Test run: arabic ring drumming with JT

I am on my way to record JT who plays Arabic ring drum now (I am actually typing from my Blackberry, so I am sure this will be riddled with typos.) I am a little nervous since this is the first person I am recording with this set up.

JT has also dropped something on his hand which has affected it's dexterity so he cannot play for too long. I am concerned that his drumming today may cause further irritation to his healing hand.

If anything, we'll only be recording one five minute piece. This may work out best anyway because I am not sure what bugs need to be worked out of this recording system anyway.

Test run: arabic ring drumming with JT

Recording JT-- try #2

Recording JT-- try #2

Recording JT-- try #1

(I forgot to confirm-- whoops. But that is okay, we rescheduled for 8/31.

Recording JT-- try #1

The Solution.

After much thought, I broke down and bought a real video camera. I sold the crappy one. Might as well get good quality footage-- although modifying a camera might be fun.

The Solution.

The Mod.

I anxiously look forward to returning home. I recorded some test videos and I want to see if the audio is in any way salvageable. It really was terrible on all my test recordings, as if you were standing in a wind tunnel. Sometimes you could not even hear the speaker. I figured that I could use Virtualdub to separate the video from audio and fix the sound quality in Sound Forge. A little more post-processing work in the end, but it if I can do it successfully it may deter the need for plan B: mods.

I didn't spend a lot on it, comparatively speaking, but I don't really want to loose the $43 bucks I did put down on it by doing a bad hack job. I was toying with the idea of installing a different mic before I left, but quickly dismissed the idea. This is a bit more complicated than my circuit-bent toys (which in the nature of circuit bending, you technically "break" the toys to make instruments . . .but I digress.) Yet the urge to attempt a mod and make it more useful is overwhelming.

So I did a search looking for any help at all and stumbled on a link for adding an external mic to a shit digital video camera. It's a mod for the Aiptek A-HD, but my camera is pretty similar to it. So much for not breaking my equipment. The idea to mod is back, but this time with detailed pictures. I would love to put a 1/4" jack in and run mics (because I love putting 1/4" jacks on just about anything) but my concern is that it will be to big for the casing. It is not the unsightliness that bothers me, it is the delicate nature of having wires hanging out as well as acquiring a static/pop sound when the external mic is moved. The guy in the demo instructions used a 3.5mm TRS jack (1/8") from an old cd player. It was even in a nice chassis to cut down on shock (unlike all my 1/4" jacks.) So I will just have to use a 1/8" to 1/4" jack-plug converter to run my mics. No big deal, it will be on a tripod anyway for music recording. And when it is not, I am pretty sure I have a tiny "spy" mic which I can tape to the top and plug in for little stuff that does not require the good mics.

If it comes down to it, that is what I will probably have to do. IF- the big if-my camera looks the same as his on the inside.

I also probably need to pick up a new soldering iron. The tutorial recommended 15 watt to prevent burning out the board. I generally use a 25 or 45 watt. In circuit bending burning out the board is not as big as a concern as in delicate electrical soldering. Look at me, getting all excited about modding without even knowing if my model of video camera can support it.

The Mod.

Dreams and drums.

I had a dream last night that my noise path led me back to Richmond, Va. In real life, there was no sound related reason for me to be there. I was seeking the guitarist (who in real life resides in Vermont.) In my dream I did not find him. I got distracted. But who I encountered in RVA was my friend, a bassist, who no longer plays due to a severed tendon in his hand.

I am seeking many people from my past and present, they just do not know it. Yet.

Currently, I have my eye on a very specific drummer with a unique skill set. In this project, it is important to lay down the percussion first- starting with the most complex piece and filling in the gaps with less complex parts. I am of the mindset that the rhythm section is the backbone. The best bands have a strong percussion and bass. These components are irreplaceable. Also, by laying out the drums first, it gives everyone a "beat" with which to sync their parts. (Consequently, I get along best with drummers and bassists, specifically bassists. Probably because in band situation, the rhythm section are generally the ones who seem to understand that the piece is not about their cock-rock solo. There has only been one guitarist ever with whom I have truly gotten along-- he thought like a bassist, choosing song form over vanity.)

Since the drummer and I were never more than acquaintances; I was afraid he would not know who I was outside of the context of my significant other. I am fairly reserved and tend to keep to myself. I don't go to bars and only seem to leave my house now when I have art modeling gigs (ie: work.) Due to this, I do not think people know who I am, regardless if I know who they are. Or that I am nameless, the designation "girlfriend of . . ." Which makes it difficult to ask some one if they would like to work with you on a project because they don't have an understanding of who you are or what you do. But thankfully, on my most recent visit to the house he shares with several others, he did.

Asking is another issue. How and when. I have (and always did have) an open invitation to their house. that being said, I am not one to drop by uninvited. Perhaps it is old-school manners drilled into me by my mother, but I feel intrusive entering another's space without specific permission. But it has to start somewhere, so it will have to start here. Unfortunately, I am currently stuck in NYC for two weeks. As much as I love this city, there is some place else I would rather be.

Dreams and drums.

I hope you (all) agree.

Edit: Seems I can't keep track of everyone. Delial's Sigil Mock-up attempt #2

I hope you (all) agree.