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Michael Ilumin
Hello, my name is Michael Ilumin. As an Artist/Producer/Engineer, I call my self Nuumod. This is a special blog because it marks the new chapter of a life long journey into audio engineering. Education along with experience is priceless. Through Recording Connection, my opportunity to master the craft of audio engineering is made possible. I am fortunate to be aware and immersed in this art form that is to many people, is a mystery.
With that mentioned, I would like to share my experience with my first lesson. So, what is sound? Just because we can’t hear it, does not mean it’s not there. And just because you can hear it, does not mean you can feel it. Sound’s physical properties include the compression and rarifying molecules from a source requiring a medium to travel that can be interpreted by us through our magnificent set of ears.
Sounds can be sourced from different objects. Electronic sounds from the digital realm is directed through speakers. In the acoustical realm, sound is produced by instruments and the constituents of the particular instrument that makes its unique sound, timbre. Affected by many factors such as the person and how the person playing the instrument, sound can and is very complex. A science is behind the theory. With its own terminology and concepts such as fundamental frequencies, harmonics, partials overtones, and envelops. And of course it wound not be science if we could not measure it.
Luckily, My mentor Nick Joswick from 5th street studios next to the beautiful Town Lake of Austin, Texas, has discussed and presented to me all these fascinating concepts of sound. I believe sound has life in it and have its own personality and character. That’s why we connect with sounds and music. Life attracts life. The product can be of many, which one could be ecstasy.
AS an Audio engineer, we have the decisions to manipulate sound with knowing how sounds behave s and behavior, I can ask smart questions! within its environment. With awareness of sound characteristics we want it to reflect, or to be absorbed? Are there standing waves in the room that is affecting how I perceive the sound? Is there a sound in the mix that is masked? Do we want it to be in phase or out of phase? Or do we want it to be slightly be out of phase just to tickle the ears of people? Do we want to have a fast attack on the envelop to make it punchy or a long sustain and release to savor the flavor of a particular sound? Do we want to roll off frequencies because we know we humans can only hear 20hz to 20,000 hz? Or maybe cut frequencies because we want to make room for other instruments in the mix? How do we want to prepare this mix or track so that if we play it on the iphone/festival/in a car that it will be enjoyable for everyone or help someone in need of inspiration or hope? That is the power of sound and how we have a contribution to how we present sound to others.
Don’t take for granted that we have technology to have made sounds today possible. As an engineer, it is my responsibility to master the tools I have to manipulate sound. Be aware of its limitations such as clipping on a Decibel full scale meter passing 0 DB. I also have to make sure I know how to create balance with a mix. Luckily, a stereo canvas is available for me to create space for each sound. Day in and day out engineering, it can be tiring for my ears. An optimal listening level of 85-95db can help with longevity.
This lesson was a must, and will always serve as a foundation for me as an engineer.
