A bit of a mess.©voyager, all rights reserved
I had agreed to read The Masque of The Red Death for Hallowe’en, but I’ve never worked with audio or video files and got myself in over my head. By the time I realized I needed better equipment, and way more knowledge (way, way more knowledge) it was too late. I simply can’t get it done for tomorrow.
I’m not giving up, though. I believe I can do it. I have a better mic on order (not much is getting through the border right now) and I’ve downloaded editing software. I tried using it today, but everything still sounded raw and echoey, and it was terrible. Rather than limp along with bad audio and then adding to it bad video or a photo still, I’m ceding defeat.
There are other bloggers here, though, who are better at these things than me and they will be reading stories, so please tune in to hear them. PZ at Pharyngula, The Bolingbrook Babbler and Abbey from Impossible Me will all be reading for you. Plus there’s the story chain and the quiz show scheduled for tomorrow evening. Why do all these things? Because we love you. And we need money. Nasty ass lawsuits are expensive and we want to get out from under the Richard Carrier nonsense. We really do love you though, and if you’re able, you can help us by donating to our Paypal account.
I’ve been wanting to try a small video before this, in order to share a bit of Jack and I singing for you. I’ll make you a deal. Jack and I will sing for you in November and if that isn’t a total disaster, I may try reading you a fairy story for Christmas. Or, I could still read the Masque of The Red Death. I’ll leave it up to you. Let me know in the comments. And if you’re able, even a small donation to our Paypal is helpful.
Thanks. For everything.
I can try, but I also only have my phone as equipment
I want to hear you and Jack sing.
Sorry to disappoint you, but I too would not know where and how to begin. I do have more knowledge than you, probably, but not enough.
It occurs to me that I am both a loyal reader and a professional recording engineer of 40 years experience. Can I help? If you use Skype you can look for me tonight at peter.nothnagle or if it’s not so urgent, email me at my “burner” address, nothpj{at that free email service Google offers}.
Petern
Thanks for the offer of help. I like to puzzle things out -- it’s the best way for me to learn, but it’s good to know you’re there if I just can’t figure it out. My biggest mistake was not starting soon enough.
Rob Griigjanis
You may be sorry, but Jack and I will attempt to post some singing. It isn’t pretty, but it’s fun!
Okay, the main thing is that if the sound is raw and echoey you are probably too far from the microphone. About a foot is about right for spoken word. Try to record in the least reverberant environment you can find.
Now if you could explain to me how you take such beautiful photos!
Petern
Thanks for the good advice and the compliment!
voyager @5: People sometimes disappoint, but I’ve never been let down by canid vocals. At worst, Jack will carry you.