her, she served it right back and with her own additions and special spices.
He’d need some sort of counseling. And soon. But did he really?
She was committed to following the outline of details that the KDF personnel had given her. But she just kept running into Kenji Sato and didn’t get anywhere far with her approach.
At first she had tried to study all the baseball teams that had the quickest reaction times to a Kaiju attack. Each time she attended another game, with her hoodie pulled over her head and hands in her pockets, she just saw people running all around trying to escape the stadiums. Not optimal when a person is trying to go towards the danger instead.
A man had narrowly clipped her shoulder, she kept pressing forwards to get to the field. The Kaiju was on the outskirts of the stadium. If Ultraman really was a baseball player he would’ve appeared in the field from where the players had been. Her line of reasoning was that going down to the field and having her camera ready was the optimal discovery technique.
“What are you doing? You need to get away from the Kaiju, not run toward it?” Kenji, still in his Giants uniform, grabbed her by the arm pulling her further away from the baseball diamond. The Kaiju began to stomp away from the stadium. She groaned, ripping her arm away from Kenji.
“Leave me be.” She tried to go toward the center of the field again.
“You have a death wish and I will not be granting it.” He thwarts her plans and gives her the keys to his motorbike when they get to the parking lot, the Kaiju’s roar rumbles lowly from a distance in the eastward direction. “Get on the bike. I swear to the gods, get on the bike.”
She turns the key, and starts the engine. Kenji goes back to the stadium, leaving her to try and track down all the players from the game today who had already left the stadium, maybe following one of them would lead to the Ultraman reveal. An hour later, the Kaiju was back in the water leaving Japan behind. Ultraman’s face and video footage rang through the screens in the streets. She tossed her camera in the air, annoyance clear on her face.
That was the third time that month that Kenji had done something like that, found her trying to go towards the danger instead of avoiding it, and each time he pushed her away and told her to leave.
It was starting to annoy her more and more intensely that she still couldn’t catch a baseball player turning into Ultraman. Why did there have to be so many baseball games, and why were there so many players on every team?
Yuuta had invited her to a practice match between the Giants and a team from Singapore that had flown in for the friendly. She obliged him, thinking that she could narrow down her list of baseball players better if a foreign team was playing as well. It was around mid-game, and she didn’t expect another Kaiju attack so soon after the last one. Alarms blared and the ground rumbled.
This Kaiju was dark green, scaly, and looked a lot like a water monitor, with fangs like a rattlesnake. The size of it was smaller than most, and it slithered around instead of standing. It lunged at one of the lights in the stadium, and she was shaking against her intentions to remain resolved.
She supposed now was as good a time as ever to see an Ultraman transformation. Except maybe, getting too close to the creature was a bad idea. Yuuta had screamed at her for getting to the field, but he couldn’t stand in and do anything when the tail of the Kaiju knocked her off her feet and she landed on her arm roughly.
Kicking off with her feet, she kept trying to backtrack, elbows bloody and pain shooting through her shoulder. Now she was worried for her life, especially when the Kaiju slinked around the dirt and grass, getting a little too close to the catcher’s area, where she sat. Dirt coated her clothes, and she felt iced into her position.
She closed her eyes for a second, preparing for the worst.
Ultraman always saves the day in the end. The snake-like monster was curling itself around the arm of Ultraman, he shook his arm but the lizard stayed firmly in place. He flung his arm, and to her shock, the snake flew away, Kaiju genetics and formation letting it slither in the air. The Kaiju made its way to the coastline, and the harm was successfully resolved.
The audio muffling voice was just human enough to remind her to come back to her senses. The voice and of course, a huge presence kneeling in front of her would bring anyone back.
His hand was the size of her whole body, maybe even bigger.
“Do you need medical attention?” Ultraman stuck out a finger and she pulled herself off the ground by leveraging her weight and the arm that she hadn’t landed on.
“No, probably just some regular first aid.” She lifts her head up to try and make eye contact, that could be another clue.
When there’s no movement from either of them for a moment, he stutters something out yet none of the words make any sense. Fainting when she sees the Kaiju come back might have been her stupidest biological instinct.
Yuuta sits by her bedside table, snoring. Rubbing her head, she turns on the TV to see what happened after she lost total consciousness.
Ultraman had picked her up and set her somewhere safe while fighting the beast, headlines declaring another day safe because of his intervention. As much as she wants, she can’t roll her eyes.
Maybe there’s more to a superhero than meets the eye.
“Well folks we have it here, the championship game. We have the Giants pitching first and the Pumas at bat. Pitching for the Giants is an upstarter by the name of Ito Yuuta, or as the new fans like to say, the Michelangelo of pitching. And I can’t say I disagree with them, I mean his form is so natural and smooth.” The other announcer elbows his companion in the stomach, “And for the Pumas we have American Clint Wilks ready to bat.”
She sits in her seat, the same one Yuuta had reserved for her so many times before. She has her camera filming her friend, his first pitch he wanted filmed in slow motion, and then the rest he wanted normal speed. Something about wanting tons of content for the promotional manager to work with at various angles. Her phone camera wasn’t the best, but she made it work. And Yuuta had always been satisfied with the videos she sent to him.
When the batter manages to skim the edge of Yuuta’s first pitch she groans a little. The ball was recovered quickly, but Yuuta wasn’t shaken up at all. His next two pitches were seamless, going straight to the catcher in the blink of an eye. She cheers.
Disconnecting from the game for a moment, she scrolls on her phone, she may have enjoyed baseball, but it was Yuuta she only really came for. Yuuta and Kenji that is. Her other camera, her private investigation camera laid safely in her backpack. Should another Kaiju attack happen today she might need an early retirement, especially considering how the last run in had altered her.
It had been a while since she had caught Kenji Sato late at night, ignoring the speed limits with an overwhelming sense of confidence and ability. Maybe the lesson had finally set in, the fifth ticket may have been overkill.
When she hears the announcers say that Ken Sato is out of commission for this championship game due to injury, her ears burn. Now this was a quick mystery that needed to be solved. She had seen him in the pit, yelling with his teammates and jeering at the opposing team. But he hadn’t been quite all there, like his brain was in another body and a robot had filled in for him. When the announcement had been made that Kenji wasn’t going to play, he excused himself and left his team. She noticed that he had been rubbing his arm with a grimace.
The locker room would hold all the answers to her questions she supposes. Yuuta wasn’t going to pitch again for the rest of the game, already knocking out so many strikes in one game. She remembered how Yuuta had told her to get to the additional secret door to the locker room.
Getting into the locker room was easy, seeing Kenji Sato in his current state of undress was the hard part.
