Objectives

Students will be introduced to the basics of sound, microphones and field recording.

Materials/Equipment

• Lavalier Microphone
• Shotgun Microphone
• Boom Pole

Handouts

 Recording Sound (8.17 kB)

Lesson

Sound

Definition: Sound is an invisible vibration. It travels in waves, spreading outwards from the source of the sound. Sounds are different both in loudness and pitch, often known as frequency. Loudness is measured in decibels (dB).

Pitch / Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). All sounds are made up of different frequencies. We can describe this as the pitch of a sound. The frequency of a sound affects the pitch that it is heard at. The sound a whistle makes when it’s blown is an example of a high frequency pitch whereas the noise made when banging on a drum is an example of a low frequency pitch.

http://www.idcs.info/childhood_deafness/what_is_sound.html

Not only is sound half your video, sometimes sound makes or breaks a video.

It is important to know how to record sound technically, and then also how to listen for sounds that can work creatively to enhance your story.

Types of Audio you will be Recording

Generally, Sound for your video will include the following: Dialogue or Voice Over, Ambiance, Sound Effects and Music. You will need to record all of this audio and then assemble your sound design (what kinds of audio will be part of the video sound) and then refine your sound mix (the levels each audio element will be heard in general and in relation to each other).  Refer to Sound Design Lessons for more on Sound Design and Mixing.

Selecting the Proper Mic:

Use an external mic whenever you can. This lets you have more control over how and what you record. 

Microphones come in a variety of types. They can be directional or omni-directional, have their own battery source or require power from the camera etc. In addition, each make and model has its own character. With any mic, always listen with headphones to confirm you are recording the sound you want. You can always reposition the mic to get what you want!

Connect each type of mic to the camera and listen to what audio is picked up.

Lavalier Mic (Lav)
Typical Use: Interviews

Characteristics: These are the small “bud” microphones that can fasten to clothing. Although these mics are “omni-directional”, they are specially designed to pick up the voice vibration/sounds of a person speaking.  It does not matter where the Lav is placed, as long as it is in the general chest area (collar or front of shirt). Tips: Try to hide the lavalier or at least the wire under the clothes.  (If you hear a rustle through the headphones, the lavalier chord may need to be taped to the person’s skin.)  Place as close to the sternum as possible. A lavalier likes to hear the resonation in the chest cavity.

NOTE: Each interview subject needs their own lav mic. If you have more than one interview subject and only one lav mic, use a shotgun mic on a boom pole instead and move the boom accordingly.


Shotgun Mic (also known as boom or stick)
Typical Use: Multiple Interview Subjects, Specific Sound, Ambient Sounds,

Characteristics: Shotgun mics are usually much more sensitive than an on-camera mic, and pick up better sound.  Shotgun mics are directional mics and usually pick up sound in the direction the mic is pointed. Where you point the mic matters! Tips: For interview: Aim the shotgun mic like a gun directly at the subject.  Bring the mic in as close as possible to the subject using a boom pole, pistol grip or stand. Overhead is usually safest, though sometimes from under the subject is preferable, depending on the framing of the shot. Be sure the mic is pointing in the same direction as their path of speech- not to their nose or to the side.

To record general sounds with a shotgun mic, since the mic is directional, aim the mic in the direction of the sound you want to forefront. For example, if you are at a park and there are kids playing to the right and a fountain to the left, the side you point it to will highlight one sound over the other (to the right you will hear more of the kids, to the left, more of the fountain, upright a combo of both and whatever is in the sky).

NOTE: If you are recording general ambiance, if you have access to an external omni-directional mic, use that. If not, you can cheat it with a shotgun, by pointing the shotgun in a direction in between sounds and listening with headphones to see if you get what you want. Omni Directional Mic Typical Use: For general ambiance.

Characteristics: Omni-Directional Mics pick up sounds from all directions, hence it is good for getting general (non specific) sounds.

Tips: Point the mic in the any direction, listen with headphones and hear if this is what you want. If not, reposition the mic accordingly.


On-Camera Built In Mic
Typical Use: Used to record audio when there is no external mic.

Characteristics: Omni-Directional. Note: Since this Mic is omni directional, it picks up sounds from all around, sometimes including the hum of the camera. If you have access to an external mic, it is always better to use the external mic so you can have more control and discretion for the audio you record.

Recording Sound Techniques

Basic Checks

• Is your external mic properly connected to the camera?
• Is the external mic power on (and the camera extra source power off)?  Or vice versa. Select one power source so you do not short circuit the camera or mic with multiple power sources!
• Are your audio levels set? Is the audio level high enough, but not in the red?

Bus Lines/Traffic
Construction; Hum of Computers/Refrigerators
Street Noise; Ventilation Systems
Garbage/ Recycling Activity; Fluorescent Lights
Airplanes Traffic; Actual space: Echo, Dead or Live
Wind

Getting the sound you want and how you want it

Although there is a fair amount you can do with your sound in the post production stage, there are some variables you need to consider in the production stage. If there is a particular sound you are trying to capture – for example, the sound of a particular person or object - you need to make sure the mic is pointed at your desired primary sound element. You must also consider how close or far you are from the sound you are trying to capture.

Record room tone and ambient sound

Room tone is the sound of your location when all the subjects and crew hold still and silence is recorded. It has a sound to it.

Ambient sound is the same thing, but more commonly refers to outdoor sounds, the background sound of your location.

Always record at least 30 seconds to one minute of these without cast or crew making any noise, but remaining on location.

Blank audio tracks do not sound the same as silence!  In editing you may need these crucial audio clips to replace unwanted sounds or fill in “sound gaps” in your edit.

Note about Ambient sounds: Are there other ambient sounds in the environment you could record that may be used as part of your sound design later?

Activity

Have students tell the story of a place by recording sounds that convey the sense of the place. They can shoot visuals that symbolically/metaphorically support the sound. Note: This is an exercise not only in documentation of a place, but also selecting a perspective and story to tell about the place.