Reverendender

Part 1: Create a Ringtone Using GarageBand on iOS

1. Open GarageBand on your iPhone or iPad.

• If you don’t have GarageBand installed, download it for free from the App Store.

2. Create a new project:

• Tap the + icon to start a new project.

• Select Audio Recorder as the instrument.

• Tap the Tracks View button (third button from the left) to enter track editing mode.

3. Import the audio file you want to use as a ringtone:

• Tap the Loop icon (top-right corner of the screen).

• In the Files tab, choose Browse items from the Files app.

• Locate your audio file (M4R, MP3, or another compatible format) and tap to import it into GarageBand.

4. Trim the audio to 30 seconds or less:

• Tap and hold the edges of the audio region and drag to shorten it to 30 seconds (the maximum length for ringtones on iOS).

• Use the Play button to preview your trimmed clip.

5. Export the ringtone:

• Tap the downward arrow in the top-left corner, then select My Songs.

• In the My Songs folder, tap and hold the project, then select Share.

• Choose Ringtone from the sharing options.

• Name the ringtone, then tap Export.

• After exporting, GarageBand will prompt you to Use sound as…. Choose whether to set it as your Standard Ringtone, Standard Text Tone, or assign it to a contact.

Part 2: Create and Sync Ringtones via Mac (Using iTunes or Finder)

If you prefer to work on your Mac, here’s how you can import an audio file and create a custom ringtone using GarageBand on macOS and then sync it with your iOS devices:

Step 1: Import Audio into GarageBand on Mac

1. Open GarageBand on your Mac.

2. Click File > New to create a new project.

3. Choose Empty Project, then click Choose.

4. In the new project, select the Audio track option under “Track Type,” then click Create.

5. Drag the audio file you want to use for your ringtone into the workspace from Finder, or go to File > Import and select your audio file.

6. The audio file will appear as a waveform on the track.

Step 2: Trim the Audio for Ringtone Length

1. Adjust the audio length: Ringtones on iOS can be up to 30 seconds long, so trim your audio file to 30 seconds or less.

• To do this, click on the edge of the audio region in GarageBand and drag it to shorten the clip.

• You can preview the edited version by clicking the Play button.

Step 3: Export the Edited Audio as a Ringtone

1. Once your audio is ready and trimmed, go to Share > Ringtone to iTunes (or Music app on macOS Catalina or later).

2. In the pop-up window, name your ringtone and click Export.

• GarageBand will automatically export the file in a ringtone-friendly format (M4R) and send it to iTunes/Music.

Step 4: Sync the Ringtone to Your iPhone via iTunes or Finder

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a Lightning cable.

2. Open Finder (for macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Mojave or earlier).

3. In Finder or iTunes, click on your iPhone in the sidebar.

4. Go to the Tones section under General or Sync tab.

5. Drag and drop your newly created M4R file from iTunes/Music into the Tones section of your iPhone.

6. Make sure the option to Sync Tones is checked, and click Sync to transfer the tone to your iPhone.

Step 5: Set the Ringtone or Alert Tone on Your iPhone

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone (or any other alert tone category).

2. Your custom ringtone should appear at the top of the list.

3. Tap to select and apply it as your ringtone or alert tone.

Part 3: Transfer the Custom Ringtone to Other iOS Devices

Since ringtones and alert tones do not sync automatically across iOS devices via iCloud, you’ll need to transfer them manually to each device.

Method 1: Transfer via iCloud Drive (iOS-Only Method)

1. Save the M4R file to iCloud Drive:

• When exporting the ringtone from GarageBand (on iOS or Mac), choose Save to Files and select iCloud Drive.

2. Access the file on other devices:

• On your other iOS devices, open the Files app and locate the M4R file in iCloud Drive.

3. Import the file into GarageBand on each iOS device:

• Open GarageBand, create a new project, and import the M4R file using the Loop icon and Files tab.

• Export it as a ringtone and set it via Settings > Sounds & Haptics.

Method 2: Transfer via AirDrop

1. AirDrop the M4R file:

• Open the Files app on your iPhone and locate the M4R file.

• Tap Share, then select AirDrop and send it to your other iOS devices.

2. Accept the file on the receiving devices and save it to Files.

3. Import the file into GarageBand:

• Open GarageBand on the other iOS devices, create a new project, and import the M4R file using the Loop icon and Files tab.

• Export it as a ringtone and apply it in Settings > Sounds & Haptics.

Part 4: Setting Custom Alert Tones Manually

Once the M4R file has been transferred to each iOS device, you can set it as an alert tone (e.g., Text Tone, New Mail, Calendar Alerts):

1. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics on your iPhone or iPad.

2. Choose the specific sound category (e.g., Text Tone, New Mail, etc.).

3. Scroll to the top of the list, where your custom ringtone will appear under Ringtones or Alert Tones.

4. Select it to set the custom tone as the alert sound.

By following this combined guide, you can create custom ringtones or alert tones using either iOS-only or Mac/iTunes methods, and transfer them across multiple iOS devices using iCloud Drive or AirDrop.

I would be happy to share, and provide instructions in how to do it (Apple makes it a needlessly specific and hidden process (you can’t just share the files, you must also follow the exact process)), if there is any interest.!<

Rethinking Thread Count: Quality Over Quantity

1. Understanding Thread Count

• Definition: Thread count is the total number of horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads woven into one square inch of fabric.
• Traditional View: Historically, a higher thread count was associated with finer, softer, and more durable sheets.

