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 47 disk is still spinning up in a studio or mix stage somewhere on this planet, I'm pretty confident its function isn't mandatory. FOMO and GAS are both very real and alive even today where a single plugin has more power than a gang of plugins did just a decade ago. There will always be conventions like AES and NAMM as manufacturers will always shop their latest 'wares for both seasoned and upcoming professionals. We have to be honest enough with ourselves to boldly explore the emotional and psychological factors that drive the desire for the latest technology, even when it clearly isn't necessary. I have colleagues who've lost thousands of dollars chasing the next best thing, and on the other hand, I have colleagues who've kindly shown me their plugin chain comprised of a modest channel strip they've used for decades, only upgrading when forced to. This speaks to a great need in our audio community to form strategies for sustainable tech adoption, offering practical advice for audio professionals on how to assess new technology critically and make informed decisions that align with long-term career goals. Now and again, I look at all things new and shiny in our industry, but I ensure safeguards are in place that hold me accountable. I frequently reach out to the most responsible and frugal colleagues I trust to get their "yay" or "nay" when considering studio upgrades. I'm embarrassed to say that, about 15 years ago, I was reckless in terms of my GAS. Every plugin I owned was what we called "cracks" and I had every Torrent searching tool you could think of to download GB's of stolen software every day. One day in particular, after sharing a screen recording of a plugin I recently acquired, I received an email from the manufacturer asking why I hadn't purchased a license, and then threatened to have my then YouTube channel taken down, along with other well-deserved legal actions. Naturally, I was scared straight and a cycle was broken, but I was forced to dig deep into the reasons why I established such a reckless habit for so long. I shudder at the thought of the type of hoarder I'd become. From my experience, I can tell you that too much of any good thing can be bad, and if not, probably unnecessary. Yes, even tools. Along with all the safeguards I put in place for the last decade, I also use downtime to rediscover tools I already own yet rarely use, finding concrete ways to incorporate them into my workflow, along with sharing these workflows with colleagues I know who own the same tools. You've likely achieved a certain level of success if you're reading this article as a part of our merry band of audio pros. I challenge you to check out that obscure plugin you bought on a whim or insert that piece of gear into your rack to see if it was worth the impulse purchase that got it into your storage closet. Or maybe reach for a stock plugin during your next series and see how it compares. As cheesy as it sounds, everything you need to succeed is already inside you—though sometimes that version update can help your work shine just a touch more.