She couldn’t say much but let out a small squeak to disclose her presence in the room. Kenji finished pulling up his grey sweatpants, and coughed into his elbow to diffuse any sort of discomfort.
“Uh, sorry. My bad.” She tapped her forearm, keeping her arms locked into a folded position.
“It’s, um, it’s all good. Ito’s still at the diamond, I’m the only one here right now…” He trailed off.
Seeing the full expanse of his injuries across his torso and chest, she feels her heart sink. He’d come up closer to her, shutting his locker and almost circling her to study her. Initially, upon her walking in, she had seen him scrutinize the various marks across his body. His entire length of his arm was purple, almost like it had been wrapped in a rope that had been tightened too many times.
“Is your current partner an abuser?” She bluntly asks.
Kenji’s eyes open wide, “No, I’m not dating anyone right now.”
It was her turn for her eyes to go wide, in addition to extreme heat tingeing her skin and sweat starting to build up. Her assumption was that of a hired sort of company making those marks then. Surveying her reaction, Kenji knows what her best guess may have come down to.
“I also don’t make a habit of hiring escorts. Or any sort of paid companionship.” He swallows thickly. All his attempts to mitigate the tension in the room had absolutely failed. He tries another angle, “I’m glad that you care enough to ask though.”
She laughs at that.
“I guess I do care at least a little. It’d be a shame if you died by hooker, especially since I’ve spent so many hours giving you tickets in an attempt to save your life.”
They settled into their dynamic. Friends, but not quite friendly. Kenji wouldn’t call them enemies either, not when he held her too close to his heart. But her barely concealed occasional animosity did harbor some sort of anger or hate toward him that he’d just have to brush that aside while he categorized their relationship.
Their dynamic was hued by an innate sense of connection, but layers of social conditioning and abrasiveness between the two had deemed their magnetism a fluke.
Maybe that’s why he asks her to come to the baseball banquet with him despite being half naked in the middle of the locker room.
“I’ve already told Yuuta I’d go with him.” She shifts her weight between her feet, trying to remain balanced in spite of the extreme uneasiness that ran through her.
“I got him a replacement date.”
Her eyebrow raised at his slight supplication, he continued, “Ito told me he’d tell you soon. Guess I beat him to the remark.”
The awkward chuckle he lets escape makes him wish that he was anywhere but here. He’d take a monstrous Kaiju wanting to bite his head off then be faced with a rejection like this. Would it even be considered a rejection? He just asked if she wanted to be his date to the championship banquet. He chews the inside of his mouth, it would definitely be a direct rejection if she said no.
The crowd roars and tells the both of them that the banquet will in fact be for the Giants winning and not a solemn affair telling everyone to prepare for the next season.
“Okay. I had already cleared my weekend for the banquet anyway.” She wrings her hands out, twisting and playing with each of her fingers.
“Sounds great. It should be fun, you know, since we just won.”
She turns to leave the locker room, before turning on her heel.
He finishes putting his relaxed Giants jersey on, slightly stunned to see her still in the locker room.
“I’ll need your number, so you can tell me what to wear.” She pauses, unsure of what else he’d need to inform her of.
“And so I can let you know when I’ll pick you up, and where to pick you up.” He starts listing off items, using his fingers to keep track.
“Yeah, all that stuff.”
He gets her number, sending a short ‘hi it’s ken’ text. She feels the pull to exit again. But has to let one last thing off her chest.
“I’m not calling you Ken. You’ll always be Kenji to me.” He pushes down a smile, but she continues her word salad that climbs out of her mouth without much censorship. “Too many tickets written out in your full first name for me to call you anything else.”
“We’ll go with that then, Officer.”
She sticks her tongue out at him before finally trekking out of the baseball changing room.
To- Officer Cutie 💎🌟 : i’m sending you a dress, this is your size right?
ATTACHMENT: 1 Image
To- KENJI SATO 🚨🏍️: How did you know my size? Also you know I can buy my own clothes for a banquet right?
To- Officer Cutie 💎🌟: lemme do my own thing
To- KENJI SATO 🚨🏍️: fine then mr. bossy pants
To be fair, the dress really was gorgeous. Silver with red detailing, although the slit wasn’t quite an expected feature of the dress, coming up to above her mid thigh. The straps of the dress had an almost pearl beading which contrasted nicely with the deep blood shade of the red throughout the dress.
“You know, if my date saw you she’d wonder why I was going with her and not you.” Yuuta teases, because he does genuinely feel excitement for who he was going with, a reporter by the name of Ami Wakita. She does a spin for Yuuta in her phone camera.
“I don’t know all the way though, the colors remind me of something I can’t quite put a finger on.”
She can see Yuuta grabbing his phone and searching on Google due to the angle of his forehead that she was now enduring. When Yuuta laughs, she knows she might be in for some sort of practical joke from Kenji.
Yuuta sends her a photo of Ultraman.
“Damn him to hell. We’re going with an Ultraman theme.” She drags her hand down her face in irritation.
The black Mercedes-Benz he drove to pick her up in was definitely an appreciated touch. He was wearing a silver suit with a red button up underneath. At least they matched really well.
The banquet looked expensive. It smelt expensive. It sounded expensive. With draping fabrics hanging off of tall columns in the cream and gold shades of the Giants logo and uniforms. The bouquets of dense floral scents carried throughout the event center, and the fresh scent of pastries and cooked steaks also added to the aromas floating around the air. Clinking glasses, clicks of heels, laughs that sounded like they were dripping in a blend of nepotism and celebrity status.
Kenji and her are at a table with some of the older members of the Giants team. Kenji isn’t amused with the questions they pester the pair of them with. She wittily responds to each glaring comment that had intended to poke deeper and deeper.
The speeches awarding the team and celebrating the momentous win aren’t bad, just bland. Each time a server comes around with glasses of wine, or champagne, or shots, she grabs one and starts sipping. Kenji sticks to just water and some glasses of juice. He mentions that he’s the one driving so he’d rather not get black out drunk. She chuckles sarcastically.
While they don’t talk to each other too much, he does keep a hand on her thigh or knee for most of the night. Which in turn may have been the cause for her to keep getting drinks.
Eventually, as to be expected, the banquet shifts from an event of elegance into a slight rager. Music transitions from classical to club style hip hop and R&B. She keeps nodding off, much to Kenji’s amusement. He couldn’t imagine accidentally falling asleep when the noises around the building were booming and thunderous.
They sit at the table, the only ones left not on the dance floor. Kenji doesn’t mind, especially with how she keeps nodding off and blinking her eyes to try and stay awake regardless of how the alcohol weighs her cognizance down.
