Halforums Academy 2 Story Commentary Thread
- Thread starter GasBandit
- Start date
figmentPez
Staff member
aniKags at an orgy:
- Here's a water bottle, you're looking dehydrated.
- Lift up a bit! *shoves pillow under them* There isn't that comfy?
- Let me find you a cuddle buddy; don't want anyone to catch a chill!
- Oh my, take off those wet panties. Got to get those clean right away, wouldn't want to leave a stain on such cute lingerie.
GasBandit
Staff member
There's a lot of frustration involved sometimes in making these videos, specifically when it comes to recording the narration. I have a great computer where I don't have a great audio setup, and I have a great audio setup where I don't have a great computer (at work). Working with enterprise-level sound production facilities for the last 11 years has spoiled me as to what my voice is supposed to sound like when recorded... and doing it at home often makes me irritated because it doesn't sound as good.
And not just the timbre of my own voice! The acoustics of the room where my computer is are atrocious. If I just sit at the computer and talk into the mic, the reverb from the wall in front of me causes a noticeable audio hum, almost like a resonance. I'd like to think I've done a passable job eliminating it from most of the videos, through a combination of post-processing filters and actual physical contortion - I have to physically turn my body about 100 degrees to the left, away from the computer and wall, to face the center of the room, then recline back, so I'm projecting toward the ceiling (so the audio rebound hits 2-3 wall surfaces, then the carpeted floor, before coming back to the mic), and recite my line while dangling the mic in front of myself by the cord... but not RIGHT in front of my face because I don't have a puffguard.. but not TOO far off to the side or I get muffled.
Sometimes it takes me a half dozen attempts to get a 5 second narration clip to sound right.
AGH.
And not just the timbre of my own voice! The acoustics of the room where my computer is are atrocious. If I just sit at the computer and talk into the mic, the reverb from the wall in front of me causes a noticeable audio hum, almost like a resonance. I'd like to think I've done a passable job eliminating it from most of the videos, through a combination of post-processing filters and actual physical contortion - I have to physically turn my body about 100 degrees to the left, away from the computer and wall, to face the center of the room, then recline back, so I'm projecting toward the ceiling (so the audio rebound hits 2-3 wall surfaces, then the carpeted floor, before coming back to the mic), and recite my line while dangling the mic in front of myself by the cord... but not RIGHT in front of my face because I don't have a puffguard.. but not TOO far off to the side or I get muffled.
Sometimes it takes me a half dozen attempts to get a 5 second narration clip to sound right.
AGH.
Can....can we get a picture of this?
GasBandit
Staff member
Would hanging blankets or clothess over the exposed surfaces to dampen the sound work?
Time to line a GM screen with acoustic/packing foam and put it behind your mic as a gobo.
And cover your mic with (clean!) hunting socks and hang it from hair bands and zip ties off a light stand, and lean in to reinforce that bass.
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Maybe all @GasBandit needs to do is to repurpose his Netflix rig for recording.
--Patrick
And cover your mic with (clean!) hunting socks and hang it from hair bands and zip ties off a light stand, and lean in to reinforce that bass.
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Usually does. I've told people with little to no equipment to record under a blanket to block ceiling reverb.
Maybe all @GasBandit needs to do is to repurpose his Netflix rig for recording.
--Patrick
They are like really long shirts, that you huddle under when you are cold.
Cold is when you aren't hot but also no okay with it.
They're much more portable than carpet.
I suppose you could try covering everything with spaghnum moss instead, but that sounds like it could become unpleasant with too much humidity.
--Patrick
GasBandit
Staff member
Hah, my computer room is going to look even more horrible than it already does now.
"Why are there pillows stapled to the wall... and cans of baked beans everywhere?"
GasBandit
Staff member
Because no matter how much whiskey I drink, the cat never tells me I need to tidy up.
Sweet Jesus, she's like a tiny Kasumi.
...
Which I'm strangely ok with!
Gas, I said it before but the amount of effort that you're putting into these is staggering, and definitely appreciated! You're a mensch of the highest order. Or lowest, as you prefer.
As far as tips and comments, I think that the little highlighting of the messages in the corner is effective, I'm enjoying the popups and notes on-screen. The asides to stuff in the background is good, as well, even if it doesn't make it into the narrative. Or even because it doesn't all make it into the narrative... it's like the little extra bits in the background of a Shirow manga - worth looking at for flavor, even if they don't contribute directly to the main story.
My one complaint: cut the karaoke scenes a little shorter. The characters are just sitting there sort of rocking(?). It's kind of blah to watch despite the fun music.
GasBandit
Staff member
Hrm, ok, I'll take that under advisement.
If you want to use the same gag, you could totally start playing the music anytme anyone else is in there.
Plus when you start to nod off, your pillow is right there!
...next to your blanket!
...you know what? Just record the whole thing while you're in bed. That oughtta work.
--Patrick
Just cut out the funeral. That'll save a few minutes.
Time to include a cat-cam and become youtube famous.
GasBandit
Staff member
I'd have to clean up this pigsty first, and I'm not sure I'm that motivated.
Anyway, I'm close to finish. Probably be an hour or two, depending on upload speed.
First you cut a hole in a box.
Then you put some junk in the box.
Make the cat sit in the box.
--Patrick