Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1524736
C I N E M A A U D I O S O C I E T Y. O R G 45 The tools we've used in the audio industry from its very inception are no different, as we've collectively experienced much of the same in terms of the tools we know, love, and hate. But as the title suggests, is it possible to overdo it in terms of the gear and plugins we collect to do our work? Are FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out) and GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) real issues in our industry and everyday lives? Is there any insight to be attained in studying the effects of hoarding under the guise of "I REALLY need this for work" and other such statements? FEATURES AND BENEFITS When I moonlighted as a sales specialist and technician at Apple Retail between audio jobs, one of the things we went over during training was learning the differences between features and benefits and how to leverage that knowledge to create sales. The exercises were fairly simple: We'd pick products at random and take turns listing out the features and benefits of said product. The lesson was even more simple: Intrigue customers with the features but sell them on the benefits. As an audio example, FabFilter's Pro-Q3 plugin has a Peak Spotting feature. The benefit in my case is a real-time indicator of issues that I can address faster, allowing me to be more agile during my mixing. As a reformed plugin and gear hoarder, I've learned to apply this lens to purchasing decisions to keep the FOMO we all feel at bay. Plus, I always think about benefits. What are its benefits to the project at hand? What are its benefits to my current lineup of tools? Are there any drawbacks to adding this tool to my tool bag? I make it sound simple, but in the first half of my 25-year career, these checks and balances didn't exist, as I was simply going off the suggestions of my colleagues, the shiny new thing in the latest audio retailer's catalog, or other unproven influences. Now there's nothing wrong with getting something shiny and cool every now and again, but if you sacrifice "shiny and cool" for functionality and optimal usage, you're likely to either develop a really bad habit or begin to collect things that you may or may not use. Alas, we're not immune from the all-too- familiar sting of Buyer's Remorse. INNOVATION OR DISTRACTION? I'm not sure how many of you are like me, but too many options end up being a hindrance to timely decisions, whether it's a dinner menu or the instruction manual of a new piece of gear. Decision Paralysis was a term I only discovered upon researching for this article. In some ways, my Paralysis-by- Analysis ended up being an effective deterrent from overindulging in things I really don't need. But what is the impact of constant upgrades on workflow efficiency? Are frequent updates from your favorite manufacturers considered innovation? Is said innovation necessary for your particular workflow? This reminds me of two companies in particular that come to mind as a long- invested owner in their products. I currently own a first-gen Universal Audio Apollo Quad interface that has quite literally grown with me these past 15 years. iZotope's RX line has been a mainstay for me since Version 7, and is a regular tool I reach for when dealing with dialogue. As far back as humanity goes, tools and technology have quite literally defined and shaped every age and civilization up to this point, and will likely continue its run into the future and beyond. Throughout the centuries from the wheel and spear down to the electric car and multiple variants of the Swiss Army knife, technology has constantly evolved with rapid advancements in every industry imaginable. We've historically iterated until we settled on standards that would offer some stability until the next wave of technology and necessity called for new standards. Marketing emails from various audio manufacturers