Project 3: Final Audio Production

• Blue Baby Bottle: The Blue Baby Bottle microphone was used to capture the Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals and the Acoustic Guitar. The reason behind this micing choice was to be able to capture as many different frequencies and nuances as possible.

• SM57: When recording the acoustic guitar we decide to try and record with various types of microphones. The SM57 was the final microphone used to capture the instrument. The reason for this is because the SM57 is designed with a smaller grille size and a wider diaphragm, which allows a larger number of frequencies and nuances of the guitar strings to be picked up.

• NTA-2: The reason as to why we decided to use an NTA-2 microphone for the projects lead vocals was due to its warm and natural sounding element that the mic brings to a capture. Due to its multi functional polar pattern selection it allows us as audio engineers to adapt to the recording scenario. For this recording we decided to use a cardioid polar pattern in order to capture as much detail from the vocal as possible.

• Active DI Box: The reason why we decided to use an active direct box to inject the synths and electric guitar into the interface was in order to as much ground noise as possible and obtain a clear and consistent recording. Active DI boxes employ an amplifier which is exactly what we were looking for within our recorded instruments.

• Nektar 25+: In order to play virtual instruments in sections of the song we decided to use a Nektar 25+ Keyboard. The reason for this choice of keyboard was due to its highly sensitive keys as well as the eight drum pads located on the top right corner which we used to input the drum section. The reason over the choice in MIDI in comparison to live instrument was due to lack of time in finding instrument players.

PROJECT RECORDING PROCESS PHOTOS:

PROJECT REFLECTION, CHALLENGES FACED, ACTIONS TAKEN:

Throughout this project, a variety of issues were faced that, however, led to new strategies and approaches being learnt.

During the recording, no major issues were faced throughout this project. We were able to successfully set up the pro tools session with all the required features to fit the singer's and instrumentalist's requirements. Upon the feedback provided in project 2, I ensured that a click track was created to enable the instrumentalists to stay at the correct tempo. In order to ensure that the recording captured was of the highest quality possible, we ensured that each part of the track was recorded in multiple takes. To further support the vocalist, I also decided to record the project in sections instead of in one full take. This method of approaching learning allowed us and our instrumentalists to ensure that they were playing the right notes and melodies at the correct time. During the Leixon routing recording for the synths sections, we also faced a few issues which were identical to those in project two. The challenge we faced with the Lexicon FX unit was routing the audio back to the ProTools DAW.

Even though the recording process was smoother than during project 2, the only major issue that was recurring was the lack of support and commitment from other team members within my group. Personally, working collaboratively with other students within the same field should mean that all students participate and contribute equally throughout the whole planning, production, and mixing process. However, I felt like not much input was put in by my other two team members. The planning, structuring, and development of the project were done mainly by me, which is the main reason for my having chosen to add MIDI instruments within my project. With the addition of MIDI-ed instruments, they allowed me to not only install instruments that I wasn't able to play but also find musicians for. Despite a lack of collaboration and support from my team members during the production process, they assisted with the documentation process by capturing images and writing up the tracing schedule near the end of the project.

Reflecting on the overall project and its outcome, I personally feel like it was a great experience as it allowed me to develop my production, independence, and problem-solving skills. However, for future projects, I will be requesting my lecturer to work independently or in a group that will allow me to succeed to the best of my capabilities. In terms of skills learnt and skills to be developed for the future, I am looking to personally learn how to play an instrument. This will provide me with the skill set to overcome any musical challenges that I might face throughout the process. I will also be looking to learn how to use and apply to auto-tune vocal recordings within the Pro Tools DAW.

Lastly, to close out project three's reflection, I think that the transferable skills that I have developed and demonstrated the best were the following:

Time Management: I was personally able to successfully brainstorm, plan, produce, and mix the final product within the given time frame despite all the issues I faced throughout the process. I was also able to successfully plan recording sessions within the restricted timeframe within the last few days before the submission deadline.

Ability to accept and learn from criticism: I feel that this was one of the strongest skills learnt within this project due to having to accept and improve on the feedback provided by my lecturer and peers.

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: I believe that I demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills during the recording and mixing processes for this project. In this process, I was required to come up with different solutions to resolve problems that were raised throughout. An example of this was the solution to the MIDI input method to virtualize instruments. In addition, in terms of critical thinking, I also feel that I have successfully demonstrated this skill in the planning phase of this project and through considering a plan B at all times as a backup.

Terra, Hubbard, J., C., J., Customer, S., Bc, Silva, E., Duane, Rico, O. P. P., Richman, B., Francis, C., Antonetty, J., Stephen, Miguez, G., Swordofmorgan, J., D., Matt, Mw, See, M., Taylor, B., … Lyon, M. (2020, October 9). Rode NT2-a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Retrieved December 16, 2021, from https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/NT2AStuBun--rode-nt2-a-studio-solution/reviews

What's the difference between the SM58 and the SM57? Shure. (n.d.). Retrieved December 16, 2021, from https://www.shure.com/en-US/performance-production/louder/faq-whats-the-difference-between-the-sm58-and-the-sm57

Direct boxes: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Radial Engineering. (2021, March 19). Retrieved December 16, 2021, from https://www.radialeng.com/blog/direct-boxes-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly

MusicRadar, Clews, D., & Corfield, C. (2021, November 10). BEST MIDI keyboards 2021: Top mac, PC, iPhone and iPad controller keyboards for beginners to Pros. MusicRadar. Retrieved December 16, 2021, from https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-midi-keyboards-our-favourite-laptop-desktop-and-ios-keyboards

Baby Bottle SL. Blue. (n.d.). Retrieved December 16, 2021, from https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/baby-bottle-sl/