Production Roles

Production roles
On my OCR media course, in one of the units, we were looking at different production roles involved within recording a live band. We were not only looking at other people carrying out different production roles, but also carrying them out ourselves.
Production roles I observed
I've seen many production roles being carried out in our sessions.
> Sound Engineers
A role of the sound engineer is to carry out a sound check with the band or solo artist before the live recording, to make sure that all the instruments are heard great in the control room, and if not, then what corrections have to be made. During the live recording, the sound engineers are constantly monitorring the sound coming out of the monitor speakers in the control room. Listening to all the individual instruments in the different channels and turning them up or down depending on the sound during the live performance. Then, after the live recording, the sound engineers then mix down the recording and make any necessary corrections.
> Camera Men
A job of the camera men is to film a live recording if needed. Sometimes depending on the performance, however in most cases, more than 1 camera men are needed.
 Video Mixer
The job of a video mixer is to monitor and control the filiming shots made by all the cameras during the recording. Then after the recording is made, to mix down the recorded video together with the audio recording.
Floor Manager
A job of a floor manager is to insure that everything is going to plan in both the control room and the recording studio and to maintain the communication between the two places. Then during the recording to operate the clapper board to start the recording, then at the end of the recording to take the artist and the camera crue to the control room to listen to the recording and decide if there's another take needed.

Xmas Factor Sound material production

The Christmas X Factor was a very exciting event to work on. Now that it's happened, I think it was quite a good event. Despite the fact that I wasn't there during the show. However, I was working on the sound material production with the rest of the group.
After the X Factor theme tune was created, we had to creat the music for the results show. This was another good task, as we had to make it tence and of course still similar to the original music used on the ITV version of the show.
After using some samples of drums and looping them, we decided to put a sinth in the background of the drums, this would add more tention the the drums, and make it more fitting for the show. After doing some corrections on the results music, which included extending the song in GarrageBand, the results music was ready.
Another task that the team had to work on is the VoiceOver clips. Of course the very famous X Factor voice had to be a feature on the show, and since 2 members of the team could do the voice, we decided to record both of them doing the different X Factor related voice recordings, including names of the contestants, judges introductions and more. After we picked the X Factor voice for the show. it was just the case of splitting the recording into individual clips.
Before the show, the last tasks that came up were to record 2 extra names joining the lineup of performers, and with them also find the MP3 files of songs that they'll be performing to during the live show.

RNC Christmas X Factor Jingle

In the session today, as a team we had to make ideas for the RNC christmas X Factor jingle.
We were using 3 different pieces of equipment, the mack with garrageband, a mixing desk and the middy controller.
First, we started to work on a good drum beat, then, we recorded the beat once we had an idea planned.
The next step, was to work on some kind of a background sound to make the jingle more different. Once we had the background sound, we decited to work on the lead for the jingle, this again was fun to think of as we were trying out new and different things. Then, once we got the lead, we were working on the pianoe part for the jingle, this was more difficult as were using an 8 key controler.
However, we've managed to come up with a final idea, after doing some mixing and the final touches, we saved the jingle as a possible suggestion.
Our next plan is to show this to the group and get their opinions, also work on more ideas.

Mixing the RNC Jingle with Soundforge

For the past few weeks in the Music Technology unit, as a team, we've been working on a jingle for RNC Radio, using different types of software and equipment.
After making the jingle soundtrack, and the vocal parts, it was time to mix it all up to have a possible jingle idea. For this we used a software called Soundforge Pro 10.0. A professional audio editing software.
This software is really good for people with sight loss, as it's accessible with lots of it's operations not requireing the use of JAWS. The only functions that JAWS operates with are the menu and mixing functions.
this week, we were given the different audio parts to our jingle, our task was to mix it all up and to have a possible mixed jingle idea by the end of the session.
As I was exploring different sound affects that I was able to use to help me mix and creata a jingle, I came up with a few ideas. My first idea wasn't good as the timing was a constant issue, so I decided to think of another more creative idea which may not feature as many timing issues. At the end of the session, I've managed to come up with an idea, however, due to issues with JAWS, I wasn't able to do a final version of my idea. However, I will try to put it together next time and have a listen to hear how it sounds, and if it's actually a good idea.

Exploring a radio programme: Clips

Today I was working on my Exploring A Radio Programme Presentation.
I was looking at audio clips I've managed to download. So that I can choose the best clip to use in my presentation.
I've decided to go for the archive clip of JK and Joel's Official Chart countdown from June 2007. Then I edited the clip in soundforge.

Exploring a radio programme: The Running Order

I'm still working on my presentation for my Exploring a Radio programme part of my coursework.
The aspect of the show I was looking at today, is the running order of the show, and here it is:

The Official Chart Running Order

 

The show starts with a short introduction from the presenter, introducing themselves.

Then the show features the top 3 tracks as revealed on the Official Chart Update.

This is then followed by the countdown of the UK top 40.

First, are the tracks 40-11.

Then the short collection of this week’s number one contenders is played.

The show then changes it’s format, playing all the tracks in the top 10 together with the videos.

Usually during the live video top 10, there will be the short countdown of the album chart, + a live guest in the studio if possible, or a pre recorded video chat with the artist.

 

Chapel Recording session 11th November 2013

For our Chapel recording session this week, we were split into 2 bands, our task was to record 2 theme tunes. The task for my band was to record a theme tune for the RNC Open Mike Night.
At first, we started working on an idea of the tune we can work, experimenting with different ideas and combinations. We used a piano, set of drums and guitar. Me and another member of the team were moved to the control room of the studio, mean wile the other members of the team were practising different ideas in the recording studio.
After the team came up with an idea, and worked on it, they would tell me to record it. Then after the recording the whole team would get together and listen to the idea, and decide if they want another take in order to make the best decision, or if this idea should be continued.
At the end of the session, we've managed to come up with 2 possible theme tune ideas, one of them was decided on, with the other one, the team decided on another take next session before making the final decision.