Roderick on the Line Ep. 601: "The Milk Problem"
Nov 3, 2025
Merlin shares his desk-cleaning rituals and the evolution of his setup, while diving into the complexities of modern audio gear. They tackle USB connector troubles, exploring the pitfalls of legacy devices on new tech. The chat turns philosophical as they relate signal chains to life’s complexities and managing multiple commitments. John imagines a future where podcasters are nomadic creators, reflecting on purpose beyond recognition. They also humorously discuss decluttering and the quirks of fast food ads, rounding off with light-hearted banter.
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Maintain Your Desk And Gear
- Clean your workspace and peripherals regularly to avoid unexpected technical issues and grime buildup.
- Use rechargeable USB air blowers instead of canned air to reduce waste and recurring purchases.
Fear Of Complex Audio Hardware
- Merlin recounts buying a Sound Devices USB Pre 2 and fearing its dip switches and complexity.
- He uses it as his main interface and worries about making small changes that could break his signal chain.
Troubleshoot Audio Systemically
- When audio plays but you hear nothing, check headphones and connectors before blaming the interface.
- Swap headphones, test different cables, and remove unnecessary dongles to isolate the fault.
