CHAPTER 7 SOUND

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES Examine the role of Sound in Video Production; Survey the tools for Sound Recording and Design; Explore the process of Selecting the Proper Audio Equipment to achieve creative objectives; Build a foundation for managing the complex audio requirements of Field and Studio Production.

BASICS OF SOUND Sound is both Sequential and Simultaneous Our Binaural Hearing allows perception of a sound’s direction Protect your hearing Cumulative noise damage (CND)

MICROPHONES Dynamic microphones Capacitor microphones

MICROPHONES DIRECTIONALITY Omnidirectional microphones Cardioid microphones (unidirectional microphones): Supercardioid Hypercardioid Ultracardioid

MICROPHONES Frequency Response Human Hearing Range: 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz Human Speech: 300 Hertz to 3,000 Hertz

MICROPHONES Sizes and Shapes Lavaliere microphone (or “tie clip mic”) Boundary microphone Parabolic microphone

MICROPHONES Popular accessories Shock mount Windscreen (pop filter)

MICROPHONES Positioning the Microphone Proximity effect Signal-to-noise ratio Perspective Boom pole Pistol grip On-axis Off-axis

THE PROCESS OF SOUND RECORDING Monitoring Sound Circumaural headsets Spot check

THE PROCESS OF SOUND RECORDING Controlling Sound Levels Amplitude Volume units (VU) “In the mud” “Riding hot” Audio limiter Automatic gain control (AGC)

THE PROCESS OF SOUND RECORDING Recording Multiple Sources Two microphones: One for each channel Audio mixer Phasing

THE PROCESS OF SOUND RECORDING Audio Cables and Connectors Balanced cables are superior XLR 1/4” plug (phono plug) 1/8” plug (mini-plug) RCA cable

THE PROCESS OF SOUND RECORDING Mic Levels and Line Levels Microphone-level signals are weak Line-level signals are used by components

CREATIVE APPROACHES TO SOUND RECORDING AND DESIGN Voice and dialogue Sound effects Hard effects are in sync with the picture Soft effects are not in sync with the picture. Wild track Music

MANAGING A LOCATION Sound stage Exterior sounds often spill on location Hard and Soft Environments Continuity Equalization Room Tone Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) Foley

SOUND EDITING Controls the relative balance of the sounds Digital processing effects Audio transitions Cross-fade Lead with the audio Audio montages Mono Stereo Surround sound

SAMPLE EXERCISES Create a Two-Minute Story told only with Sound. Take an assortment of microphones into the field and do Comparative Tests to see how these mics record sounds Differently. Import the video of a scene from One of Your Favorite Movies. Totally build the sound track to this scene using Original Audio and Library Music and Effects. Copyright 2008 Taylor and Francis