“Hey, pretty girl, you keep falling asleep.” Kenji rubs her back, his fingers touching the bare skin exposed from the back of her dress. His hands aren’t cold, they’re far from it, a warmth blossoms from them, springing forth a desire to feel the heat wherever she has exposed skin.
Mumbling, she says something about his observational skills, a ‘Captain Obvious’ is thrown in there somewhere along a line of insults. She keeps trying to rub the sleep away with the back of her hand.
“Ready to go?” She shakes her head yes and lets him guide her out to his car.
It really was the only solution. She was already asleep in his car, and he didn’t know which key was the one that opened her apartment door.
“MINA, can you please change the temperature of my room to 68 degrees? Keep the pillows cold, but make the blankets warmer.”
MINA adjusts the requested temperatures. Kenji lets her take his bed, opting to sleep in one of the guest rooms in the Ultrabase. He sets out a pair of sweatpants and a sleeveless sleep shirt. He puts a hand on her leg, moving it so she’d wake up a little.
“Pajamas are here, I’ll be down the hall if you need anything. I got water and some pain relievers on your side table.” She murmurs in response, her face in the pillows. He puts a lid on the water cup, and turns off the light as he shuts his bedroom door.
She hardly recalls that she changed into the comfiest pajamas she’s ever worn, but she did remember drinking the whole glass of water and swallowing the pain pills. Waking up was surprisingly pleasant though, a perfect mixture of cold and warm coated her senses. She freezes for a moment, remembering how last night had unfurled. With her embarrassing herself by drinking way too much and getting sleepy probably much earlier than Kenji had expected.
A good private investigator would study and analyze each item in a person’s bedroom. An even better private investigator would do all that and make fun of what she could. That’s why she’s considered the best in the business.
The room is relatively bland, but pictures of a pink Kaiju stand out to her. It looks like a dragon, but it’s so adorable she had to stop herself from using her phone to take a picture of the Kaiju. There’s a family photo, and oh, his dad is Professor Sato? The Kaiju whisperer? That’s intriguing to her but she keeps lurking around.
Once she examines his room enough, she leaves the room and goes out to discover further.
The smell of fresh fruit and possibly waffles draws her out further and further from the hallway of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Kenji talks to MINA, asking for help in making the waffles actually edible and not burnt. MINA offers to cook them for him, but he says he can do it and wants to make them himself. MINA rereads the instructions for the waffle maker. He’s wearing plaid bottoms and a black tank top. She admires his arms for a moment before shaking herself out of the slight daze.
She keeps looking around. Until she finds something particularly interesting, she checks that she’s still out of his line of sight and she touches a few of the buttons on what looks like a computer keyboard. Except the buttons vary in shape and size instead of being uniform and sequential.
Falling back a little from the bright holograms she gasps. Kenji whips his head around and drops a spoon that had batter all over it onto the floor.
The holograms display various scenes of Ultraman, and Kenji. Of Kenji turning into Ultraman, of Ultraman transitioning back into Kenji. Of Kenji with the pink Kaiju, of Ultraman with the pink Kaiju. Of Kenji and his dad studying the Kaiju. Of Ultraman playing baseball with a huge bat. Of Kenji messing around with various Ultraman maneuvers and martial arts styles.
She turns her head to Kenji, now exposed from her perching site away from his view. He glances his eyes in all directions. He hiccups and laughs forcefully. He can’t even say a simple, let me explain. It’s just all too clear.
“Whoops?” She offers.
He pushed a bowl of fruit in her direction, she was sitting across from him at the dining table.
“No one can know.”
She keeps blinking and eating another piece of fruit as she processes the whole thing. Almost like a fish, she keeps opening her mouth but then closing it without ever saying a word. She downs a glass of orange juice that he gives her.
“So, you’re Ultraman.”
He shrugs.
“All those times I saw you bruised and injured? Ultraman?” She rubs her temple, trying to make sense of it all.
“For most of the time, yes. I did fall off my bike once.”
“I’m going to have to quit my job.” She deadpans. “If they knew that I knew, but didn’t tell them, I’d be hunted and killed.”
Kenji drops his fork that has a slice of mango on it.
“Not literally, but I’d definitely be tortured for what I know.” Finishing off her fruit, she lets out a deep exhale, and makes eye contact with Kenji. He taps on the table for a moment before exchanging her thoughts for his own.
“I hate to admit this, but that would literally be my worst nightmare because I unfortunately like you a lot.”
She suspends all sense of reality for a moment, also ignoring his confession to her, “Kaiju Island is real?” He nods. “I want to go and see it. I want to see the Kaiju.”
So they go and see the Kaiju.
When Kenji introduces her to Emi, a toddler Kaiju, she stands stunned but amazed at the mystical energy of it all. She considers dropping her career as a private investigator and instead studying a course in Kaiju Sciences. She sees a wide variety of other Kaiju, Kenji making sure she stays a safe distance away from anything that could potentially be too dangerous.
The whole day is spent asking and answering questions. From Ultraman to Kaiju, from KDF to Tokyo Metropolitan Police. He’s aware of what the KDF knows about him now, and he’s grateful to know where to start burying tracks for them.
The beach is pretty in the evening. The way pink and orange dance along the glimmering ocean waves. The way the sun hits Kenji’s eyes just right and makes them look like a vibrant purple. His black earrings almost turn into inky ebony gems.
“This is actually amazing.” She exhales the words she’s been holding in during the entire exposure to this alternate universe that coexists with hers.
He speaks without thinking, something he believes he really should start working on, “You’re amazing.”
“Even with all my sharpness?”
“That’s your whole appeal.” He leans in, giving just enough space for her to back out.
She doesn’t lean away. He dives in.
He doesn’t bother with any brushes of their lips, going straight for an open mouth exchange. She’s the one who grazes her tongue in his mouth first though, leaving him wanting more, needing more, an appetite needing to be satiated with her touch.
He’s leaving a path of heavy kisses over her face to her neck, sucking on the skin as he licks under her jaw. The way her skin tastes should be studied he muses, using his hands to pin her to the sandy bank by her waist. Her hands were too busy fiddling with his earrings and hair to let him pin her by the hands.
The hums he has in his throat make her want to hear what other sounds he can make. Maybe biting his bottom lip was her best option after all because as soon as her teeth came into contact with the puffy skin he shudders and it’s like music to her ears.
He has to lift himself up and off her, out of breath and panting heavily. He pulls her up with him once he’s sitting back down.
“I’ve wanted to kiss you since the first time you cussed me out for almost swerving into you when I was speeding.”
She pauses, letting him intertwine his fingers with hers, he sets the joined hands on his thigh, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand in order to brush some sand off of her.
“That was a while ago.”
“Yeah, so now you know how long I’ve been waiting for this.”
