Embedded Files
I. General Assessment
I. General Assessment
As I reflect on the audio exercise and the assignments I’ve looked at, I can’t help but notice the wide variety of audio recording abilities we have in our class as the trimester begins. I’ve gone through at least 20 assignments, and it’s obvious that some of my classmates have more experience or are more mindful of the equipment they use to improve the sound quality. This is something I haven’t really delved into, as I’ve always just used my mobile phone to make recordings.
The quality of the submissions is all over the place. I’ve heard many recordings that are crystal clear, but I’ve also come across quite a few where you can hear background noise, which really takes away from the quality. It’s clear to me that those who invest in better equipment usually end up with better sound.
Out of all the recordings, the one by Nhel Ceejay Bernarte really stands out. Even though there’s some white noise, the clarity of his voice and the Maono AU A04 condenser microphone he used make his recording very pleasant to listen to. His voice quality, in particular, seems to make his recording successful. I think he has what it takes to be a great voiceover artist or podcaster. Unfortunately
(P.S: Nhel's audio is set on private so i'm unable to embed it properly)
Looking at the rest of the class, there are some who really shine. Some recordings are just as good, if not better, than the samples from our teacher. But there are classmates who will need to put in extra effort to improve their audio, and they can do that even without fancy equipment by just making sure to get rid of any noises that can be cut out. When it comes to technical skills and editing audio, I think most of us, including myself, have a lot to learn to get to the level we want to be at. All in all, this exercise has been really educational, showing us how important both the right equipment and skills are for making good audio content.
II. The Standout
II. The Standout
After diving into a sea of audio assignments, I’ve surfaced with five gems that truly stood out in terms of audio quality. It’s been quite the journey, listening intently to each recording, but it’s given me a real appreciation for the nuances of sound.
First up is Krystal Alcanar. Now, Krystal used a Vivo Y20s cellphone for her recording – yes, a mobile phone just like I did! You might think that would put her at a disadvantage, but you’d be surprised. The clarity of her recording was remarkable. I’m not entirely sure if she did some post-recording magic or if she just knows how to work that mic like a pro, but either way, the result was clear and sharp. It’s impressive how this mid-range Chinese brand has packed some serious tech into their phones to deliver such quality.
Isaac’s track caught my attention, especially considering he mentioned using an LCS USB microphone. Now, I couldn’t find detailed specs for that specific mic, but it seems like a bit of a mystery. Perhaps it’s a lesser-known or generic model. Regardless, I’m genuinely impressed by the clarity of his sound.
Here’s what stood out to me:
Crystal-Clear Audio: Despite living in a noisy area of Tondo, Isaac managed to capture remarkably clear audio. Kudos to him! Maybe his room is secretly soundproofed – who knows? 😄
Background Noise: Surprisingly, there was no noticeable background noise. It’s impressive how well he isolated his recordings. Maybe that corner setup near the wall played a role – smart move, Isaac!
In summary, Isaac’s work showcases that you don’t always need fancy gear to achieve great results. Sometimes, it’s about understanding your environment and making the most of what you have. 🎧🌟
I chose SJ Rambano’s work for evaluation due to several reasons. Not only is she knowledgeable in technical aspects, but her voice quality is also exceptionally pleasant. Her voice is well-suited for voiceovers and podcasts, making it a joy to listen to.
SJ’s audio recording stands out for its clarity and cleanliness. Unlike some recordings that become grating after a while, SJ’s work remains enjoyable throughout. Upon analyzing her setup, I discovered a few key factors contributing to this excellent quality:
1. Microphone Choice: SJ used a MAONO AU-PM471TS Condenser USB Microphone. This choice significantly impacts the recording quality. The mic captures her voice with remarkable fidelity, resulting in clear and professional-sounding audio.
2. Workstation Placement: Despite living by a roadside with skidding tires and engine noise, SJ’s workstation is strategically positioned in the corner of her room. This arrangement likely minimizes external disturbances, allowing her to focus on recording without distractions.
In summary, SJ Rambano has produced an outstanding audio recording. Her attention to gear selection and thoughtful setup has paid off.
I selected Gabriela Yutuc's work for evaluation due to the exceptional clarity in her recording. Although my knowledge of audio production is limited, I must say that her setup is impressively neat—a setup any audio enthusiast would envy.
Here are my observations:
1. Workstation Setup:
Gabriela's arrangement is meticulous. Even with my limited expertise, I can appreciate the thoughtfulness behind her setup. It's clean, organized, and conducive to quality recordings.
