1. Location Sound I

2. Today
Wireless mics Exercise – wireless, boom techniques Listen to exercises Sound design presentations

3. Review Meters – digital vs. analog MIC/LINE level Phantom power
(or camera vs. FP33 mixer)
MIC/LINE level
Phantom power
Mic Inputs
Input gain
Master gain
Outputs
Headphone mode
Pan knobs
outputs

4. Wireless or Radio Mic System
This refers to the transmission method. Instead of an XLR cable or wire,
the audio signal is transmitted via FM radio waves.
transmitter (tx) and receiver (rx)
Lav mic
Camera mount
adapter
Mini to mini cable
Mini to XLR cable

5. Lavs (aka lapel mics)
Lavalier or Lav microphone is any hands-free mic that’s small enough to wear on the body.
Can be omni or cardiod, dynamic or condenser.

6. Mounting lavs
Lavalier mics often but not always used with wireless transmitters.
For the doc, mount lav outside clothes 6”-9” directly below mouth for cleanest sound.
The loop provides strain relief.
Want to hide the lav? You need an accessory kit (go to B&H website).

7. Settings: Set the channel
On Rx (receiver) Use arrows to scroll through banks and channels, then choose a channel. There are 9 Banks that hold up to 4 channels.
Once you find a good channel, select the same one on your Tx (transmitter)

8. Settings: Input/Output Levels
Set your levels. These are just good starting points, adjust accordingly.
Rx > AF OUT > -12
Tx > Sensitivity > -20 (for dialogue)
Meters should be peaking in the middle.
It’s easier to keep the Tx sensitivity lower and then adjust the Rx.

9. …more Mount the Tx (transmitter) Other settings: Pilot ON Squelch LO
Batteries: Start a new day with fresh batteries. They typically last hours.
Mount the Tx (transmitter)
In pockets, on belts, pants, bra or ankle make sure it’s secure.

10. Antenna
Line of sight: the clearer the path between TX and RX, the better.
Why? Radio mics operate on FM channels. The radio waves bounce off metal surfaces, heavy layers of clothing, thick walls, corners etc. can obstruct the pathway from Tx to Rx.
Direction: Both antenna (with this particular system) should be pointing in the same direction, otherwise there is signal loss.

11. Connecting to the FP33 FP33: Turn phantom power OFF (DYNAMIC)
Inputs set to MIC
Pan to R
Adjust levels.
**Make a test recording and play it back!

12. The Limiter Prevents distortion at cost of sounding artificial
On FP33 PEAK/LIM lights green when engaged

13. Low Cut Filter
Supresses 150 Hz and below by 6dB per octave. Cuts down on rumble, sometimes wind distortion. Use for dialogue recording.

14. MIXING: Healthy Levels
Where should my peaks and needles be?
TX/RX: half way (leaving room for loud surprises)
FP33: btwn Frequent peaks above 0 (red) ok, but your needles shouldn’t be living in the red.
Camera: DVX100, first couple red squares (-12 to -8). PD150, also btwn
Remember, too low and though you can apply gain in post, you will also boost the hiss. Too high, distortion cannot be removed at all.

15. MIXING: Two Subjects Options: Split the two lav tracks, no boom
Pan two lavs to R channel, boom on L
Mix two lavs in real-time, boom on L
If you’re going to mix in real-time, your hands need to be free or you need to boom op with one hand.

16. Today’s Exercise: Mixing & Lavs
Mixer  and  Boom  Op  same  person.
 director/camera  op  same  person.  
 exterior    
 Sound  –  mount  lav  and  transmitter  on  subject    
 First  –  subject  stands  and  talks  on  cell  phone.  Medium  or  CU.          
Next  -­‐    subject  walks  down  the  street,  continues  to  talk,  and  asks  a  stranger   for  directions.    Any  type  of  shot.  
6.  SWITCH  POSITIONS!  
7.  Goals:        Boom:  stay  out  of  the  frame,  watch  for  reflections  and  shadow.    Agree   on  a  general  frame  line  with  camera.      
Lav:  mount  neatly,  no  wires  running  outside  of  clothing.    
On-­‐axis  mic  accuracy:  capture  the  sound  clearly  with  the  boom  even   when  the  subject  walks      
healthy  levels  –  try  to  set  before  you  start  shooting  so  you  don’t  have  to   boom  with  one  hand  and  adjust  levels  with  the  other  
Notes – headphone storage, on-axis ~ camera focus

17. Assignments Next Week 2 wireless mics AND the boom, mixing techniques
Sound Design Presentations: next week: Charlotte, Ronny ~ Laura, Constance
Assignment: Documentary Location Sound Exercise
Due in class Dec. 13
Articles about wireless and lavs:
Next Week
2 wireless mics AND the boom, mixing techniques
FCP audio basics
Sound Design presentations