Thursday, October 30, 2014
Deadlines for Blog Assignments
Blog 2: "What I hear" (Soundwalk)
Due: Nov. 6 by the end of Lab.
Blog 3: MOMI Trip
Due: Nov. 13 by the end of Lab.
~*~
"What I hear"
Part 1. The Soundwalk
Spend an hour doing a “soundwalk” around a particular neighborhood in NYC.
“Soundwalk” is a term invented by R. Murray Shafer, a musician and professor at Simon Fraser University. Shafer noticed in working with his music students that most of them couldn't remember even five sounds they had heard earlier that day. He created the soundwalk, a kind of walking meditation, as an “ear cleaning exercise,” a way to increase sonic awareness.
In An Introduction to Acoustic Ecology, Kendall Wrightson writes, “In order to listen we must stop, or at least slow down – physically and psychologically. We need to try to be human beings, instead of “human doings.” So – during your sound walk, do not answer your phone, text, browse, read or do anything but be, and listen.
The goal of this exercise is to “open your ears”... New York offers a rich sound environment. Close your eyes and listen.
Part 2. The Blog
What is the texture of the sound? What are the specific instruments in the city symphony? What sounds are clues to a specific neighborhood? A different time of day? What are sounds that are unique or meaningful to you? Just unexpected?
Some of Shafer's terminology might be useful to you in writing about your experience on the soundwalk:
Keynotes: background sounds
Sound Signals: foreground sounds that attract attention, often intentionally..
Soundmarks: sounds particularly regarded by a community or its visitors (analogous tovisual “landmarks.”)
Due: Nov. 6 by the end of Lab.
Blog 3: MOMI Trip
Due: Nov. 13 by the end of Lab.
~*~
"What I hear"
Part 1. The Soundwalk
Spend an hour doing a “soundwalk” around a particular neighborhood in NYC.
“Soundwalk” is a term invented by R. Murray Shafer, a musician and professor at Simon Fraser University. Shafer noticed in working with his music students that most of them couldn't remember even five sounds they had heard earlier that day. He created the soundwalk, a kind of walking meditation, as an “ear cleaning exercise,” a way to increase sonic awareness.
In An Introduction to Acoustic Ecology, Kendall Wrightson writes, “In order to listen we must stop, or at least slow down – physically and psychologically. We need to try to be human beings, instead of “human doings.” So – during your sound walk, do not answer your phone, text, browse, read or do anything but be, and listen.
The goal of this exercise is to “open your ears”... New York offers a rich sound environment. Close your eyes and listen.
Part 2. The Blog
What is the texture of the sound? What are the specific instruments in the city symphony? What sounds are clues to a specific neighborhood? A different time of day? What are sounds that are unique or meaningful to you? Just unexpected?
Some of Shafer's terminology might be useful to you in writing about your experience on the soundwalk:
Keynotes: background sounds
Sound Signals: foreground sounds that attract attention, often intentionally..
Soundmarks: sounds particularly regarded by a community or its visitors (analogous tovisual “landmarks.”)
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Zoom H2 Audio Recorder Tutorial
Power
Turn the recorder on with the power switch on the left side (U).
The Zoom H2 Handy Recorder runs on 2 AA batteries, but we recommend using the AC power adapter (V) whenever possible to make sure the batteries don't die in the middle of a recording. If you can't plug the recorder in, try to have backup batteries on hand just in case, and keep track of the battery meter in the lower left corner of the screen (E).
Recording to SD Card
The Zoom H2 records onto an SD card, located in a slot on the bottom of the device (N). We lend it with a card, so you do not need to provide your own unless you prefer to do so.
Using the Menus on the Zoom H2 Recorder:
Press the Menu button to get into the menu.
Use the double arrow (fast forward and rewind) buttons (G) to move up and down in the menu Use the the Record button (L) to select/activate a menu item.
Format the SD Card (warning: this will erase ALL of the data on the SD card):
Formatting the SD card will remove all of the data remaining (if any) from the previous user, and prepare the card for you to make your own recordings. This step is a good habit to get into.
