The following article is the second of several tutorials which will outline the development of Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab, with special emphasis on how educators can create their own Internet-based listening exercises for language teaching and learning.
Contents
BACKGROUND
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE arrow
RECORDING AUDIO
RECORDING VIDEO
SMIL PRESENTATIONS
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Suiting Up! Hardware and Software

By Randall S. Davis


Okay, you know you want to to make a bang on the Web. Now what? Well, this tutorial will help prepare to way by helping you "suit up" for the big day!

Hardware Considerations

You need to have a computer with a little muscle behind it (my Mac Classic won't do the job).

Here are my basic recommendations based on the software I've used to create sound files, but actual system requirements could differ widely depending of your own choice of software and the kinds of sound or video files you are creating:

Macintosh System Recommendations
CPC PowerPC (604 CPU recommended)
System Mac OS 8.1 or later
Sound Manager 3.1 or greater
RAM 32 MB minimum (64 or more recommended)
Hard Disk Storage Space for Files 10GB MB or larger hard disk; external storage like a Jaz drive
Video Card (an AV Mac)

Windows System Recommendations
CPC 200MHz Intel Pentium processor or better
System Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows 2000 ME, Windows XP
RAM 64 MB or better
Hard Disk Storage Space for Files 20 GB MB or larger hard disk
Sound Card 16-bit sound card and speakers
Video Capture Card (see references)

What do I use?

  • a PowerPC 6100 (61 Mhz/42 MB/250 MB hard disk with external Zip drive) for the basic stuff;
  • a Pentium III 600 Mhz/128 MB/20 GB hard disk) running Windows 98;
  • a Macintosh AV Performa 5817 (100Mhz/16 MB/1.2 GB hard disk)

Okay, so you have enough power. Now for some extra nitty-gritty before you start considering software: choosing microphones and speakers.

Microphones and Speakers

When creating sound for the Web, starting out with the best quality source file is a must.
"Listening to Audio online makes the Web a friendly place to visit"

- Korean ESL Student

That means you want to use the best quality microphone to capture your noise. An obvious assumption, but often overlooked. If you compromise early in the recording process, your software won't be able to rescue your dirt quality sound down the line.

You have several choices depending on the kind of sound you are trying to record, and you can buy them from companies online. I purchase mine at a local electronics shop called Radio Shack:

  • Uni-directional mics are good when you are trying to capture sound from a single source (i.e, one speaker).
  • Omni-directional mics are appropriate when trying to record sound from different directions (multiple speakers, background noise and music, etc.). Macintosh's Plaintalk mics are this type.
  • Clip-on mics can be used for interviews.
  • Built-in mics like those on Macintosh Performas should be used as a last resort because they tend to pick up computer vibrations.
What do I use? Well, in the beginning, I used mostly Mac's omni-directional Plaintalk mic for much of my work. Why? I'm a low-budget type of guy. Later, I purchased two unidirectional mics and a multi-channel stereo microphone mixer which have improved sound quality immensely. Also, I suggest using insulated audio and video cables which helps minimize computer vibrations and noise.

Speakers and Headphones

Using good quality speakers and headphones is a must too. Believe me: never trust small internal speakers to check your sound. The same kind of sound advise for validating your HTML code using several different browsers on different computer systems applies to recording audio: check your sound on various sizes and types of speakers and headphones. I always follow this advice. What might sound good using headphones may sound like garbage when played on your classroom's audio system.

Video Equipment

To record my video, I use an analog JVC compact VHS camcorder. Personally, although I've tried several cameras, I prefer the JVC cameras over others products because of its audio/insert editing, special effects, and snapshot features. Almost any camera could be used; pick one your most comfortable with and that provides the your needed features.Now, digital video cameras are popular allowing you to transfer video directly from your camera to your computer with little or no degredation of signal. You'll also need AV cables to hook between your camera and your AV ports, that is, if you have a video card installed on your computer. More on how I record and edit the video in the next tutorial.

Software

Whether you are recording short snippets of sound only a few kilobytes in size or a monster 5GB stereo video file, you need software that will handle the job. And remember video swallows up gobs of hard disk space too. Fortunately, there is a kaleidoscope of freeware, shareware, and professional, full-featured programs that will give you the power and flexibilty to create great audi and video.

Here are some programs to consider categorized by platform. In the next tutorial, I will explain how to use some of them to record. All prices are listed in US dollars and are subject to change. My recommendations for those just starting out are indicated by the * symbol.

Macintosh
Audio

  • Macintosh's very own Sound Control Panel (Free, which is my kind of software).*
  • SoundApp 2.7.3 (Norman Franke): A useful program for converting many sound types (Free).*
  • SndSampler (Alan Glenn): A good starter (and inexpensive) shareware program for recording and editing sounds. A cheap alternative to SoundEdit.*
  • Sound Sculptor II (Jeff Smith): a budget sound editor.
  • Peak LE (Bias): A professional sound recording and editing package.
  • SoundEdit (Macromedia): Full-feature, professional sound recording and editing machine. If you have the money, go for it!
  • Ultra Recorder ( EJ Enterprises): records, plays, converts, and compresses sounds, plus will allow you to create start-up sound files.
Video
  • QuickEditor: a easy and quick video editor for both Windows and Macintosh machines.
  • MoviEffects (McQPro): an easy-to-use program for creating, editing, adding effects, transitions and titles to QuickTime movies. Two other programs, MovieTools and Video Titler are also available.
  • Play It Cool: a QuickTime and QuickTime VR movie player and simple movie editor. Well worth the price. *
  • Premiere (Adobe): THE program with all the bells and whistles if you need heavy-duty software for professional needs.
  • VideoShop (Strata): a full-featured video editor for digitalizing video clips, editing them, and printing them to tape.
Windows 95/98/2000/XP
Audio
  • Window's Multimedia Accessory Sound Recorder (Free). *
  • Awave (FMJ-Software) : an audio format converter, editor and player.
  • GoldWave: a digital audio editor.
  • Helix™ Producer Basic from RealNetworks (RealNetworks): Basic tools for recording and editing sound (Free). *
  • Sound Forge® Studio . A full-featured recording and editing program. My choice of Windows software at a budget price.
Video
  • HyperCam (Hyperionics): a easy tool for capturing your actions directly from your monitor into a movie format.
  • Premiere (Adobe): THE program with all the bells and whistles if you need heavy-duty software for professional needs.
Okay, you have the hardware and software. Now the real fun begins in our next tutorial!

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References

Microphones

Copyright © 1998-2003 by Randall S. Davis, All rights reserved.