Liv Jones - Learning Blog

For this blog post I have decided to create a step-by-step guide to using an SQN-Mixer! By doing this I hope to help others learn how to use this piece of equipment, as well as a refresher for my own knowledge :) This is what the standard SQN-4S Mixer looks like: Some of the benefits of an SQN-Mixer are that it can be used for recording multiple microphone sources, and it is more portable and easier to mix the sound recording on location and the controls are not attached to the camera. Guide to using an SQN-Mixer Step 1 Start by plugging in the umbilical extension cable, then plug in  umbilical cable to the extension. The umbilical cable has 2 XLR outputs and an AUX jack Step 2  Plug in the CH1 XRL output from the SQN into the INPUT 1 port on the camera, then plug the CH2 XRL output into the INPUT 2 port, and finally plug in the AUX jack into the headphones port The settings for both audio inputs on the cam...

This week I have been beginning to create my own SFX library, recording a range of sound effects using the TASCAM DR-40 and Rifle Microphone. I tried to think about creating and using sounds in isolation from it's source, for example, using a belt to create the sound of horse reins, and using uncooked pasta to create the sound of a rattle snake moving. I have also recorded some atmospheres as well as 'swooshing' and 'rumbles' to be used as effects in future projects. This task gave me the opportunity to work more closely with using a TASCAM DR-40 recorder, as although I have been introduced to this device, I have never used one in practice before. I was able to play with the input level and record settings, as well as using different microphones along with the internal mic to see how each affected the sound recording. My results were surprising, the dynamic microphone worked best when recording louder sounds, the internal microphone was most effective for recordi...

I have decided that I am most interested in learning about Sound Design and Foley Studio for this semester. The idea that I am currently keen on taking forward for my presentation is to completely redesign the sound, SFX and Foley, using ProTools for an action scene from a popular film. For example, I could use the battle from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and study this screen text, then redesign the sound for this scene to present on our showcase day. To monitor my skills progress, I have decided that it might be beneficial to bring in short examples of of scenes filmed in different scenarios and ask for feedback on how well I have demonstrated this skill. I would also like to create a SFX Library throughout this semester, and build upon this to have for my personal use in the future. I am going to create a number of different SFX each week and post them on my blog, so please give me feedback on what you think of each one!