Yes, been mulling this one over on and off. My original question was just about
the possibilities and technical limitations of recording with two separate
recorders, I didn't think much initially on the conceptual issues this might
raise.
But, having been raised, and having read the numerous posts, I must admit I
don't have any problems myself with it. A single point stereo recording can
demonstrate human scale listening, sensitivity to sounds in a particular
location, relying on careful listening, fieldcraft etc. But surely so can
recording from multiple perspectives? Indeed I imagine the latter, as it would
involve the sensitive placement of multiple recorders would require just as
much attention if the aim is to say something about a soundscape and our
relationship to it.
And as the end product is a transformation however its done, the technique only
matters in so far as its successful in achieving the desire of the recordist.
Microphones are not ears.
all the best
Tony
--- In "hartogj" <> wrote:
>
> Hi Andrew,
> Thanks for sharing your perspectives.
> Having listened to a number of your recordings, it seems that we share a
> similar approach to stereo compositions. It only takes two mics to record a
> good stereo perspective.
>
> A layering technique for recording ocean surf has been recommended by both
> Bernie Krause and Chris Watson, so I am inclined to think it can work, and it
> has worked, at least for them. I have tried both of those techniques, and
> what I have decided is they do not necessarily make getting a good recording
> the ocean surf any easier than using just two mics from only one perspective.
>
>
> I do not have any fundamental objections to layering sounds, but I don't
> think it offers any benefit unless that is the only way to make the recorded
> material fit some set requirement for a commission or project. It may be a
> good learning experience to those who try it.
>
> I am not sure I understand your perspective on visual vs auditory senses. For
> me, listening can be very much a visual experience as soundscape recordings
> can evoke visual images of the imagined landscape.
>
> John Hartog
> rockscallop.org
>
>
>
>
> --- In Andrew Skeoch <listen@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi folks,
> >
> > I feel this thread touches upon a really important issue. In deciding
> > appropriate technological approaches, we need to first be clear about why
> > we're listening.
> >
> > It occurs to me that using multiple mic sources is actually an attempt to
> > synthesize a soundscape that accords more to our visual sense than our
> > auditory one. We are trying to hear the landscape the same way we see it -
> > separating it into discreet objects and recombining. But listening is not
> > seeing. Expansive listening gives us holistic information about what is
> > around us, and our relationship to it. And this is referenced upon the
> > human-scale listening experience of two ears hanging in the breeze.
> >
> > For me; I want to reawaken my listening from its post-industrial torpor,
> > and enrich my relationship with the world around me. I utilise audio
> > technology, taking that human-scale listening as my reference point.
> >
> > I could imagine an artistic agenda in exploring 'alternate sensory
> > viewpoints' though mixing multiple sources, but I can't help feeling that
> > there is nothing culturally radical in this, just an extension of our human
> > fascination with how much we can abstract and manipulate nature.
> > Legerdemain. How far can we go?
> >
> > Personally, I'm with you on this one Geoff :) Single point stereo; simple
> > technology, coherent information, fieldcraft, personal presence in the
> > landscape, deep listening (not to mention less time farting around in the
> > studio afterwards!).
> >
> > To me, the important issue is not what I can DO with audio technology, but
> > how it can help me BE in the world.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Andrew
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> > Listening Earth
> > Andrew Skeoch & Sarah Koschak
> >
> > http://www.listeningearth.com
> >
> > P.O. Box 188
> > Castlemaine
> > Victoria 3450
> > Australia
> >
> > tel: +61 3 5476 2609
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
|