knowing where I'm at
(part one-audio)

I recorded both clips using a Rode VideoMicro attached to my smartphone, Mi 9T. The recording software I used for both clips is my phone's native sound recorder. Since the Rode VideoMicro has a cardioid polar pattern, the microphone is positioned directly toward the subject being recorded (my voice and the bag of chips).

I have also recorded both clips in the same recording environment — in a large empty cabinet, while I'm covered with a thick blanket. I do this to allow the blanket to deaden higher frequency sound reflections. 

As a result, the recordings inside the cabinet are more flat and have fewer echoes making them more ready for post-production. For comparison purposes, I also did the voice recording in an open room. The change in space can be immediately recognized and the audio that was recorded in a room sounds more "natural" — mainly due to other ambient noises that accompany my voice and the bag of chips while they are being recorded. 

To clarify, the sound recordings embedded above are both unedited. Upon listening to the first clip, I noticed a slight humming sound at higher volumes. This can be fixed in post using a de-hum effect. Furthermore, a variety of minute mouth sounds are also present in the first clip, namely in the form of tongue clicks present in some of the phrases I uttered. This may be due to the closeness of the mic to my mouth (estimated distance of 1 meter). Although this is possible to fix in post, a better solution is to practice my narration and avoid making these sounds during a recording.

All in all, the activity was spot-on with the present level of my skill in audio production. My knowledge in acoustics and soundproofing is as basic as my knowledge in audio post-production. I'm looking forward to comments and suggestions on both my vocal performance and recording techniques.

MMS 172 Assignment 1a: Knowing Where I'm At (Part 1)