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Audio Editing & Sequencing Tutorial 9

Working with Sound and Film

The initial aim of this assignment is to learn how to spot and sync audio to video. We can do this by creating a variety of markers. To start with I dragged a video file into logic, and from there i clicked on the global tracks option, and from there clicked movie, and then highlighted a 2 bar loop, and selected 'detect cuts'. Detect cuts is a simple tool that creates markers on the video track wherever the scene changes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6736077833/in/photostream

Markers are useful for they can help us sync audio, from here the next step is to be able to insert markers as the video is playing using a key command. To do this I clicked on preferences, then to key commands. From here i navigated the search box and typed in 'marker'. From here it is evident in this instance there is already a key command to insert a custom marker. it is CTRL-K.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6736094551/in/photostream

We can now simply view all created or pre existent markers by clicking on 'List' and then 'Marker'.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6736102585/in/photostream

The next stage is to add audio to the video. We do this simply by dragging in the necessary audio track and aligning it with the beginning of the video. Once this is done we want the audio to trigger every time on time with the video. We can do this by simply selecting Region > Lock

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6736115345/in/photostream

From here I clicked on the 'flex' icon and selected Rhythmic. In the inspector window I selected 'loop' and now i can timestretch the loop insuring it is in time with the video. Underneath Global Tracks i then selected tempo, by automating the tempo of the audio it should then follow this tempo, minor or major adjustments can then allow the audio to stay in sync with the video.

Audio Editing & Sequencing Tutorial 7

Tutorial 7 - Cubase Variaudio

The initial aim of this exercise was to create an autotune effect via Cubase's variaudio effect. It allows to easily automate the pitch of the audio sample with the click of a mouse. This could be used for a variety of reasons whether it's to correct a singer who isn't quite in tune in a recording session, or in contrast it could be used quite extremely to create a James Blake style vocoder effect.

I started by downloading an acapella from X- Stream and importing it into cubase, from there I double clicked the audio file to which a sample editor is then available. From here I clicked 'VariAudio' and then the pointer next to pitch and warp which then presents a visual analysis of the audio. These rectangular blocks here represent the changes in pitch and the velocity is represented by the squiggly lines.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6735901183/in/photostream

If we move to the right we can see there is an option to quantize the pitch as well as straighten it out, this essentially allows us to create our own melody and harmony. As mentioned before this can be used quite extremely like in the style of James Blake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOKXHzL6UVs

Audio Editing & Sequencing Tutorial 6

Tutorial 6 - Automation and continuous controllers (CC) in a DAW

The initial aim of this exercise was to learn how to use the automation feature in Cubase, a feature that allows us to move away from the mouse and control a variety of parameters such as the cutoff of a filter or the volume/panning of the track using an external midi controller. In this instance I used one of the M Audio Axiom midi keyboard rotary knobs to control the volume of the Halion synthesiser.

Not only does automation allow us to create a smoother mix with added variety whether it be altering reverb size or delay time, it also adds a more natural hands on feel and allows use to edit the music in real time as apposed to pointing and clicking with a mouse.

To start off I added an automation track by clicking the small arrow on the 'Halion' synth track header (as pictured below). The default automation setting was volume, so i decided to use this to start off with. After i had done this i proceeded by clicking 'R' , which stands for read on the quick controls panel to the left. (pictured below) By doing this it allows for us to edit the automation via mouse, by clicking 'W' the movements can now be recorded as automation data.

The next step is to enable cubase to control the 'Quick Controls' panel via external midi controller, in this instance being the M Audio Axiom. To do this I clicked on; Devices > Device Setup > Remote Devices > Quick controls.