2. The Misleading Nature of High Thread Counts

• Manipulative Counting:
  • Some manufacturers artificially inflate thread counts by counting individual fibers (plies) within a thread.
  • A two-ply thread (two fibers twisted together) might be counted as two threads instead of one.
• Lack of Regulation:
  • There's no strict industry standard regulating how thread count is calculated.
  • This allows brands to market sheets with exorbitant thread counts (e.g., 1000+) that don't necessarily reflect better quality.

3. The Reality Behind Thread Count Numbers

• Optimal Thread Count Range:
  • Experts suggest that the ideal thread count for cotton sheets lies between 300 and 500.
  • Beyond this range, improvements in softness or durability are minimal.
• Material Quality Matters More:
  • Sheets with a lower thread count made from high-quality, long-staple cotton can outperform higher thread count sheets made from inferior cotton.
  • Staple Length: Longer cotton fibers result in fewer fiber ends exposed, leading to smoother and stronger fabric.

The Critical Role of Cloth Thickness

1. Measuring Thickness in Mils

• What is a Mil?
  • A mil is a unit of measurement equal to one-thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch).
  • In metric terms, 1 mil is approximately 0.0254 millimeters.
• Application in Textiles:
  • While not commonly used in consumer textiles, mils can measure the precise thickness of fabrics, offering insight into their durability and feel.

2. Importance of Thickness Measured in Mils

• Durability and Strength:
  • Thicker Fabrics: Higher mil thickness indicates a thicker fabric that is generally more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
  • Longevity: Thicker sheets can endure more washes without thinning, fraying, or pilling.
• Comfort and Thermal Properties:
  • Warmth: Thicker sheets provide additional warmth, suitable for cooler climates or seasons.
  • Weight and Feel: A higher mil thickness gives sheets a more substantial, luxurious feel.
• Breathability:
  • Airflow Considerations: Increased thickness may reduce airflow, potentially causing discomfort in warmer environments.
  • Material Influence: The breathability of a thick sheet also depends on the type of material and weave.

3. Thickness vs. Weight (GSM)

• Grams per Square Meter (GSM):
  • GSM measures the weight of fabric in grams per one square meter.
  • A higher GSM generally means a heavier and possibly thicker fabric.
• Mils vs. GSM:
  • Mils measure physical thickness, providing a direct sense of the fabric's heft.
  • GSM measures weight, which can correlate with thickness but also depends on the density of the material.

Beyond Thread Count and Thickness: Other Quality Factors

1. Material Quality

• Fiber Type:
  • Long-Staple Cotton: Varieties like Egyptian, Pima, or Supima cotton have longer fibers, contributing to softness and strength.
  • Alternative Materials: Linen, bamboo, and Tencel are other high-quality materials offering different textures and benefits.
• Fiber Quality:
  • The purity and processing of the fibers affect the final feel and durability of the sheets.

2. Weave Types

• Percale:
  • A simple, tight, one-over-one-under weave.
  • Characteristics: Crisp, cool, and breathable, ideal for warm sleepers.
• Sateen:
  • Woven with a one-under, three- or four-over pattern.
  • Characteristics: Smooth, lustrous surface with a silky feel but may be less breathable.

3. Finishing Processes

• Chemical Treatments:
  • Some sheets undergo treatments to enhance softness or wrinkle resistance.
  • Impact: Can affect the longevity and natural feel of the fabric.
• Mechanical Finishing:
  • Processes like calendaring (pressing with heated rollers) can add sheen and smoothness.

Making an Informed Bedding Choice

1. Prioritize Material Over Numbers

• Quality Over Quantity:
  • A lower thread count sheet made from superior materials often outperforms higher thread count sheets made from lower-quality fibers.
• Authenticity:
  • Purchase from reputable brands that provide transparency about their materials and manufacturing processes.

2. Consider Thickness Alongside Other Factors

• Balance is Key:
  • Choose a thickness that aligns with your comfort preferences and climate needs.
• Understand Measurements:
  • Recognize that mil thickness offers precise information about fabric thickness, complementing other measurements like thread count and GSM.

3. Personal Comfort and Preferences

• Feel the Fabric:
  • Whenever possible, touch the sheets before purchasing to assess their texture and weight.
• Read Reviews:
  • Customer feedback can provide insights into the sheet's performance over time.

Conclusion

While thread count has been traditionally used as a benchmark for sheet quality, it's no longer a reliable indicator due to modern manufacturing and marketing practices. Cloth thickness, especially when measured precisely in mils, plays a significant role in determining the durability, comfort, and overall feel of your sheets.

Key Takeaways:

• Thread Count Limitations:
  • Be wary of inflated thread counts. Numbers exceeding 500 may not offer additional benefits and could be misleading.
• Importance of Thickness:
  • Thickness measured in mils provides valuable insight into the sheet's durability and feel but should be considered alongside other factors.
• Holistic Evaluation:
  • Focus on material quality, weave type, and finishing processes in addition to thread count and thickness.
• Personal Preference:
  • The best sheets cater to your individual comfort needs, climate considerations, and aesthetic preferences.