Month: February 2024

Audio Recording Sound Safari

Audio Recording Sound Safari

“Microphone” by p_a_h is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Summary

Our team recorded three separate audio files, at varying distances and in different environments, with a professional microphone.

Audio Terms and Definitions

  • Sound Wave
    • A vibrational disturbance that involves the mechanical motion of molecules transmitting energy from one place to another.
  • Compression
    • Reducing a signal’s output level in relation to its input level to reduce dynamic range.
  • Frequency
    • The # of times per second that a sound source vibrates, is expressed in hertz (Hz).
  • Hertz
    • Unit of measurement of frequency; numerically equal to cycles per second (cps).
  • Infrasonic
    • The range below the frequencies is audible to human hearing.
  • Ultrasonic
    • The range above the frequencies of human hearing.
  • Pitch
    • The subjective perception of frequency – the highness or lowness of a sound.
  • Fundamental
    • The lowest frequency a sound source can produce. In other words, it is also called the first harmonic or primary frequency which is the lowest, or basic, pitch of a musical instrument.
  • Sound Frequency Spectrum
    • The range of frequencies audible to human hearing: about 20 to 20,000 Hz.
  • Octave
    • The interval between the two frequencies that have a tonal ratio of 2:1.
  • Bass
    • The low range of the audible frequency spectrum; is usually from 20 to 320 Hz.
  • Midrange
    • The part of the frequency spectrum to which humans are most sensitive; is the frequencies between roughly 320 Hz and 2,560 Hz.
  • Treble
    • The frequency range between roughly 5,120 Hz and 20,000 Hz, the highest two octaves audible to human hearing in the sound frequency spectrum.
  • Equalization
    • A signal-processing device that can boost, attenuate, or shelve frequencies in a sound source or sound system.
  • Amplitude
    • The magnitude of a sound wave or an electric signal is measured in decibels.
  • Decibel (dB)
    • A relative and dimensionless unit to measure the ratio of two quantities.
  • Wavelength
    • Distance between two peaks of a wave
  • Velocity
    • Speed in a given direction
  • Harmonic
    • Is a multiple of the fundamental frequency
  • Phase
    • Factor in the interaction of one wave with another, either acoustically or electronically

– Audio terms and definitions from Wikipedia

Voice Recording

(link)

Outdoor/Environment Recording

(link)

Instrument Recording

(link)

What I Learned & Problems I Solved

I learned how to use the audio interface and mic setup. I had a bit of trouble at first figuring out how to stop recording, but I think I figured it out pretty quickly.

Resources

Session 4 January 2024 SMART Goal Project

“Sound Mixing desk” by Gerrysan is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

SUMMARY

Focus / Instrument

Composer / Engineer

Intention (SMART Goal)

By March 1st, I will have evidence of a completed soundtrack song with an improved melody by following this tutorial for Session 4.

PRE-PRODUCTION – INQUIRY

Leader(s) in the Field / Exemplary Work(s)

Primary Source

My primary source is the music from the video game Rain World. I’m heavily inspired by its memorable melodies and chord progressions, its funky percussion, and how some tracks increase in complexity by having instruments come in over time (as illustrated in this video).

4:35 Four layers of percussion

7:28 Chords enter – I like their staccato, instead of being a solid whole note

8:39 Arp melody following previous chord progression

Secondary Source

My secondary source is a video analyzing Rain World’s “threat music” and how it contributes to gameplay information through its dynamic complexity. This complements my SMART goal, as I want to create a track that could fit within the context of a video game level.

1:47 Threat music in games is often disconnected from gameplay: “…the same music plays at the same intensity regardless of the level of danger…”

2:43 Rain World’s tracks respond to gameplay

2:51 – 4:12 Detailed examples of dynamic music

Training Source(s)

My training source is a short video by a YouTuber who focuses on music theory relating to video game tracks. This video relates to melodic development and structure, with an example detailed through the Legend of Zelda’s main theme.

0:24 Start with a basic musical idea

0:30 Elaborate on it

0:48 – 1:13 Keep the original idea intact, but try different ways of elaborating on it

1:14 Resolve it down the scale when it goes high enough

1:33 Don’t overdo it

1:38 Maintain cohesion in rhythm and scale

SMART Goal Milestone Schedule

I want to focus first on getting all of my ideas for my song out onto paper, so to speak. Then I will polish these ideas, and work on making it sound cohesive and fitting for the theme I’ve decided on. I will work on my song each week in, for up to an hour per weekday in class as well as at home.

PRODUCTION

SMART Goal Starting Point Evidence

SMART Goal Ending Point Evidence

POST-PRODUCTION – REFLECTION

21st Century Skills

Ways of Thinking (Creativity, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving)

At first, it was difficult to come up with a good melody for my song. Since a lot of my inspiration comes from Rain World’s music, I thought about using the chords I had introduced at the start of the song as reference for an arpeggiated melody, similar to my primary source. I think it sounded really nice!

Ways of Working (Communication & Collaboration)

I worked by myself on the song itself, but I also worked on helping others out when necessary for tech issues, etc.

Tools for Working (Info & Media Literacy)

I’m familiar with Online Sequencer, so using it for my song wasn’t a new experience. I did get to utilize some techniques I’d learned beforehand, though, like having a smooth transition between markers for instrument volume to create a clean fade in and out.

Ways of Living in the World (Life & Career)

I initially struggled through coming up with ideas for my SMART goal’s theme, but kept at it until i felt I had something substantial as a base to work off of. I did a lot more research for this session, and absorbed lots of inspiration from other sources.

Reactions to the Final Version

Most of the class generally seemed to enjoy it. My intentions for creating a video game esque track came through well, with several comparisons made to other game soundtracks. Connor liked the amount of “layers” it had.

Self-Evaluation of Final Version

I think it turned out great! One of the few songs I’ve written that I’m basically completely happy with, and it’s fun to look back at my past ones and see how much I’ve grown.

Grammar and Spelling

Grammarly

Deirdre Recommendation

Recommendation for Deirdre

There are few as willing to stick with the work as Deirdre is. Deirdre has been a fellow classmate in my School of Rock class since the beginning of the school year. Her perseverance in the face of challenges is remarkable. Deirdre’s touch of honest humor is a refreshing respite in the workplace. When it comes to working with her, I give a hearty recommendation.