R/E/P Community
R/E/P => Recording - Engineering & Production => Topic started by: TenLeftFingers on July 19, 2015, 01:27:35 PM
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Weekend Warrior here.
I've been a musician for years and have used Ardour, Audacity and Garageband in the past.
Right now, I've just bought an Blue Yeti Pro and want to make audiodramas - so only recording vocals for now. The sounds/ambiance will probably be mp3 downloads.
So my question is, is there a 'dummies guide' to this specific area of recording and production? I basically want to be able to apply effects to recorded conversations that are acted out and make them sound like they are in large rooms, small rooms, outdoors etc.
My inspiration is this excellently produced sci-fi audiodrama: http://laveradio.com/EscapeVelocity/
Also, my father tells me he used to get his effects on Vinyl from the BBC back in the day. If anyone knows a more modern way of getting a multitude of quality environmental effects etc, without spending a mint I'd appreciate it!
Apologies for not using my real name, but due to the nature of my day-to-day employment I prefer not to use my real name. I promise to keep my personal opinions to myself however :
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Quick suggestions: search for information on "radio dramas" rather than "audio dramas"; almost all the info that was/is relevant for radio drama production will apply.
Also search for information on "foley", which is the term for overdubbed sounds like footsteps or doors closing or whatever. Much of the info will relate to film, but it will be relevant to what you're trying to do, too.
As for having conversations sound like they are taking place in specific environments, the two basic approaches are (1) to record in a similar environment, either with an additional room mic to capture the ambience, or to have a bit of distance between performer & mic to let some of the room sound in, or (2) to record as dryly and cleanly as possible and then use reverbs, delays, etc. to alter the sound to suit.
For environmental effects, you could always use a portable recorder and record your own. There are also lots of sound libraries available - some require you to purchase an entire set, while some allow you to just purchase the bits you want.
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Darin is spot on -- I will add that if you Google "sound effect library" you will find all kinds of things you can audition for free and download for free... there are libraries you have to pay for, but there is a ton of free stuff on the good ol' interweb.
Peace