I love music! Though, I can't claim to be a music junky (defined as always has the radio on and can't stand silence), I've listened to my fair share. I grew up in a musical family and all of my 4 siblings played an instrument and sang, as did my parents. I tried the musical thing growing up, or more politically put, my parents tried to get me to try the music thing, and unfortunately it never stuck. Looking back now, I wish it had stuck my effectively as I've often wished I could effectively play an instrument (I dabble here and there but without any true discipline). Anyway, I digress from my point. I grew up in a musical family and thus was exposed to fairly solid musical tones, sounds etc. from a young age. This solid foundation in the music my family played, and the music which was encouraged in our family has set some phenomenal groundwork for my current hobby, that of audio engineering.
Audio engineering, or mixing as I may refer to it, is a fine art. One in fact, which I have a long way to go in my desire to improve in, so this is not to say that I've arrived because I haven't. Largely the skill of the engineer is found in the strength of his ears. An audio tech has to have solid ears. If one can't distinguish the different frequencies emitted by different instruments, voices, etc, then quite honestly, another line of employment or hobby should be sought after. With that being said, training ones ears to improve in this area is possible. Some may differ with that opinion, but I believe some improvement may be made with ear training. Sometimes we have never even thought to listen for what exists, and once a willing learner has been exposed to what to listen for, then improvement in that area can be made. The point I wish to make is audio engineering is subject to the tech who is mixing, and or the style of the performers. For example, in my volunteer work for a local church, where I've been privileged with the opportunity to mix, the style the congregation is aiming for is one mainly focused on audience participation, rather than a "performance" feel. This directive then impacts how I mix as I'm not going to mix as loud as I may like for the sake of the audience (plus I don't personally like it as loud as it could possibly be anyway). Conversely, I'll also be mixing for a young adults gathering where they have openly encouraged me to push the sound, so I'll be increasing volume with some additional creative flairs (such as effects, etc.).
When I mix my goal is to balance what the audience would like to hear, with what I personally like to hear. When it comes to my own personal taste, I prefer mixing in such a way that all the instruments and voices may be heard clearly (so when you are looking at the platform and listening, you may go back and forth with your eyes and be able to clearly hear each instrument and vocalist as they contribute). That may sound silly to state, but it is not always as easy as it sounds (pun intended). If you think of sound frequencies as layers on a cake, my intent would be to keep the vocalists on top of the rest of the sound, thus treating them like frosting on a cake. Within Christian circles the lyrics are often what differentiates contemporary worship from other styles of music, so we want the vocalists to be clearly heard and understood. Next, would be the rhythmic instruments such as an acoustic guitar, piano, keys, and electric guitar (though at times I treat the electric guitar as frosting as well because of the frills and solos they often play). Finally, the bottom layer consists of the drums and bass guitar which end up driving the music. All of these layers work together to make up the waves of sound which the audience and technician hear. The differentiation of those instruments will be the topic of another discussion (one where EQ'ing or distinguishing the different sounds of each instrument will be discussed further).
Similar to waves breaking evenly upon the seashore, the end goal would be to hear sound as a wave that breaks upon your ears in a clear and distinguished manner. At least that's what I'm listening for when I mix.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Happy "Facebook" Birthday
With the advent of Facebook a whole new world of communication has emerged. Communication, which has drawn families and friends from longer distances together as they enjoy the content, pictures, and updates that are shared on the social behemoth. One of those tools is the notification when someone is having a birthday. One is able to post to their wall merely by going down the list and wishing them whatever you want to on their special day. At times, at least for me, it has become a contest to see how many birthday wishes are posted on my wall in a given year (in 2007 there were roughly 45, in 2008 approximately 55, 2009=83, 2010 was 95, 2011=about 80, 2012 down to roughly 61).Even though this has been in fun, I need to remind myself that my worth is not dependent on how many well wishes I get (or don't get) on my birthday. My worth is so much more than that (as is yours!).
In years gone by, those wishes may have been expressed through cards, or notes, or even the verbal recognition of one's birthday. For you, which would have meant more? If I were to examine my own life, I would have to respond that the hand-written note or card was of so much more value than a drive-by post on my wall. Shoot, I've kept cards for years that I've been given from birthdays, graduations, or other special events (call me what you will, the re-reading of those expressions of love are special). I suppose I could also go back and read the well-wishes of those who have posted on my wall in years past, but for some reason it doesn't have the same clout. It would be one thing if friends were to post on my wall for my birthday, and then follow it up with additional posts throughout the year, but that rarely happens (after all, additional posts are where a relationship develops, whereas an occasional post is a blip on the radar). Please don't get me wrong, I enjoy it when people wish me a happy birthday, but for me this is a chance to put things into perspective.
