Technical Skills Development

Sound recording

Technical features

Sound recording is an electrical/mechanical inscription and re-creation of sound waves, such as spoken voice, singing, instrumental music, or sound effects. The two main classes of sound recording technology are analog recording and digital recording. Acoustic analog recording is achieved by a small microphone diaphragm that can detect changes in atmospheric pressure (acoustic sound waves) and record them as a graphic representation of the sound waves on a medium such as a phonograph (in which a stylus senses grooves on a record). Analog sound reproduction is the reverse process, with a bigger loudspeaker diaphragm causing changes to atmospheric pressure to form acoustic sound waves.

Digital recording and reproduction converts the analog sound signal picked up by the microphone to a digital form by a process of digitization, allowing it to be stored and transmitted by a wider variety of media. Digital recordings are considered higher quality than analog recordings not necessarily because they have higher fidelity (wider frequency response or dynamic range), but because the digital format can prevent much loss of quality found in analog recording due to noise and electromagnetic interference in playback, and mechanical deterioration or damage to the storage medium. A digital audio signal must be reconverted to analog form during playback before it is applied to a loudspeaker or earphones etc.

The Equipment & Properties

Before beginning filming, the decision whether audio is required to be recorded onto the video tape or not needs to be made. Features such as, MiniDV, HDV, DVCPro or even the new tapeless systems, you get the choice of recording onto the camera, or onto an external device like a hard disk recorder or a laptop. Both methods has their advantages, as the mic (amps) on digital video cameras doesn’t usually give the best possible results, however the sync can be mostly reliable. But with an external device you can achieve as many channels of audio as you like.

In regards to the type of mic used, a decent shotgun condenser is considerably useful. Also a wireless tie-clip mic can be exceptionally versatile as they can be hidden on the actors and capture a very clean sound. A boom pole would be vital for the mic, and the most important device is the suspension mount for the mic, as these prevent any physical knocks and such which can affect the recording.

Also a fluffy cover for the mic would be essential to stop the wind from causing any practical problems.

Finally, a significant prop would be an adequate set of headphones, which are bound to be useful when shooting in noisy environments. Therefore the frequency and closed design would need to be taken into account.