Using The Iso Booth

Recording? Composing? Editing? Here is a deeper dive into how you can get started doing this with Reaper and the Iso booth.

Setting up the Iso Booth

Any words in this format are defined in the dictionary.

DICTIONARY

HA400 Microamp: This Microamp serves as a distribution system, allowing multiple users to listen in on a session.  It is powered with a 12V cable, make sure you have this plugged in!

Scarlett 2i2:. Audio interface for mic and instrument plugins.

XLR: Electrical connector used for professional audio.  Connector can have 3-7 pins.  Three is the industry standard, and each pin serves a different purpose.  One is for positive signal, the other for negative, and the third for a 'balanced' ground connection.

Mackie Mixer: 12-channel mixer that simultaneously controls levels of the desktop mic, and mics inside the booth.  It is also used as a talkback system between the audio engineer and booth occupant.

Whisper Booth

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The "SCiL booth" is an iso booth for professional recordings.  You can record alone or in conjunction with another person.  We will approach a recording session from a two-person perspective, helping to distinguish the roles between a Booth User and Audio Engineer.

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Setting Up

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Plugging in

"What is the purpose of plugging into this wall?"

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Refer to the equipment page if you are unfamiliar with this audio interface, or other equipment.

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^As the Audio Engineer (left) speaks into the XM8500, the booth user (right) can hear his voice using the Audio Technica headphones.  These are connected to the HA400.^


You are now ready to move into Recording A Session!  Use that page to push forward.






Works Cited


In, Sign. XLR vs. DMX | What Is the Difference? 4 June 2019, showmecables.com/blog/post/how-can-you-tell-the-difference-between-xlr-and-dmx.
engineer.ahsin. “Behringer HA400 Microamp User Guide - Manuals+.” Manuals+, 3 Dec. 2021, manuals.plus/behringer/ha400-microamp-manual#axzz7hbfcEqdt.

Recording A Session

Any words in this format are defined in the dictionary.

DICTIONARY

Arm: Places track/channel in a condition where it is ready to record audio when the system is placed in record mode.

Reaper


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It is now time to start a session on Reaper!  With your desired equipment set up, we can go ahead and open up the software.  To learn about Reaper's interface, we will go through a pre-made session that you have access to.

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  1. Open the WA 47 Polar Patterns Test project file, not the backup one!  Project files have the reaper icon symbol.
  2. If you cannot see the file, a copy of this project was also left in the Downloads section of the File Explorer.

Main Interface

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If your interface does not look like this, click Options --> Themes --> Default

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^The user is pointing at a switch on the WA-47 mic.  This switch toggles between different polar patterns.^

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This portion assumes knowledge of equipment for the iso booth.  Refer to Audio Equipment Page if you are unfamiliar with any terminology or functions pertaining to the equipment.

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  1. Talkback System: If you are no recording alone, you will want to be using the talkback system.  This is better for communication and is easy to do, once broken down.  

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  1. The 1/4" jacks plug into the L/R Control Room inputs on the mixer.  The single jack on the cable's other end runs into the outer wall pocket.  Another 1/4" cable runs from the inner wall pocket and into the HA400 MicroAmp.  
  2. A pair of headphones is plugged into the jacks for both the Mixer and MicroAmp.

  3. Above the green channel labelled SUB 1/2 (Bottom right of the Mixer), there is a button above that says "To Phones/Control Rm" below the button.  Click it and you will be sending input from both the Desktop mic and Reaper, to the performer.
    1. Make sure the channel slider and gain knob for the desktop mic is turnt up (Channel 9/10).
    2. Make sure the microamp is turnt on by being plugged in to one of the sockets beneath the table for 12V power.  Also check that the gain knob for whichever channel the headphones are plugged into is turnt up.
  4. If the performer wants to hear their take, turn the Blend knob above the "To Phone/Control Rm" clockwise.  USB 1-2 is you connection to the computer, meaning you are prioritizing the output from Reaper to send to the listener.  Turning it to the left, where it says INPUTS prioritizes the mics connected to your mixer, meaning the listener will only hear your voice.
  5. When you are done using the talkback system, click the button to turn it off or turn down the slider for your Desktop mic all the way down.  In case you do another take, you want to do either of these so that the person inside doesn't hear any interference.

Works Cited


“Reaper  - Tutorial for Beginners in 13 MINUTES!  [ COMPLETE ].” YouTube, 30 Aug. 2021, youtu.be/_shjd4GBILo.

Foley (SFX Recording)

This page will talk about using the Iso booth or field equipment for recording sound effects, be it for whatever project you require sound assets for.

If you are unfamiliar with any of the mentioned equipment, visit the EQUIPMENT PAGE to learn more about tools available from the lab.

Sound effects for movies, TV, video games, and other visual media commonly are acquired through Foley.

"What is Foley?"

Foley is a term derived from film, and it stands for the recreation of everyday sound effects you hear in your life.  Upon recording sound effects, your assets would get implemented into a project post-production.  However, this is something you can do in advanced, in anticipation of a project being finished.  We're going to talk about using items around the lab to record either in the iso booth or on the field.

To learn more about editing your sound effects post production, visit the Adobe Audition Introduction page.

Iso Booth

At your disposal are two condenser mics: the AT2020 and the WA45.  The mic outside the booth is a dynamic mic that you should not consider, as it is less sensitive and the environment in the lab is muddled with background noise and A/C (hopefully that will change when we move into the HIVE)

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The sautering station has tools in the lockers and drawers that can be accessed, with permission from faculty.  These tools are capable of creating sounds that can be edited and used for immersive experiences.  An example of a VR experience that uses Foley is the French75 project.  

Be sure to put the keys to the lockers and the booth back after borrowing them, as well as make sure to put the items used in their respective places.

Field Equipment

Should you want to record interactions outside the lab, you can always use the field mic and handy recorder.  Depending on how long you'll be out of the lab, consider taking some batteries from the charging station to swap out.