So we got on the train and then what…
The second part of our immersive audio required was trip to the beach to record the “ external” requirement of the brief. This felt a good contrast between the prior internal quieter home based recording and the 1st part of the external recoding in a rather noisy station.
Following on from train noises and announcer calls, the recording became more sedate and quieter, picking up background noise the train slowing to a halt, school activity, birds chirping to the crisp crunching sand underfoot complete with a few wave and splashing noises
How much content……!
The brief was to get the audio sequence down to 00:02:00 in 24bit/48000hz , easy enough you could argue, but no because as usual there was too much content. Better too much than too little, but it did require a fair bit of selection and sequencing within Adobe Audition even just to lay it out as a draft.
For instance doors unlocking and locking sound the same, some of the station audio was too similar and too long.
So I set about creating the session, YouTube is your friend here, as a 1st Year Undergrad, to help remind of the simple things in software such has how to fade in and out.
I happened to accidentally come across 8D audio in my Youtube Search, which is really a form of spatial audio. I found this really informative and from a content production aspect very interesting given this Brief.
So what is 8D audio…is it just a gimmick?
It’s actually not, 8D audio is a type of audio that is designed to create a more immersive experience for the listener. By adding extra dimension to the sound, the listener feels -hears that the sound coming from all around them. With good quality headphones and an 8D track different parts of the recording will shift from ear to ear. Smith,J.(2021) offers that
"The result is a uniquely immersive sensory experience. It feels like you’re in the middle of a large room— like a concert hall— and all the musicians and vocalists in the song are moving around you while they play and sing."
Smith,J.(2021) adds that this can be helpful for people with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions, as it can help them to focus and remain engaged with the audio. She clarifies this further by stating that:-
"ADHD and neurodivergent people are drawn to 8D audio because of its ability to stimulate multiple senses simultaneously. 8D audio is a type of audio that stimulates multiple senses.
For people with ADHD and neurodivergent people, 8D audio is especially appealing because it can help them focus and stimulate their brains. 8D audio is also known for its ability to create an immersive experience, which can be beneficial for people who struggle with sensory overload"
As an example , and there are plenty on YouTube and Spotify to sample, here is Kate Bush’s “Running up that Hill” remastered in 8D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68b0rsZHidc. Almost all Genres have been 8D'd if Kate isn't your thing or a Stranger Things Overload causes your ears to burn every time you hear it :-)
Back to the Editing….
A few hours coupled with a fair bit of head scratching and a few cups of black coffee later , the building up of the layers, separation of sound and altering pitch and volume started to pay dividends and the brief was pulling together nicely.
I found that laying sequences over each other can dramatically change what's happening. Slight differences in raw volume can be suppressed by layering the sequences but can lose some of what I wanted, so I had to be careful.
Yes, you can alter the pitch and volume to blend them in or out to suit, but the interesting learning outcome was the affect they could have in each other. For example, some became just noise and not that enjoyable, whereas layering the school recording over “walking” actually improved that section
On reflection, I think I would put more effort in to planning exactly what sounds I would like and try to target them, like and audible mood board or something to help focus both myself and the crew on the task. Its not to say we didn’t plan anything, just more a reflective account of what I would do differently.
Links.
Blog Images
References
YouTube Links
Comments