For my final project in MMS 172, I created an immersive audio storybook based on the Filipino children’s classic Ang Barumbadong Bus. I combined narration with background music, ambient sounds, and sound effects to make the story engaging.
My process changed from what I wrote in earlier assignments. In Assignment 1, I planned to use BandLab for editing and mixing, and I did not include SoundCloud as the publishing platform. I realized BandLab is not allowed, and using it would make the process more complicated. Videos are also not allowed as the final output, so I needed a simpler approach.
I chose to use VLLO instead. I know VLLO is mainly a video editing app, but I am familiar with its features and comfortable using its editing and mixing tools for audio. Using VLLO, I recorded my narration, added background music, and layered sound effects all in one app. I exported the final project as an MP4, converted it to an MP3, and uploaded it to SoundCloud, which I embedded in my MMS 172 ePortfolio.
Mobile phone (recording device)
Earphones with built-in mic
VLLO app (recording, editing, mixing)
CloudConvert (to turn VLLO’s export into MP3)
SoundCloud (final publish)
For the setup, I used my mobile phone and earphones with a built-in microphone to record. I recorded directly in the VLLO app, which I am familiar with even though it is mainly a video editor. I worked in our living room because it is the largest and quietest space in the house. I recorded when no one else was around and turned off the fan, TV, and other devices that could make noise. Since my phone cannot capture high-quality ambient sounds, I used pre-recorded sound effects and background music from VLLO’s library and free resources on YouTube.
I recorded all vocals directly on the VLLO app. I read every narration and dialogue from the book. I added emotions and different voices for each character. For example, the flowers had a high-pitched voice and the clouds had a low voice.
After recording the vocals, I organized them in the timeline. I layered each clip carefully and timed them with precise pauses between dialogues and narration. I listened to the full sequence and adjusted until the flow felt natural.
Next, I added sound effects that could be mimicked with my voice. For example, I improvised burping sounds for the parts where Kas was drinking. After that, I added sound effects that could not be mimicked. I used pre-recorded audio from VLLO’s library, such as honking and people panicking.
After that, I added ambient sounds to make the scenes realistic. I used pre-recorded audio for traffic jams and the junkyard scene. These sounds came from both VLLO and free resources on YouTube. I adjusted volumes and placement to match the story and maintain clarity of the narration.
Now that I was satisfied with how the flow came out altogether, I exported the finished project from VLLO as an MP4 video file. However, since videos are not allowed for the final project, I uploaded the MP4 to CloudConvert and converted it into an MP3 audio file. I then uploaded the MP3 to SoundCloud and embedded it in my MMS 172 ePortfolio. This allowed the full storybook to be played directly from the portfolio page.
Now here is my output for my final project for MMS172, an immersive audio storybook of Ang Barumbadong Bus by Rene Villanueva.