Production: Some Sound Advice
When working on a video project, the sound or audio portion of the project often becomes a “stepchild” and gets neglected. What you need to realize is that audio is 50% of your final product. Why spend extra money on an awesome location with professional on-camera talent, and then record the audio with a cheap microphone on the camera? Recording quality audio in the field is just as important as making sure your video looks spectacular.
With today’s technologies, there are many different microphones to choose from and each has a purpose. Just as every video camera has a different look to it, every microphone has a different sound. Lavalier microphones clip onto the talent, can be wired or wireless, and will not pick up as much surrounding sounds. Shotgun microphones are more directional, are usually mounted on a pole, and sound more realistic or natural. There are also handhelds, table top, parabolic, PZM and a whole host of other microphone choices. Every microphone has its application and that may change with every situation.
Having a professional sound person in addition to the camera operator can be a distinct advantage. The microphone of choice might be specific to where your location is. Every room has a sound or “room tone.” Stop for a moment and listen: is there an air conditioner or ventilation fan, traffic noise, construction nearby, a fluorescent light buzz, or other sounds that you hear everyday and disregard? The microphones will pick them up and degrade the quality of your recording.
Remember, a well produced video has 2 parts: picture AND sound. If you’re going to spend the time, effort and money to make your project look good, you should put just as much energy into making it sound top-notch. When you’re on location, it’s easy for everyone to watch the video monitor and see what’s being done. Take a moment and ask the sound person what’s going on in those headphones they are wearing. If the monitor looks great and the sound person is smiling, chances are your project will look AND sound great.