If one were to dig a little bit deeper and examine the thrill one receives when they see how many "likes" or "birthday wishes" they have been given on their wall, one would find a consistent thought, namely, "I matter to someone else." Someone actually cared enough to write something on my wall, or wish me a happy birthday. The convenience with which Facebook allows us to do this is admirable, but can be hollow at times.
The fact remains that most people come to appreciate their birthday because that is the one day a year where others take stock of that person, and in one way or another, tell them how much they really matter. When I look at that thought I have to pause and say, "is this the message I really want to communicate only once a year?" The answer I come up with is no! If not, then let's take action, and intentionally express to others how much they matter to us (more than once a year). Life is built within relationships. You might be surprised the reaction you get when you tell them they really matter.
In years gone by, those wishes may have been expressed through cards, or notes, or even the verbal recognition of one's birthday. For you, which would have meant more? If I were to examine my own life, I would have to respond that the hand-written note or card was of so much more value than a drive-by post on my wall. Shoot, I've kept cards for years that I've been given from birthdays, graduations, or other special events (call me what you will, the re-reading of those expressions of love are special). I suppose I could also go back and read the well-wishes of those who have posted on my wall in years past, but for some reason it doesn't have the same clout. It would be one thing if friends were to post on my wall for my birthday, and then follow it up with additional posts throughout the year, but that rarely happens (after all, additional posts are where a relationship develops, whereas an occasional post is a blip on the radar). Please don't get me wrong, I enjoy it when people wish me a happy birthday, but for me this is a chance to put things into perspective.
If one were to dig a little bit deeper and examine the thrill one receives when they see how many "likes" or "birthday wishes" they have been given on their wall, one would find a consistent thought, namely, "I matter to someone else." Someone actually cared enough to write something on my wall, or wish me a happy birthday. The convenience with which Facebook allows us to do this is admirable, but can be hollow at times.
The fact remains that most people come to appreciate their birthday because that is the one day a year where others take stock of that person, and in one way or another, tell them how much they really matter. When I look at that thought I have to pause and say, "is this the message I really want to communicate only once a year?" The answer I come up with is no! If not, then let's take action, and intentionally express to others how much they matter to us (more than once a year). Life is built within relationships. You might be surprised the reaction you get when you tell them they really matter.
Communication
For the plethora of readers who enjoy this blog (sarcasm implied), I have a few updates to make. As you can see, there are some more interactive buttons now available at the bottom of the blog, and to the right near the top (subscribe to blog via email for one). Please feel free to use and pass along as you would like. In the past, I have been intentional about keeping my blog traffic to "the few, the proud" but have since decided to try to reach a broader audience.
To that end, you may be seeing themed posts, which you will be able to identify by a #labelhere in the name of the blog. The goal of this idea is to keep some continuity in themes, plus create interest from areas I have been blessed to have some knowledge or expertise. If you have additional suggestions on themes or areas you would like to see me post on, please let me know. There will also be non-themed posts, which will be indicated either by a #notheme or no hashtag within the post name. An example of such theme would be #devotionalinsights or #audiomixing, or if there is no theme, #notheme or left blank.
Additionally, the hope is there will be a greater level of consistency in the posting of blogs. I have not yet established what exactly that consistency will look like (whether 2x a week, or 1x every other week, etc.) so please check back as you are able. You may also feel free to keep me accountable within this goal as I want to be consistent in posting.
To that end, you may be seeing themed posts, which you will be able to identify by a #labelhere in the name of the blog. The goal of this idea is to keep some continuity in themes, plus create interest from areas I have been blessed to have some knowledge or expertise. If you have additional suggestions on themes or areas you would like to see me post on, please let me know. There will also be non-themed posts, which will be indicated either by a #notheme or no hashtag within the post name. An example of such theme would be #devotionalinsights or #audiomixing, or if there is no theme, #notheme or left blank.
Additionally, the hope is there will be a greater level of consistency in the posting of blogs. I have not yet established what exactly that consistency will look like (whether 2x a week, or 1x every other week, etc.) so please check back as you are able. You may also feel free to keep me accountable within this goal as I want to be consistent in posting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)