Checking Level - Sony PD 150 Shooting Manual

PD 150 shooting guide
buzz & handling noise when using a mic physically attached to the camera. Normally leave it off, but if you hear
the hum or buzz from the camera, you could try switching it on.
There is a wind noise reducer setting in the 'Camera set' menu which reduces bass and is best left switched off
unless you're in a car with a low humming engine, or in very windy conditions.

52. CHECKING LEVEL

When checking level make sure you are in circumstances as close to the real situation as possible, with the mics in
their operational positions and people speaking as they will for the take. You will not be able to see the meters
whilst filming (assuming AGC on) so it's essential to monitor all the time on headphones.
53. MICROPHONES
The camera's supplied mic is not very good quality, and has a low output. Ideally use a better external
microphone.
As the camera supplies power to many mics, you don't need batteries in them. Radio mics are the exception.
Positioning of microphones is very important, and can make the difference between a quality recording and an unusable
one. Generally speaking the closer the microphone to the source sound the better the final recording, as sound falls off very
quickly with distance. If the distance between a sound source and a microphone is doubled, then the sound level picked up
by the microphone is only a quarter of the original. At three times the distance the sound will be a ninth of the original and so
on.
There are three types of microphone most commonly used for DV filming, each of which has different qualities and is best
suited to different situations. It is important to select the right microphone, or combination of microphones for the job in
hand. The following sections give information on each type of microphone and their use.
54. STICK MICROPHONES
Stick microphones are the type commonly used by reporters. They are omni-directional, meaning that they collect sound
from all directions into the top of the microphone and so rely on being close to the source sound. This normally means that
they have to be in shot. They are usually dynamic microphones which means they do not require batteries or power of their
own. They are robust and therefore useful emergency standbys, they are commonly able to record high sound levels
without breaking up and are fairly resistant to wind noise, though a foam windshield can be added if needed. Be careful to
avoid handling noise and noise transmitted up the cable.
55. PERSONAL MICS
Personal mics which are also known as clip mics or tie mics, are cabled microphones designed to be clipped to a
contributor's clothing. They are omni-directional so rely on proximity to the source sound.
Personal mics are sensitive to wind noise; some come with a metal mesh cover, otherwise always use a foam cover on the
microphone head.
Your contributor's clothing will greatly affect the positioning of a clip mic and therefore the sound quality achievable.
Attaching a personal mic to a T-shirt collar will always result in a slightly muffled sound and there is the danger of picking up
internal sounds from your contributor, so be careful that the mic doesn't rest on the contributor's vocal cords. The best
position is at chest height or slightly above, so that the mic is close, but not so close that the contributor's head movements
affect it. If you are going to place the mic off centre, perhaps on a jacket lapel or on one of two people in a conversation
make sure you clip the microphone on the side the speaker will favour, not the side the speaker will turn away from. It may
be advantageous to point the microphone head downwards, so as to reduce the affect of air movement down the chest and
if the cable can be secured in the back of the clip this will help to prevent cable borne noise reaching the mic. Take care to
ensure that the microphone does not rub against other items of clothing or jewellery. Spend some time concealing the
cable, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to ensure that your contributor does not play with the cable during filming.
Don't be tempted to shove the cable into a pocket or waistband - if the cable is crushed or twisted your recording may be
affected.