Two Recorder Training

From SPARK

Brief Summary

Nationals in Bolivia were taught how to record using two recorders.

Introduction

While working in Bolivia in 2005, Gospel Missionary Union asked us to repair a library of damaged reel tapes and to determine if these tapes were usable in the villages. We were also asked to teach nationals how to record radio programs.

Key Factors

• We were trained to record and edit using a computer.
• We knew that the nationals did not have computers or the training to use them.
• The nationals did know how to record on a reel tape recorder.

What Was Done

We took the damaged reel tapes into the language communities for testing. The local church people recognized the narrators' voices, said they did not respect these men and concluded the recordings should not be broadcast.

We then taught the local church people how to do their own recordings and trained them on the required equipment. They were familiar with Marantz tape recorders, which are affordable and easy to use and maintain; so we trained them using this equipment.

Results

• The recordist and speaker were happy with the recording, and plan to record more programs.
• The recording quality was acceptable for broadcast.
• The men were happy to learn a new skill that they could use independently.
• We learned that quality recordings can be made using lower-level technology.

Helpful Information from the Author

By: SPARK Staff

Date entered:

Date range of story: 1/30/06

Location: Bolivia