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P
O I N T S
What you need to know
about sound to avoid
problems later
The audio you recorded during the filming must be
mixed later, which generally involves editing and sound
adjustment. Give yourself several options including
bac
some "
kup" during the recording process and
try to record the audio with a low signal-to-noise (S/
N) ratio. This page contains tips to help you avoid
problems with the sound later.
Level and impedance
PA outputs usually provide a signal level between
0dB and +4dB. Almost all mixers and decks for
recording are designed to work with this signal level.
The signal may need attenuation before connecting
to consumer level devices. By contrast, some simple
PA systems have outputs which use standard phone
jacks or RCA pin connectors. While it is useful to have
conversion plugs and cables on hand, it is best to
choose equipment which can accept a wide variety of
connectors like the EDIROL R-44.
Good sound is highly dependent on recording at the
optimum recording level. The results will be next to
useless if you exceed this level. Try to determine the
optimum recording level during rehearsal. If you use
equipment capable of 4-channel recording, reduce the
Left and Right outputs by -10dB. This precaution is
often taken by professionals.
■Make a separate "backup recording" with different sound levels
Stage
042
O
F
A
D V I C E
PA mixing console
What to do about noise
Some venues are a hotbed of noise. The main sources
of noise are lighting and wireless devices, which can
find its way into your recordings. Although you can't
eliminate it completely, there are some measures that
can be taken.
If you must extend your audio cables, use the
balanced Cannon (XLR) type cables mentioned earlier.
If the output is a non-balanced standard phone jack,
connect it as close as possible to a direct box (BOSS
DI-1). This converts the signal to a balanced line which
can then be extended.
The next consideration is the electrical power sources.
We tend to simply look for the nearest wall socket,
but they are for general use and other connected
devices can sometimes introduce noise. When
possible, request a separate electrical circuit from the
venue management in advance to reduce this risk. In
a case such as this, it may be a non-standard C-type
connector. You must request a conversion cable from
the venue to use it as a normal socket.
Mixer
AUDIO
When you are concentrating on filming video, you cannot
monitor the recording level. By using a 4-channel recorder, you
can record two separate stereo signals from the same audio
mixer, but record one set at a lower level. Even if spikes in the
audio cause distortion, the lower level recording should be safe.
The DI-1 direct box is
available from BOSS
Higher level
4-Channel Portable
Recorder
R-44
Lower level
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