Audio Engineering

[VcElder]

Anyone in DSALand know anything about audio engineering? I am making an MP3 and I don't know too much about it...was hoping to ask a few questions...

Anyone?

[Crono]

I'll ask the sound engineers that are working on my game, and get back to you.

Here are the basics that I know.
MP3 is merely a compression format, usually converted from standard .WAV format. It is popular because it retains quality while significantly reducing file size.

If you're making your own sounds, a program such as Audacity is very helpful. Audacity is free, so go ahead and check it out, it's the one my engineers use in our game.

You need an encoder to save mp3, but there're free ones around, another google search will probably find them.

Audacity can do modulations, lengthen and shorten with and without sound warping, and other neat things. Make sure you identify noise (static) and eliminate it, there's a tool available in Audacity to do that.

[VcElder]

Thank you so much. The encoding is fairly simple...I am actually interested in some professional recording and I am not to sure what to look for in a "professional" being in NYC I am surronded by choices and People trying to sell me all sorts of doo dads.

The project is a free hypnosis MP3 for my website. ( I am a professional Hypnotist)

I need things Such as binurial beats...left ear right ear switching background music..brain entracement music being utilized with my voice to create some unique experiences...I have the hypnosis part...its just a matter of the recording/editing but I have been quoted between 100/ per hour for studio and engineer, 40 per hour, minimum hours...I feel like I am at the mechanics shop and they want to change my halogen fluid in my head lights if you get my drift...

--Vic

[Crono]

Well, that program Audacity can do all of that. If you can find the sounds you need (or make them), or find public domain music that can work.
You can adjust their channels and such.

[VcElder]

Hrm audacity you say....I will make sure to download and play with it...

[Crono]

It's a pretty light program, but from what you said, it should have the power to do what you need. Audio engineering isn't easy, and you need to find a good place to do any recording you want (quiet, acoustic padded room, a closet maybe).

Good luck

[VcElder]

Thanks Crono. I checked the quality of the MIC that I have but it sucks...I will have to definately mind a studio to "lay down some track" (Im gonna break out my 8 mile rap artist lingo) Based on that I will attempt to edit it myself with Google....since the product is free and is meant for temporary stress relieve it won't be that bad.

--Vic

[keyser28146]

Well, for a voice recorder, I HIGHLY recommend this unit: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H2-Portable-Stereo-Recorder/dp/B000VBH2IG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=12366128 28&sr=8-1"]Amazon.com: Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder: Electronics[/ame]

I use this device for all the foley and on-location sound recording for my filmwork to supplement the other mics. This thing records on SD cards (cheap and easy to get), uses AA batteries (cheap and easy to get), and has multiple high quality mics and is really easy to use. It does stereo, or uses all 4 mics at once so you can generate 5.1 audio out of it (left right per track, one track out of the rear mics one set out of the front mics). All this for under $200.

I have quite a few mics, ranging from $30 to $450, and this device is my go-to. It records in up to 24bit audio wav, or automatically converts these files into as low as 96kbps-320kbps Mp3. Comes with everything you need and has quite a lot of uses.

As far as software, my sound guy uses Logic pro and nuendo, and my score composer tends to use Finale. I get the mix from these guys as different tracks, and then combine the tracks in Premiere.

I'd say getting that Zoom H2 to create your audio source and then using Audacity should be plenty enough for what you want to do though...

[keyser28146]

Forgot to mention, that thing also has an 1/8" mic input, plus earphone jack so you can listen as you record.

[Crono]

Finale is great for composing, I wrote the music for my game in Finale, but I'm thinking on getting Sibelius and trying that out.

[Brocman]

Also if your looking for free sounds on the internet you can try www.sounddogs.com

The sounds are free and you don't need a license to use them.

[VcElder]

Wow sounds like we have some experts here...(sounds like...get it...HA! i kill my self)

I went to my local community college today and I discovered that college kids will work for nothing as long as you give them credit.

I will post the link once I am done. I appreciate all of the insight.

--Vic

[VcElder]

dude nice on the sound dogs...I am looking for free royalty free background music. Broc I have missed you owning me in warhawk and me pooping the occasional mine on you.

-Vic

[captnjeter]

Personally, I found Audacity to be the worst sound editing program I've used. If you can get a cracked (or legal, but expensive) version of Adobe Audition (Formerly Cool Edit) or Sony Sound Forge, those are the most user friendly, but Audacity is good in a pinch.

For sound effects, if you can record straight from your computer, which I'm sure you can, I like using DVDs of music because I find the quality of the sound is better. For music... not really sure what to get. If you know any musicians that would be willing to do it for cheap/free, that would be the best choice. Most of everyone else will charge royalties.

[VcElder]

I just "purchased" adobe master collection 4...I will see whats in their...what is wrong with audactiy?I have heard alot of good things...