She pushes his shoulder that was right up against hers. He recoils, and she thinks that he might be sore from fighting a Kaiju. So she goes to apologize when he stops her before she can get any words out.
“I think I deserve an apology kiss.”
“What a faker.”
She rolls her eyes but gives him another kiss.
The headlines the following weeks put the world into a tizzy.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR QUITS TOKYO POLICE IN A FURY
EX-TOKYO POLICE INVESTIGATOR EXPOSES KDF BRIBING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
KAIJU AREN’T ALL BAD: THE KDF GENOCIDE SCANDAL
KENJI SATO, WHO’S YOUR GIRL?
ITO YUUTA NAMED GIANTS VICE CAPTAIN UNDER KENJI SATO’S CAPTAINSHIP
NEW KAIJU RESEARCH AND SCIENCE RELEASED BY PROFESSOR SATO
EXCLUSIVE ULTRAMAN INTERVIEW: HE’S OBSESSED WITH KENJI SATO’S GIRLFRIEND
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jiminy-crickets · 3 months ago
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saw the tags on your rb, and as a fellow "connor bedard has autism" headcanoner, i would love to know more of your thoughts 😈
it's less of a headcanon and more of a divinely correct vibe check. but like am i wrong...???? although I do see it more as they're the same flavour of ND with different presentations, like Connor is hyperfocus ADHD, and Macklin is inattentive (this comes from someone with mixed presentation ADHD¹, they also tried to diagnose me with austim but my legs were too long i make eye contact BUT!!! 93rd% "indicating that Cassie has many behavioural characteristics similar to youth diagnosed with ASD." raaaaa 💪💪💪 93% is an A!! i ace even the tests i fail!!!) Plus his rigidity with his diet, is bonkers for someone that young (and it's been going on since he was like 14-15)
Like especially with the way that Connor's constant practicing, after practice until the zamboni kicks him off, and then on off days and optional skates hiding his gear to make him take days off?? that is pretty classic hyperfocus ADHD. And especially with the way he blames the teams loses on himself, like please sir seeing you in the mirror is not good for my health!!
And with Macklin, people often mischaracterize inattentive ADHD with not being motivated or good at routine and while yes those two things are a normal part of human life, and more-so with ADHD, he has shown many times how deeply he cares about hockey........ but I think (and also remember i am projecting) his father being THAT hands on with him and his brothers training (even now which yuck, you have your own job get your grubby paws off of your kid's job) has made him unable to self propel, and get himself into that routine? (AND AGAIN I AM PROJECTING) like something Macklin has said a few times is how the shift to a pro-hockey schedule has been hard, and yes it is an adjustment, but he has been essentially living away from his parents for YEARS, two years boarding at Shattuckk, one year (presumably) billeting in Chicago while playing in the USHL, and one year in college at BU, and I think the real shift is that... daddy is planning his workouts again, full time not just summers (also, the travaling doesn't help) AND THAT (i am projecting) is HELL to someone who built a routine, and any hope of getting back into one was dashed when he went of IR for his hip after one game. the boy needs CONSISTENCY!!!!! And until they get him 1) away from his freak father who has his hands al over his development plan, and 2) on simple routine with max five types of days (home game, home practice, home rest, away game, away rest) he will not get situated.
BACK TO BEDARD <33333
the man loves rules and procedures. him at his first training camp all doe eyed and "wanting to make the team!" so much that Kyle Davidson... maybe it was Luke Richardson who said it...??? either way his coach or his GM pulled aside his MOTHER to tell them that they needed to start looking at apartments. Before getting drafted it was never "when" it was "if i get drafted".... like dude.... it's gonna happen! Whenever he get's sen't to the box its always a "they hate me, don't they know I am unable to break rules!! not because they don't apply to me but because I can NOT break rules!" vibe (I am only kinda projecting on this one)
and I do think the type of media around them during their developmental years up has affected them, Macklin's media was always focused on his father, which reinforced his reliance/dependence on him, whereas Connor's was focused on him which encouraged him to focus on himself and what HE can do to improve.
also Connor has that DOG IN HIM
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^ connor bedard real not fake (also my childhood psychologist had this PROMENENTLY displayed in her office and i think seeing it every two weeks had an adverse affect on me)
¹ and a bunch of other learning disorders, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, audio processing disorder, also anxiety, depression, and cutie patootie disease (fatal 😔)
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🐰
(Just a little Sunday Drabble. Enjoy! SFW but is suggestive.)
“Why that of all things?”
Emerald green eyes rose to meet your own, blinking in confusion for a moment as they adjusted from reading words at a close distance to focus upon your face which was a bit farther away. The television audio was lowered with the push of a remote button so that he could hear you better. In his lap the book closed with a snap then placed off to the side where sunlight illuminated the bedroom with warm golden rays. Across your laps stretched a blanket that was both cooling and soft in material, a recent gift since he’d noticed your difficulty in sleeping under normal sheets. Today was Sunday, meaning that the two of you were home at the same time and could do as you pleased, being as it was his guaranteed (more like mandatory) day of since he works so hard. An apologetic smile raised his lips after brushing them against your temple briefly. “What was that? Sorry, bunny, can you run that by me again?”
The tip of your finger lightly tapped his freckled nose. “That.”
“You’re going to have to be a bit more specific than that,” he chuckled while slipped an arm around your shoulders, “I’m many things but a mind reader I’m definitely not.”
As if in explanation, your hands rose to form imaginary ears that reached higher than any canine or feline’s.
His sharp intelligence kicked into gear at your motions. “You’re wondering why I call you ‘bunny’?” Within his freckled cheeks rose a blush, hesitation filling those emeralds then they met your own. “Oh, uh, is it weird that I do?”
“It’s original so I’ll give points for creativity, but its not a nickname that most would pick.” The hands above your head fell to rest on the bed, taking a moment to comb through his tousled forest locks. It was still slightly damp from the shower you’d shared not too long ago. Scents of his body wash, reminding you of a cedar forest during a thunderstorm, permeated the room’s air lingering with wisps of vapor as you inhaled. “I’m curious as to why you picked it instead of ‘baby’ or ‘doll’.”
“S-sorry, I should’ve asked if you were okay with it!” The Pro Hero looked visibly shaken as he began mumbling about other little nicknames that he’s heard being used by his colleagues. Even the little wrinkle between his brows had depended as he stroked his chin in deep thought. There were a few which made you flinch or cringe until he crossed his arms with a huff and fell silent.
“It’s not that I don’t like it, Izuku, I was just wondering why.”
