u/ElyamanyBeeH

I'm planning to build a website using the Astro framework and was thinking of using Payload as a CMS since I've tried it locally and thought it'll be good in terms of performance.

However, I saw SonicJS CMS somewhere on the internet, opened the website to see a performance comparison... and it looks like it aces it since it's built from scratch to be deployed on Cloudflare Workers.

One thing to note: Payload has a template to deploy on Cloudflare, and it'll cost ~$10... so that makes me rethink if the comparison represents actual values.

More context:

Website: Portfolio + Blog + Other static pages.

I'm keen to hear your expert thoughts on it... and forgive me if something is vague or unclear. I'm still learning.

Screenshot taken from the website.

Newbie here.

I installed Payload CMS locally on my PC to test it out along with other CMS. I'm comfortable with Payload and have a tendency to apply it to my next project (a (portfolio + blog) website with the Astro framework).

I want to know (and forgive me for this newbie question):

• All costs associated with deploying it on this project, from starting out until there's a huge amount of traffic (if it's relevant). Is it better to self-host on a VPS or cloud?
• I know it supports multiple DBs, but how should I choose?

Many thanks in advance.

I live in a pretty noisy area. The average noise (measured by an app on my phone) is around 60dB, and the maximum noise can go up to 80dB, which happens when there are car horns. I'm not sure about the accuracy of these values since they weren't measured by a dedicated device.

Also, these measures were taken while the window was open, but even if it's closed, the difference isn't noticeable since the current window is made of wood and it has a lot of gaps that leak outside sound.

I'm looking for ways to minimize these noises, and thought of installing a double-glazed UPVC window, but not sure the best way to do it. Should I install it over the wood frame or remove it entirely? Also, for the glass, should I request a laminated glass instead of a normal glass?

I'm asking before reaching out to vendors available locally because I need to have basic knowledge.

Many thanks in advance.

I live in a pretty noisy area. The average noise (measured by an app on my phone) is around 60dB, and the maximum noise can go up to 80dB, which happens when there are car horns. I'm not sure about the accuracy of these values since they weren't measured by a dedicated device.

Also, these measures were taken while the window was open, but even if it's closed, the difference isn't noticeable since the current window is made of wood and it has a lot of gaps that leak outside sound.

I'm looking for ways to minimize these noises, and thought of installing a double-glazed UPVC window, but not sure the best way to do it. Should I install it over the wood frame or remove it entirely? Also, for the glass, should I request a laminated glass instead of a normal glass?

I'm asking before reaching out to vendors available locally because I need to have basic knowledge.

Many thanks in advance.

I recently bought a C-stand. The advertised measurement of the boom arm is 127 cm (50 inches). However, when I measured it, it was around 107 cm.

I contacted the seller, and they told me that 107cm is the correct dimension, not 127 cm. I told them the company's spec sheet says it's 127 cm. They told me that the actual measurement is 107 cm (the seller's technical team confirmed that), not 127 cm.

I found that most C-stands come with a 20-inch boom arm or 40 inch. These are popular sizes. What I don't understand, however, is why companies do this kind of false advertising. If these are the popular dimensions, why claim bigger dimensions?

I recently bought a C-stand. The advertised measurement of the boom arm is 127 cm (50 inches). However, when I measured it, it was around 107 cm.

I contacted the seller, and they told me that 107cm is the correct dimension, not 127 cm. I told them the company's spec sheet says it's 127 cm. They told me that the actual measurement is 107 cm (the seller's technical team confirmed that), not 127 cm.

I found that most C-stands come with a 20-inch boom arm or 40 inch. These are popular sizes. What I don't understand, however, is why companies do this kind of false advertising. If these are the popular dimensions, why claim bigger dimensions?

My environment is quite noisy. Even if I recorded at night, I'll still hear unexpected car horns or engines interfering with my voice. I thought of monitoring my audio while recording so that I know when to talk and when to stop, even if the recording will seem heavily edited in post, but that's what's available.

However, I'm getting distracted when I talk and listen to my voice simultaneously. Is it just a matter of habit? Or is there something else I can do? Many thanks in advance.

Note: The monitoring feature occurs in the software, not on the audio interface.