1. Press the Menu (K) button
2. Press the left double-arrow/rewind button 3 times to move to the "SD CARD" menu item.
3. Select "FORMAT"
4. Select "YES"
The Zoom will then format the SD card.
Choose an audio recording format/quality:
1. Press Menu
2. Choose REC MODE
3. Use the double-arrow buttons to choose a recording format and quality. (You can use any setting you like, but we recommend using "MP3 160kbps", which provides very good sound quality with a small file size, and allows the Zoom to record for almost 7 hours before running out of space on the included 512MB SD card.)
4. Press the Menu button to exit back to the main screen.
5. The bottom right corner of the screen will indicate how much recording time you have left in hours, minutes, and seconds. (J)
The Zoom H2 Handy Recorder runs on 2 AA batteries, but we recommend using the AC power adapter (V) whenever possible to make sure the batteries don't die in the middle of a recording. If you can't plug the recorder in, try to have backup batteries on hand just in case, and keep track of the battery meter in the lower left corner of the screen (E).
Recording to SD Card
The Zoom H2 records onto an SD card, located in a slot on the bottom of the device (N). We lend it with a card, so you do not need to provide your own unless you prefer to do so.
Using the Menus on the Zoom H2 Recorder:
Press the Menu button to get into the menu.
Use the double arrow (fast forward and rewind) buttons (G) to move up and down in the menu Use the the Record button (L) to select/activate a menu item.
Format the SD Card (warning: this will erase ALL of the data on the SD card):
Formatting the SD card will remove all of the data remaining (if any) from the previous user, and prepare the card for you to make your own recordings. This step is a good habit to get into.
1. Press the Menu (K) button
2. Press the left double-arrow/rewind button 3 times to move to the "SD CARD" menu item.
3. Select "FORMAT"
4. Select "YES"
The Zoom will then format the SD card.
Choose an audio recording format/quality:
1. Press Menu
2. Choose REC MODE
3. Use the double-arrow buttons to choose a recording format and quality. (You can use any setting you like, but we recommend using "MP3 160kbps", which provides very good sound quality with a small file size, and allows the Zoom to record for almost 7 hours before running out of space on the included 512MB SD card.)
4. Press the Menu button to exit back to the main screen.
5. The bottom right corner of the screen will indicate how much recording time you have left in hours, minutes, and seconds. (J)
Getting Ready to Record:
Press record once (L). This puts the recorder into record-ready mode. The Recorder status (C) will change from "STOP" to "REC" and the level meters (D) will start moving. Plug a pair of headphones into the Phones/Line Out jack (S) and you will be able to hear what your recording will sound like.
Adjust the "Gain" and recording level
Change the gain setting with the switch on the side of the Zoom (P)
- Low is best for recording loud sounds (a band performance, for example)
- Medium is good for recording acoustic instruments or other sounds with a moderate volume.
- High is good when you're recording a lecture or other situation where the sound is quiet or far away.
Listen with the headphones and watch the level bars (D) while you try all 3 to determine which gain setting will work the best for you. To ensure good sound quality, make sure the level bars (D) are generally moving to the right half of the screen, but they should only occasionally be hitting the far right side. Adjust the gain as necessary or fine-tune the recording level at this stage with the fast-forward and rewind buttons (G).
Recording: When you're happy with the volume, press record again to start recording. The counter (B) will now start counting up. If it isn't counting up, it isn't recording.
When you go to retrieve or playback your file, it will be located in the folder indicated in the upper right corner (H) of the Zoom screen.
When you are finished recording, press record (L) again to stop. The counter (B) will stop counting up.
REMEMBER TO TURN THE RECORDER OFF (U) when you are done, as the battery will continue to drain as long as it is turned on.
Playback:
When you connect the USB port of the H2 to a computer, the H2 will be recognized as card reader, and the SD card inserted in the H2 can be accessed directly from the computer. This lets you easily copy your recordings to the computer for further editing or burning to an audio CD.
