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FINAL PROJECT 1 SUBMITITON:
PROJECT PLANNING:
GROUP MEMBERS: Cruz Swan, Gokul Shyam Sundar, Nabih Mohamed Salah Mohamed Shawki Kamel. COMMUNICATION METHOD: Email Chain, Whatsapp Group, & Google Docs Project Planning Document.
PROJECT OVERVIEW:The aim of this project was to use a single microphone to record one instrument. The idea of our group was to record an instrument of which we could then develop on in projects 2 and 3. The chosen piece will be the Indian Classical Piece. The chosen instrument for the first project will be Acoustic Guitar/Electric Guitar.
TRACKING SCHEDULE:
INPUT LIST, SOUND SOURCE, MICROPHONE CHOICE (OR DI) & MICROPHONE JUSTIFICATION
GROUP MEMBERS ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
PROJECT OVERVIEW:The aim of this project was to use a single microphone to record one instrument. The idea of our group was to record an instrument of which we could then develop on in projects 2 and 3. The chosen piece will be the Indian Classical Piece. The chosen instrument for the first project will be Acoustic Guitar/Electric Guitar.
TRACKING SCHEDULE:
- 30th September 2021 - The Audient studio was booked right after our practical session which took place during class from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- 2nd October 2021 - The recording session began at 2:00 pm and lasted for approximately 90 minutes.
INPUT LIST, SOUND SOURCE, MICROPHONE CHOICE (OR DI) & MICROPHONE JUSTIFICATION
- Electric Guitar- PRS S2 Standard 22
- SM57: The reason why we chose to use an SM57 was due to the fact that it can handle high SPL (Sound Pressure Levels). The fact that the microphone is less sensitive to sound compared to other microphones like condenser mic, ensures that we receive safe recording levels and do not damage equipment.
- Acoustic Guitar- Yamaha F310
- Rode NT1A: The Rode NT1A is a microphone that captures a larger range of frequencies as it is more sensitive to the incoming sound, This means that more frequencies are able to be captured within a recording, making it easier to EQ the instrument within future projects.
- Electric Guitar-PRS S2 Standard 22
- Acoustic Guitar- Yamaha F310
- Amplifier- Roland Cube Lite
GROUP MEMBERS ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Gokul. Shyam Sundar: Responsible for playing the piece.
- Pedro Coelho Antunes & Nabih Kamel: Responsible for setting up the microphones, amplifiers and console, creating pro tools, track and recording the instrument.
- Cruz Swan: Responsible for photographing equipment used, positioning of microphones and documentation of the recording session.
TRIAL RECORDING CAPTURE (Above & Beyond)
Lastly, during both this and the final recording we also faced an issue while bouncing down the final project as it was only coming out as a mono track (one speaker instead of L/R). With the guidance and review of our lecturer Randy we learnt how to successfully bounce down both tracks in a stereo mix.
Acoustic Guitar Audio Link:
- Acoustic Guitar Audio: This was a trial recording that we did as a group and decided to choose the electric guitar recording as we thought it would be easier to EQ for future projects. This was caused due to the sound of the pick hitting the guitar body being prominent in the acoustic guitar recording.
- This recording also allowed us a group to go beyond the project specification due to the following points:
- We attempted micing the amp at different distances until we obtained the best sound possible.
- We decided to add in Reverb Effect to add colour and brighten up the acoustic guitar recording.
- Lastly, we also decided to experiment with applying an EQ to the DAW software to try and remove the clicking sound of the guitar pick. For the EQ manipulation, we were enforced to identify the frequency at which the clicking sound was more permanent for the affected band to be decreased.
Lastly, during both this and the final recording we also faced an issue while bouncing down the final project as it was only coming out as a mono track (one speaker instead of L/R). With the guidance and review of our lecturer Randy we learnt how to successfully bounce down both tracks in a stereo mix.
Acoustic Guitar Audio Link:
Applying a High-Cut filter enable us to achieve a cleaner result and eliminate unwanted noises as much as possible.
