Last year when we launched the ACX Master Class for audiobook narrators, I made the “bold” (i.e., obvious) claim that once you get the hang of it, doing basic, linear audio editing of one person’s voice is “easier than learning to use a universal TV remote.”
My reference to universal remote controls was tongue-in-cheek. It also was, I believed, accurate.
Recording and editing your voice for audiobooks doesn’t require processing or sound layering or mixing.
If you know how to do that basic level of audio editing, you know that it really isn’t difficult.
But some people were outraged at my blasphemous comparison of the use of a TV remote and their audio editing artistry.
So….
Recently I conducted a poll on Facebook:
This is a real survey. Seriously.
If you know how to edit audio digitally and you have in your possession a Universal Remote Control for your TV/DVD/Cable/Satellite, etc….
Please tell me which one of these statements is accurate for you:
A) I still haven’t figured out how to use all the buttons on the universal remote control and wish they wouldn’t make it so confusing.
B) I know how to use all the buttons on the universal remote control, but at first it was confusing and frustrating.
C) I know how to use all the buttons on the universal remote control, and I never found it confusing.
The results?
Remember, all of the respondents already are experienced at audio editing. They’re not newbies.
37% responded A: “I still haven’t figured out how to use all the buttons on the universal remote control and wish they wouldn’t make it so confusing.”
34% responded B: “I know how to use all the buttons on the universal remote control, but at first it was confusing and frustrating.”
That’s 71% who agreed with me, which leaves only 29% who answered C: “I know how to use all the buttons on the universal remote control, and I never found it confusing.”
Does that mean that producing audiobooks is easier than watching television? Uh, no.
But like many of the respondents, I can digitally edit a linear voice recording easily and quickly…
While I still can’t figure out my remote control’s “Return” button is supposed to do.
