So, as you’ve probably already seen on my previous posts, in week 4 we had to complete a workshop task based on audio.  We ventured out into the city in order to record and atmosphere track, spot sounds, an informal interview and a formal interview.  It was so exciting to finally use some equipment– the Zoom microphone was awesome!

Firstly, a tram pulled up as we got outside and we quickly grabbed a spot sound of it arriving and departing from the stop.  We then grabbed some audio of the city soundscape– people rushing about their daily lives.  We chose to record the informal interview inside building 80, Swanston Street so we could get a feel (and a sound) for the environment that we were talking about in the interview.  We seemed to get the levels right first try.  In the editing process I realised that our signal to noise ratio could have been more accurate but that’s something to explore next time.  I made sure we didn’t speak too loudly or too closely and in turn not too softly either.

We then headed inside the bustling building to try and find a quiet area to record a formal interview.  This proved quite difficult… more than I would have imagined actually.  I didn’t realise the power of the microphone and that it would literally record any, ANY sound that was in the background.  We finally opted for a stairwell (which I do not think I could ever locate again) which was a completely random find.  It actually did quite a nice job creating some natural reverb and a very quiet atmosphere.

My editing process came a week later after I had indulged myself in all my other tasks first.  I always procrastinate when it comes to editing because I have absolutely no knowledge here.  Surprisingly, I think I did quite a fine job of producing the audio.  I met the constraints with:

• Fade ins
• Fade outs
• Effects- echo, reverb
• Tampering with the volume
• Over laying tracks

It was easier than i expected…. So, do not procrastinate, it makes life way more difficult than it should be.

Lesson learnt.