1. Discuss your experiences with building your microphones. Was this process more or less what you thought it would be? How did your microphone rig work on your Drift walks? Were you able to capture both overall ambiance and extreme closeups? Describe your ideal microphone and recorder setup, with unlimited time and money.
The creation process went relatively quickly for me. There was certainly enough help and information for me to finish successfully. There did seem to be a lower amount of hot rods in order for everyone to get moving equally, but the extended help sessions made it more available. I imagined a much more difficult and chaotic few days but in fact it was the opposite of that, and the descriptions of the building are not nearly as difficult as they sound. I had zero errors with my microphones. They collected close vibrating sounds as well as overall noise of the city and traffic. My ideal set up would be a blue-tooth technology on a microphone small enough to place in a soda can. When set in the desired area a remote can control the pausing and recording.
2. How was your experience with operating the MiniDisc recorder? How does this recorder compare to other audio equipment you've used? In an ideal world, how would your recorder of choice function?
Despite very small inconveniences my experience with the MiniDisc was very positive. It worked as explained and I did not have any issues saving my sounds or losing any of them either. This was my first experience in audio recording. Ideally, the recorder would be able to connect directly to the computer without the assistance of a specific program and setting on the recorder could be saved to avoid having to adjust after every STOP.
3. Discuss the audio-editing software you chose and your history with this application. If you used this software for the first time, explain why you chose this particular application and how you think it helped you to accomplish your creative goals (or proved detrimental). Will you use this software again for future projects?
I used SonicStage and Audacity and this was the first time I’ve used sound editing software. I used these applications so that, if I had questions, I would be able to get it from the instructors. They were self-explanatory and easy to use and also gave me all the useful tools to complete my finished sounds. While editing sounds in the future, my first idea would be to use Audacity.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
10 Questions to Ponder
1. What sounds did I miss because of the time of day I went on my walk?
2. Could I get access to park’s at all times of the day?
3. Are there areas in my walk where the two mic heads could be separated and record two entirely different sounds?
4. Are there areas with little to no human made noises?
5. Can I find more areas of nature in my walk?
6. Does the area I walk look different at night?
7. Are there areas that appear dark, even in the middle of the day?
8. Can I find a section where most of the visual is one color (sky to lake, large grass fields)
9. Are there sections of my walk with a lot of text?
10. Are there any areas with impressive graffiti?
2. Could I get access to park’s at all times of the day?
3. Are there areas in my walk where the two mic heads could be separated and record two entirely different sounds?
4. Are there areas with little to no human made noises?
5. Can I find more areas of nature in my walk?
6. Does the area I walk look different at night?
7. Are there areas that appear dark, even in the middle of the day?
8. Can I find a section where most of the visual is one color (sky to lake, large grass fields)
9. Are there sections of my walk with a lot of text?
10. Are there any areas with impressive graffiti?
Drift Assessment
1. Describe two situations that aggravated, bothered, shocked or otherwise stressed you during Drift 1. (Please note that the situation CANNOT be technology-related.)
In the beginning of the drift we had to sort through relatively uneventful residential area. The first half of the walk was up and down driveways and house stoops, and the sounds were often times similar or dull. It became a stretch to find and even manufacture sounds, and the worry of not getting enough material began to circulate through my head. However, after walking more it became evident there were obvious sounds that were unique and meant for my recording. Yet, the sheer length of the walk also was quite stressful. Initially, we did not plan on traveling as far as we did but before our algorithm completed ONE cycle we were already in downtown Milwaukee.
2. Describe, with details, two situations during Drift 1 in which you felt unusually peaceful, at ease, or contemplative.
At the park by Lincoln Memorial Drive I got a great reminiscent feel of my childhood listening to the swings and children playing. It sounds cliché, but there really is nothing better than not caring about tomorrow. Also, just up the road, I really enjoyed listening to the noises of the flagpole and the waves. My friend and I were the only one’s there and we just sat in silence at a truly sincere moment in nature and structure.
3. Describe three surprises or unexpected situations you encountered on your Drift and in the days that followed. The surprise could stem from your expectations that conflicted with "on the ground" realities, cultural or social issues of which you were previously unaware, feelings and reactions that you did not expect to have, appearances and soundings of things you did not expect, good or bad outcomes of "on the spot" decisions you had to make, or the discovery of "deeper" realities in the materials you brought home. (Again, skip anything technology-related!)
