ComputerHunter.org

 

wav; Recording Voice or Instruments


A graduate student in Belfast wrote to me about a project he was doing. It is an inter-active instructional CD on the Tin Whistle.

Obviously here is another application where you would record direct to wav. and forget about the midi. format.

He wanted an authentic sound and midi. would never provide this. You might get close, if you used the right sound card or plug-ins and I will go into this in more detail in later writings about midi.

If you can play an instrument or sing, you will want to record directly to wav.

The procedure is much the same as when you record a tape or L.P. The key element here is to use a very high quality microphone.

Plug the microphone into the microphone input of your sound card which will be the one with the picture of a microphone on it.

Find the software for your sound card, (try accessories, if your computer came with a sound card,) and select the microphone input from your options or file menu. You are all set.

If you have a good sound card, it may have come with a few other features that are useful; If it has a mixer, set the level of your input so it doesn't go into the red. This is important to eliminate 'clipping,' when you record.

'Clipping' is an unpleasant sounding distortion from having the levels too high.

Also, your sound card may have come with some effects processing. These effects must be used 'on the fly.' That means they are utilized while you record rather than applied to the recording later.

Don't be intimidated by this. They are easy to use and a lot of fun. Most likely you should use some of these effects, if you want a more professional sounding recording.

Find the effects in the software for your sound card. These are usually available in what are called 'presets.' This means they are already created for you and given a name, such as 'vocal chorus.' 'Chorus' is an often used effect for vocals. It gives vocals that rich 'singing in the shower' sound.

Reverb and delay are also used to enhance the richness of the tone.

Try some different effects out and select the one that you think sounds best and record with it.

The sound card may even give you the option of mixing your own effects. This will simply require a bit more trial and error but can be very fun and worthwhile.

If you want a really authentic sound of a folk instrument, you may not want any effects at all.

Brian is a graduate of the Peabody School of Music. He has performed in many groups, was formerly the lead singer for The Jabberwocky and played at the Coach House in San Clemente in the opening act for Hunter S. Thompson. Hear his music at http://www.dizzyobrian.com







Top Stories - Google News

Globe and Mail

WH Dismisses Reports that Obama Will Announce Decision Against Tax Cuts
FOXNews
President Obama speaks on the economy at the Milwaukee Laborfest in Milwaukee Sept. 6. (AP Photo) President Obama is prepared to announce his opposition to extending tax cuts for the wealthy during an economic speech in Cleveland Wednesday, ...
Obama's jobs pitch fails to dazzle WashingtonCNNMoney
Obama, Republicans renew battle over tax cutsUSA Today
David Axelrod: End GOP Tax Cuts for MillionairesCBS News
The Washington Independent -Reuters -Bloomberg
all 4,615 news articles »


CBS News

Protesters, LAPD clash as chief defends shooting
Los Angeles Times
Police disperse crowd near Westlake site where officer shot a day laborer to death. At least 22 people are arrested. Police chase protesters on 6th Street, just west of downtown Los Angeles. The gathering was declared an unlawful assembly about 9:30 pm ...
Los Angeles protestors riot at LAPD station after police shooting death of ...New York Daily News
Protest Against LAPD Turns ViolentMyStateline.com
LAPD brass vows to investigate fatal shooting of day laborer; protesters egg ...Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Associated Press -89.3 KPCC -The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
all 913 news articles »


The Guardian (blog)

BP releases report on gulf well blowout
Washington Post
BP released a long-awaited report Wednesday on an internal investigation into the causes of its Gulf of Mexico oil well blowout, blaming multiple failures by BP and other firms but absolving its much-criticized well ...
BP report shares out the blame for Gulf of Mexico oil spill tragedyTelegraph.co.uk
BP Shifts US Oil Spill Blame Onto ContractorsABC News
BP says multiple companies to blame for oil spillMarketWatch
USA Today -The Associated Press -BBC News
all 4,266 news articles »


Telegraph.co.uk

Don't burn Qurans, U.S. embassy in Pakistan urges church
CNN
By the CNN Wire Staff Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- The US Embassy in Pakistan condemned a Florida church's plan to burn the Quran, the Muslim holy book, as "disrespectful, intolerant and divisive," in a statement on Wednesday. "We are deeply concerned ...
Feds Probing Several Anti-Muslim IncidentsCBS News
Fla. minister: Sept. 11 Quran burn still plannedThe Associated Press
Is burning Quran a hate crime or a free speech issue?USA Today
AFP -The Hindu -BBC News
all 4,263 news articles »


Seattle Post Intelligencer

Chicago mayor race wide open as Daley steps aside
The Associated Press
CHICAGO — Suddenly, the race for Chicago mayor is on. Mayor Richard M. Daley has thrown the competition for the city's top job wide open by announcing he won't run for a seventh term, ending 21 years of token opposition and prompting speculation about ...
Daley won't run for record seventh election to be mayorChicago Tribune
Ozzie Guillen praises outgoing mayor DaleyESPN
Likely Mayor Candidates Possibly Larger After Daley Announces Not RunningMyStateline.com
ABC7Chicago.com -msnbc.com (blog) -Chicago Public Radio
all 1,128 news articles »

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base