Bright red stained those freckled cheeks when he attempted to escape the bed only to fall victim to your sudden koala-like embrace that caused him to teeter before falling back onto the bed with you beneath him. Now the two of you were laughing as both of your fingers attempted to release or tighten the other’s hold. Sheets became tangled within limbs, nearly creating a cocoon around your twisting forms, until his stamina outlasted yours. His laughter was so beautiful to you but it was the smile that alternated between littering your face with kisses that made your world more colorful.
“Tell me already!”
“It’s too embarrassing!”
Your eyes rolled while dodging another peck of his lips. “C’mon, Izuku, no matter what the reason I’m not going tease you!”
Something devious entered his gaze as he snagged one of your wandering hands that had been attempting to find his ticklish side. “Who said it would be embarrassing for me?”
Confusion filled your being. “Me?” Suspicion tainted your curiosity. “Why would it?”
“Well,” his voice dipped into a lower octave, bending at the neck so yours came into contact with his lips, “let’s just say that it’s something that I don’t think you’re aware of doing.”
Like a horse on the track, your mind immediately began racing. Was it the way you eat or drink? Maybe how you styled your hair? What was so bunny-like that he felt it was befitting?
The sharp snag of teeth against your sensitive skin made the entirety of your mind screech to a halt, a blush rising within your cheeks as something warm and wet soothed the slightly aching area. “I could have been telling you this entire time but you weren’t listening.” Vibrato within his voice made the fine hairs across your being rise in anticipation when the tip of his nose trailed from your shoulder up to meet yours. His lips teased yours with near feather touches until they were compelled to part. “My little bunny…say it…”
Tingles and electricity shot through your veins at the stern tone he used. The compulsion to do as he suggested whenever using that voice and tone combined always left you quivering with the desire to please him. “I…I am…”
“I had no idea my little bunny was so quiet.” Deep within your core coiled familiar pressure as his emeralds hovering over you blazed with authority. The calloused pads of his fingers bit into your skin as they took hold off your chin. “Louder.”
Your lips quivering did not help your case but somehow you managed a shaky, “I am…your…little bunny…”
And like the flip of a switch, his demeanor took a complete shift from dominating desirable Deku to blushing stammering Izuku who collected you within his lean arms. “T-there it was, the reason why I call you my bunny.”
Nearing frustration level, you attempting to push him away. “I still don’t—”
“When you get excited like that, your nostrils flare like that of a bunny’s!” Silence fell as you slowly processed his words, earning a laugh as he prevented you from hiding within the bed.
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satoshi-mochida · 16 days ago
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Rise of the Ronin coming to PC on March 11 - Gematsu
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Publisher Koei Tecmo and developer Team NINJA will release open-world action RPG Rise of the Ronin for PC via Steam on March 11 for $49.99, the companies announced.
Rise of the Ronin first launched for PlayStation 5 on March 22, 2024.
Users who purchase the PC version by April 2 will receive the same bonus content included with the PlayStation 5 version as pre-order incentives:
-Four combat styles:
Hayabusa-ryu for Katana
Hayabusa-ryu for Naginata
Nioh-ryu for Katana
Aisu Kage-ryu for Katana
-Iga Ninja’s Katana
-Iga Ninja Armor Set (a four-piece set)
Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:
About
An open-world RPG set in the Bakumatsu period, where players take on the role of a ronin forging their own destiny. The game features multiple possible endings, allowing players to choose which faction to support—such as the anti-shogunate faction, pro-shogunate faction, or Western forces—which significantly alters the story’s outcome. The game will support various PC features, including ultra-wide monitor compatibility, and include enhancements such as 8K resolution, 120fps, 3D audio, and customizable keyboard and mouse settings, enriching the gaming experience.
Story
Japan, 1863. After three centuries of the Tokugawa Shogunate’s reign, the Black Ships of the West descend upon the nation’s borders and the country falls into a state of turmoil. Amidst the chaos of war, disease, and political unrest, a nameless warrior forges their own path, holding the very fate of Japan in their hands.
New Features Exclusive to the PC Version
8K resolution support.
DirectX 12 Ultimate support.
Ultra-wide and super ultra-wide monitor compatibility.
120 frames per second support.
Ray tracing support.
3D audio support.
Customizable keyboard and mouse controls.
AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution support.
NVIDIA DLSS and Reflex support.
UI menu with mouse clickability.
Intel XeSS graphics technology support.
Key Features
Shape Your Own Story – As a nameless warrior—a ronin—your destiny evolves based on the choices you make. You will encounter historical figures and factions with various ideologies, such as the anti-shogunate faction leader Ryoma Sakamoto and the shogunate-affiliated organization Shinsengumi led by Isami Kondo, allowing you to experience the tumultuous Bakumatsu period. You will face significant decisions, such as whether to assassinate or protect key figures like Naosuke Ii, and craft your own history through a multi-ending system.
Customize Your Weapons and Combat Styles – You can choose from various melee weapons like katana, spear, and odachi, each with multiple combat styles. By freely combining these based on enemies’ weapons and your own combat style, you can enjoy a wide range of tactics. There are also ranged weapons like guns and bows, which you must use strategically according to the situation.
Explore Beautiful Cities in an Open World – In the mixed cultural landscape of Edo, Yokohama, and Kyoto during the Bakumatsu period, you can explore stunning scenery with seasonal changes like cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. You can use a grappling rope to climb onto rooftops and the glider Avicula to glide through the air. Additionally, you can capture your favorite views using Photo Mode.
Customize Your Character – From their facial features, hair, and makeup to their body shape and voice, the protagonist—your Veiled Edge—is yours to create. As you progress through the story, you’ll acquire new clothing and gear to customize their appearance further.
Watch a new trailer below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.
PC Announce Trailer
English
youtube
Japanese
youtube
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aaryan-mwa-blogs · 7 days ago
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Understanding DSP (Digital Signal Processing) in DJ Equipment: Why It Matters
When it comes to DJ equipment, terms like "mixer," "controller," and "turntable" often take center stage. But if you’ve ever wondered what powers the seamless blending of beats, the crisp clarity of audio, or those jaw-dropping sound effects, the answer lies in something a bit more technical: Digital Signal Processing, or DSP.
While it might sound complicated, understanding DSP isn’t just for tech geeks—it’s for anyone who wants to elevate their sound and make the most of their DJ gear. Let’s break it down into simple, digestible concepts to understand why DSP is a game-changer for DJs and how it makes modern equipment smarter, more efficient, and better sounding.
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What is DSP, Anyway?
In the simplest terms, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) refers to the technology that processes and modifies audio signals in a digital format. Unlike analog processing, which deals with continuous waveforms, DSP works with data that has been converted into digital bits (think 0s and 1s).
