Welcome to Rate My Tone!
This FAQ will feature notes & answers to questions we get. We’ll keep updating this post with anything share-worthy.
If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback – send them over. We’d love to hear from you.
1. Desktop vs Mobile – Rate My Tone was designed for desktop use. I personally have it loaded on the same laptop I record on and just upload any fun exports I’d like to share. We recommend you use the full desktop version to better experience the features and overall vibe of the site, but use whichever you like.
2. Screen Size, Zooming Out – Some like the big screens, and some like a “higher” view to better see the full picture. I personally like to explore the site with a bit of zoom out on my 13″ MacBook. 85-90% is the sweet spot.
3. Browser – USE CHROME – After a crash-course in browser troubleshooting, Chrome is the only browser that plays and loads all of this site’s features as they were intended. Make sure you’re on the most updated version of any browser you use, but Chrome is highly recommended for a better experience. Get it here if you don’t already have it. (It’s FREE)
4. Your Username – choose wisely –Your username can’t currently be changed. When creating a user account, pick one you won’t hate in a few weeks or months down the line. It’s a system thing that will more than likely be revised in the future.
5. Why MP3’s? – There’s a few reasons:
A. The file size – there’s a big difference between a WAV vs MP3 which matters for server space.
B. MP3s offered the smoothest, buffer-free playback in our testing.
C. A high bitrate MP3 sounds good, if not great on it’s own.
This site focuses on sharing ideas and sounds, not complete songs or albums. MP3 exports sound perfectly fine for this purpose, while WAVs are more appropriate for the many platforms dedicated to finished music.
You can technically upload other audio file types but MP3’s are highly recommended.
6. Signal Flows – One thing I love about making music is that everyone has their own methods to everything. A signal flow is one way to share yours. What pedals or plug-ins are on that guitar tone? What reverb is on that snare? How’d you get that vocal so silky smooth? We’re hoping to see some fun signal flows to nerd out on. Please tell us what yours look like, the more details the better.
7. Short Descriptions & Full Tone Descriptions – Short Descriptions appear on posts, giving a quick sound overview. Full Tone Descriptions, accessible via the Tone Notes button on posts, provide deeper details and can function as a journal, confessional, poem, story, or technical breakdown—whatever you’re feeling.
8. A Note on Reviews – Reviews aren’t only for “I like or do not like.” They’re also about giving constructive feedback, suggestions, sharing tips you learned along the way, or to give some good old fashioned advice. Please keep it positive & respectful. After all, this is just about making music.
9. Why No Replying to Reviews? – This will be evaluated as the community grows. Having this platform be a positive outlet for all users is of prime importance to us, and we can see both the pros & cons to allowing replies between users. We’ll get back to you on this.
10. Are You Using Our Uploaded Audio for Anything? – No we’re not. Same goes for any personal info you provide or any pics you upload. They will not be used by us for any reason.
11. To Allow or Not Allow Download – You have the ability to share the actual file you upload. Maybe you don’t mind if someone wants to create something with your file or if they simply want to play it offline. Whatever the reason, when you create a post you can choose to allow it, or not.
12. Worried About Idea Theft? – If you’re worried about someone “stealing” any ideas you post, then you shouldn’t post them. It’s really that easy. Keep those ideas to yourself and flesh them out offline.
