tabsally

tabsally is a term that has emerged in online communities, particularly within discussions related to music and audio production. It describes a situation where a user is attempting to play or listen to multiple audio tracks simultaneously, often with the intent of comparing them or creating a layered soundscape. The term is a portmanteau, combining "tab" from web browser tabs, which are frequently used to host streaming music services or audio files, and "sally," which implies a venturing forth or an energetic engagement with something.

The practice of tabsally is often associated with musicians, DJs, or audiophiles who might open numerous browser tabs, each playing a different song, instrumental track, or vocal sample. They might then use specialized software or simply their ears to synchronize, mix, or analyze these various audio streams. This can be a method for creative exploration, such as finding complementary melodies or rhythms, or for technical evaluation, like A/B testing different versions of a mix.

While the term is informal and not recognized in formal audio engineering lexicon, it effectively captures a common digital workflow. The act of tabsally can be resource-intensive, as running multiple audio streams concurrently can consume significant processing power and bandwidth. Users often employ strategies to manage this, such as muting individual tabs or using browser extensions designed for audio management. The prevalence of tabsally highlights the ways in which digital tools have enabled new methods of interacting with and manipulating sound.