Location Sound I
Jan 02, 2016
Location Sound I
Today
Wireless mics
Exercise – wireless, boom techniques
Listen to exercises
Sound design presentations
Review
• Meters – digital vs. analog(or camera vs. FP33 mixer)
• MIC/LINE level• Phantom power
Mic Inputs Input gainMaster gainOutputsHeadphone modePan knobsoutputs
transmitter (tx) and receiver (rx)
Lav mic
Mini to XLR cable
Mini to mini cable
Camera mount adapter
Wireless or Radio Mic SystemThis refers to the transmission method. Instead of an XLR cable or wire, the audio signal is transmitted via FM radio waves.
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.
Mounting lavsLavalier 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).
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)
Settings: Input/Output Levels
Set your levels. These are just good starting points, adjust accordingly.
Rx > AF OUT > -12Tx > 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.
Other settings:Pilot ONSquelch LOBatteries: Start a new day with fresh batteries.
They typically last 6 - 8 hours.Mount the Tx (transmitter) In pockets, on belts, pants, bra or ankle make sure
it’s secure.
…more
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.
Connecting to the FP33FP33: Turn phantom
power OFF (DYNAMIC)
Inputs set to MIC
Pan to R
Adjust levels.
**Make a test recording and play it back!
The Limiter
Prevents distortion at cost of sounding artificial
On FP33 PEAK/LIM lights green when engaged
Low Cut FilterSupresses 150 Hz and
below by 6dB per octave. Cuts down on rumble, sometimes wind distortion. Use for dialogue recording.
MIXING: Healthy Levels
Where should my peaks and needles be?TX/RX: half way (leaving room for loud surprises)FP33: btwn -10 - +3. 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 -12 - -8.
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.
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.
Today’s Exercise: Mixing & Lavs 1. Mixer and Boom Op same person. 2. director/camera op same person. 3. exterior 4. Sound – mount lav and transmitter on subject 5. 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
AssignmentsSound Design Presentations: next week: Charlotte, Ronny ~ Laura, Constance
Assignment: Documentary Location Sound Exercise
Due in class Dec. 13Articles about wireless and lavs:http://soundess.wordpress.com/resources/websites-with-helpful-articles/
Next Week2 wireless mics AND the boom, mixing techniques
FCP audio basics
Sound Design presentations