This digital manipulation allows for precise control over sound, enabling tasks like equalization (EQ), dynamic range adjustment, reverb, and more. If you’ve ever used features like auto-sync, filters, or effects on your DJ controller, DSP was doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
How Does DSP Work in DJ Equipment?
When audio enters a DSP-enabled device, such as a DJ mixer or controller, it’s converted into a digital signal using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Once the signal is in digital form, the DSP chip applies various algorithms to enhance or modify the sound.
Here’s what happens step by step:
Signal Input: The audio enters the equipment through a source, like a turntable, laptop, or microphone.
Analog-to-Digital Conversion: The signal is digitized so the DSP chip can process it.
Processing: Algorithms are applied to the signal for tasks like filtering, compression, or adding effects.
Digital-to-Analog Conversion: After processing, the digital signal is converted back to analog for output through speakers or headphones.
This process happens in milliseconds, ensuring there’s no noticeable delay, even when multiple processes are running simultaneously.
Key Features of DSP in DJ Equipment
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the specific ways DSP enhances DJ equipment.
1. Precision EQ and Filtering
DSP allows for incredibly precise equalization and filtering. You can fine-tune frequencies to create a balanced mix, cut out unwanted noise, or boost specific elements like bass or vocals.
For example, if a track has a muddy bassline, DSP makes it possible to isolate and adjust that frequency range without affecting the rest of the mix.
2. Advanced Effects Processing
From reverb and delay to flanger and phaser, DSP enables the real-time application of effects. The beauty of DSP is that it allows effects to sound clean and professional without overloading your system.
Whether you’re creating a build-up or transitioning between tracks, DSP ensures your effects are smooth and dynamic.
3. Automatic Beat Matching
One of the most popular DSP-driven features is beat matching or sync. The technology analyzes the tempo and beat grid of your tracks in real time, making it easier to align two tracks perfectly.
While traditionalists may prefer manual beat matching, there’s no denying the convenience DSP brings to modern DJing, especially during fast-paced live performances.
4. Noise Suppression and Clarity Enhancements
Background noise and feedback can ruin a set. DSP algorithms help suppress unwanted noise and enhance clarity, ensuring your mix sounds professional, whether you’re in a club or streaming online.
5. Dynamic Range Control
Dynamic range refers to the difference between the loudest and softest parts of a track. DSP can compress or expand this range to ensure a consistent volume level across your mix.
This is particularly useful for preventing distortion when mixing tracks with varying loudness levels.
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Why DSP Matters for DJs
1. Improved Sound Quality
At its core, DSP enhances the quality of your sound. Whether you’re using a high-end system or a more budget-friendly setup, DSP ensures your audio is clear, balanced, and impactful.
2. Streamlined Workflow
Features like auto-sync, effects processing, and dynamic range control save time and reduce the mental load during performances. This lets you focus more on creativity and less on technical adjustments.
3. Enhanced Versatility
DSP opens the door to endless possibilities. You can experiment with different effects, adapt to various genres, and even optimize your sound for different environments, from intimate venues to large-scale festivals.
4. Future-Proofing Your Gear
As technology continues to advance, DSP-enabled equipment is more likely to keep up with the demands of modern DJing. Firmware updates can introduce new features and improve existing ones, ensuring your gear remains relevant for years to come.
Tips for Maximizing DSP in Your Setup
Understand Your Equipment: Take the time to explore the DSP features on your mixer, controller, or software. Familiarizing yourself with the options will help you use them effectively.
Experiment with Effects: Don’t be afraid to try out different effects and settings. DSP offers a safe space to explore your creativity without compromising sound quality.
Optimize for Your Environment: Use DSP to tailor your sound to the venue. For example, adjust EQ settings to compensate for room acoustics or apply noise suppression for outdoor gigs.
Invest in Professional Gear: High-quality equipment with advanced DSP capabilities will deliver better performance and reliability. Purchasing from a reputable audio shop ensures you get expert advice and access to gear that meets your needs.
The Future of DSP in DJ Equipment
As technology evolves, DSP is becoming even more sophisticated. Machine learning and AI are being integrated into DSP algorithms, enabling features like automatic key detection, intelligent effects chaining, and even real-time crowd analysis to adapt your sound to the audience’s energy.
Wireless connectivity is another exciting development, allowing seamless integration between multiple devices without the need for a maze of cables. This opens up new possibilities for collaborative performances and multi-device setups.
DSP might work behind the scenes, but its impact on modern DJing is undeniable. From enhancing sound quality to simplifying complex tasks, it’s the secret sauce that powers today’s cutting-edge equipment.
By understanding and leveraging DSP, you can unlock the full potential of your gear and take your performances to the next level. So, whether you’re spinning at a local gig or producing your next hit track, remember that DSP is there, making sure every beat, effect, and transition sounds flawless—especially when paired with high-quality pro audio equipment from a professional shop that ensures DSP can work its magic without limitations.
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tabithamoon · 2 years ago
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pro tip: don't fall for audiophile nonsense
"Hi-Res" audio is a meme. I know this sounds like the "cinematic FPS" argument but your ears are literally incapable of hearing greater than 16-bit 48kHz audio.
breaking it down, first the 48kHz part: digital audio is stored in samples, which is a measure of the amplitude at a single point in time. the sample rate is how frequently the signal is sampled, forming our digital sound. and thanks to the Nyquist–Shannon sampling theorem, which dictates that any band-limited signal can be represented perfectly with digital samples taken at twice it's frequency, for the human limit of 20kHz, 48kHz is actually more than enough as it can encode a signal up to 24kHz
as for the 16-bit part, that dictates the dynamic range of the audio, in other words, the difference between the loudest signal a format can reproduce compared to the quietest one when it starts blending in with noise
16-bit audio, with proper dither and correct encoding, has a practical 120dB of dynamic range, which is "greater than the difference between a mosquito somewhere in the same room and a jackhammer a foot away". you don't need 24-bit audio, although it doesn't hurt, unlike >48kHz audio (see this excellent post about how ultrasonics can lead to distortion on most gear, actively hurting sound quality, by Chris Montgomery, founder of xiph.org, the foundation behind the FLAC, Vorbis and Opus audio codecs, so you can know for damn sure he knows more about digital audio than most of us combined)
don't spend extra for hi-res files and such. They're really only useful if you're a producer, as the extra data helps you keep good quality while mixing your track.