I was genuinely surprised with how much enjoyment I got from simply being out in the world. Soundwalking is certainly a relaxing concept that I would like to continue after school in some regards. It truly gave me a new appreciation for my ears and the nature around me. There’s nothing like a hike that has a motive. I also was surprised by the reactions of people. The first was negative. While we walked on Hackett Drive I approached a man raking leaves on the cement and, after seeing me, he completely stopped and stared. He had no desire to even ask what I was doing but instead motioned with his hands that I should leave. Ironically, just a few minutes later on Hackett, we encountered a group of friends eating lunch outside at a restaurant who were extremely curious as to what we were doing. They were very curious and seemed to actually find interest in our artistic expression.
4. Describe your favorite experience, situation, place, or recollection from your Drift. Be specific about what happened, how you felt, how you reacted, and why you think this particular experience affected you so much.
Well, my favorite moment, unfortunately, comes at someone else’s expense. My good pal, Gus (William) Ingebretsen was recording on the rocks by Lake Michigan and stepped on a slippery boulder. Despite his best efforts in saving a camera, headphones, and microphones, he could not save the mini-disc recorder from falling into the lake after his tumble on the rocks. The fall was immediately followed by a loud obscenity which I will only go as far to mention has four letters and starts with the letter that comes after E. Although I did feel bad for Gus it certainly was quite humorous for everyone involved.
Goodbye mini-disc recorder. May you find peace at the bottom of the wicked deep.
In the beginning of the drift we had to sort through relatively uneventful residential area. The first half of the walk was up and down driveways and house stoops, and the sounds were often times similar or dull. It became a stretch to find and even manufacture sounds, and the worry of not getting enough material began to circulate through my head. However, after walking more it became evident there were obvious sounds that were unique and meant for my recording. Yet, the sheer length of the walk also was quite stressful. Initially, we did not plan on traveling as far as we did but before our algorithm completed ONE cycle we were already in downtown Milwaukee.
2. Describe, with details, two situations during Drift 1 in which you felt unusually peaceful, at ease, or contemplative.
At the park by Lincoln Memorial Drive I got a great reminiscent feel of my childhood listening to the swings and children playing. It sounds cliché, but there really is nothing better than not caring about tomorrow. Also, just up the road, I really enjoyed listening to the noises of the flagpole and the waves. My friend and I were the only one’s there and we just sat in silence at a truly sincere moment in nature and structure.
3. Describe three surprises or unexpected situations you encountered on your Drift and in the days that followed. The surprise could stem from your expectations that conflicted with "on the ground" realities, cultural or social issues of which you were previously unaware, feelings and reactions that you did not expect to have, appearances and soundings of things you did not expect, good or bad outcomes of "on the spot" decisions you had to make, or the discovery of "deeper" realities in the materials you brought home. (Again, skip anything technology-related!)
I was genuinely surprised with how much enjoyment I got from simply being out in the world. Soundwalking is certainly a relaxing concept that I would like to continue after school in some regards. It truly gave me a new appreciation for my ears and the nature around me. There’s nothing like a hike that has a motive. I also was surprised by the reactions of people. The first was negative. While we walked on Hackett Drive I approached a man raking leaves on the cement and, after seeing me, he completely stopped and stared. He had no desire to even ask what I was doing but instead motioned with his hands that I should leave. Ironically, just a few minutes later on Hackett, we encountered a group of friends eating lunch outside at a restaurant who were extremely curious as to what we were doing. They were very curious and seemed to actually find interest in our artistic expression.
4. Describe your favorite experience, situation, place, or recollection from your Drift. Be specific about what happened, how you felt, how you reacted, and why you think this particular experience affected you so much.
Well, my favorite moment, unfortunately, comes at someone else’s expense. My good pal, Gus (William) Ingebretsen was recording on the rocks by Lake Michigan and stepped on a slippery boulder. Despite his best efforts in saving a camera, headphones, and microphones, he could not save the mini-disc recorder from falling into the lake after his tumble on the rocks. The fall was immediately followed by a loud obscenity which I will only go as far to mention has four letters and starts with the letter that comes after E. Although I did feel bad for Gus it certainly was quite humorous for everyone involved.
Goodbye mini-disc recorder. May you find peace at the bottom of the wicked deep.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Reading Responce 1
Gary Ferrington’s, On a Clear Day I Can Hear Forever struck a pleasant remembrance of my childhood. Back in the days of grade school, I spent early evenings at my grandmother’s house in the small town of Kewaskum. Her house was off a major freeway but still tucked within the inner section of the township. In comparison to my house, grandma’s was like playground of noises. My home was hidden gently in the woods, and traffic noise was non-existent. As night came closer, the traffic became louder, and more traffic, meant mom and dad were close to picking me up. Overall, the trends of traffic could remind me of the time on the clock, and in early mornings, I always knew when I had to wake up. This article tapped into these memory gems, and gave me moments of enjoyable daydreaming.
