Week four workshop involved the use of the “baby” Zoom Handy Recorder H2n; portable digital audio recorder with five integrated microphones. Since the objective was to interview someone, the XY stereo mode was only used meaning that sounds would only be picked up by the front microphone (-90 degrees). An amateur with using the Zoom Handy Recorder H2n (and with mikes in general), found features such as the clipping indicator as an LED light that specifies whether a recording will be distorted, and the obtaining of the recordings from an SD card simple, user-friendly and made the whole process much more efficient than it seemed.

Before the interview, I had to ensure that the mike wasn’t too close or too far from myself or the interviewee. Once I pressed the record button, I had to ensure that the levels were between -6 and -12db by multitasking between listening to the recording and watching the VU meter. Although the audio turned out well, I always have to remember about the “signal to noise ratio” and that I shouldn’t just rely on listening to the recording on headphones to determine its quality.

The sound of incoming traffic were used for the atmosphere/ background. In order for it not to overpower the interview itself, I had to change its amplification during post-production. Likewise, the spot sounds of the ringtone and barista at the coffee shop had their amplification altered on the Audacity software. Compared to Adobe Audition, I find Audacity easier to manipulate and blend recordings and soundtracks together with its simple yet effective layout.

      (Audacity) Row 1: interview, 2: Barista, 3: Ringtone, 4: atmosphere/ background noise of incoming traffic

In general, I was satisfied with the recordings that were produced. Next time (especially for Project Brief Three), I would like to add more “texture”/ layers with the recordings such as a diegetic soundtrack or spot sounds to add a comical or dramatic effect for instance. Just like filming, I have to always remember to extend the recording by waiting at least three seconds before talking or ending so when I’m editing, the sound wouldn’t abruptly stop or sound rough.  Post-production could also be improved through the finer details such as fades, transitions, and cuts rather than a sudden “chop” in the sound.