Sound Equipment Sound Equipment WorkshopWorkshop

SFU Fraser LibrarySFU Fraser LibrarySpring 2009Spring 2009

AgendaAgenda Equipment ListEquipment List About MiniDisc and MiniDisc ModelsAbout MiniDisc and MiniDisc Models MiniDisc Recording Activity MiniDisc Recording Activity Microphone Categories and Polar PatternsMicrophone Categories and Polar Patterns Microphone ModelsMicrophone Models Recording SoundRecording Sound Transferring Audio from MD to PC/MACTransferring Audio from MD to PC/MAC Sound Effects LibrarySound Effects Library Hands-on recording tryoutHands-on recording tryout Questions and Pack-upQuestions and Pack-up

Audio Recording and Sound Effects ToolsAudio Recording and Sound Effects Tools

Available from the SFU Surrey Library:Available from the SFU Surrey Library: ~20 minidisk recorders including Sony MZ ~20 minidisk recorders including Sony MZ

R37SP, MZ N707, and MZ-NF810R37SP, MZ N707, and MZ-NF810 ~35 microphones including uni- and omni-~35 microphones including uni- and omni-

directional, shotgun, clip-ondirectional, shotgun, clip-on Book equipment up to 2 weeks in advanceBook equipment up to 2 weeks in advance Sound effects CD collection (a catalog is Sound effects CD collection (a catalog is

searchable/viewable online) – 2 hour bookingsearchable/viewable online) – 2 hour booking

Sony MZ R37SP Sony MZ R37SP

Released in 2000Released in 2000 Battery only version (no A/C)Battery only version (no A/C) Record in mono or stereo.Record in mono or stereo.

Sony MZ-N707 Sony MZ-N707

Released in 2002Released in 2002 Battery (AA) or A/C power capableBattery (AA) or A/C power capable SP/LP2/LP4 capableSP/LP2/LP4 capable Record in Mono or Stereo.Record in Mono or Stereo.

Sony MZ-NF810Sony MZ-NF810

Released in 2003Released in 2003 Battery (Sony) or A/C capableBattery (Sony) or A/C capable SP/LP2/LP4 capableSP/LP2/LP4 capable Record in Mono or StereoRecord in Mono or Stereo

MiniDisc (MD) RecordingMiniDisc (MD) Recording What is MiniDisc and how is it unique?What is MiniDisc and how is it unique?

High quality recording/re-recordingHigh quality recording/re-recording Up to 5 hours of audio on each minidiscUp to 5 hours of audio on each minidisc 16bit 44.1Khz16bit 44.1Khz Recording from various sources: Microphone, audio Recording from various sources: Microphone, audio

systems, PC/MACsystems, PC/MAC Converted to Sony’s native ATRAC (Adaptive Converted to Sony’s native ATRAC (Adaptive

Transform Acoustic Coding) formatTransform Acoustic Coding) format Compressed audio: using MDLP (Mini Disc Long Compressed audio: using MDLP (Mini Disc Long

Play) into ATRAC3 formatPlay) into ATRAC3 format• SP: ~ 80 minutes (data rate of 292Kb/s)SP: ~ 80 minutes (data rate of 292Kb/s)• LP2: ~160min, independent channel compression (132Kb/s)LP2: ~160min, independent channel compression (132Kb/s)• LP4: ~320min, joint-stereo compression (66Kb/s)LP4: ~320min, joint-stereo compression (66Kb/s)

MiniDisc Recording (cont’d)MiniDisc Recording (cont’d)

Tracks can be split, moved, combined, or Tracks can be split, moved, combined, or deleted easily.deleted easily.

Tracks and discs can be named.Tracks and discs can be named. Playback has skip prevention built in.Playback has skip prevention built in.

Microphone CategoriesMicrophone Categories

Stand microphoneStand microphone, for use either on a table , for use either on a table or a floor stand. The microphone is usually or a floor stand. The microphone is usually wired to an amplifier or recording device. wired to an amplifier or recording device.

Handheld microphoneHandheld microphone, which can be wired or , which can be wired or wireless. Handheld mics are often omni-wireless. Handheld mics are often omni-directional. directional.

Lapel microphoneLapel microphone (also called a lavalier), (also called a lavalier), either wired or wireless. either wired or wireless. Boom microphoneBoom microphone, , usually attached to a long pole, held overhead. usually attached to a long pole, held overhead.

Common Microphones Polar PatternsCommon Microphones Polar Patterns

What are they good for?What are they good for? Omni-directional: Omni-directional:

• provides maximum ambient pickupprovides maximum ambient pickup• Low sensitivity to pops and clicks.Low sensitivity to pops and clicks.• Can be hand-held, or used in a stand.Can be hand-held, or used in a stand.• Function:Function: Good for broad, or moving sound sources, and a Good for broad, or moving sound sources, and a

variety of musical applications such as voice and acoustic variety of musical applications such as voice and acoustic instruments.instruments.