2. Microphone Choice:
Gabriela wisely opted for the SHURE MV7 MICROPHONE. This choice significantly contributes to the clarity of her audio. The SHURE MV7 is a high-quality mic, and she maximized its potential by ensuring a noise-free environment. This mic delivers professional-grade sound which, upon checking here in the UAE cost around 800-1000 dirhams. Kudos to Gabriela for investing in quality gear.
3. Attention to Noise Reduction:
Kudos to Gabriela for eliminating background noise. She took necessary steps to create a quiet recording space. Her commitment to detail shines through.
4. Rawness and Authenticity:
Gabriela's decision to keep her clip straightforward without excessive editing is commendable. It allows the rawness of her voice to come through, creating an authentic listening experience.
In summary, Gabriela Yutuc's work exemplifies clarity, meticulousness, and authenticity. Well done, Gabriela!
I chose to evaluate Kyla Yumie Abang's work because I was genuinely impressed with the audio quality she achieved using a gaming headset, the Rapoo VH310*. Despite its humble origins, her recording stood out for its clarity and minimal background noise.
Here are my observations:
1. Vocal Clarity:
Kyla's vocal recording was remarkably clear. The Rapoo VPro VH310 headset surprised me—it captured her voice with fidelity, and I could hear every nuance without distractions.
2. Guitar Skills:
I must tip my hat to Kyla's guitar playing. As someone who once attempted to learn guitar (before my palms betrayed me with excessive sweating), I appreciate her talent. Her playing was pleasing to the ears.
3. Mic Placement:
However, there was a grunginess in the guitar sound like she mentioned. It seemed as though the mic was inside the guitar itself and the sound became amplified. A slight adjustment—placing the mic a little away from the instrument—could have yielded a different result.
In summary, Kyla Yumie Abang's work defies expectations. She turned a gaming headset into a powerful recording tool. Well done, Kyla!
III. Self Assessment
III. Self Assessment
Reflecting on the audio proficiency of my classmates and considering my own skills, I’d say I’m somewhere in the middle of the pack. It’s been enlightening to review the work of others. Here's the break down of my evaluation:
Equipment and Setup:
My Current Workstation: Here’s the twist—I’ve set up my recording station in the hall. Yes, the same hall that tends to be bustling with activity and noise. Even when I diligently shut everything off, the ambient sounds sneak in. The hall’s size amplifies sounds or drowns it just like my clock recording. Rearranging my setup might be challenging, but it’s time to consider it seriously.
Observation: Interestingly, those who stood out had dedicated spaces with minimal background noise. I’ve noticed that a clear workstation setup plays a crucial role. Those who stood out often had dedicated spaces particularly in the corner of their room so maybe that helps and that is something for me to consider whenever I rearrange my hall.
Recent Gear Purchases:
The Budget-Friendly Choices: I decided to invest in my audio setup without breaking the bank. So, I snagged an ANGJU USB condenser mic (a generic one) and Behringer BH470 studio headphones. These are my trusty companions now.
Quality Testing Pending: While I haven’t tested them extensively yet, I’m hopeful they’ll enhance my audio quality for future assignments.
Cellphone Chronicles:
My 4-Year-Old Phone: Surprise! My recordings were done using my 4-year-old cellphone Samsung, old but reliable (and yes, I’m very partial to a brand. Once upon a time I was a Sony fan). With some effort to minimize background noise, I managed to produce satisfactory results.
The Upcoming Samsung S24 Ultra: Drumroll, please! In a few days, I’ll be upgrading to the Samsung S24 Ultra. Will it be a game-changer? I’m curious. Maybe it’ll transform my audio quality like a magical potion. Or maybe it’ll just take better selfies. Either way, let’s wait and see.
Self-Reflection and Next Steps:
Content with Progress: Overall, I’m content with my progress. I’ve navigated the noise, wielded my trusty phone, and made budget-friendly gear choices.
Room for Improvement: But there’s room for growth. I’ll optimize my workstation setup. I’ll also master my new gear and eagerly anticipate the Samsung S24 Ultra’s debut.
As for my continued improvement, I know there’s more I can do. I plan to focus on refining my technical skills, experimenting with different recording techniques, and perhaps even taking a closer look at how I can optimize my environment for better sound quality. It’s all about learning and adapting, and I’m ready for the challenge. Let’s see what the future holds!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse