Miking and Digital Recording

Gain Staging

• No level should be higher than its previous point in the recording stage (i.e. going from field mixer into a recorder, mixer into a DAW, etc.)

– Instead of boosting signal on recorder to get good signal, boost gain on mixer

– Avoid hiss and noise

• Sound Source>Signal>Gain>PreAmp>Disk

Channels

• Channels are basically separate inputs and “tracks” used for recording

• Stereo mix=two mono mics recording the same sound onto two separate channels

• The soundwaves of the same sound hit the mics at different times, level, and frequency response

• Take these two channels and mix and pan in post to create your stereo field

Channels Cont’d

• Mono Mix: recording one mono signal to both tracks

– Recording mono mic signal onto both channels is more data

– For high SPL sounds (guns, explosions) set up two mono mics onto discrete channels and set recording level lower on one channel (H4N cannot do this!!!)

– Record same sound events from different perspectives

Clipping

• Over digital zero=distortion

• Squared waveforms

• Sound like crap

• Squares off frequency

• Loses information

• Set a limiter on recorder

• Cannot correct clipping in post

Headroom

• Try to set recording signal at -12dB peak

• I personally like the peak higher

• This means you can handle sounds 200% louder before clipping

– Coughing, actor yelling, explosion, etc.

• Allows for a dynamic range, which is the audible difference between the lowest and highest level sounds without distortion (a ratio)

• Dynamic range of human hearing is about 120-140dB

Monitors

• Use to isolate recordist from acoustic environment (keep monitor level down to avoid bleeding out into the mic)

• You listen for noise, hums, crackles, hisses

• You do NOT listen for setting the level of the incoming sound source; use VU meters to gauge signal level

• Treat monitors with care!

• NEVER wrap cable!!!!

Viers' 10 Recording Commandments

• C1: have 2 seconds of pre and post roll

• For video/film sets

– AD: “Quiet on set/Pictures Up”=shhhhh

– AD: “Sound Ready?”=You “Ready”

– AD: “Camera Ready?” (camera, “ready”)

– AD: “Roll Sound”= You “Sound rolling/speed” and press record

– AD: “Roll Camera”(camera “camera rolling/speed”

– Director: “Action!”

Commandment 2

• Record more than you need

• Save source material (alternative takes and “mistakes”)

• Ambience for atmos (2-10 minutes)

• Ambience as room tone (at LEAST 30 seconds)

Commandment 3• Slate every take w/ as much info as possible

• Scene name, take number (for dialog, atmos)

• Sound name, take number (for SFX or Foley)

• Name of object/location; object/location info; action

– “Lettuce being hit with a dowel hard”

– “Banging wrench on open 50 gallon drum with water in it”

• Give time between take and performance; tail slates; slate mic, slate separate actions in a long take

Commandment 4

• Check your levels all the time!!!

• Check knobs and faders if working with mixers

• Most digital recorders have a “hold” switch so that you cannot accidentally manipulate the level

• Meters don't lie: set to -12dB (Viers says -18dB to give you +18dB headroom)

Commandment 5

• Always listen with headphones

• ***Set levels w/ eyes

• Your ears don't hear like the mics do

Commandment 6

• Remove all background noise

• Use headphone monitors to listen for it

• Reverb

• A/C rumble; traffic; clocks; lights; insects; planes; refrigerators; TVs (15KHz)

• 60Hz AC hum: cause by electrical outlets

– Use battery operated gear in the field

– Hum eliminators for studios

Commandment 7

• Do not interrupt a take

• Keep rolling: don't change mic position, recorder gain, etc.

• NEVER change your gain levels during recording. It's noticeable and usually in-correctable in post

– If you boost signal; it also boosts white noise

• Develop hand signals for recording (“action” or “cut” so that no accidental voice on sound

Commandment 8

• Point the mic at the sound

• Try to balance mic on the sound source

– Object or part of object making the noise...point the mic at it!

• Preserve stereo field: Coolers from front and turn around and record with them behind mic

• Move mic to follow action or keep it still and capture action as it moves along to keep the perspective

Commandment 9

• Check all your gear before going out to record

• Extra batteries

• Extra memory cards

Commandment 10

• Be aware of copyright

• Just because a band lets you record them, they may not own the underlying composition/lyrics

• Recorded music in the background may be illegal to use

• Almost every sound is copyrighted or trademarked

• Talent and voice-over release

• Take my IP law class