Bi-directional:Bi-directional:• patterns are pointed outward at angles of approximately +/- patterns are pointed outward at angles of approximately +/-

45-60 degrees from the front of the microphone45-60 degrees from the front of the microphone• Normally used on stands.Normally used on stands.• Function:Function: Ideal for bi-directional sounds, 2-sided interviews. Ideal for bi-directional sounds, 2-sided interviews.

Common Microphones Polar PatternsCommon Microphones Polar Patterns Unidirectional – Cardioid, Supercardioid, Unidirectional – Cardioid, Supercardioid,

Hypercardioid, Shotgun:Hypercardioid, Shotgun:• Directional microphones that have a heart-shaped pattern Directional microphones that have a heart-shaped pattern

and is less sensitive to sound arriving from sources at angles and is less sensitive to sound arriving from sources at angles 90 degrees or greater away from its front. 90 degrees or greater away from its front.

• Provides max. pick-up of a source coming from a single Provides max. pick-up of a source coming from a single directiondirection

• Good rejection of room acoustics and background noise.Good rejection of room acoustics and background noise.• Better gain-before-feedback than omni mics in sound Better gain-before-feedback than omni mics in sound

reinforcement uses.reinforcement uses.• Cardioid microphones can be hand-held or attached to Cardioid microphones can be hand-held or attached to

stands. The more directional microphones often need hand-stands. The more directional microphones often need hand-held control, to keep them on target to the sound source.held control, to keep them on target to the sound source.

• Function:Function: Excellent for capturing Excellent for capturing warmwarm directional sound directional sound such as the voice of an interview subject or as an overhead such as the voice of an interview subject or as an overhead mic. The shotgun has the most side rejection and longest mic. The shotgun has the most side rejection and longest reach. It is often used in the film industry to isolate sound reach. It is often used in the film industry to isolate sound sources at a distance.sources at a distance.

Polar Pattern DiagramsPolar Pattern Diagrams

Omni-directional MicOmni-directional Mic

Audio-Technica ATM10aAudio-Technica ATM10a Frequency Response: 20 - 18,000 HzFrequency Response: 20 - 18,000 Hz Sensitivity: phantom -44 dB, battery -45 dBSensitivity: phantom -44 dB, battery -45 dB

• Ideal for group vocals, strings, cymbal overheads, acoustic guitar and piano • Omni pattern provides maximum ambient pickup • Extremely smooth, extended response on- and off-axis • Low sensitivity to popping and overload • Operates on battery or phantom power

X/Y Stereo MicX/Y Stereo Mic

Audio-Technica AT822Audio-Technica AT822 Frequency Response: 30 - 20,000 HzFrequency Response: 30 - 20,000 Hz Sensitivity: -45 dB Sensitivity: -45 dB

  • Ideal for DAT recording as well as television, FM and field applications • Compact, lightweight design is perfect for camera-mount use • Closely-matched elements provide the spatial impact and realism of a live sound field • Battery operation only

Cardioid MicCardioid Mic

Audio-Technica ATM31aAudio-Technica ATM31a Frequency Response 30 - 20,000 HzFrequency Response 30 - 20,000 Hz Sensitivity: phantom -44 dB, battery -45 dBSensitivity: phantom -44 dB, battery -45 dB

• Ideal for close-up vocals, overheads, piano and strings

• Sound is similar to far more expensive studio microphones

• Low-mass diaphragm ensures minimum distortion

• Cardioid pattern provides added warmth when used close up

• Operates on battery or phantom power

Mini Cardioid Mic (Lavalier Mic)Mini Cardioid Mic (Lavalier Mic)

Audio-Technica AT831bAudio-Technica AT831b Frequency Response: 40 - 20,000 HzFrequency Response: 40 - 20,000 Hz Sensitivity: phantom -44 dB, battery -45 dB  Sensitivity: phantom -44 dB, battery -45 dB  

• Clip-on lavalier mic also ideal for interviews, and also effective in acoustic guitar applications.

• Provides crisp, full-sounding voice and instrument pickup.

• Operates on battery or phantom power.

• 6' (1.8 m) cable permanently attached between microphone and power module.

Unidirectional (Shot-gun) MicUnidirectional (Shot-gun) Mic

Audio-Technica ATR55Audio-Technica ATR55 Frequency Response: 70 - 18,000 HzFrequency Response: 70 - 18,000 Hz Sensitivity: -56 dB Sensitivity: -56 dB

    • Designed especially for use with video cameras

• Two range settings: "Normal" for close- to medium-distance recording; "Tele" for long-distance pickup

• Permanently-attached 3' (0.9 m) cable terminated with a 3.5 mm mini-plug

NOTE: This is a mono microphone that needs to be connected to an MD recorder with a stereo adapter. Otherwise, the MD recorder must be switched to mono-mode.

