Thursday, October 31, 2013

MIDI Recording and Editing

midi software recording, editing and mixing Did you know that built into our MixPad multi-track recording and mixing software is a MIDI editor that gives you precise control of MIDI tracks?

What this means is that you can record from MIDI instruments and devices, then edit those tracks, adding or deleting notes, adjust the pitch and duration of notes. Even quantize and humanize your MIDI creations adding small amounts of variability to the track so it sounds less like a robot and more like a musician. All of this with support for VSTi instruments and the standard MixPad features giving you the ability record and mix multiple audio tracks, add audio effects and more, expanding the power of this comprehensive sound studio software.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Catch A Ghost On Tape

In honor of Halloween, we are taking a quick look into the paranormal world, and the recording and analysis of Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP). With all the little ghosts and goblins about you may want to have a little seance or just listen to the beyond.

EVP Recording
You don't need to be a ghost hunter to try recording an EVP, although being open, polite, and respectful are believed to be factored in success. Here are some tips to help you get started:
  • Equipment. You need an audio recorder, a headset for when you analyze your recordings, and a touch of patience that couldn't hurt.
  • Start somewhere quiet. You don't need to be in a "haunted" location to make your recording, and while some believe background/white noise may encourage paranormal voices when you are just getting started the more traditional quiet location will make analysis easier.
  • Recording. Take note of the noises around you as you record so you can rule them out when you analyze the audio later. Also, be sure that you do not have voice-activated recording turned on.
  • Ask Questions. One of the most common techniques is to introduce yourself and then ask a series of questions as if you expect a response, with pauses between questions for replies.
  • On to the Analysis. When you are done recording it's time to listen for EVP messages.

EVP File Classification
EVP Recording and Analysis There are three classifications of EVP recordings based on their clarity, and the type of recoding you have will also affect the amount of editing you will need to do. The Classes are:

Class A:  A voice that can be understood without needing headphones and there is general agreement on the content.

Class B:  A voice that requires headphones to hear and not everyone can agree on its content.

Class C:  A voice that requires much filtering and even by wearing headphones nobody can agree on its content.


Analyzing EVP Recordings
The first step is to listen to the original recording from start to finish, making note of when you hear something. Before you start isolating and editing, be sure to save a copy of the original file so you can always go back, or allow people to compare the files.

Chances are you will need to do some audio editing—enter WavePad—to better hear the EVPs on your recording. If you are planning to share your findings remember that the more editing you do the more possible criticism you can get from skeptics. First, you will want to trim the audio file to the sections you took note of. Then common editing done includes amplifying those hard-to-hear sections, possibly removing background noise, and slowing down the EVP since they are often spoken very quickly.

Of course, this is a very cursory look at Electronic Voice Phenomenon, but if you are intrigued by the topic here is a brief list you can explore to learn more and find additional advice on recording and analyzing EVPs from some ghost hunting pros: Or, if EVPs don’t fascinate you, you can always capture your little gremlins in their costumes on film instead. We have software to help you memorialize the holiday that way too.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Make Digital Dictation Work for Your Business

Why Express Scribe is an Essential Component in a Virtual Assistant's Toolkit

Guest post by Suzanne Higham of Admin-Minded

A Virtual Assistant, as the name suggests, provides assistance to businesses remotely on a freelance and, therefore, flexible and affordable basis.

And if you hire the right Virtual Assistant, they will not only provide an extra pair of hands to ease the administrative burden, they will also be proactive and look for ways in which they can improve your efficiency, productivity, and, subsequently, your profitability.

One way this can be done is by realizing the huge potential in the use of transcription - which has been enhanced further with the introduction of digital dictation software.

Previously, the image conjured by the word 'transcription' would be old, overused cassettes of poor quality, and even couriers traveling across cities to get the aforementioned tapes to typists with looming deadlines. However, the introduction of digital recorders and audio players, such as Express Dictate and Express Scribe, has rendered these images obsolete.

Now it really is as easy as 'talking to your computer, clicking 'send', and your encrypted audio file will be transmitted immediately to your assistant, wherever in the world they may be. And if that wasn't easy enough, with Pocket Dictate, you can even convert your smartphone into a dictation-recorder, so you can dictate whilst on the move.

How This Technology Can Help Your Business
With just a little bit of imagination, you will find that transcription is not just for solicitors and doctors. It can be used successfully by sectors as diverse as trades and accountancy, IT, universities and market research agencies.

For instance, you can dramatically cut the time spent creating documents of a similar nature. Your assistant can prepare a template, and whenever you need to create a customized version, simply dictate the necessary edits, send the dictation file to your assistant, and the customized document can be produced without delay.

And to all tradespeople, estate agents, surveyors – in fact, anyone else who frequently finds themselves working away from their office or base – throw away your notepad! Whilst on-site, dictate your findings, and send them to your assistant to transcribe, ready for your arrival back in the office.

If you are attending a key meeting, consider recording the proceedings. You can be confident that all the information will be captured, and you avoid having to bring someone into the meeting purely to take minutes – freeing them up to make more valuable use of their time.

We also provide transcription services to businesses that already have their own in-house admin departments, as a helping hand during busy times and to cover staff absences. With digital transcription software, no exchange of cassettes is required, and handover is effortless.

And the benefits continue. These are just a few examples of how the use of digital transcription software can be incorporated into the daily operations of a small business to enhance efficiency and subsequently improve customer service. So why not give it a try?