1. Connect the Zoom's USB port (R) to your computer with a USB cable (usually supplied with the recorder) or access the contents of the SD card with a separate SD card reader.
2. An icon for the SD card in the H2 will appear on the desktop of the computer
3. Browse to the folder where your recording is located (Probably in FOLDER01 for a stereo file, or in 4CH for a 4-channel file)
4. Drag your recording from the Zoom folder to your computer.
5. Eject the H2 from your computer
When you go to retrieve or playback your file, it will be located in the folder indicated in the upper right corner (H) of the Zoom screen.
When you are finished recording, press record (L) again to stop. The counter (B) will stop counting up.
REMEMBER TO TURN THE RECORDER OFF (U) when you are done, as the battery will continue to drain as long as it is turned on.
Playback:
- The Zoom does not have a built-in speaker. You will need to connect headphones or external speakers to the Zoom's Phones/Line Out jack (S) to hear the recording.
- The file whose name is shown in the center of the display (I) is the one that will be played back.
- Use the fast-forward and rewind buttons (G) to select a different file.
- Press the Play button (M) to begin playback.
- Press it again to pause/stop playback.
- Press fast-forward or rewind to skip to the next/previous recording.
When you connect the USB port of the H2 to a computer, the H2 will be recognized as card reader, and the SD card inserted in the H2 can be accessed directly from the computer. This lets you easily copy your recordings to the computer for further editing or burning to an audio CD.
1. Connect the Zoom's USB port (R) to your computer with a USB cable (usually supplied with the recorder) or access the contents of the SD card with a separate SD card reader.
2. An icon for the SD card in the H2 will appear on the desktop of the computer
3. Browse to the folder where your recording is located (Probably in FOLDER01 for a stereo file, or in 4CH for a 4-channel file)
4. Drag your recording from the Zoom folder to your computer.
5. Eject the H2 from your computer
- Windows: Click the "safely remove hardware" icon in the task tray and select the H2 as the device to remove
- Mac: Select the H2 icon and drag-and-drop it into the trash 5. Disconnect the USB cable and turn off the Zoom H2.
Interview Tips for Project 2
INTERVIEW BASICS
PRE-INTERVIEW:
The pre-interview is designed to identify interesting areas for an interview. Useyour 'story radar' to find areas of special interest, or intriguing aspects of the life story of your interview subject. If you are interviewing someone about a specific topic, it is better to have good questions. If you pre-interview and someone tells you they are really into tennis, and you know nothing, you might
want to do a bit of research to be able to ask a good question. On the other hand, you don't want to get
people giving you staged or rehearsed answers, so don't get too specific.
FORMAL ISSUE:
You need to figure out if your questions are going to be in the final product and let people know if they're not.
LOCATION:
Minimize background noise that is very obvious, such as a piece of music, both for interference and for editing.
WRITTEN QUESTIONS:
Have questions written down. On the other hand, don't consult your list too often or you will lose rapport with your interviewee. A related idea is to have more than one
approach to a difficult question.
THE SOUND BITE:
In TV news the average answer to an interview question is 9 seconds long. In documentary people speak more in 'paragraphs' where one answer is one idea or thought.
FLOW:
There is always a tension between breaking flow vs. getting something you'll need. Be ready
to both interrupt and not interrupt. Don't be afraid to ask someone to rephrase for either an incomplete answer, or condensing an answer that is too convoluted. But stay calm and your subject probably will too. Don't be afraid to wait for an answer. One way to get people going is to ask them to 'tell a story' or 'relive' an event. Try to develop 'story radar.' Be tuned in to when someone is not giving you anything new. It's up to you to move on or dig more.
FAIR QUESTIONS:
What is a 'leading' question? (You were at Duffy's Bar on the night of the 15th, weren't you?”) What is a 'loaded' question? (Have you stopped beating your wife?)
More Interview Tips:
1- Listen to the background noise. Is a fan on? Air conditioner? Can you move to a quieter location? Can you close a window? If outside, is there wind noise? Cars, airplanes?
