MEDIA TIP #2: RECORDING AUDIO
Can’t find what you are looking for in this post? Please visit forum and let’s chat!
MEDIA TIP #2: RECORDING AUDIO
By Aron Africa, Support Centre Video/Web/Sound Editor
“It starts with a single sound. If there’s something in that sound, then it’s worth continuing.”
– Steve Lacy
I remember getting a portable cassette radio (before Walkman’s were around – if you remember those!) as a birthday present. It even came with a built-in microphone. What surprised me the most from that gift was the ability to record radio and live sound, as I thought listening to the radio was the only option. This new-found possibility blew my mind, and I began recording anything and everything, from my favourite songs to me and my friends singing and beatboxing in the garage. Then at night, just before went to bed, I would listen to all the sounds I had recorded and pay attention to the details. Not long after, my dad got a computer along with a mic. I discovered digital recording and the ability to manipulate the pitch of your voice, and I became obsessed with recording, playback and editing. Today it is my greatest joy and passion to be able to do what I love almost every day and still discover something new.
On set
Being aware of the sounds around you can give you the advantage both on-set and in the studio when editing or mixing later.
When recording audio on set, I constantly listen to every sound around me, identifying sounds I like and don’t like, and sounds that are overbearing or distracting. That way, I can set up the speaker in the best direction and position possible (even in a worst-case scenario).
Remember, you are in control and determine the final result of what you record. Your microphones and recording device are tools to capture sound. So practising or developing your ears through sound training is the best way to improve the audio quality, even when you are editing or mixing in post-production.
Step-by-step audio recording on set
When we arrive at our shooting location for set up, the director of photography (DOP) determines the subject’s position once they are happy with the primary camera’s position and framing. Then we set up lighting and finalise the decor. Once the talent arrives, I mic them up and have them stand in position for a sound and camera check.
Now take note that the speaker won’t always have something to say for you to get a proper soundcheck, so think of a few questions beforehand to get them going. Questions like:
What did you have for breakfast/lunch/dinner?
What’s your favourite morning routine?
Was there anything that stood out for you today?
Remember to keep your questions engaging and directed to the person’s interests. Once you are satisfied with the mic’s position, volume, effects like EQ and compression (if your recording device has any), and the amount of background noise picked up, you are now ready to start recording audio.
It’s also good to let your director know when you are ready to record and have them or your DOP listen to the audio as a second reference. Once they are happy with the sound camera check, you are ready to roll.
Camera Rolling? Rolling!
Sound Rolling? Speed! (Side tip: Always make sure you are recording! 😉)
Recording Take 1, ACTION! (Clap, Clap, Clap*)
Here’s a great reference I found that is worth the read for more in-depth learning:
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/sound-recording/
*Ever wondered why production teams do that? Watch this quick video to find out.