Tips For Getting Started
  • When dictating, try to keep background noise to a minimum. Be aware of traffic, fans, and interference from mobile phones.
  • The first time you attempt dictation, do a test run with your transcriptionist so any problems can be highlighted.
  • Finally, take time to source the right transcriptionist. A transcriptionist is not 'just a typist. They need to have a sound understanding of language, grammar, and punctuation. A transcriptionist needs to be able to 'think whilst they type'.


Suzanne Higham founded Admin-Minded with one goal - to provide high-quality administrative and PA services to businesses and solopreneurs to enable them to achieve their full potential. It has grown into a team of fabulous assistants with a diverse client base, including award-winning businesses and celebrities. To learn more or ask questions about ways in which transcription could help your business you can contact Suzanne at www.admin-minded.co.uk or the Admin-Minded Facebook page

Friday, October 11, 2013

Pocket Dictate for Android is Officially Here

new android dictation app It has been asked for repeatedly, and some of you may have started to lose hope, but the brand new Android version of Express Dictate has finally arrived.

Doctors, Lawyers, and other professionals will be glad to have the easy dictation-recording app on their Android phone, complete with HIPPA compliant encryption for keep client information safe when you send recordings off to be transcribed.

Transcriptionists too will want to take note of this wonderful new portable option for recording to recommend to clients.

We are really excited to have this Android dictation app available and we are only sad that we didn't get it into your hands sooner.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Music Mixing on Android

If you weren't already excited enough about having WavePad Audio Editor available for your Android tablet, being able to install WavePad's long time partner in audio crime, MixPad Music Mixer, on your Android too may just put you over the edge.


MixPad is a powerful multi-track mixer. Move from perfecting individual audio files with WavePad to mixing, remixing or mashing up multiple audio files into a full-fledged soundtrack or any other audio production project no matter the size. The app may be small, but the possibilities are huge. Download the MixPad Audio Mixing App from Google Play to have ready for the next time you want to put together some audio, whether you are hanging out in a waiting room, or recording on location.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Do More with Audio - Blog Carnival October 7, 2013

Here are this edition's entries to Do More with Audio:

Erik Matlock presents Another fine fiasco | The Art of the Soundcheck posted at The Art of the Soundcheck, saying, "War stories from the pro audio world. This time, we are running a show where the rig has been rented from several different vendors. What could go wrong?"

Tim presents Acoustic Guitar Recording posted at Deacon Tim’s Audio Blog, saying, "Recording a great-sounding acoustic guitar track used to be a real challenge, but with today’s highly affordable hardware and software, you can have the power of a pro studio right in your computer on your desk.

Jon Tidey presents Tips For Recording Great Electric Guitar Without Amps posted at Pro Sound Web, saying, "With direct guitar recording into virtual amps you can rock out through a great guitar chain without the neighbors calling the cops. This article outlines a few tips and best practices for getting great guitar tones without amps or mics."

Marie Tueje presents SFX Independence posted at Designing Sound, saying, "A list of new SFX libraries that came out in September and are available to purchase/sample now."

Casie lane presents Electronic Music Labels Using Pinterest posted at DJ Casie Lane.

Assap presents Isolated EVPs mystery posted at The ASSAP Blog, saying, "Why do the most convincing EVP recordings all seem to be single words or short phrases with little or no accompanying noise?"

Lilach presents How, What, Where and Why Guide to Podcasting posted at Socialable, saying, "Have you ever considered starting your own podcast? Anyone with a computer and Internet access can start their own podcast, so get your microphones ready and check out these tools to help you get started." John Lee Dumas presents 3 Unique Ways to Get Started With Business Podcasting posted at Social Media Examiner, saying, "There are many ways to approach business podcasting without interrupting your schedule, budget and skills."


You might also be interested in: That concludes this edition of Do More with Audio. If you have an audio story to share or advice, tips or tricks to share, we hope you will submit your audio posts and articles to the next edition.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Video Editing On The Go - VideoPad For Android Is Here

In May 2013, YouTube celebrated its 8th anniversary announcing that 100 hours worth of video is uploaded every minute—that's four days worth of video every minute! And YouTube isn't the only place to upload videos, there are lots of other sites to upload videos of our children, pets, vacations or just about any aspect of our daily lives.

A lot of us shoot videos in all kinds of locations and don't want to wait to get home to our computers to edit that video. We want to share that video with our family and friends as soon as possible.

With VideoPad for Android, NCH Software has made it incredibly easy to edit and enhance videos while on-the-go. This new release for Android lets you take advantage of all the powerful video recording and editing tools you have come to love, from the convenience of your Kindle or Android tablet.

VideoPad Android Video Editing App

With VideoPad for Android it's easier than ever to create top-quality videos and have the instant gratification of sharing your videos in record time.

VideoPad Movie & Video Editor for Android lets you record or import video from your tablet and get straight to editing instead of waiting to get to a computer. VideoPad includes features to fine-tune the brightness and color of videos and add other visual effects. You can rotate videos that were recorded at different orientations so their perspectives match. You can trim videos down to size, zoom in on clips, add music, narration, video effects, transitions and complete all edits quickly and easily.

Even though VideoPad for Android has only just been released it's already getting four- and five-star reviews on the Google Play app store, and we are certain you will love it too. If you're already shooting and editing lots of video, or if you're just getting started, VideoPad for Android tablets is one app you won't want to miss. Install it today to create videos you'll be proud to share from wherever you are.