In the article Ferrington discussed the noises of his city, his enjoyment with them, and the subtle differences while the day and season progressed. Ferrington poetically describes the noises of his city which include the traffic noise building through the early morning and the birds chirping at the first signs of light. However, Ferrington shows great attentiveness to his city noises, and during the article informs readers he can distinguish what airplanes are leaving the nearby port. Also, throughout the article words like “enjoy” and “safe” make appearances showing the writers affinity for these sounds. His overall expression is that these fluctuating noises are moments to be admired. Finally, Ferrington discusses how the changing seasons and progression of the day produces different sound. Early morning there are subtle moments of quiet life through the window as birds awake and cars begin to hum down streets. However, the birds begin to take a back stage as people fill the streets. In the end, Ferrington describes his favorite time to listen, during the winter. He mentions that when the snow falls, the sounds become dulled and quieted. Gary Ferrington’s article detailed noises of the city, the enjoyments of these noises, and changes among sounds in his article On a Clear Day I Can Hear Forever.
As a media artist, I can take a lot from Ferrington’s article. If I wish to direct films, I need to take into context every element of the setting. By understanding what impressions different elements give, I can control what I want my viewers to understand. Also, I understand that there are always noises around us, and when recording I need to be conscious of every object emitting noise. This awareness will allow the editing process to go much smoother. Overall, Ferrington’s article has great nuances for everyone, but for a media artist, there are many ideas to hold onto and remember.
Mitch Keller
In the article Ferrington discussed the noises of his city, his enjoyment with them, and the subtle differences while the day and season progressed. Ferrington poetically describes the noises of his city which include the traffic noise building through the early morning and the birds chirping at the first signs of light. However, Ferrington shows great attentiveness to his city noises, and during the article informs readers he can distinguish what airplanes are leaving the nearby port. Also, throughout the article words like “enjoy” and “safe” make appearances showing the writers affinity for these sounds. His overall expression is that these fluctuating noises are moments to be admired. Finally, Ferrington discusses how the changing seasons and progression of the day produces different sound. Early morning there are subtle moments of quiet life through the window as birds awake and cars begin to hum down streets. However, the birds begin to take a back stage as people fill the streets. In the end, Ferrington describes his favorite time to listen, during the winter. He mentions that when the snow falls, the sounds become dulled and quieted. Gary Ferrington’s article detailed noises of the city, the enjoyments of these noises, and changes among sounds in his article On a Clear Day I Can Hear Forever.
As a media artist, I can take a lot from Ferrington’s article. If I wish to direct films, I need to take into context every element of the setting. By understanding what impressions different elements give, I can control what I want my viewers to understand. Also, I understand that there are always noises around us, and when recording I need to be conscious of every object emitting noise. This awareness will allow the editing process to go much smoother. Overall, Ferrington’s article has great nuances for everyone, but for a media artist, there are many ideas to hold onto and remember.
Mitch Keller
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Soundwalk Responce
Were you able to find places and spaces where you could really listen?
Yes. Outside Mitchell Hall on the lawn was an excellent environment to listen to both human sounds as well as natural sounds.
Was it possible to move without making a sound?
No. Even without movement out bodies are emitting sound. Whether it was rustling of clothing or stepping on the ground, our bodies generally have trouble silencing movement.
What happened when you plugged your ears, and then unplugged them?
I heard sounds closer to me and realized they weren’t as far away as I originally thought. I also noticed overall tones and constant noises I did not hear before and noticed higher frequency sounds that were absent when my ears were plugged.
In your sound log exercise, what types of sounds were you able to hear? List them.
Bus engine. Bus breaks. Coughing. Talking. Laughing. Wind in leaves. Human footsteps. Moped. Truck backing up. Airplane overhead. Cicada calls. Bells.
Were you able to differentiate between sounds that had a recognizable source and those sounds you could not place?
Most noises and sounds were generally recognizable and I was able to place them to a tangible object rather quickly.
Human sounds? Mechanical sounds? Natural sounds?
Laughing, coughing, and talking were regularly present. Also, sounds people made such as walking through leaves and on pavement happened frequently. Mechanical sounds from buildings had multiple sounds and motor vehicles were ever present throughout the exercises. Wind created a constant noise and birds, squirrels, and bugs added different scurrying and calling noises as well.
