David Summer Author, Music Technology, Software Design & Development

David Summer is the Author of These Articles
on Music Technology and Software Development

	Stella A Cappella, Recording Unaccompanied Vocals Recording unaccompanied vocals in a personal studio. Includes advise on helping a vocalist stay in tune while recording a cappella, selecting the proper setting for your particular a cappella recording, vocal overdubbing and mixing your a cappella recording. This sound clip demonstrates some of the concepts discussed in the article. It is a short excerpt from the song "Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming". The voices are arranged in 4-part harmony with each part doubled 4 times; bring the total track count to 16. See the article text for recording location and microphone positioning. The sound clip is also available on the Recording Magazine website. Article published in Recording magazine, October 2006.

	Blowin' in the Wind, Recording the Flute Recording the flute in a personal studio. Including selecting a location, choosing the proper microphone and microphone positioning. Two sets of sound clips were recorded in order to highlight some of the points made in the article text. The first set of clips illustrates the effect of using different types of microphones when recording the flute. Clip 1 is recorded using a condenser microphone (a Neumann TLM-103). Clip 2 is recorded using a dynamic microphone (an Electro-Voice 664A). Clip 3 is recorded using a ribbon microphone (a Royer 122). The second set of clips shows how changing the position of the microphone can subtly change the way the flute sounds when being recorded. All of the clips in this set were recorded using the condenser microphone. Clip 4 is recorded with the microphone positioned half way down the body of the flute. Clip 5 is recorded with the microphone positioned close to the flute footjoint. Clip 6 is recorded with the microphone positioned close to the flute headjoint. Clip 7 is recorded with the microphone positioned behind the flutist. All the clips were recorded in a basement and have no added EQ or effects. The two different musical phrases were written to include notes throughout the commonly used range of the flute. Refer to the article text for further explanation of the sound clips and the different techniques used to record them. The sound clips are also available on the Recording Magazine website. Article published in Recording magazine, March 2006.

	Creativity Traps Finding a place for technology in your creative process can be a challenge. At what point should you bring technology into your project? How much is too much? When does technology actually hinder your ability to be creative? This Recording Magazine guest editorial explores when, and when not, to use technology as part of your creative process. Article published in Recording magazine, September 2005.

	Brass Tactics, Recording Brass Instruments Recording great brass sounds in a personal studio. Concentrating on recording the Trumpet and Trombone, including an overview of the physical characteristics of these interments and how they're played. Three sets of sound clips were recorded in order to highlight some of the points made in the article text. The first set of clips illustrates the effect of using different types of microphones when recording the trumpet. Clip 1 is recorded using a ribbon microphone (a Royer 122). Clip 2 is recorded using a dynamic microphone (an Electro-Voice 664A). Clip 3 is recorded using a condenser microphone (a Neumann TLM-103). The second set of clips demonstrates the sound of the muted trumpet. The three most popular types of mutes are used. Clip 4 is recorded using a Straight mute. Clip 5 is recorded using a Cup mute. Clip 6 is recorded using a Harmon mute. The third set of clips shows how doubling or tripling brass parts can strengthen the sound, resulting in a "fat" horn sound. Clip 7 is three trumpets and two trombones. Clip 8 is three trumpets and two trombones with the lines doubled and panned left and right. Clip 9 is three trumpets and two trombones with the lines tripled and panned left, right and center. All the clips were recorded in a basement and have no added EQ or effects. Refer to the article text for further explanation of the sound clips and the different techniques used to record them. The sound clips are also available on the Electronic Musician Magazine website. Article published in Electronic Musician magazine, November 2004.

	Recording an Ensemble With Computer Software Use a computer to record your school band, orchestra or other ensemble. Exploring the basics of PC based recording as it pertains to recording a school music ensemble. Also looks at the many practical and fun uses for school band, orchestra and choral recordings. Article published in The Instrumentalist magazine, August 2004.

Software Development	Implementing Audio CAPTCHA Describes how to implement an audio CAPTCHA for your website. The article reviews CAPTCHA in general, discusses Section 508 compliance, illustrates a simple front end for the audio CAPTCHA, gives a detailed explanation of the author's audio CAPTCHA implementation and suggests customized audio alternatives for better site integration. The article also includes the PHP, JavaScript and HTML source files as well as MP3 files that you can use as a basis for your own audio CAPTCHA implementation. Article published in Dr. Dobb's magazine, January 2008.

	Shelling the Pod Describes how to dynamically create descriptive web pages for podcasts. These web pages, created using PHP, present information about a podcast as well as information about each episode of the podcast. All of this information is dynamically generated using the podcast's RSS feed file. The article includes the PHP and HTML source files described in the article text. This method of dynamically generating information, to describe a podcast and it's releated episodes, from an RSS feed is in use today on several websites, including this one. The article also reviews podcasting in general, syndication principals and RSS file formats. Article published in Dr. Dobb's magazine, January 2007.

	Develop an Autobuild Process Describes a method for developing an automated build for your Visual Basic project. The article includes a build batch file that executes the build, a sample build log file and a utility for keeping track of a build number for your autobuild project. Also included is information on running VB from the command line and writing build log files. Note: This article was published in 2000, before the introduction of VB.NET, when VB version 5 and 6 were commonly in use. Article published in the Visual Basic Programmer's Journal, June 2000.