Once this window was open i clicked on the learn button, and moved one of the rotary knobs. Now that cubase has recognised the device This now allows me to control any desired parameter on the quick controls panel that i desire.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6736029101/in/photostream

To do this i clicked on the quick controls volume feature, i can now automate the volume via rotary knob. Soon after this as a further extension on the task i proceeded to edit different parameters such as panning, cutoff, and LFO rates adding variety and complexity to the mix using the same methods as before.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6736029279/in/photostream

Audio Editing & Sequencing Tutorial 5

Tutorial 5 - Working with Midi

The initial aim of this exercise was to import our pre existent field recording sounds into Cubase and add percussive layers to a created drum track as well as synthesisers. It not only provided an understanding on sampling, it also provided as a means to become more acquainted with Cubase and it's functions.

To start I loaded up cubase, once the new project was open and ready i pressed F11. This key command allows for the user to add a VST instrument, whether it be one of the built in synthesiser or drum programmers, in this instance i selected the Halion synth. In this instance i set the MIDI output to any, meaning that which ever VST instrument is highlighted will be triggered when a note is hit. After record enabling the track I played a basic chord structure along to a click track. To enable the click track i selected click on which can be located in the transport bar. This can be viewed below in the diagram, as can a variety of other features such as track tempo, play/pause functions etc.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6736032471/in/photostream

I then proceeded to quantise the loop, this method was later used when adding a basic drum beat. I did this by clicking on the recorded clip and going to Midi>Quantise. To add a drum beat i used the Groove Agent One, in which i imported my original field recording sounds to create a drum beat. A splash of a puddle was used to create a hi hat sound, and the kicking of bins used as a bass drum sound (being EQ'd filtered and compressed appropriately). I then played in a basic rhythm, with clicks and hi pitched samples providing a percussive element to the composition. To import these original sounds into the sequencer as audio files i did the following; 'Project>Add Track>Audio Track.' These audio files could be edited accordingly with a variety of tools such as the scissor cursor.

I recorded a basic 4 bar loop, with a variety of percussive hits and a basic chord structure. The exercise allowed me to gain a greater insight into the functions of Cubase, and although somewhat complicated can be a powerful DAW given the patience.

Audio & Editing Tutorial 8

Logic EQ , Filters and Vocoding

The initial aim of this assignment was to by applying filters eq and vocoder severely change the properties of a sound. Using these features can bring new complexities and variety to a mix.

I started by adding the selected audio from the audio bin and then began to process it. I started off by applying EQ to the mix. By clicking analayze on the EQ it shows the current frequencies which are present, by viewing this it allows us to either scoop or boost certain frequencies. This allows for several interesting sounds. For example you could apply a severe amount of EQ with a very sharp 'Q' and create a sound similar to a sine bass with a very short decay, or long depending on the 'Q'.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6735850419/in/photostream

The next step was to add a filter, by simply manipulating the cutoff you can instantly effect the sound. Changing between hi or low pass once again edits the sound differently. Using the tutorials from before we can actually automate this filter, by simply pressing the shortcut key A on the keyboard. Once the automation settings are present you simply click where it says volume, click on filter and a new selection of options will open. From there click cutoff and you can edit the cutoff accordingly.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6735848113/in/photostream

The next step was to set up a simple side chain vocoder channel, I started off by creating a new software instrument track, clicking on inserts, then selecting the EVOC 20 vocoder. From there we can simply feed any audio track through the vocoder, in this instance the original track we were manipulating. We applied this use of technique into our final video project, as showed below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6735860437/in/photostream

Audio Editing & Sequencing Tutorial 3&4

Tutorial 3 - Field Recording

The initial aim of this exercise was to record a variety of general sounds that were going on, in hope to sample them accordingly to create various sounds such as percussive and drum elements. As mentioned in the tutorial brief the exercise also proved useful as to give an eye opener in regards to health and safety rules and regulations, and the mountains of paperwork that go with it.

In small groups of about 4 we explored the university campus recording a variety of sounds using a portable tascam recorder, as well as a shotgun microphone when it was deemed necessary, however in most cases wasn't. We recorded a variety of sounds, ones that proved particularly manipulative included a bus driving past, and splashing my feet in a puddle (to which i will explain later). Others included outdoor air coolers, walking through leaves, and kicking bins.

