Reader Recommended Software
Darcia writes to recommend Chatterblocker (Windows or Mac) a piece of software which helps to eliminate background noise. Unlike Noise (my software of choice for this task), Chatterblocker works not by creating white noise, but rather by distoring the current noise (i.e. altering current conversations enough that they cannot be followed.) Because I like studying in public places at times, this type of program is valueable. It is especially useful for studying in dorms, coffee shops, and libraries.
August 17th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
My understanding is that Noise does not work with Intel macs. is your experience different?
August 17th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Noise is PowerPC only yes.
August 18th, 2007 at 12:12 am
There was an Intel build of Noise, not by the developer IIRC, but the site, linked to from a Digg post on Noise, has been down for ages. I used to run this Universal Binary on my Macbook but after a reinstall I’ve been forced to use the PPC build. Works fine for me.
August 18th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
At first I was able to use the PowerPC version of Noise, but this week when I tried it it gave me trouble. Go figure.
Anyway, another reader—Adam—points out that Stephen McGreevy recordings, he uses as background noise.
August 20th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
I’ve been sitting in Gorilla Coffee for the past hour and Chatterblocker is doing a pretty good job. If I hadn’t have taken off my headphones to check, I would not have known that AC/DC was blasting over the shop stereo speakers.
I stand by my recommendation
p.s. I have Noise on my Intel Macbook and it always worked, no problem.
Enjoy!
Dacia
September 13th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Is there any requirement for the noise tool, like a closed headphones or sth?
At least it seemed not to work with my normal iPod ear-plugs or is it because of my intel machine?