| Setting
Up the Audio
Before
the production, questions are asked and answered in regards
to the audio equipment. What sound do we need - Interview,
background, ambiance? What mic do we need to bring?
There
are mics for each of these.
Lav
mic
Lav is short for a lavielier microphone. This is a
tiny mic that hooks to the persons shirt or collar. The
mic is very directional and is used for interviews.
Handheld
mics
Handhelds are mostly used for news. They are held in the
hand and can be used during interviews or for stand up comments
by the newsperson.
Boom or shotgun mics
These are very directional microphones used to pick up voices
or noises. They sit on top of the camera or are held by
the audio person. Some people do not like the look of the
lav mic on the person and so will use a boom mic to record
interviews or sound bites.
Wireless
or Hardwire
Each of the mics above can be Wireless or Hardwired. The
wireless mics use a VH or UVH signal to transmit the audio
back to the camera. Hardwires use an audio cable to send
the signal back to the camera. Wireless allows for freedom
of movement but may have crackles and the batteries may
run down. The hardwire ties the subject to the camera but
is the safest and cleanest sound.
Below
is a general list of items to consider for audio:
The
Mic - What microphone to use?
Mic placement - Where to put or hold the mic?
Cable or wireless - Do we need to have the person mobile?
If so, we use a wireless set up, if not, we use a cable
to go from camera to mic.
Lav or shot gun - Do we use a lav or a shotgun mic?
Purpose - What is the sound going to be used for? How is
it going to help tell the story?
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