2- Have the subject talk about their breakfast so that you can get the correct audio level. If you're just doing sound (no video) make sure the mic is about 4 to 6 inches from the subject's mouth. And check the audio level. It should be a little above the middle. Around -12 db.
3-Notice your subject's speaking style and body motion. If they have a very dynamic way of speaking, be prepared for louder moments like laughter and move the recorder slightly farther away or slightly closer when they are talking softly. If they are a little nervous, they might fiddle with something in their hand or chew gum. Try to make them feel comfortable, have them remove the gum and reduce noises in the audio.
4-Try not to ask Yes or No questions. If you don't want your voice in the audio, remind the subject to answer questions in a complete sentence, including your question in the answer.
5-Don't suggest an answer in a question or finish sentences. Try not to say, "mmhmm, or "right right", or make any remark as they are talking even if it makes both of you feel a little uncomfortable. Just nod your head quietly to let the subject know you are listening.
6-Listen to their answers instead of thinking about your next question. Follow up with questions related to their answers if they are telling a story that warrants more exploration or details or clarification.
7- Ask questions that conjure a story and give the listeners a sense of being there. For example, a line of questioning could be: Tell me about the day you first came to the United States. What were you wearing? What was the weather? How did it smell? What were you surprised by? How did you feel?
8-A good ending question is to ask the subject if there is anything else they'd like to add and/or anyone else you should talk to for more about the story.
9-Make sure to record some room tone while no one is talking!! At least 1 or 2 minutes, so that you can use it for editing.
PRE-INTERVIEW:
The pre-interview is designed to identify interesting areas for an interview. Useyour 'story radar' to find areas of special interest, or intriguing aspects of the life story of your interview subject. If you are interviewing someone about a specific topic, it is better to have good questions. If you pre-interview and someone tells you they are really into tennis, and you know nothing, you might
want to do a bit of research to be able to ask a good question. On the other hand, you don't want to get
people giving you staged or rehearsed answers, so don't get too specific.
FORMAL ISSUE:
You need to figure out if your questions are going to be in the final product and let people know if they're not.
LOCATION:
Minimize background noise that is very obvious, such as a piece of music, both for interference and for editing.
WRITTEN QUESTIONS:
Have questions written down. On the other hand, don't consult your list too often or you will lose rapport with your interviewee. A related idea is to have more than one
approach to a difficult question.
THE SOUND BITE:
In TV news the average answer to an interview question is 9 seconds long. In documentary people speak more in 'paragraphs' where one answer is one idea or thought.
FLOW:
There is always a tension between breaking flow vs. getting something you'll need. Be ready
to both interrupt and not interrupt. Don't be afraid to ask someone to rephrase for either an incomplete answer, or condensing an answer that is too convoluted. But stay calm and your subject probably will too. Don't be afraid to wait for an answer. One way to get people going is to ask them to 'tell a story' or 'relive' an event. Try to develop 'story radar.' Be tuned in to when someone is not giving you anything new. It's up to you to move on or dig more.
FAIR QUESTIONS:
What is a 'leading' question? (You were at Duffy's Bar on the night of the 15th, weren't you?”) What is a 'loaded' question? (Have you stopped beating your wife?)
More Interview Tips:
1- Listen to the background noise. Is a fan on? Air conditioner? Can you move to a quieter location? Can you close a window? If outside, is there wind noise? Cars, airplanes?
2- Have the subject talk about their breakfast so that you can get the correct audio level. If you're just doing sound (no video) make sure the mic is about 4 to 6 inches from the subject's mouth. And check the audio level. It should be a little above the middle. Around -12 db.
3-Notice your subject's speaking style and body motion. If they have a very dynamic way of speaking, be prepared for louder moments like laughter and move the recorder slightly farther away or slightly closer when they are talking softly. If they are a little nervous, they might fiddle with something in their hand or chew gum. Try to make them feel comfortable, have them remove the gum and reduce noises in the audio.
4-Try not to ask Yes or No questions. If you don't want your voice in the audio, remind the subject to answer questions in a complete sentence, including your question in the answer.
