Audio Recording: a Wrap

Sound Recording Exercise; A three-way interview out in the field and in a simulated studio setting:
In the evening sun, things couldn’t have bene more relaxing. And for three newly christened sound recordist walking around the CBD, it seemed fit that the best thing to compliment this moment was a smooth chocolate milkshake. But class being class… there was in addition, some other things to do. Enjoy.

Hiding away deep in Building 80, the three of us sat. After being charged with finding a quite space to make a simulated “studio” sound recording, opposite the switchboards in a forgotten nook seemed our best bet. Today’s practical dealt with sound. We were given microphones and began to master the many elements of good audio recording. This included the advantages of different types of microphones, the process of changing the pick-up patterns and appropriately setting the audio gain to suit a particular recording scenario.

Microphones can record sound uni, bi and omnidirectionally. These each have their merits. For example, a bi -directional mikes are ideal for a two-party interview since they can effectively pick up two voices from different directions. Microphones also vary in their patterns of sensitivity. These patterns are split into three groups:
While the rounded sensitivity pattern of the cardioid is ideal for relatively controlled performances such as singing, the very directional hyper-cardioid microphone is more adept at picking up audio from further distances. Thus, the hyper-cardioid has applications in field news recording where ideal studio conditions are impossible to achieve and the subject may be further away from the device.

A note on gain: it could ruin your life. Setting the correct gain is very important for each recording scenario. Incorrectly adjusted gain can yield pretty yucky clipping and you’ll know it when you hear it. In order to ensure proper adjustment, having reference headphones at all times is essential, so you know exactly what you are recording:

Forget about it mate. Note how the waveform is clipped at the top and bottom.

Now we’re talking. A decent sized waveform with no clipping indicates well-adjusted gain.

Cover  image acquired royalty free, screenshots, diagrams  by Michael Firus.