MMS 172: Closing Project

First up, I want to discuss about my initial impressions about how I’ll fare off in this course considering my background was little to none in terms of creative audio editing and such. That’s pretty much my entire source of anxiety when I entered this course and I was very skeptical if I can actually do it but yet here we are, I have accomplished a piece of my own audio recording and my own edited files as well. That I am quite happy about it to be honest.

If there’s anything notable for me throughout this entire course, of course it’s definitely the project making process and how I managed to learn more about the purpose of using different equipment in assessing the audio recording and another specific equipment for the recording. (In my case it was using a shotgun-esque mic). Most of the lessons in the portal was helpful in the process of my study and application of it in the project. Practical application like this helps a lot for me to understand something better bit by bit. My old perception about this thing was also changed. I used to think that this kind of stuff is limited to those with high-end gears best suited fit for audio recording, or a peak studio type of setup but turns out it’s not the case. As I have learned more about the DAWs and their usage for editing audio files, I was then given a proof that through these applications, we can actually create decent enough quality of recording that even amateurs or a newbie like me can pull off with enough knowledge on the usage. Amidst the creation of the project, I was still being crept subconsciously about how bad will my work be because of the looming fear that I am lacking a lot in terms of experience, materials, and even equipment but this was answered by my statement earlier and that I just have to do what I can and do it at the best that I could for the time-being.

Considering to rate myself for my project and my performance as a whole in this course, I would say I’d rate myself at a 6-7/10 or maybe a 6.5/10, it’s likely because I do think I could’ve done better if I get to spend like a quarter more of the year or so and with more watching sessions of tutorials about the usage of this or that alterations in audio files. Even so, it was a very fun course for me and I definitely learned more in the process rather than just theoretical assessments. Now in comparison to my course mates here, I’m definitely around the average state. I really admire the dedication of the others on this craft especially the creativity that they’re able to pull off such unique and engaging contents. Something I wish I could have a lot since most of the time I actually am dumbfounded with ideas to do or create. Ironic but it’s an unfortunate case on me.

This production course certainly fits in the criteria of a BAMS student and practitioner and I see myself planning to continue to explore it and enhance my skills at the same time. Maybe not really “pursue” is the term for me but rather learn more about it to expand my knowledge in multimedia productions in the long run. Afterall, audio is a vital part too of videography and I’m quite fond of that. I plan to create some animations or an audio textbook CYOA game someday and I want to do something like that with full voice-overs. I know it’s hard to pull off but well, nothing’s easy at the beginning anyway. For the long run with this startup knowledge, I am quite hopeful that I can find more instances where I can utilize it and further hone my capabilities on using this production course knowledge. It may be in orthodox or unorthodox ways but that’s my goal for now as well for it.

Aside from the standard questions that I’ve answered, I just wanted to say that this course was one of the few that really left a mark on me. It made me feel more like an actual multimedia creator. I’m not saying the others doesn’t because I still do traditional and digital art (pixel-style) though not so good yet but we’ll get there eventually. It’s giving me the impression of being a part of a broadcast team or network and honestly, it used to be one of my dreams. I don’t have to be the actual caster but rather I’d want to be the one to handle the mixing and such of the live recordings and files like that. It’s also one of the reasons why I decided to do that pseudo-newscasting project concept that I made for this course. It may not be the best out there but it’s honest work and I’m still going to say that I’m somehow proud of the outcome. Another thing I want to say is that, Audacity was a great tool to modify the audio file and remove or add “Effects” to the recording. Whether it’s reducing background ambient noises and clearing out unnecessary sound, it’s great and simple to use for a newbie at this type of craft. DAWs on the other hand do seem overwhelming given the user-interface was like a big surprise for a newbie but if given enough time to explore, it’s capable of providing the user the liberty to greatly modify to best suit the ideal output of the user. Another thing I want to add up here is would be the simple compression tool. I can’t believe how good it can be to maximize an audio recording file even if you try to record a faint or whisper, but if you decide to amplify it up using a compressor. It goes louder that you’d even not think it was a whisper. Pretty much like how some “whispering” lines on some movies. I assume it’s worked out that way for the viewer to still hear it. I may be wrong and please do correct me if so.

Last thing I’m going to say for this course is that this simply reminded me of a common old phrase. “Experience is the best teacher.”