Adding the reverb effect to our guitar recording allowed us to fill space within the overall recording. It also allowed us to simulate as if we were recording within a large space and create pleasing ambient effects.
PROJECT PROCESS PHOTOS:
Stage Box Connections SetUp
Electric Guitar Amp Settings
Control Room Main Spekers Settings
ProTools Track Setup & Recording
Talkback Microphone
Input Source Console Playback Levels
Microphone Stand & Headphione Placement
Masterfader Settings
Console Input Source Gain Settings
Studio Rack Mount Setup, Interfaces and FX Units
DAW Console Playback Levels
Console Input Source Meter Levles
PROJECT REFLECTION
During this project, tomorrow was to direct, record and lead project one. I was successfully able to collaborate with the different members of my group to produce our planned and finished outcome.
Many things went well throughout the recording process, for example recording the amplifier of the electric guitar, setting up the desk inputs, and recording directly into the DAW software. On the other hand, we faced a few challenges during the studio session as the audio console was not responding to our selected channel routing. At first, as learnt in class we attempted to root channel one (the guitar amp mic input) directly to the 8W input one however we were unsuccessful as there was an error with the desk. To overcome this issue we approached the supervisors and asked for support. The supervisors then explained to us that the routing system is set on the console was only active starting from the second routing setting, therefore, the reason for it not to work. For me and my group was a learning curve and understanding the reasoning behind the error we were receiving.
At first, we started by trying to record an acoustic guitar however when listening to the playback recording we found that it wasn't what we expected. We were expecting a clean a crisp recording however, in the playback we could hear a lot of guitar string slides. What this meant for the development of the project was that we as a group had to then sit down and brainstorm other ideas to achieve our outcome which would meet the criterion set on the project brief. After spending an hour brainstorming the different ideas and opportunities we had we decided to go ahead and record an electric guitar using one condenser microphone which would mic up the amp to capture the guitar sound. When then reviewing our playback of the second recording we found it much more appealing to the ear and with a cleaner sound. Then automatically decided as a group that that was our final submission as it was meeting all the given criterion is based on the project brief.
This project allowed me personally as well as my fellow group members to learn a lot of different things. An example was in the way in which the audio desk works, different input routing settings to the DAW software, and finally the best way of which we can mic up and record different instruments within different studio scenarios. Upon the information learnt and the experience, we had with project one we as a group have concluded that for the second project we will be trying out new things. We will be experimenting with different instruments, different recording techniques (such as DI, the use of multiple microphones, room micing and close micing), and different mix blends and effects processing units. For the second project, my group and I have also decided to try and record what is being mixed directly from the audio desk instead of adding virtual plug-ins and effects to the DAW software post-recording.
Out of the whole experience of project one and all the skills that we have learnt and developed I personally think that I have strongly enhanced the following skills:
Time Management: I was personally able to successfully brainstorm, plan, produce, and execute the final projects within the given time frame. I was also able to successfully with my group members to find a suitable time that works both for them and myself. We as a group also were able to complete the project within the first week of being given the brief which I personally think was a massive accomplishment and something that we should look up to for future projects.
Communication and Collaboration Skills: The way in which I think I personally was able to strengthen and develop my communication and collaboration skills were due to the fact that I was successfully able to collaborate with my group in order to brainstorm ideas to come up with a creative and unique project. My group and I were also able to successfully able to communicate with each other when it came to planning out recording studio sessions and callaboration on the final project documentation.
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: In terms of problem-solving and critical thinking I think a great example of when we were able to enhance and apply these skills was at the beginning of the recording when we were trying to find out the reasoning behind the routing error we were recoding. After trying, however, and being unsuccessful in coming up with a solution we then contacted the supervisors to support as it was an issue that was out of our control. Furthermore, we were also able to successfully apply problem-solving skills when we were required to find an alternative method to record our guitar as the initial brainstormed idea was not as successful as we had expected and planned.
