Sound recording

Sound recording basics

When recording sound for a project, it's important to consider factors such as environment and equipment to ensure the best quality of audio. This means making sure that there is no external noise where it's unneeded / unprofessional, and making sure to use quality equipment to pickup a wide variety of frequencies and achieve the most accurate sound. 

Sound environment 

The environment in which sound is recorded is very important, and can make a huge impact on how the raw audio sounds. For example, it's better to record in a room without a running fan, as the microphone will pick up the humming. Normally, you wouldn't notice it, however it becomes very obvious when listening back to the audio. Most professional projects will have a sound-proofed room, or recording studio.

Sometimes, a team will use natural environments to their projects advantage. A common example is churches are built in a way where sound reverberates to make choir singing sound better, which means the audio will need less post-editing. Another example would be to record outside, picking up the natural ambience without having to add other sounds in post production.

Sound recorders

Zoom H4

• Has 2 microphones, can record in stereo
• Normal sized SD card, easier to use
• Can have 2 external microphones plugged in 

Cons

• Not user friendly, doesn't remember settings

Zoom H1N

Audio engineering 

Adobe Audition is software which can be used to edit audio files in basic ways, such as adding bass or treble . In the screenshot, you can see that the audio levels cut off at the top & bottom. This is because the audio had peaked, likely because we were talking to close into the sound recorder. We were recording in the elevator, to reduce background noise however the sounds of the elevator moving were picked up. 

This recording, though it wasn't as long as the other one, was recorded at a better level than the initial one, despite being quieter than the ideal level

Audio manipulation

The first result of audio manipulation, changing the volume levels when the storyteller begins to speak, and bringing it up again when she is finished. 

The second video expands on the concept of the first video, placing both background music and narration over a clip of somebody jumping into a swimming pool. The music fades out alongside the video, after the volume is lowered and made louder, based on when the narrator is speaking.