Recording audio for video/film projects D'Amico

Recording audio for video/film projects
By Rob D’Amico, FF Guest Artist, 11/15/09

Recording Audio at the same time as picture (Location audio for the shoot)

Recording settings should be set to the following:
• 48 kHz (Sample Rate)
• 24 bit (Sample Size / Bit Depth)
• Either AIFF or BWF (File Format). BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) is the preferred file format due to the metadata logged with the recordings.

If the recording device has extra channels, record the same signal 6dB lower to another channel of the recorder. This could protect you from sudden yells or loud noises distorting.

Try to minimize the ambience noise as much as possible. This would include unwanted sounds in your mix. It will always save you time and money taking the time during the production to fix problems than it will during the postproduction.
• Turn off fans or vents
• Isolate any machines (computer drives, ground loops from AC outlets, etc…)
• Listen for hum occurring from light dimmers. Often noise will generate from light dimmers

Microphone Positioning
Using a Lav Microphone
Try to hide the microphone as much as possible in the clothing of the talent
Keep the microphone pointed as close as you can to the mouth
Make sure if wireless you also use new batteries.

Using a Boom Microphone
Communicate to the boom operator the boundaries of keeping the microphone out of the frame

Keep the focus of the microphone on the sound source.
This could be the person talking or any other sound you are trying to record.

Be aware of your hand movement on the boom stand.
Microphones are very sensitive to movement and often can pickup the slightest bump.

Recording Audio Only for Video Projects (VO, Foley, SFX/ambiences, etc...)

For VO (Voice Over) recording
• Try to make the room you are recording in as quiet as possible.
• For best results try to use a pop filter on the microphone and position microphone about 6 inches away from mouth off center.
• If the talent is reading from a script coach them to not speak over page turning.
• Space out sentences. You can also edit them closer to fit video timing
• For Foley recording don’t be afraid to experiment with different sound sources to embellish sound textures. For example, recording celery breaking can be used in a scene where something frozen is ripping away from its source.