u/exitof99

In some programs you can change the playback rate and record at that speed, then return to the real speed to do time stretching that doesn't have formant chunking.

If I still used my Windows box for audio work, it would be simply changing the playback rate in Audition and done. I think WaveLab allows this too.

In Pro Tools, I am able to playback at half-speed and record, but that it full chipmunk mode one octave up, but I want to do precise speeds to achieve the same thing a harmonizer would do, but naturally.

I started with The Planet, actually had a couple friends working there in Texas, and eventually Softlayer acquired them. Everything was great in those days. I could call in to support, speak to a human that was actually in the US at the datacenter itself.

IBM Cloud eventually acquired Softlayer. Things were okay at the start, but over the years went from okay to bad to worst. They moved all their support to India and if the support member's English was clear enough you still had to deal with the seemingly common "whisper mode" so many seemed to have adopted.

I'm guessing that because they are on the opposite side of the planet, it's likely they are speaking to you after midnight. It got so bad that I began asking, "Why are you whispering? Don't want to wake someone?" Each time they would just push the mic closer, but still speak softly and be hard to understand.

As if that weren't bad enough, earlier this year (2026), they cut off ALL technical support and put it behind a $200/mo paywall. Not only did their support suck, they wanted you to pay an obscene amount to literally contact them for even small issues like turning of the firewall if it freezes you out.

All that aside, jump to the cPanel server exploit (last weeks' exploit, not today's patch). My server was outdated partly because I didn't want to risk replacing CENTOS with Alma in situ. I take full responsibility for my server getting hacked, but I was fortunately immediately aware of the situation and shut it down before it could do much harm.

So on the hack day (4/30/2026), after locking down the server, I put in a ticket with sales to set up a new server. Today (5/8/2026), they finally responded with:

>Greetings!

Thank you for contacting IBM Cloud Support. My name is Sudarshana and, I look forward to working with you to resolve your issue. Please be informed that currently I am reviewing your request and I will keep you posted on the status.

Thank you for choosing IBM Cloud.

Kind regards,

Sudarshana

Literally EIGHT DAYS LATER and they send a template response.

Unbelievable.

I thought IBM was a major company. It was, but it appears to be a trash heap now.

On hack day, I of course had my server down, so I needed an immediate replacement. I would up going with Akamai/Linode. I called in and someone in the US picked up the phone and guided my through setting up the server in their ecosystem. We were on the phone for about an hour, they guy was friendly and knowledgeable and helped troubleshoot some issues I had since their Alma provision script was broken (went with Ubuntu instead).

IBM also never sent any emails notifying about the cPanel exploit.

FYI: Today 5/8/2026 at 12:00 EST there is another exploit patch being released, so update your cPanel servers today!

I wonder if these are the same scammers as the Shave Lounge scammers. This is fresh, the domain is a day old if that.

If you got this offer, do not reply. If it's like the previous scam, they will try to get you to log in to "Google" using a phishing SSO modal.

Don't engage.

Reported the registrar Hostinger as phishing.

Name: Laura Scott
Email: laura.scott@uspacsun.com
Website: http://www.pacsun.com
IP Address: 209.92.184.32

Hi,
Im reaching out from PacSun, a leading US fashion retail brand known for its strong connection with youth culture, streetwear, and lifestyle trends.
You can explore our brand here: pacsun.com
As we continue expanding our presence in the United States, we are looking for a strategic partner-an advertising agency with deep local market understanding and a proven track record in building impactful campaigns.
Given your experience in the United States market, we believe there is strong potential to combine your local expertise with our brand to drive meaningful growth and long-term results.
Please feel free to reply via email so we can discuss the strategy, budget, and timeline in more detail.
Best regards,

I've been offering web hosting for about 20 years and this has been the worst incident I've ever had happen.

In short, I locked down the server to only access a small CIDR block and have my IP whitelisted, but some damage has been done.

An hour ago, someone gained access and ran a script that added a message to all email folders (not actually emailed) which looks like a ransom message.

Presently, I've got the server locked down. I have access, no one else does. Fortunately, I have backups.

I started with The Planet, which Softlayer acquired, then IBM Cloud. This year IBM Cloud locked down ALL technical support requiring a $200/mo support plan.

Given the hack and server being compromised, it's time to leave IBM behind and get another server elsewhere, but who provides cPanel servers and doesn't suck when it comes to support?

I've looked at DigitalOcean, but I'd like to call sales, but they don't have that option.

• What is your monthly budget? Any
• Where are you/your users located? US
• What kind of site are you hosting (Wordpress, phpBB, custom software, etc) or what is your use case? cPanel server
• Do you have a monthly traffic volume? Estimates are ok. N/A
• If you’re looking at VPSes: Do you have experience administrating linux servers and infrastructure? Cloud, not VPS
• Did you read the sidebar/check out the hosts listed there? I've personally vetted these companies and their services are a good fit for 99% of people. I'm looking for who other hosts use, not for hosting from other hosters.