Many things went well throughout the recording process, for example recording the amplifier of the electric guitar, setting up the desk inputs, and recording directly into the DAW software. On the other hand, we faced a few challenges during the studio session as the audio console was not responding to our selected channel routing. At first, as learnt in class we attempted to root channel one (the guitar amp mic input) directly to the 8W input one however we were unsuccessful as there was an error with the desk. To overcome this issue we approached the supervisors and asked for support. The supervisors then explained to us that the routing system is set on the console was only active starting from the second routing setting, therefore, the reason for it not to work. For me and my group was a learning curve and understanding the reasoning behind the error we were receiving.
At first, we started by trying to record an acoustic guitar however when listening to the playback recording we found that it wasn't what we expected. We were expecting a clean a crisp recording however, in the playback we could hear a lot of guitar string slides. What this meant for the development of the project was that we as a group had to then sit down and brainstorm other ideas to achieve our outcome which would meet the criterion set on the project brief. After spending an hour brainstorming the different ideas and opportunities we had we decided to go ahead and record an electric guitar using one condenser microphone which would mic up the amp to capture the guitar sound. When then reviewing our playback of the second recording we found it much more appealing to the ear and with a cleaner sound. Then automatically decided as a group that that was our final submission as it was meeting all the given criterion is based on the project brief.
This project allowed me personally as well as my fellow group members to learn a lot of different things. An example was in the way in which the audio desk works, different input routing settings to the DAW software, and finally the best way of which we can mic up and record different instruments within different studio scenarios. Upon the information learnt and the experience, we had with project one we as a group have concluded that for the second project we will be trying out new things. We will be experimenting with different instruments, different recording techniques (such as DI, the use of multiple microphones, room micing and close micing), and different mix blends and effects processing units. For the second project, my group and I have also decided to try and record what is being mixed directly from the audio desk instead of adding virtual plug-ins and effects to the DAW software post-recording.
Out of the whole experience of project one and all the skills that we have learnt and developed I personally think that I have strongly enhanced the following skills:
Time Management: I was personally able to successfully brainstorm, plan, produce, and execute the final projects within the given time frame. I was also able to successfully with my group members to find a suitable time that works both for them and myself. We as a group also were able to complete the project within the first week of being given the brief which I personally think was a massive accomplishment and something that we should look up to for future projects.
Communication and Collaboration Skills: The way in which I think I personally was able to strengthen and develop my communication and collaboration skills were due to the fact that I was successfully able to collaborate with my group in order to brainstorm ideas to come up with a creative and unique project. My group and I were also able to successfully able to communicate with each other when it came to planning out recording studio sessions and callaboration on the final project documentation.
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: In terms of problem-solving and critical thinking I think a great example of when we were able to enhance and apply these skills was at the beginning of the recording when we were trying to find out the reasoning behind the routing error we were recoding. After trying, however, and being unsuccessful in coming up with a solution we then contacted the supervisors to support as it was an issue that was out of our control. Furthermore, we were also able to successfully apply problem-solving skills when we were required to find an alternative method to record our guitar as the initial brainstormed idea was not as successful as we had expected and planned.
REFERENCES:
- The Best Microphones for Recording Acoustic Guitar - Small & Large Diaphraghm - 2021 | Gearank. (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://www.gearank.com/guides/acoustic-guitar-microphone
- Rode NT1A Review | Read This Before Buying This Condenser Mic!. (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://makebeats101.com/rode-nt1a-review/
- Best Microphone for Recording Guitar | Shure SM57-LC Review. (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://decibelpeak.com/best-microphone-for-recording-guitar/
- (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from http://engineering.nyu.edu/mechatronics/Control_Lab/Criag/Craig_RPI/2001/FreqResponse_Analysis_Design.pdf
- Play?, A., & Mean?, W. (2021). What’s the Difference Between Dynamic and Condenser Microphones? | Musician's HQ. Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://musicianshq.com/whats-the-difference-between-dynamic-and-condenser-microphones/#:~:text=The%20difference%20between%20a%20dynamic,studio%20vocals%20for%20example)%2C%20particularly
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