Audio for Single Camera Operation

Front Cover
Taylor & Francis, 2003 - Computers - 204 pages

In the last decade a greater demand has been placed on cameramen to record sound as well as pictures on location. For anyone wanting to learn about the basics of recording sound, specific to single camera location work this book provides an ideal grounding. It covers the equipment a single operator would use, methods and examples of how to learn sound techniques and ways of successfully working alone. While it offers an account of audio theory, including post-production it also explains the essential audio technology basics. Covering typical techniques including live broadcasting, it teaches practical everyday instruction on what microphones to rig, how to sound balance everyday news, magazine and current affairs etc.

Techniques are explained and laid out in an accessible format supported by diagrams and are organised in easy to browse topics for quick reference. The author's approach is clear yet comprehensive, offering real hands-on experience of the skills involved in broadcast audio. This manual is seen as a basic, practical introduction to tackling the problems of recording sound on location as a cameraman, thus providing the necessary experience and knowledge required of everyday operation.

 

Contents

About the author
10
Acknowledgements
11
Introduction
13
1 Im all ears theoretically
16
2 Sound measurement
22
power and audio facilities
28
track selection and magnetic recording
36
sound levels
40
shooting
122
mixer
126
track selection 132
132
mixing mics
136
practical exercises d and e
140
balancing
142
pole operation
144
multiple contributors
148

sound metering
44
external facilities
48
types in common location usage
56
cables and radio
66
placement with regard to speech
74
use of clip mic for seated interview
78
practical listening exercise a mic quality
82
practical listening exercise b mic placement and sound discrimination
86
14 Sound balance and location acoustics
88
15 Recording for the edit
90
16 Safety
92
mic placement overview and static operation
98
specific location scenarios
108
use of headphones
114
tracks levels and practical exercise c
118
mics and placement
156
mixer
160
31 Live broadcasting
162
32 Digital sound
166
33 Timecode
170
34 Prelocation equipment check
174
35 Fault finding
176
36 Equipment
180
technical information and operational summaries
186
38 Call sheet details
190
39 Insurance
196
Appendix A Industry associations and societies
198
Appendix B Bibliography
199
Appendix C Terminology
200
Copyright

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About the author (2003)

A BBC-trained Freelance Lighting Cameraman and Consultant, Tony Grant is known for his clever workshops and courses on production and technical crafts. He has a career that covers Drama, Light Entertainment, Sport, Corporate, and Commercials, Trails and Promotions - from the BBC to Indies and ITV. He assesses NVQs in camerawork and runs a six camera capable Outside Broadcast unit as well as turning up on the business-end of cameras on studio, location, single and multi-camera assignments. He has run many training courses at Ravensbourne College, and also writes regularly for Zerb magazine and TV Buyer.