Post Three - SFX Acquisition Task

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 recording atmospheres, and the condenser microphone (rifle microphone) was more sensitive to noise, therefore it worked better for recording the whooshing noises of the belts and coat hangers. I am going to book out this kit again in the next couple of weeks to keep building my SFX library, and try and record some sound effects that are more specific to the action scene that I will be redesigning for the showcase presentation.

I will be playing some of the best sounds I have acquired during this task in my seminar - still working on uploading them to my blog! :)