How To Learn More
How To Learn More
FIELD RECORDING TECHNIQUES & EQUIPMENT:
• Check out The Vermont Folklife Center's wonderfully informative website.
• The Suite101.com article, Audio Field Recording Guide, by Richard Mudhar
• Read Apple’s Audio in Rich Media articles on equipment choices, field recording techniques, storage media and Soundtrack Pro for audio editing here.
• Equipment suggestions at L. J. Clark’s site, Audio and Field Recording
USEFUL SOFTWARE:
• For audio file editing and composing, consider Audacity freeware.
• Or, try Apple’s Pro Tools software: “Fundamentally, Pro Tools is similar to a multi-track tape recorder and mixer, with additional features that can only be performed in the digital medium. The high-end version (HD) supports sample rates of up to 192 kHz and bit depths of 16 and 24 bit, opens WAV, AIFF, mp3, SDII audio files and QuickTime video files. It features time code, tempo maps, automation and surround sound capabilities.”
• Although Final Cut Pro is primarily used for video editing, you can also edit audio clips in it. Just import your clip as a Soundtrack Pro audio file project.
• Another popular choice for audio editing is GarageBand: “streamlined digital audio workstation (DAW) and Music Sequencer, which can record and play back multiple tracks of audio. Built in audio filters allow the audio track to be enhanced for recording guitar instruments, etc. The tuning system can also effectively imitate the auto-tune effect when tuned to maximum.”
• If you’re a visual artist interested in incorporating audio into your work, a performance artist interested in experimenting with electroacoustic sounds or a geek interested in creating audio projects with interactivity—check out Max/MSP/Jitter, which is actually three software programs in one. You can create real-time experiences, like turning a person’s random movements into sound. You can program infra-red, motion and touch sensors, build custom performance instruments, and make interactive video installations. The MSP part of Max/MSP/Jitter is “a complete set of audio objects that work seamlessly within Max” for real-time audio synthesis.”
FOR VISUAL ARTISTS INTERESTED IN INTERACTIVE AUDIO PROJECTS:
Processing: A Programming Handbook for Visual Designers and Artists, available at Amazon.
FOR PARENTS & EDUCATORS:
A place for sound: Raising children’s awareness of their sonic environment by Jan Deans, Robert Brown (Early Learning Centre, The University of Melbourne) and Helen Dilkes (musician, educator and soundscape researcher).
