Week 8 - Plan for Project 3 & Workshop 7

What...

This week's session was used to focus on the use of compressors and the difference between single-band and multi-band compression. We also spent the beginning of the lecture reflecting on our Project 2 assignments and ensuring that all the learning outcomes were met before submission. I personally found this week's lesson quite approachable and easy-going, as compressors were something which I was already familiar. However, in order for me to test my knowledge and understanding on the use and application of compression, I decided to apply a variety of different types of compressors with different parameter settings to this week's in-class mixing project. This task allowed me to be more confident on what each of the parameters do and how they can be used for a creative effect.

So what...

This week's information used will allow me to enhence project threes' mix. The reason being is that I will now be allowed to add comprestion of individual instruments in order to manipulate their dynamics within the overall mix. With this week's learning information, I have also decided to start brainstorming different ideas that would allow me to demonstrate all the learning I have completed within this trimester for project three. Upon brainstoming and discussing my ideas with Randy, I am planning to undertake a podcast recording for the last project in this trimester as it will provide me with the opportunity to use background instruments as well as effects on recordings. My choice in the creation of a podcast was to allow me as an individual to work together and achieve the highest grade possible while demonstrating my understanding of mixing at a higher level.

Now what...

My next steps in preparation for next week's lecture are to reflect on ideas for the final project and come up with a few different ways in which I will be able to successfully demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of coherent mixing with the use of compressors, EQ, effects and dynamic manipulations. In order to successfully achieve this, I will be coming up with a list of project ideas to submit to Rany for his approval. In addition, I will also be speaking to the supervisors in order to book the Audient studio to allow me time to practice signal follow within the studio setting, as this was something advised by Randy this week. In terms of broader raised issues, this week I had a discussion with Randy in regards to my group members' lack of support and how this could be changed for future projects.

In terms of this week's transferable skills, I personally thought it was a representation of creativity. The reason for this was the different ways in which we learnt a compressor could be used within a project mix. Furthermore, a compressor is used within a mix to manipulate the dynamics of instruments and also support the creative side of a track. An example of where a compressor can be used is to enhance an overall vocal recording without clipping the channel, input source, or recorded audio. A compressor, in this instance, is a safe way to enable us as audio engineers to balance out and clear up a project mix. Looking at my currently chosen options for the last project, I will be limited in the number of instruments on which a compressor can be used as it will be mainly on vocals and speakers.

Reflecting on the first eight weeks of SAE, I realized that the way in which I could personally work smarter is through better time management when it comes to project planning and reviewing stages. I would like to complete project three before the set deadline to allow me time to reflect deeper on what can be done better for the final submission.

What is Multiband Compression and why you need it: Icon collective. Icon Collective College of Music. (2020, May 4). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://iconcollective.edu/multiband-compression-tips/.

How to set up and use a Patch Bay - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SR35r9uWnk.

Audio compressors explained #1 - functions - youtube. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91qs3fux5HY.