You'll like the next episode even better then - it touches on a much more unknown role in game development
...And here is that new episode. Rob Briscoe, the environment artist from Mirror's Edge and Dear Esther, talks about his job and how he builds the character of a world. http://joemartinwords.com/2012/10/24/unlimited-hyperbole-12/
Really enjoying this podcast... Between just the last two episodes I've learned a hell of a lot. And if Rob Briscoe ever gets that project released, it should be pretty interesting - Dear Esther was stunning. Content aside however, do you mind a more banal question? What microphone rig do you use to record the voiceovers? The audio comes through quite clearly (aside from the odd blip now and then, thanks to the limitations of compression codecs)... I'm looking to upgrade from using a crappy webcam mic to record voiceovers for video, and the microphone options are staggering: from headsets to dynamic mics, right up to condensers on desk mounted boom arms with pop filters. Most podcast recording setups I've seen usually look quite "pro", but I'm wondering if you really need all that to get good quality voiceover audio. I don't want to spend a fortune if I don't have to. Of course you can tell me to shove it
Glad you like it! The audio tends to vary with each episode, but I try my best to get it clear. Basically, I record the interviews either in person or over Skype. If I'm over Skype then I'm just using a crappy headset mic and editing myself out later - and I try to make sure that the guest is as clear as possible. If I'm in person then I use my post-production microphone, which is a Blue Yeti. Getting a good microphone can be important, but you often need not go overboard - managing the situation to cut out background noise is just as important.
I listened to the first podcast for the first time today, quite enjoyed it and will continue to listen to the others over the next few days. I always thought you/joe would be much grumpier sounding. Like the tweets xD
Cheers for the reply. That was basically my conclusion: a decent microphone - i.e. an actual microphone designed for live or vocal use and not a headset designed for skype/gaming - is important, but I probably don't need to go crazy. I'll probably take a look at dynamic mics, as they're by far the easiest to interface to my current PC hardware; I won't need esoteric hardware such as a 48v phantom power supply, just a simple XLR to RCA cable. I already have a USB 2-in/2-out audio interface, which has already proven itself with live recordings. Some condensers may be designed for use with a computer and only need USB power - such as the Blue Yeti or Samson Meteor - but condensers are a bit of a jump in terms of cost. Hopefully background noise shouldn't be a problem; although we're rather close to the city centre, my "man cave" (her words, not mine!) is on the opposite side of the property to the main roads. The only issue I may have is reverb, but even something as simple as a blanket slung up on the wall behind the desk should help deaden reverb. Of course I might have to shoot the cat if she keeps interfering noisily....! <tangent>Though I'm not even sure I'm going to carry on with my intended project, as I'm not sure I have the time these days... One recent 3.5 minute machinima video took around 6-8 hours of recording & editing!</tangent>
Yeah, blankets and some basic noise reduction editing are your friends. I'm basically recording and editing in my house too, so... As for editing. *Sigh*. Yes, it can take ages. This latest episode of Unlimited Hyperbole is only ten minutes long but took about 12 hours of editing and recording to finish. The average interview I record is about 90 minutes long on its own!
You thought about making them longer? I'd happily listen for the 25 minutes or so I'm underground on my commute.
I've thought about it, but there's only been a handful of times when I've felt I had to cut out something that was REALLY worth bending the rules for. By rules, by the way, I mean just that. Unlimited Hyperbole is guided by a series of rules I have to control the format - things like: "No repeat guests" and "One guest at a time". The first one is "No episode longer than 15 minutes". Partly that comes down to a stylistic choice, but it's also positioned to oppose other game podcasts which I feel aren't worthwhile. It's possible that some of the cut footage will get released in the future, but it's not on the cards for the moment.
I think the current format works pretty well: it's short, to the point and doesn't waffle. Although with 90 minute interviews, I really don't envy the task of editing it!
Holy hell! It's a new episode! With Duke Nukem! http://joemartinwords.com/2012/10/31/unlimited-hyperbole-13/
Awesome episode, really good to hear Jon St. John's true opinions. Violence in games is another interesting topic, do you think you will expand on this in a later episode? Also, I find anything to do with voice acting very interesting, so thanks Joe. Keep up the good work.
Well, the rest of this season is already done - and doesn't explore the violence angle much, to be honest. I am currently looking at what the fourth season might be about though, if we do one (which is currently up in the air). The leading suggestion at the moment is something like: "Politics and My Philosophy" but other ideas Harriet and I have discussed have included "What The Problem Is", "The One That Got Away" and "My Hero" These are all very rough ideas at the moment, but we're eager to know your thoughts, obviously.
New episode! We spoke to Devine Lu Linvega, better known as the musician Aliceffkt, about FRACT OSC - http://joemartinwords.com/2012/11/07/unlimited-hyperbole-14/
Just listened to the last two! Sweet. Very interesting to hear from Jon St John! Also, when the mirrors edge guy was talking about how most people just speed by and don't see his work I couldn't help thinking about the poor level/environmental designers in games like Burnout.
And here's the final episode of this season - indie dev Darren Daley talks about Sonic, Super Meat Boy and why God of War has a better story than Braid - http://joemartinwords.com/2012/11/14/unlimited-hyperbole-15/
Overdue, but here's the link to the fourth season and the new Christmas special! The fourth season talks to developers, artists and academics about their cancelled games, unannounced projects and the future of the industry. I'm proud of it. http://joemartinwords.com/podcast/
