- Damon Krukowski argues in the “Love” episode of Ways of Seeing that digital sound impedes our perception of those sonic qualities that help us experience intimacy. A primary example he gives is the way analog microphones provide a rich, full presentation of the human voice; whereas digital microphones–such as can be found in cellphones–take the character out of the voice in order to create a smaller data package that can travel more efficiently around the world. At the same time, the advent of digital sound DOES enable us to communicate with people around the world, which includes far-away friends and family members and is, in this distance learning environment, even necessary for us to participate in higher learning at LaGuardia. What do you think about the ideas Krukowski lays out in this episode? Does he adequately describe the intimacies afforded by sound and the tradeoff digital sound presents? In your answer, please incorporate at least one quotation from the episode.
- Damon Krukowski lays out in the “love” episode of ways of hearing that digital microphone doesn’t provide a high quality of sound as an analog microphone does. According to him, “The sound of our voices on the phone has gotten worse with the switch to digital… cell phones don’t transmit the full range of sound picked up by their mics.” I remembered that we used to use an analog phone when I was kid. I would agree that analog was better before 20th century. However, with new technology in smart phones or Apple, I don’t think there is a big difference between them. Moreover, I believe that the new generation phones have a better sound quality than analog phones. For instance, journalists use their phone when they are interviewing someone. The reason they are using a phone instead of a microphone is because a phone can isolate other sounds and focus on the main one. In other words, while a microphone picks up every sound in the room and mixes them all up, a phone’s microphone picks the main sound, enhances it and most importantly it reduces other sounds in order to get the best sound from the main source.
- The New York Times article “How A.S.M.R. Became a Sensation” presents something like the opposite situation by providing an example of how digital tools are being used to circulate the intimate experience certain everyday and passing sounds induce. What do you see as the most interesting or important point about sound in this short history of A.S.M.R.?
- I think the most interesting part about sound in the history of A.S.M.R is it can be used to reduce anxiety and insomnia. I have been struggling with my anxiety and insomnia problem for the last 3 months. I have even been taking xanax if I feel like I cannot handle my anxiety. Personally, I hate taking it, especially because this medicine has side effects. Furthermore, taking a prescription medicine might damage your liver. Because of that I often try not to take it and fight it on my own. Since I discovered a new method of curing my anxiety and insomnia, I cannot wait to give it a try. After I read and search more about this, I believe it might help me with my problems.
