Works like a delay on the Hologram Infinite Jets Resynthesizer, but rhythmically repeats the sample instead of echoing it. For this effect, set the following:
Dimension speeds up the repeat. Choke your strums and the repeats sound like a piano.
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This amazing granular “resynthesizer” doesn’t get all the love it deserves. I think much of that is the result of players not setting the pedal up for best performance and not completely understanding how it works. Follow these five steps for happier skies with Infinite Jets:
There a gazillion other pointers, but I think these are what’s needed to get a good start to proper piloting of your Infinite Jets.
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In the two Synth modes of the Hologram Infinite Jets Resynthesizer pedal you can craft a classic sample-and-hold filter similar to the original Maestro Sample Hold (created about 1976). This randomly steps the high-Qed low-pass filter, revealing individual overtones. Likely the first use of this effect on record was the Who’s Relay from 1972. Pete Townsend created it originally on an ARP 2600 synthesizer. For this effect, set the following controls:
The LFO Freq controls the speed and length of the hold. Sounds best on sustained chords.
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I just finished revising the Crap-Free Guide to iPhone Photography. I do this each year when the new iPhones and new iOS are released, adding the new features and updating advice to make sure the book it’s applicable to the new models. This version incorporates the new Xs, Xs Max and Xr cameras, as well as iOS 12.
There weren’t any notable revisions in the Camera app this time around . The Photos app can now control the focus of your Portrtait mode images shot with the iSight Duo lenses in the Xs and Xs Max. The biggest change is in the new camera: It works incredibly well in low light. As a result of the 32% bigger sensor in the 2mm-wider Wide lens, the optical stabilizer and image processor, I didn’t see much need to cover accessories like tripods or lights anymore. (If you do want the most comprehensive guide to iPhone photography accessories, including lens attachments, check out that post.)
I’ve always felt that know-how is the most valuable accessory you can carry with you. So in this revision I’ve focused on handheld techniques that make the best use of your iPhone camera’s native abilities. You’ll find suggestions on low shooting angles that make the Wide lens seem grander, practical use of digital zoom and hand-held stabilization techniques. It’s a little knowledge that lets you take your camera out of your pocket and just shoot, without worrying about the technicalities. And that’s always been the goal of the iPhone camera, so I’ve tried to make these changes reflect that.
Happy shooting.
If you need to get the book, it’s in the iBook Store Updates are free forever.
photography
After 20 years or trial and error I’ve finessed it down to a pretty good cup of Turkish. Not sure I’ve had one better, but I’m open if it comes along. Here’s my method:
I start with a touch more than 2 tablespoons of medium-roast, whole-bean Arabica coffee. After much fussing, I’ve settled on pedestrian 8 O’Clock Coffee in the standard red bag. (It’s what the Bosnians who first taught me to make Turkish Coffee used and a fairly well-kept secret. Shhh.) Though bags of 8 O’Clock are weeks away from their roasting, but the whole beans remain fresh a long time.
If you feel the need for something fresher, the problem is that most roasters don’t understand what Turkish Coffee is. So that overroasted “Turkish grind” (that they likely can’t grind fine enough) from your local place can be a real disappointment, even when it’s fresh ground.
Arabica is superior to the Robusta bean and roasting plays a big role in the flavor. Medium roast has a fuller coffee flavor compared to both a light and dark roast and also retains more caffeine than dark does.
I grind the beans into a fine powder in a burr grinder. A good, hand-crank, burr grinder rips the beans apart as opposed to cutting them. Some speculate that ripping releases more flavor. For sure, the powdery consistency (fine as cocoa) of a burr grind for Turkish Coffee exposes more of the coffee surface area to the water so you get more flavor. Also, the heat created by electric-blade grinders can rob coffee of its taste. Grinding fresh is a necessity and its best to grind enough for each pot you make.
I use 2 tablespoons of Sugar In The Raw. The large grains take longer to dissolve at the bottom of the pot and start to caramelize better than refined sugar. This enriches the flavor of the coffee.
I also use a healthy dash of ground, green cardamon, which is traditional to add to Turkish Coffee in many places. In addition to a flavor that blends flawlessly with coffee, cardamom soothes any bitterness. Deep brand from India is excellent. Tip: The better grades of cardamon will smell more peppery than piney.
I add these three ingredients to a thick, tapered Turkish pot called a Jezve or Ibrik. The narrowed top of the pot helps to create foam that holds in the flavor. Traditional tin-lined copper or brass were once preferred for their even heating, but the more-modern clad stainless steel work just as well. You can use a butter warmer, provided it tapers at the top. The method here is for a 12 oz. pot. Having the pot near full creates better foam, retains the flavor and settles the grounds better.
I add a little cold spring water and stir the ingredients until pasty. Then I add more until I have 10 oz. of water well-stirred in the pot. You want the ingredients blended so there’s no dry coffee floating on top.
I put this on a medium heat on an electric stove. (You might want to use low heat if using gas.) You want the coffee to cook slowing to caramelize the sugar, and get the full flavor from the beans, but not come to a boil through the foam. The edges will start to swell when done. This should take 15-20 minutes. If the heat is too high you can burn the fine-grind of the beans, which can make the coffee bitter and taste like ash.
The traditional method for Turkish Coffree is to cook the coffee almost to a boil three times, but this cooks out the flavor. Instead I stir twice during cooking which keeps the heat more uniform throughout the pot and runs less risk of burning the coffee. The early stirring helps to keep grounds from getting caught in the foam. Once done, remove from heat and let the pot cool for 3 minutes. This helps settle the grounds.
2 oz. ceramic Turkish cups are best for serving, but espresso cups work fine. Pour slowly into the cup and more grounds will stay in the pot. This method makes four, 2 oz. cups.
Turkish Coffee is often served with baklava, a cookie or Turkish delight and accompanied by a glass of water. The water cleanses the palate and makes the next sip more flavorful.
I didn’t talk about the hundreds of variations I’ve tried that led me here. Many of my methods above break with the tradition of how someone’s dear, sweet Jadda used to make it. But I urge you to try the above and see if you don’t agree this gives you a smoother, more-flavorful cup.
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