Recording Sound with MD Recording Sound with MD Recorders and Recorders and Microphones – Microphones –

A Hands-on TutorialA Hands-on Tutorial

MD Recorder ControlsMD Recorder Controls There are no ON/OFF buttons.There are no ON/OFF buttons. The HOLD button, prevents changing settings by The HOLD button, prevents changing settings by

mistake.mistake. The END SEARCH button prevents recording The END SEARCH button prevents recording

over existing material.over existing material. The MZ-NF810 and MZ-N707 have a 5-way The MZ-NF810 and MZ-N707 have a 5-way

controller with an ENTER button in the midddle for controller with an ENTER button in the midddle for menu navigation.menu navigation.

The MZ-R37SP has arrow buttons on its face, The MZ-R37SP has arrow buttons on its face, with a separate ENTER button for menu with a separate ENTER button for menu navigation.navigation.

MD Recorder Display Window MD Recorder Display Window (NF-810)(NF-810)

1. Indicates time shown is REMAINING (- for track, with R for disc)

2. Time display 3. Battery level 4. animated icon shows disc in use

5. Syncro-recording indication 6. Recording indicator (flashes for pause)

7. LP2, LP4, MONO indicator 8. Level meter 9. text info display

10. Play mode indicator (shuffle, repeat, programmed, etc.)

11. Sound mode indication (virtual-surround or equalizer presets)

Making a Quick MD Recording Making a Quick MD Recording

1) Inserting MD Media1) Inserting MD Media

Slide catch to open the lid.Insert a minidisc with the label side facing front, press the lid down to close.

Make sure that the record-protect tab is closed

2) Plug in the microphone cable2) Plug in the microphone cable

The mini plug to the redjack on the recorder.

The female XLR connectorto the base of the microphone.

3) Set the MD recorder into RECORD mode3) Set the MD recorder into RECORD mode

Push and slide the redREC button, and release.

Talk into the microphoneas you hold it a maximumof 6 inches from your mouth.

4) Create your sound4) Create your sound

5) Stop the recording5) Stop the recording

Press the stop button when you are done.

6) Check your recording6) Check your recording

Plug the headset cable into the Plug the headset cable into the black mini jack on the recorderblack mini jack on the recorder

Put on the headset, and listen to your track by pressing the PLAY button on the recorder

Navigate back to your track by pressing the arrow keys.

Recording TipsRecording Tips For capturing most sound effects, it’s best to use a For capturing most sound effects, it’s best to use a CardioidCardioid or or

Uni-directionalUni-directional mic mic Battery-powered or condenser type microphones are more Battery-powered or condenser type microphones are more

sensitive than dynamic microphones.sensitive than dynamic microphones. Always use a set of Always use a set of headphonesheadphones for monitoring recording, don’t for monitoring recording, don’t

automatically trust the metering display.automatically trust the metering display. Listen for hiss/distortions/levels and Listen for hiss/distortions/levels and adjust recording equipment adjust recording equipment

settingssettings as necessary and/or change your mic! as necessary and/or change your mic! Record Record away from electronic equipmentaway from electronic equipment and fluorescent lighting and fluorescent lighting Use Use manual recording levelsmanual recording levels when needed. when needed. MDLP mode recordings will only work on MDLP-capable MDLP mode recordings will only work on MDLP-capable

devices, so devices, so stick to SPstick to SP unless LP is absolutely necessary unless LP is absolutely necessary LP mode also diminishes sampling quality, leaving you less sound to editLP mode also diminishes sampling quality, leaving you less sound to edit

Transferring audio from Transferring audio from MD to PC/MAC MD to PC/MAC

Making the ConnectionMaking the Connection

You must use a 1/8” (a.k.a. mini-jack or 3.5 mm) You must use a 1/8” (a.k.a. mini-jack or 3.5 mm) audio plug cable, included with recorder.audio plug cable, included with recorder.

Connect one end to the 1/8” headset jack on the Connect one end to the 1/8” headset jack on the minidisc recorder.minidisc recorder.

ACTIVITY: Making the connectionACTIVITY: Making the connection

If you are using a PC, insert one mini plug into the blue LINE INPUT jack on the back of the computer tower

If you are using an iMac (back) or eMac (side), insert one mini plug into the LINE INPUT jack.

Now, load your audio recording/playback software.Now, load your audio recording/playback software.On campus, On campus, Adobe Audition or Audacity on PC, Audacity Adobe Audition or Audacity on PC, Audacity or Soundtrack on Macor Soundtrack on Mac

Sound Effects LibrarySound Effects Library database of sound tracks on CDsdatabase of sound tracks on CDs search by keyword or CD seriessearch by keyword or CD series The SFU Library does not have every CD produced by The SFU Library does not have every CD produced by

this company but it has mostthis company but it has most http://www.sound-ideas.com:90/sfx/searchsfx2.html

Sound Effects SearchesSound Effects Searches

Questions?Questions?