I've seen multiple podcast episodes filmed outdoors, and there's almost no noise. How can they achieve that? I mean, some of the voices must interfere with the guests if they happened simultaneously.

Are there specific tools used to eliminate noise to that extent? I've experimented with open-source AI noise removers available on GitHub, and none of them were able to achieve similar results.

Newbie question. I recently bought the Nanlite FC 300B from an authorized distributor in my country. I've seen all the reviews include this piece of cardboard (I know they provide nothing of value, like it won't protect the reflector if the shipment were heavily damaged).

But it planted a seed of doubt that this product may have been used before or something similar. Is it normal?

https://preview.redd.it/2w4hpfwdua8h1.png?width=487&format=png&auto=webp&s=d31c315c47937d9c9c62cbbf1864263e3e009157

Recently, I bought sweatpants (I'm not sure if it's permissible to link the product image). They're relaxed, not tight or just right.

However, after using them in gym sessions and cardio, they started to get ripped off from the crotch area. It starts with little holes, then the number of holes increases, as well as their sizes.

The advertised fabric is 95% cotton, 5% lycra, and the advertised features are:

● Antibacterial.
● Premium cotton for ultimate softness and comfort.
● Lightweight and breathable.
● Smooth, stretchy fabric that retains its shape over time.
● Relaxed fits and versatile styling.

Is that normal, or is it a product fault? How can I pick sweatpants that will last more than that?

Do I determine the right softbox size based on the dimensions of the softbox only? I've gathered some dimensions of the softbox I want to buy and found the following:

65cm softbox is 36cm deep

85cm softbox is 57cm deep

120cm softbox is 75cm deep

Does that mean I should position it based on the depth? For example, the 65cm softbox needs to be placed at least 36cm away from me.

I've heard that the softbox should be close to its size. For example, if I have a 90 cm softbox, then I need to place it 90 CM away from me.

What do you think?

Newbie here.

I want to create a cinematic look in my videos. Currently, my aim is to build a professional lighting setup that allows me to achieve that goal.

I watched multiple YouTube videos, searched for many recommendations, and tried to do some matching to the products available in my country.

Little Context: I have limited availability in terms of the products. For example, the Amaran Ray series isn't available yet. Even if I wanted to buy them from Amazon US, most products aren't ready for shipping and handling, and if they're ready, I have to pay ~50% of the product price in customs and shipping fees.

I cannot list all products because that will be confusing to most of you. So I'll list the options I want to select

Option 01: Nanlite Forza 300B II ~ $675

Option 02: Nanlite FC 300B ~ $290

Option 03: Nanlite FC120B + FC120C RGB Bundle ~ $340

Option 04: amaran COB 60x S Bi-Color LED Monolight ~ 200

Little Context about my setup:

- I don't plan to go outdoors. It'll be a home studio.

- I'd love a lighting head with low fan noise, because I want my recording to be as clean as possible. I don't like overprocessing audio.

- I'll be using a 90 cm softbox. I don't think my room will accommodate the 120 cm softbox.

- For my camera, it's not the most professional one (it's a webcam Instalink 360 V1), which allows me to film at 4K and practice. Needless to say, I'll need to upgrade to something more professional, like the FX3. But let's just assume that I'm getting my lighting equipment for a cinematic look in which I'll be using the Sony FX3 camera.

- I'll buy some tubes from Nanlite, like the Pavo tube 30C for rim light and maybe the background. Haven't decided yet about the placement and the number of lights I'll need. But I don't have any problem having lighting equipment from different brands.

Last, the topic includes a lot of nuances, for sure. So, feel free to ask me any clarifying questions if that will help you answer accurately. Many thanks in advance.

I'm experimenting with my audio equipment. I have:

- Shure SM7dB (the internal preamp is activated)

- SSL 2+ MKII

I live in a noisy place, and my chance to have a clear recording is to record at night; however, some sounds still pop up, such as a car horn/engine.

Would it be different if I recorded at a very low audio interface gain to minimize these sounds?

I'm assuming that when someone wants to buy a domain, they would at least do the "what are the best domain registrars in 2026" and find out that GoDaddy is the least favorable choice.

But on the other hand, I still see many people buy domains from GoDaddy.

How is it possible? What is their sales & marketing strategy?