Audio Workshop

Hey all,

Just finished an Audio workshop that went on for a few hours, giving me a deep dive into what good audio sounds like and how to get it right while recording, rather than relying too much on post-processing.

Audio is something that is quite important to videos. Some might say it is even the aspect that pushes a video to the next level. Of course, a lot matters on the kit the viewer uses but crisp, undisturbed and clear audio is good for everyone regardless of speaker or headphone. While audio recording might sound easy (just point the microphone at that person...), there is a lot too it once you get more professional. During the workshop, we experimented with different gear and settings. The results can be surprising. In one instance, merely by pointing the mic towards the chest of the recorded person, rather than the mouth, we were able to get a much richer and warmer voice, with a lot less interfering hissing, breathing and p/s sounds. Obvious in retrospect, one might say. 

On the picture, to the left, you see my audio recorder. It's a simple Zoom H1. Now this is an entry level recorder that I've been using for a year now. It's not perfect, but I got very good value out of it. Walking and clambering through planes, this small recorder is very helpful paired with the Lavalier mic I use. The problem, in the long term, is that it does have its limitations. To overcome those though, I would need to revamp my kit. Something like the Zoom H6 (shown to the right) would work. This would need to be paired with a wireless set since it is too bulky to use otherwise. How it would work is that my Lavalier would go into a small transmitter (about the size of the Zoom H1) and that would be sending the audio to a receiver paired to the H6. Of course, this would also require the camera man (or a third audio technician) to work this device. This equipment is as much tech as it is manpower based. 

All in all, it was a very enlightening experience. While I can't throw money at new equipment right now without a plan, having been able to play with this kit and see how it works without having to actually buy it was very helpful. Good to know was also that the audio I am currently getting, through my Zoom H1, is still pretty good. 

That is all for now. Thanks very much for your support and as always, if you have any comments or questions let me know!

o7
Bis