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Miguel Davila
Date of Session: 5-22-2013
Time in: 12:00pm
Time out: 1:00pm
Lesson #3
Dates and time outside of lesson time: 5-23-2013 [5:00pm-10:00pm]
I learned about the role that sample rate plays in recording sound and how recording a sound that is more than half the sampling rate causes “alias” frequencies, which are harmonic distortion. I learned quantization refers to the volume or amplitude aspect of sampling. I learned that a dither could be used to reduce quantization errors and reduce noise/fuzziness. The dither that my mentor uses is a plug-in on the DAW he uses. I learned about the Nyqist Theorm and how in order for computer to accurately represent the frequencies recorded, the sampling rate must be at least double the highest frequency. The frequency equal to one half of the sampling rate is known as the Nyquist frequency. I learned that when audio is recorded, it is converted from analog to digital and stored using a binary number system. When it is accessed later, the information stored is converted back from digital to analog. I learned that when ripping a CD to MP3, the size of the audio files is reduced 90 percent. This is effective to reducing the space that files take up, but MP3 is a lossy format so there is some loss of sound quality. MP3 is also the most common format of audio files sent via email.
I had an opportunity to spend time at the studio outside of my lesson time, so I sat in on two sessions and watched how Joe recorded the sessions, and worked with the artists to produce optimum recordings. I also saw how punching-in and voice overs are done. I did not participate during this time, I was only allowed to be present and observe the studio procedure and recording process.
I really like what I’m learning, there’s always something new to pick up or expand on. In general, I like how the program is set up, and I am glad I was able to see how tracks are actually recorded and what the process is like. Joe Gallagher is a great person to work with and he is always able to answer my questions. I am looking forward to learning more about the equipment used at the studio and learning to operate it. The textbook reading can be overwhelming because of how much there is to take in, but the more the information, the better, is the way I see it.
