Response to Sound Design

                In jumping into our sound design proect1b I certainly realized that I need some brushing up on my knowledge of Premiere Pro. Though it had been only a summer since last using the program, it took a bit time to re-familiarize myself with the different formats and operation keys. That said it was also just as fun to rediscover the editing options available and utilizing this approach in practical application to the free form design of the project. The soundscape curated by Parker and Jake’s group reminded me that there are plenty of creative ways to manipulate time and create audio loops in different permutations. In addition, Catherine and Maddie revealed the profundity in simplicity; as their soundscape was hauntingly subtle and eerie.

                In sorting through the library, I made notes on which segments were clear and which were washed out or carried an echo. And while most of the sounds worked fine, there were a few bits I would have liked to use that weren’t the highest quality. In highlighting favored sounds in the time sheet, I realized the importance of getting the absolute best sound when doing the initial recordings. You can’t fix everything in post, as it’s best to collect the best quality sound you can from the get-go. One must always be aware of background noise (e.g. air-conditioning units, refrigerator hums, traffic) that could consequently affect the initial recordings.

                However, in listening to through the sound libraries, I realized too that there is this plethora of unique, nuanced sources of sound that permeate our immediate environment and that often go unnoticed. The amp recorded by my previous group was so choice, and was a great asset to many the final sound designs. Just as the dripping water, or stemming tea kettle was utilized in most of the projects. Building this soundscape was almost like listening in on the subtle echoes and reverberations of one’s personal environment. Only this time it’s almost like a lucid dream, where one can manipulation all he/she hears and create new forms and mixtures.

                I believe that more insights into the importance of sound design will come to light, as we further contribute in collecting images and marry the two together in future assignments.