SamSuka
LastStandMedia
LastStandMedia

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An Audio Sample (+ Visual)

Hey All,

I just thought I'd give you a sneak peek at tomorrow's episode, simply to give you a look at (and listen to) the new audio quality, and the trade-off that I decided to make in order to achieve it.

So, the 22 second clip I'm sharing is the actual first 22 seconds of tomorrow's all-new episode. Lemme know if you think it sounds better!

The attached picture is how the "shot" will now look. A mic (and pop filter!) are now in my face, mostly obscuring my mouth. Because the room I record in has such high ceilings and a strange layout (it's a rectangle with an extra, smaller rectangle attached, and has a long window, making for a ton of really shitty echoing problems), I really do need the mic right in my face to achieve this level of audio quality.

We (me and the guy that helped me, an old buddy of mine who went to school for audio engineering) did dampen the room a bit with 24 foam panels. Nonetheless, this is the solution!

So, now you know ahead of time what to expect.

Feedback, as always, is appreciated and welcome. See you at 9a PT tomorrow morning!

An Audio Sample (+ Visual)

Comments

Sound quality on the episode is better, but the gain is a little low on the output. It seems the volume is a bit low overall, and I have to turn up my amp compared to comparable YouTube content. This could be due to having to turn down the output because of spikes in the gain of the mic, which can be corrected by keeping the mic at a lower input level and staying an even distance from it. Extra compression on the mic can also be helpful.

Aaron

I listen to the show running in the background on YouTube so I love how loud and clear it's coming through my headset. Don't change a thing, I love it!

Rey Leija

For an audio podcast, the sound is great! But it kinda destroys the experience on Youtube IMHO. I would vote to see you unobstructed and tolerate a lower quality sound level on Youtube.

Sound quality is so much better. Thank you for providing great content and quality!

Kyle Krenzke

The audio quality before didn't bother me but it does sound really good. However, it does block a lot of your face

Connor F.

Sounds fantastic. I watch when I can, but I drive entertainment coaches for a living, and consume most of my content while traveling. So, I really enjoy the audio versions. This sounds super professional. Thanks!

David Mann

Can you still get the same audio quality by turning the mic and filter to the side just a bit so your face is more visible? I've been watching kinda funny videos from the beginning (as well as CLS) on a mobile phone, so audio quality isn't very important to me when it comes to podcasts. Music is a different story though

cloudbloom

Definitely sounds much better.

Dennis Parker

You sound great! A big improvement over audio quality. Thank you!

Tom Reder

Sound quality is better, but if it obscures the face that's not great either I guess. Have you tried a lav mic?

Aaron

Sounds great! There's a difference for sure.

kirachem

Whatever you paid for the audio upgrade is worth it. Can hear you loud & clear

Matt W

Just as you have said that "Gameplay is King" in the past... Audio is also King. I like the adjustment.

Ryan Blushke

The sound quality sure seems better. I can't wait to see it tomorrow. Thanks.

Eric

Honest feedback....the improvement in sound if there is any isn't worth the mic obscuring your face. I'll wait to see full video tomorrow but I think there was other things you could have focused on improving.

Steven gibson

The sound is great. I'm sure it's going to be awkward at first having a mic in the shot at first, but the sound improvement more than makes up for it.

Peter Jansen

Partially deaf so not the best judge but sounds good to me

Will Caldwell

Sound is much improved, no longer have turn up my car stereo all the way up to hear your great content. Thanks for the adjustment.

As someone who listens to podcasts daily, the sound quality is totally worth the awkwardness in the shots. Great touch up!

Turner Medlicott

The sound quality was always my one issue with the show, especially when I'm trying to listen to the audio version in my car. Very excited about the improvement!

Nick

Sound is great. Agree with others. Visually it would be good if you could angle it in some way. Having that microphone in front of your face looks off-putting. If you move the camera to an angle, move the microphone a bit and change the levels of recording slightly, you should be fine. I shoot session videos live, which sometimes includes bands, which usually involves creative angles and having a bit of space. That tends to work.

Peter Campbell

I must not have real ears. I've never had an issue with the sound.

Jason Kelley

Oye, y'all there's gotta be some give and take. Better audio means less face. Sacrifices will be made.

Misty

Great! Honestly audio quality was the one thing I was really worrying about for the show, but from this clip it seems to sound great.

Tigerbutt

I agree, Colin. We need to see that 'big beautiful' face.

Alex Castellanos

Wow, it sounds great. Nice work!

Scott Rabideau

Sounds great! Got rid of the echoey sound.

Karl Brown

Go Huskies!

Andrew Hurley

Sound? ON THE MONEY my fellow Colin!

Salt of the Streets

It sounds awesome! I'd personally prefer not to be staring at a pop filter and mic arm right in front of your face though, like in the thumbnail: <a href="https://puu.sh/wLfZD/5a3a8de24b.png" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://puu.sh/wLfZD/5a3a8de24b.png</a> Maybe a new camera angle would help with that?

ByteRoster

Sounds fantastic!!

Christopher Lee

The audio quality is definitely much but I think you should change your camera to more of an angle on your face. That way you can still turn to look straight at the camera when necessary and we'll get a better view of the lower part of your face.

GentleFan

Good audio fidelity, Colin, and it sounds like you've done with the room as much as you can. Two questions: is the floor carpeted? If not, doing so could help audio reflections immensely, even if it's just a large throw rug or two. Secondly: would a lavaliere (clip-on) mic be just as effective. Audio-Technica makes a great model, (3000 or 4000 series I believe), that I've used very effectively on video shoots in the past. It doesn't have quite the pop protection as that filter your using, but it does clip on nice and close to avoid the off-axis room echo you had before, without forcing you to be stuck behind the Darth Vader mic mask. Just some thoughts.

Stephen J Seidler

sounds awesome. As Corey said I would recommend shooting from a angle to help with the microphone covering you up so much but big improvement for sure.

Spencer Yeldell

The fire rises brother! Keep the excellent content coming!

Robert DeCaro

Wow. Definite improvement in audio quality. I didn't have an issue with the way it was but I can tell a big difference. Nice! Keep up the great work Colin!

Josh in Tampa

Audio is fantastic but I would suggest changing the camera angle or finding a way to keep the mic to the side as much as possible.

Corey Sonier

A big improvement, definitely worth it! As others have said the words and content are what counts so I think it's an ok trade off to have it where it is, it really does sound so much better.

Luke Drake

Thank you colin!!!!!

John Miranda

Audio sounds great but don't like the look of the mic in your face. But you know best. If that's the only way to achieve better audio then I guess it's what you have to do. Shame you can't have both.

Samuel

The audio sounds great! The mic isn't a big deal, what you're saying is the important part

Steen

Sounds great. But I'm not fussy, it's always sounded great! The mic in your face is a disappointment to see in my opinion haha.

Dan117

Great improvement, when I saw the picture I was hesitant but after listening I totally agree with the tradeoff.

Evan Bederman

Crystal clear my friend

Jordan Smith

Sounds good. Can definitely hear the contrast between the older episodes.

Karlos Rey


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