Ta-Dah!

I finally got past my techno-phobia and bought some proper audio equipment.

It was courtesy of the ever charming Gary Terzza, who also gives great advice here:  www.vomasterclass.com

His audio equipment came from here: https://sites.google.com/a/vomasterclass.com/home-recording-kit/

He even drives the delivery van

It’s daunting when you’re first try to work out audio for yourself – to suddenly be able to say: “I can record that at home”. Knowing the difference between a WAV and an MP3 is the trickiest and not sounding like a complete idiot. It’s a bit like the offside rule – tricky to explain but once you get a handle on it – it’s common sense.

Luckily I managed to get work to coincide with splurging on a fancy mic so the results are here for all to see and hear!

First up, I recorded an online advert for Mashup Media – here’s an example of some of their work http://www.mashupmedia.ie/ourwork.html

They’ve done loads of little bits and pieces, so I was delighted when they asked me to do something for them. Here’s what I recorded:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfqRyQOlpQo]

and then – I recorded this as well. It’s an advert for a hotel stay with Clarion Hotels. I’m really pleased with it – even if it’s just a line at the end. You can see that currently running across Ireland on RTE 1 & 2 as well as TV3. It was nice to think of being back on the airwaves in Ireland again….I know Mum was delighted

 [youtube=http://youtu.be/d376ZNlJUBQ]

I’ve also done an iPad app and some corporate work for Bord Bia too. I won’t say it’s the easiest thing in the world to get to grips with. Recording can be tricky and starting out as I am, I used GarageBand – there were plenty of nights tearing my hair out. When clients asked for a quick change or a word here and there – GarageBand really showed it’s true colours….in fact if you listen carefully above you’ll hear a maniacal evil laugh – that was Garageband circa 1am when I realised I had deleted something instead of just editing it.

As soon as I can I’m going to invest in some good editing software – the simpler and more straight-forward the better – suggestions so far have included ‘audacity’, which appeals to me especially as it’s free! But I’m thinking of trying ‘twisted wave’ – a friend had used that and let me try it, and I didn’t mess up a thing. It’s like Cool Edit Pro grown up! Any suggestions – do please send them my way.