Re: Audio Info and Resources?

"Jeff Adams" <e@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:%CRJj.28319$6J3.17733@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
| I'm looking to getting into video production as kind of a hobby. The
| video part I've got a pretty good understanding. The audio however I'm
| a complete novice. I know enough not to use the built in mic from your
| typical camcorder. After that don't know much. So I'm looking for info
| on what type of equipment to use for differing situations, what to
| record it on, how to properly import it into the computer, and what
| manufactures are best. I know there's a lot of information to cover.
| So are there any websites that cover the basics of proper audio capture?
|
| Thanks,
|
| Jeff

Here is the super short course:

1. The closer you can get the microphone to the subject the better.
2. A highly directional microphone supported by a 'boom' (which can be an
extensible paint pole) will generally provide the most pleasing sound. This
rig with a little practice can cover several people in close proximity.
Google Azden SGMX1 Shotgun.
3. A lavalier microphone (the kind newscasters use) often is the best
choice if there is a lot of background noise.
4. Don't be afraid to use the camera microphone for non-dialogue shots.
5. Sometimes more than one microphone is needed, such as several people in
an conversation. Then, you'll need a way to combine the microphones with
individual volume level control before the audio is sent to the camera.
Google Beachtek and ART ProMix (both inexpensive starter solutions).
6. You can get reasonably good results recording right to the camera if it
has provisions for an external microphone. Most audio for video is done
this way on professional projects. If your camera doesn't allow this, get a
camera that does. It will probably be cheaper than buying a reliable
separate recorder. Recording sound on a separate recorder introduces
another (and unecessary for your purposes) level of complexity. Issues of
synchronizing the sound to the video for instance, or having to import both
the video from the camera as well as audio from the recorder doubles your
capture time. Generally, only feature film routinely uses separate audio
recorders.
7. Spend a little time reviewing the postings at the newsgroup:
rec.arts.movies.production.sound. The people who hang out there include a
lot of professionals working at the highest level---feature movies, network
interviews, documentaries, etc. Read a lot before posting. Once you have a
sense of the people and topics there post your questions. These guys can be
incredibly generous.

And, to get many more responses here tell us what kind of camera you are
using, about its audio capabilities, and the kinds of subjects you expect to
shoot, then the advice can be a lot more specific for your needs.

Steve King


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