5-Don't suggest an answer in a question or finish sentences. Try not to say, "mmhmm, or "right right", or make any remark as they are talking even if it makes both of you feel a little uncomfortable. Just nod your head quietly to let the subject know you are listening.
6-Listen to their answers instead of thinking about your next question. Follow up with questions related to their answers if they are telling a story that warrants more exploration or details or clarification.
7- Ask questions that conjure a story and give the listeners a sense of being there. For example, a line of questioning could be: Tell me about the day you first came to the United States. What were you wearing? What was the weather? How did it smell? What were you surprised by? How did you feel?
8-A good ending question is to ask the subject if there is anything else they'd like to add and/or anyone else you should talk to for more about the story.
9-Make sure to record some room tone while no one is talking!! At least 1 or 2 minutes, so that you can use it for editing.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Assignment 2: Audio Portrait of a Person
Your second assignment for the semester is based on an interview with one of your classmates. To begin with, you will pre-interview a classmate in order to define a theme for your piece. As you listen to your classmate, try to identify something unique about their story that “grabs” you.
The following week, you will interview the person using questions you have written up before the interview, recording the interview with the Zoom recorder. Finally, you will create an audio
piece in Final Cut Express based on the interview.
When you do your recording, record ample material, but try not to go overboard. 15 minutes each should work. The final piece should be 4 to 6 minutes. The mix should use elements including the voice of the interviewee, ambient background sound, music, and other sounds as you see fit.
Remember to identify a theme that will make your piece say something special about the world, or the “human condition.” A story becomes compelling when it communicates something unique that others can relate to.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Exporting your Final Cut Express Project into a Blog Post
Once you complete editing your project,
1) Select the entire sequence. (Tip: add 3 seconds of SLUG "black screen" at the beginning and end of your sequence)
2) Go to FILE / EXPORT / USING QUICKTIME CONVERSION
3) Title your project and makes sure your destination folder is the project folder on your USB drive.
4) Click on the 'options' at the bottom
5) Click on Settings in the video tab and match your settings to the image below. If you are using VIMEO, then click OK
6) On Sound Settings match it the following way:
7) SAVE, and wait for your project to Export.
Once your project has exported, open it and watch it to make sure the full sequence has exported and there are no glitches.
8) Login to your Vimeo account and click on the UPLOAD link at the top of the page.
9)Click on Choose a Video to Upload, and select the video you just exported. Give your Video a Title and short description.
10) Once this is finished, "Go to Your Video" Once the video finishes encoding you will see an icon
of a paper plane in teh top right corner of your video screen. Click on this and copy the EMBED CODE
POST TO YOUR BLOG....
In Blogspot, create new post, and choose to work in HTML mode. PASTE the EMBED code in to the HTML window and PUBLISH your post. If that does not work, then make a link on your blog to your video on Vimeo.
1) Select the entire sequence. (Tip: add 3 seconds of SLUG "black screen" at the beginning and end of your sequence)
2) Go to FILE / EXPORT / USING QUICKTIME CONVERSION
3) Title your project and makes sure your destination folder is the project folder on your USB drive.
4) Click on the 'options' at the bottom
5) Click on Settings in the video tab and match your settings to the image below. If you are using VIMEO, then click OK
6) On Sound Settings match it the following way:
7) SAVE, and wait for your project to Export.
Once your project has exported, open it and watch it to make sure the full sequence has exported and there are no glitches.
8) Login to your Vimeo account and click on the UPLOAD link at the top of the page.
9)Click on Choose a Video to Upload, and select the video you just exported. Give your Video a Title and short description.
10) Once this is finished, "Go to Your Video" Once the video finishes encoding you will see an icon
of a paper plane in teh top right corner of your video screen. Click on this and copy the EMBED CODE
POST TO YOUR BLOG....
In Blogspot, create new post, and choose to work in HTML mode. PASTE the EMBED code in to the HTML window and PUBLISH your post. If that does not work, then make a link on your blog to your video on Vimeo.
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