[Hidden-tech] Making audio recordings

[David Spound]

I want to thank the many (13 or so) Hidden Tech-ers who responded to my
inquiry. I think I understand what I would need to buy for my
Macintosh-based recording process. I also now have some names of studios.

My concern is about cost -- either for equipment of for an unknown amount of
studio time. I am looking for an inexpensive way to experiment that would
also yield a decent result that I could offer to clients.

I had another thought for which I would like feedback. Since the recording
will just be my voice -‹ no music or sound effects -- could I get an
adequate result by using a digital voice recorder?

I just looked at the Olympus web site. They have a model DS-2 ($150) that
connects with Macs. Even though there is sound compression, the
specifications for their "HQ" and "SHQ" recordings look good.
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1153&fl=4

For $150, I am wondering how well it would work for me to take this recorder
to a very quiet place and record over and over again until I am satisfied
with my own narration. Then I would edit the files on my Mac. A Sony
MiniDisc recorder might be another option.

I know the final sound quality could not match a studio recording. I am
wondering whether I could get a decent result while I am learning to create
the various guided meditations that I want to offer my clients in my
meditation and stress reduction classes.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

David

++++++++++

David Spound, M.Ed.
david at spound.com
413-219-0654 (work/cell)
Mindfulness seminars: http://www.spound.com/mindfulness/




on 2/19/06 5:25 PM, David Spound at dspound at mac.com wrote:

> I am seeking advice about making audio recordings.
> 
> I want to record a series of guided meditations for those attending my
> stress reduction classes. These recordings will have my voice only (no
> music), and I need to eliminate ambient noise.
> 
> For some past business projects, I made recordings using my Apple PowerBook
> laptop, a very basic headset/microphone, a Griffin iMic, and software such
> as Sound Studio and Audacity. However, I have had a difficult time
> eliminating ambient noise. Also, I want better sound quality for my voice.