You’d think a man and a company devoted to video could do a show with decent levels… but NOOOOOOoooooo.
What is your major malfunction that can’t get the sound right. This happens with the Lounge with distressing frequency. Maybe you ought to hire some kid from the Audio-Visual Klub at the local high school to fix this.
17 replies on “Why is the sound on Youtube versions of the Stratosphere Lounge so utterly crapulous?”
“Crapulous” is my new favorite word.
Hey Girard, nice to see you over here – even if you are being grouchy about the sound. I love American Digest and visit almost every day. Sites like yours and Bill’s and Maggies Farm are my go-to sources of clear-sighted information, good entertainment, intellectual stimulation and comfort that I am not alone in my own views and beliefs.
Bill and I spoke about this again recently. My theory is that he’s using a mic designed for close proximity to the sound source — technically know as “the pie hole”.
To ameliorate, he can either pull the mic to within 4-5 inches of the jibbering rant spout (sorry for the audio-engineer jargon), or he can invest in a shotgun mic like the one I use, which sounds great about nine inches from the superior-eloquence port.
He said he’ll order a shotgun mic.
[spoiler title=”Geek Speak Note”] For you audio geeks, I’m using the Rode NTG4+ into a Zoom H6 digital audio recorder. [/spoiler]
Oh that’s just dandy! Now the dues is gonna go up! (jk) 🙂
The NTG4 is a boom mic with a tight cone. Maybe a cardiod variant condenser mic would be better? I use NTG1’s for filming and have to have a laser beam accuracy to maintain consistent sound. When I make commercials (and do not require a boom mic) I prefer the AKG P220. Yes, I have rigged that heavy behemoth to a pole and used it for dialog in film and for nat sound. Works wonderfully.
My NTG4+ is about 9″ away, pointed slightly below my mouth. Is that about right, D?
Should be pretty good. The issue may simply be be gain. If you are running a compressor you can get this effect, as well. Loosen the settings on any compression that you are running and see if you have your de-esser outside of the 2-8kHz range. It may be your issue.
Pride swallowing correction: The NTG4 is supercardiod!!! So, it should be really good at open angles.
You can also double the track in your audio software, to boost the sound.
What does this mean?
Depending on your audio software, you can duplicate the file into the a new track. If you do so it should automatically line up and “boost” the audio.
I could show you what I mean through my editing software, if you wish. I would be happy to help.
My professor is a Grammy nominee. The man knows audio like I know how to breathe. his advice has always helped on film and podcast recording.
Start from his recipe:
Attack 10
Release 80
Ratio 3:1
Begin with your gain at high noon. For diaphragmatic speakers this may blow the doors off. You tend to speak that way. Bill has the Eastwood whisper at times. Dial it up rather than closing the mic to the mouth.
Anyway, if you wish, use these presets and dial in from there. I think you will find it helpful with static recording and more dynamic field recording. It forms a great basis.
Love that Bill has a “jibbering rant spout” and you have a “superior-eloquence port”. I do miss Scrappleface as you do have a way with words.
Are you having a bad day? Do you need your blanky?
yes. frequently
must be something in his computer’s software…
that soft voice under that much magnification (and it’s accompanying white noise) is enough to lull one to sleep…