It was important to record a healthy signal into the microphone but be careful to not allow it to peak. A pair of headphones was used to monitor the recordings as we went along to help achieve the optimum recording.

Tascam DR-07 Personal recorder;

Tutorial 4 - Audio Sequencing

The next step was to take these audio samples and process them to create a drum kit and percussive elements. To start with i set the tempo to around 116 to be more in keeping with the style of track as apposed to the proposed 120 bpm. I decided to create a piece in the style of a future garage track, with a swinging beat. I started off by taking a previous sound where i had kicked a bin, which allowed to create and sculpt an interesting kick drum sound. To start with i cut out all high frequencies and filtered accordingly as shown below. Soon after i clicked where it says 'smart' and selected bar. By selecting bar on this means that whenever i drag this it will 'snap' to the absolute value, being each bar. I sliced this audio region by selecting the 'scissor' option, and then just snipping the kick-bin sound, as shown below on the flickr link.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6735940011/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6735957931/in/photostream

From here we can now create a new EXS channel and trigger the sound using a midi keyboard by simply using the key command CTRL-E. From here we will have these array of options appear;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6735966867/in/photostream

I decided to extend upon this lesson and created a variety of EXS 24 channels. I found this a much simpler and more time efficent way of sampling audio, to do this I simply selected the EXS24 on the inserts and from there you click edit on the sampler. Once there you simply drag the audio file onto the pop out screen. From here you can simply press any key on the keyboard and it will play the audio sample, depending on what note you play the higher or lower the pitch is.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6736024535/in/photostream

Audio Editing & Sequencing Tutorial 1&2

Tutorial 1 ; Music to Picture

The initial aim of this session was to add an audio soundtrack to a video snippet entitled 'Adrenaline X.' As well as this I was to remove any pre existent bad quality audio. The software used was Adobe Audition. As well as syncing a multiple musical tracks, I also had to sync the original speech and commentary which was out of sync with the video.

I started by taking the audio clip entitled Adrenaline X logo 01 and syncing it with the video clip, and applying a subtle fade in so it wasn't so abrupt, as well as a fade out.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6735891357/in/photostream

I decided to take the challenge on of choosing my own music to fit the video. I decided to go with Jai Pauls 'BTSTU', a trip hop tune thats ambient intro coincides well with the opening images of the mountains, however the drop is quite energetic matching that of the snowboarding footage.

Upon evaluating the different audio files that we were given it became apparent that the existing audio commentary had a lot of unwanted noise and sounded quite tinny, I applied a 'FFT filter and scooped a lot out of the highend around the 12-20 K mark. When the producer says 'alright everybody' i used a fade in by automating the volume envelope. As well as this it also became apparent that the Audio wasn't quite in sync with the video, as mentioned in the brief, I used the letter 'X' as a mark point in aid to help sync the audio and video together.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74916260@N08/6735890925/in/photostream

Tutorial 2; Multitrack Exercise

The aim of this exercise was similar to the one before, matching and syncing appropriate audio to video, in this case it was a surf video. It was slightly more detailed in that we had to clean up the existing dialogue, and the required tasks were a lot more specific as apposed to the previous task.

I started off by choosing the music i wanted to use in the surf video, coming from Devon i am a keen surfer and wanted to choose the right accompanying music that fit the video well. In this case i used Slightly stoopids '2am' to start. I faded this track in using automation when the logo merges into the surf footage on the video.

After this the brief asked me to fade the volume of the music down to provide a 'bed' underneath the interview. Once again i did this via automation of volume. When it came to the first women's interview i proceeded to fade the music out even more so that it was completely gone just before the word 'surfing' was said.

The next part of the brief asked for a new piece of music to be brought in on the cut to the woman holding the picture frame/video. I brought this in with quite a sharp fade via automation. In this instance i decided to use Incubus' 'Are you in', a mellow song that fits to the video well. After this i finally faded out all audio in sync with the appearance of the Rip Curl titles appearing.

Notting Hill Carnival, Pineapple tribe - Ninebar soundsystem.

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