And for the love of god don't fall into the MQA snake oil rabbit hole, it's lossy and the "origami" bullshit they're peddling adds distortion and artifacts to the file, and they went bankrupt recently so that just shows how good their product is
Don't confuse this with an excuse to listen to the shittiest 128kbps mp3s straight out of Napster, lossy vs lossless codecs is a different subject altogether (hint: just get the FLACs, but beware your bluetooth buds can't do lossless)
TL;DR just get good gear, a humble 16/44 FLAC file, and enjoy mathematically perfect music
(and later watch these amazing videos by Chris from earlier going over this much better than i ever could)
and please don't take anything i've said at face value, i'm no expert, do your own research!! that is the magic the internet enables you to do
wow an actual informative post on my trash blog go me
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charlesmwa · 1 month ago
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What’s the Best Gear for Hosting Live Podcasts on Social Media?
In the age of social media, podcasts have taken a massive leap from pre-recorded episodes to live, interactive formats. Hosting live podcasts on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok allows creators to connect directly with their audience, build relationships, and create authentic moments in real time. But to make your live podcast successful, having the right gear is non-negotiable.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned podcaster, investing in the right tools can elevate your production quality, making your content stand out in a sea of live streams. Let’s explore the best gear for hosting live podcasts and why each piece is crucial for delivering a polished, engaging experience.
1. Microphones: The Backbone of Any Podcast
Your voice is the star of your podcast, so a high-quality microphone should be your first investment. Live podcasts demand crystal-clear audio to ensure your listeners stay engaged and don’t miss a word.
Dynamic Microphones are ideal for live settings. They’re durable, reduce background noise, and handle loud environments well. This makes them perfect for live social media sessions where unpredictable noise can be an issue.
Condenser Microphones capture more detail and are great if you’re streaming from a quiet, controlled space. They provide studio-like sound but are more sensitive to background noise.
Look for a microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern, which focuses on your voice and minimizes background sounds.
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2. Audio Interfaces: Bridge the Gap
If you’re using a professional microphone, you’ll need an audio interface to connect it to your computer or mobile device. An audio interface converts your microphone’s analog signal into digital audio that your streaming platform can process.
Choose an interface with at least one XLR input (for your mic) and USB connectivity. Many modern interfaces are compact and portable, making them ideal for podcasters on the go.
Look for features like gain control and headphone monitoring, which help you fine-tune your sound during the broadcast.
An audio interface ensures your listeners hear you as clearly as if they were sitting in the same room.
3. Headphones: Monitor Your Sound
Monitoring your audio in real time is essential to catch any issues before your audience does. A good pair of headphones allows you to hear exactly what your listeners are hearing.
Closed-Back Headphones are perfect for podcasting. They prevent sound from leaking into your microphone and offer an immersive listening experience.
Prioritize comfort, especially for long live sessions. Lightweight headphones with cushioned ear pads are a great choice.
Monitoring your audio ensures your levels are balanced, and any potential hiccups are addressed immediately.
4. Lighting: Look Your Best on Camera
While podcasts are traditionally audio-focused, live podcasts on social media often include video. Good lighting can make a huge difference in how professional your stream looks.
Ring Lights are a favorite among content creators for their ability to provide soft, even lighting. They’re perfect for illuminating your face during live sessions.
LED Panel Lights are more versatile and allow you to adjust brightness and color temperature to match your setup.
Lighting not only enhances your appearance but also keeps your audience focused on you, rather than distractions in your background.
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5. Cameras: Level Up Your Video Quality
If your live podcast involves video, investing in a quality camera can make your streams more engaging.
Webcams: Modern HD webcams are an affordable and easy-to-use option for beginners. They plug directly into your computer and deliver decent quality.
DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras: For a more professional look, consider using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with streaming capabilities. These offer superior image quality and customizable settings.
Don’t forget to position your camera at eye level to create a natural and inviting angle for your audience.
6. Pop Filters and Shock Mounts: Minimize Distractions
Live podcasts are unpredictable, and the last thing you want is your audience being distracted by plosive sounds (like “p” and “b”) or vibrations.
Pop Filters are affordable tools that reduce harsh sounds caused by sudden bursts of air. They’re a must-have for any podcast setup.
Shock Mounts isolate your microphone from desk vibrations, ensuring clean audio even if you accidentally bump your desk or move your mic stand.
These small additions go a long way in maintaining high audio quality.
7. Mixers: Fine-Tune Your Sound
A mixer gives you control over your audio levels and allows you to incorporate multiple microphones or sound effects seamlessly.
For solo podcasters, a simple mixer with 2–4 channels is sufficient.
If you’re hosting guests or incorporating music, a more advanced mixer with multiple inputs and effects can enhance your production.
Mixers are especially helpful if you’re streaming directly to social media platforms, as they allow you to adjust sound levels in real time.
8. Internet Connection: The Unsung Hero
No matter how great your gear is, a weak internet connection can ruin your live podcast. A stable and fast internet connection ensures your stream runs smoothly without lag or interruptions.
Use a wired connection whenever possible for the most reliable performance.
If you’re using Wi-Fi, position your setup close to the router and consider upgrading to a faster plan if needed.
9. Stream Decks: Simplify Your Workflow
If you’re hosting live podcasts frequently, a stream deck can be a game-changer. These devices allow you to control your stream with customizable buttons, making it easy to switch scenes, adjust audio, or trigger sound effects without fumbling around.
Stream decks add a layer of professionalism and make multi-tasking during live sessions much easier.
10. Backup Power and Storage: Stay Prepared
Live podcasts don’t come with a pause button, so preparation is key.
Keep a backup power source, like a portable battery or uninterruptible power supply (UPS), to avoid interruptions during unexpected power outages.
Record your sessions locally on an external drive or cloud storage. This not only provides a safety net in case of connectivity issues but also gives you content to repurpose later.
Why Invest in Quality Gear?
While it’s tempting to cut corners when setting up your podcast, high-quality gear pays off in the long run. Professional equipment ensures your audience stays engaged, helps you build credibility, and sets you apart in a crowded digital landscape.
When shopping for audio gear, it’s always a good idea to purchase from professional audio shops. Not only do they offer a wide range of options to suit your needs, but they also provide expert advice to help you make informed decisions.
Final Thoughts
Hosting live podcasts on social media is an incredible way to connect with your audience, share your ideas, and build a loyal community. But success doesn’t just come from great content—it’s also about presentation.
With the right gear, you can deliver a seamless and professional live podcast that keeps your audience coming back for more. From high-quality microphones and lighting to reliable internet and backup power, every piece of equipment plays a role in creating an engaging experience.
Invest in the tools that best suit your needs and goals, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a standout live podcaster in no time.
