Q-LAB for MAC and PC (Apple Only) - Sound

    SOUND: Q-LAB for MAC and PC (Apple Only)

Q-LAB is a multimedia play back software which has being created by Figure 53. The first version which was the 1.3.5 was released in late May 2007, to only use on the Macintosh OSX platform (Known as Apple Mac). The current version which is version three, has been running from early May 2013.

Q-LAB, A cue marker for an action to take place. When triggered, a cue to perform an operation. The list below outlines basic features:

Q-LAB Software and its functions (Photo from Wikipedia) 

• Mic
• Audio
• Pause
• Playback
• Midi

Q-LAB is mainly used as SFX (sound effects), as you can fade in and out with sounds such as 'BROKEN GLASS' or 'BIRDS'. For example, 'BROKEN GLASS' can be played for one minute, then faded out by having a different cues.                              



WHO CREATED Q-LAB:

Figure 53 is a company, that mainly specialise in Q-LAB software only and similar. There is not really any detail on this company, due to insufficient evidence. 

Learning about Q-LAB makes me realise, that if I was going to become a Sound Designer et.c It will be an extra step along. I suggest that if you want to use Q-LAB, go down to your nearest Apple Retail Store; to buy a MAC (Pro or Air) and a PC (if it still is around).

MY STORY OF LONDON LIFE:

By using Q-Lab, I was able to create a story. My story was about London life and how busy it can get.

'AS I APPROACH PLATFORM AT STRATFORD STATION, THE CENTRAL LINE TRAIN ARRIVES.THE DOOR OPENS, TO LET PASSENGERS ON AND OFF. THE TRAIN IS THEN READY TO DEPART FROM THE STATION. DOORS NOW CLOSED'.

'AS I ARRIVE AT OXFORD CIRCUS STATION, THE CENTRAL LINE TRAIN DOORS OPEN. I THEN WALK TOWARDS THE EXIT TO GET ONTO GROUND LEVEL'.

'AS I START TO WALK, MY FOOTSTEPS WERE VERY LOUD'.

'OXFORD CIRCUS WAS SO BUSY THAT THE POLAR WIND, DID NOT HELP THE SITUATION'.

'THE 25 BUS DECIDES TO PULL UP AT THE KERB AND ABSOLUTE SCARED ME'.

Stratford Station during rush hour times.

Oxford Circus during busy peak times.

We used BBC sound discs for this work. I have listed below.

For Example,

BBC CD 5:

Here is my cue sheet for Q-LAB:

CUE NUMBER	DESCRIPTION	FADE	LEVEL
1	Underground Railroad (Tube arriving and doors opening).	After 10 seconds, FADE	0
2	Underground Railroad (Doors closing and tube departing)	After 6 seconds, FADE	0
3	Arrives at Oxford Circus – busy	After 5 seconds, FADE	0
4	Polar wind	After 5 seconds, FADE	0
5	Bus – Sound of bus arriving and departing.	After 5 seconds, complete end	0

 

At the End, Q-LAB did work really well. It is just about practice and effort.