Were you able to detect subtleties in the everpresent drone?
Yes. The generator outside of the UWM Union had a high tone that rang in my ears; however, there were wind like sounds that also came with it that were very fluctuant.
Extremely close sounds? Sounds coming from very far away?
Sounds from out group included footsteps, clothes and backpacks rustling, talking and sneezing/coughing, people writing in notebooks, wind overhead in the leaves, people walking past. Bells were heard in the distance as well as car horns and airplanes. Occasionally one could hear human voices behind building or across the street.
What kinds of wind effects were you able to detect (for example, the leaves of trees don't make sounds until they are activated by the wind)?
We could hear wind in the leaves, wind caused noise with the paper we were using to write, it created whistling sounds when doors were opened and closed.
Were you able to intervene in the urban landscape and create your own sounds by knocking on a resonant piece of metal, activating wind chimes, etc.?
We created echoing noises in the parking garages by clapping and we also knocked on metal handrails and took notice of the noises that resonated inside the bars.
Do you feel you have a new understanding or appreciation of the sounds of our contemporary landscape/cityscape?
Yes. I never thought about winds present on sound or have fully listened to all the activity around me until today. Noises I once ignored I can no longer look past.
How do you think your soundwalk experience will affect your practice as a media artist, if at all?
As a filmmaker I believe I will be more away of distracting noises as well as using the noises as characters and as an element to my films.
Mitch Keller
Were you able to find places and spaces where you could really listen?
Yes. Outside Mitchell Hall on the lawn was an excellent environment to listen to both human sounds as well as natural sounds.
Was it possible to move without making a sound?
No. Even without movement out bodies are emitting sound. Whether it was rustling of clothing or stepping on the ground, our bodies generally have trouble silencing movement.
What happened when you plugged your ears, and then unplugged them?
I heard sounds closer to me and realized they weren’t as far away as I originally thought. I also noticed overall tones and constant noises I did not hear before and noticed higher frequency sounds that were absent when my ears were plugged.
In your sound log exercise, what types of sounds were you able to hear? List them.
Bus engine. Bus breaks. Coughing. Talking. Laughing. Wind in leaves. Human footsteps. Moped. Truck backing up. Airplane overhead. Cicada calls. Bells.
Were you able to differentiate between sounds that had a recognizable source and those sounds you could not place?
Most noises and sounds were generally recognizable and I was able to place them to a tangible object rather quickly.
Human sounds? Mechanical sounds? Natural sounds?
Laughing, coughing, and talking were regularly present. Also, sounds people made such as walking through leaves and on pavement happened frequently. Mechanical sounds from buildings had multiple sounds and motor vehicles were ever present throughout the exercises. Wind created a constant noise and birds, squirrels, and bugs added different scurrying and calling noises as well.
Were you able to detect subtleties in the everpresent drone?
Yes. The generator outside of the UWM Union had a high tone that rang in my ears; however, there were wind like sounds that also came with it that were very fluctuant.
Extremely close sounds? Sounds coming from very far away?
Sounds from out group included footsteps, clothes and backpacks rustling, talking and sneezing/coughing, people writing in notebooks, wind overhead in the leaves, people walking past. Bells were heard in the distance as well as car horns and airplanes. Occasionally one could hear human voices behind building or across the street.
What kinds of wind effects were you able to detect (for example, the leaves of trees don't make sounds until they are activated by the wind)?
We could hear wind in the leaves, wind caused noise with the paper we were using to write, it created whistling sounds when doors were opened and closed.
Were you able to intervene in the urban landscape and create your own sounds by knocking on a resonant piece of metal, activating wind chimes, etc.?
We created echoing noises in the parking garages by clapping and we also knocked on metal handrails and took notice of the noises that resonated inside the bars.
Do you feel you have a new understanding or appreciation of the sounds of our contemporary landscape/cityscape?
Yes. I never thought about winds present on sound or have fully listened to all the activity around me until today. Noises I once ignored I can no longer look past.
How do you think your soundwalk experience will affect your practice as a media artist, if at all?
As a filmmaker I believe I will be more away of distracting noises as well as using the noises as characters and as an element to my films.
Mitch Keller
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
You Found It (Flattered for those who were looking)
Welcome to Mitch Keller's research blog. Here you will be able to view my first adventures into recording, editing, and composing media. I am generally laid back and most of my artistic responces will entail a quirky and oddball point of view.
I look forward to blogging with you.
I look forward to blogging with you.
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