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nextstopwonderland · 1 year ago
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Bryanmox masterlist of content I've posted
BCC general masterlist & links to other pages here
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Video Clips (includes DeanDaniel era)
Daniel and The Mountie
Daniel “Yes’s”, Dean giggles
Dean learns the Yes Kick from guest referee Daniel. (better version)
Daniel down with the unscripted violence even back then
Dorky murder club husbands look at toys together
Bryan discusses the thrill of bleeding, which he and Mox share
Bryan discusses BCC birth
Mox praises Bryan
Mox searches for words, uses Bryan’s
Mox discusses being happy with Bryan/BCC after rehab
Daniel Bryan picks Dean Ambrose; Dean reacts
Peace love & pro wrestling
Daniel & Dean tell you how to watch YouTube vids
Post-Grand Slam hugs and belt wrapping
Daniel all about referee Dean
Bryan and Zack and Nigel and mox
Mox + Bryan + tag team in Seattle? Mox wants it
Bryan Danielson pisses baby Mox off
“I came here to do a favor for my friend Bryan Danielson” - Arena Mexico post match
“One of the best things about Jon is he’s really good at getting behind his opponents”
Bryan gushes over Mox and talks about how there’s nothing him or Mox won’t do to step up and help out
Mox on wrestledream commentary (with Nigel)
All Out footage
"“When you realize that somebody that you loved, and felt like they loved you back — when they betray you… that hits emotionally hard, moreso than any physical violence ever will.”
Video edit of full gear countdown
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BCC Origins series:
“It’s a real thing/can’t think of a reason to say no” - Bryan and Mox discuss origins of Blackpool Combat club as a shoot (YouTube)
“Sometimes I have to pinch myself” - Bryan and Mox praise each other/discuss similarities (YouTube)
“It very naturally happened” - Bryan and Mox discuss Wheeler joining the BCC
“I’m convinced he’s an alien” - Bryan and Mox discuss Claudio joining the BCC
Video Compilations / Fanvids/Fancams
Daniel-n-Dean: the wwe friends to lovers buddy comedy years
Doin’ it Their Way - the Laverne & Shirley sitcom fanvid
You’re my best friend - Mox making Bryan laugh fancam (screencap inspiration)
Give him a great big kiss - bryanmox famcam
You and Me Song: fanvid
"Wrestling has become a pantomime of what wrestling should be"
When Bryan met Jon:
“It just made me want it more” - a meet ugly for the ages (YouTube)
Bryan discusses their first meeting (text quote + video)
Bryan discussing their instant chemistry
Love (Story) at First Fight (fanvid)
Matches
First match: Dec 5, 2007 - MPW
Second match: August 2010 - HWA
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Promos
DGUSA Promo #2
DGUSA promo #3
Most likely the last DGUSA promo set the day of. Mox shows some leg and talks breaking arms
Audio clips
“I don’t think you could ever say a bad word about the guy.” - Mox discussed his DGUSA match with Bryan
“Bryan I consider maybe just the greatest pro-wrestler that ever lived”
Quote compilations
Bryan + Mox + seeking one another out/being one another’s catalysts throughout the years
“I’m exactly where I want to be, fighting someone I want to fight.”
Text posts
An Indie years timeline
Bryan thinks Dean Ambrose is someone to watch out for (also includes audio)
Mox recalls Bryan’s advice ahead of their 2011 wwe home show
Dragon Gate almost became anarchy in the arena
Bryan thinking Mox is great from 2010
Bryan rooting for Mox before Windy City
Bryan + the shield
Bryan wanted to lose to Mox, obviously
More confirmation on bryan and mox planning the storyline for months
Photo/Quote compilations
Mox calling Bryan the most perfect pure pro wrestler
"There will never be another Jon Moxley. There is no one like him.”
"I'm exactly where I want to be, fighting someone I want to fight."
Gifs
Mox making Bryan break
Mox bestowing kisses (also includes video)
My fav bryanmox aew moments
Training for Windy City
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Photo posts
Total divas era
Forged in combat love
Wifeguy bry
Emo feelings
Random smackdown screenshots
No thoughts Just gender
No thoughts just them
Still no thoughts still just them
We saw you across the ring and hated your vibe
Two v different vibes
Bryan still in the supportive husband era
Gender, once more
Second match screenshots
Third match screenshots
Bryan + Mox in Japan
Bryan and Mox at New Year Dash!!
Bryan and Mox at New Year Dash part 2
Bryan and Mox through the years
Bryan and Mox during windy city training (?)
the intimacy of that betrayal
Emotionally victimized hugging
More devastating angles
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andnowrotfront · 1 year ago
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pros of being into audio gear: having a really solid pair of headphones
cons of being into audio gear: cable of said heaphones is 10 feet long and just tripped me
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sunfoxfic · 2 years ago
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A lot of pro-TikTok arguments boil down to this notion of accessibility on TikTok - that video content is easy to pay attention to and therefore good. Without getting into the complexities of the way that TikTok is inaccessible (and really, predatory to disabled people) in many ways, another reason that this notion of accessibility is a myth is because no single type of content will be accessible.
Yeah, a video can have subtitles and audio descriptions (and let's pretend for a minute that TikTok does have audio descriptions, and that the subtitles on TikTok are generally adequate - which they're not, but that's beside the point). But some people still won't be able to enjoy video content no matter what, or maybe they can't enjoy video content for very long.
If TikTok were trying to fill a niche then it would be one thing, but the way modern social media is set up just doesn't really let them fill a niche - every social platform is trying to be The Only Social Platform. It wants to be everything. It wants to suck you in and never let you leave.
I'm not trying to single out TikTok as the only example of this phenomenon, because TikTok is a lot like every other platform. Twitter also does this, but instead of video content, it's microblogging (with some allowances for pictures and video). Instagram does this with images. Etc.
If there's only One Type of Content supported on a platform, and that platform is trying to corner the market, then no matter what that Type of Content is, it will be inaccessible. Variety is the spice of life and all that, but more importantly, no type of content is accessible to everyone.
I'm not saying Tumblr supremacy for the sake of Tumblr supremacy - even Tumblr is ultimately geared toward text, and has a lot of problems - but Tumblr's support of other types of content is much higher than you see. It doesn't compartmentalize different types of content into different portions of the app/site (except Tumblr Live, but that's another thing). It supports image ID's without much hassle (although admittedly Twitter does the same). As someone else pointed out, Tumblr is one of the only "mainstream" social media sites that supports audio without video. Even culturally, it's very typical to see video transcripts below videos, and people who add on image descriptions in the content of a reblog when it's not available embedded in the image.
Ignoring all the other accessibility issues on major social platforms (inability to filter content, reliance on apps when many people can't adequately use apps, the dopamine trap), the general pursuit of becoming The Only Social Platform alongside the way most platforms do not adequately serve to host more than one type of content makes any platform in this zero sum game inaccessible, and I think TikTok really epitomizes that issue.
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