BISSETT-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: [BISSETT-L] there's more
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998 18:16:12 +0000

Hi all,
Ron wrote
"Example: here's an exercise for you. Compare a B with a P. When you say
them, see how no air is passed over the lips when you say B compared to a
burst of air with P. B is the more difficult sound to make
clear................
S vs. F. Silly, but in many cases, the ear hears what it wants to hear, "

If a song were to contain many examples of Bissett as key words then in the
recording studio i'd be tearing my hair out!

B P and F are what we call plosive sounds as in explosive for the very
reason Ron mentioned.
In real life the ear ignores the sudden rush of low frequency blast caused
by these letters but in front of most microphones and especially $1500
examples, these sounds can cause extreme signal levels to appear at the
mixing desk.
The crudest method of controlling these blasts is to fit a "pop" screen in
front of the microphone, ideally silk stocking material.

The letters S and F are a "sibillants" and contains a large amount of high
frequency energy which can cause unpleasant side effects with certain audio
electronic equipment including cassette tape. To get round this a pencil
placed on axis directly in front of the microphone can help.

I've been addressed as Blisset, Bisscut, Bist and a host of similar lazy
interpretations.
When on tour in Europe I'm usually addressed as Bee - cet or Bee - zay

As a bit of a rude aside, when confusion of surnames abounds (especially in
the music industry) the phrase " oi Bas**** usually attracts immediate
attention!

I'm sorry if that lowers the tone {B sharp anyone?} to an otherwise civil
list.

Regards,
James Hughson Bisset. b. 1964.
Edinburgh, Scotland.
55 North a few minutes west {Same latitude as Moscow, -10 celcius last
night and falling!!!!!!}

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