Sound Design Operation and Control

“File:Zoom H4n audio recording levels.jpg” by LivingShadow is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

The eye draws us outwards while the ear draws us inwards. – Robert Bresson

Goal

Understand and use common audio research, planning, preparation, and recording tools and techniques for film sound

Zoom Audio Deck Settings

Interface
- Stereo Microphones
- Mode Indicator LED
- Shortcut Buttons
- Input Select
- Transport Control
- Record
- SD Card
- Microphone Inputs
- Headphone Port
- Output Port
Settings
- Phantom Power
  - Power for condenser microphones at 48v (dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58 do not need phantom power)
- Mono Mix
  - Only one audio channel is mixed into two channels, the same sound is on each channel
- Record Format
  - WAV96kHz/24bit – highest quality
  - WAV44.1/16bit – CD quality, good for longer recording sessions
- File Name Format
  - Use the DATE option (example: 170131-001.wav)
  - Helps keep files organized
- Battery Options
  - Alkaline/Lithium
  - Ni-MH (only used for rechargeable batteries)
    - Our blue Eneloop batteries, more info
- Recording Modes
  - Stereo
    - Left and right recorded stereo audio
  - 4 Channel
    - 4-channel recording simultaneously
    - Watch this tutorial: Zoom H4n Tutorial Review 4 Channel Recording with 2 stereo WAV files
  - MTR
    - Multitrack mode
    - Watch this tutorial: Zoom H4n: MTR mode and Overdubbing
- Record Levels
  - Adjust the loudest level to -6dB (DO NOT PEAK IN THE RED)
  - -6 gives headroom for the recording
- Headroom
  - Safety zone allowing transient audio peaks, loud parts, to exceed the nominal level without damaging the system or the audio signal, e.g., via clipping
- Nominal Level
  - The operating level at which an electronic signal processing device is designed to operate
- Clipping
  - Waveform distortion occurs when an amplifier is overdriven and attempts to deliver an output voltage or current beyond its maximum capability

Zoom Audio Deck Tutorial

: Rode NTG2 Shotgun Mic Overview
7:18: XLR Audio Cable
7:35: Zoom H4n Buttons, Inputs, and Outputs Overview
9:00: Front Screen Overview
9:45: Bottom XLR, 1/4 inch, and Power Inputs
10:05: Menu Details
- 10:15: Folder Settings
- 10:21: File Settings
- 10:32: Input Settings
  - 10:40: Phantom Power Setting (Use 48v)
    - Phantom power uses more battery
  - 10:55: Mono Mix
- 11:30: Record Settings
  - 11:35: Record Format
    - WAV96kHz/24bit – highest quality – larger file size
    - WAV44.1/16bit – CD quality – smaller file size for longer recording sessions
  - 11:50: File Names
    - Recommend using date as file name
- 12:05: System
  - 12:09: Battery
    - Alkaline and Lithium batteries use the same setting
    - Ni-MH are rechargeable batteries
      - Only set this setting if you are using rechargeable batteries!
      - Watch more about this from –
- 12:43: SD Card – Formatting
- 12:50: USB – Connecting to Computer
- 12:51: Mode – Stereo, 4 Channel, MTR
13:03: Plug in Microphone
13:42: How to Operate Zoom with Microphone Plugged in
- 13:49: Tap the Record Button
- 14:47: Setting Audio Levels
  - Adjust so loudest level is -6dB
  - YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE THE AUDIO PEAK or DISTORT
- 17:37: The Stop Button
17:49: Downloading Audio to a Computer
18:29: Setting up a Boom Pole
- 19:49: Cable Management
21:03: Batman Demo Recording
- 21:18: Get Your Frame
  1. Get the mic just out of the frame, but as close to the mouth as possible
  2. Hold the mic above the talent, if possible
22:33 Set your recording levels by having the talent practice the loudest lines
- - 22:47 REMEMBER TO SET PEAK LEVELS TO -6 dB
- 23:00 Role audio
  - Audio recorder states: “Scene 1, Take 1” (as an example)
  - The slate is clicked, or hand clap, to create a nice sharp audio wave to aid in post-production audio syncing
  - Director says action

Setting for Our OMF Files

Create a folder to save all the files into
Title the OMF file something simple
Set Sample rate: 48,000
Set Bits per sample: 16
Set Files: Separate Audio
Set Format: Broadcast Wave

Product

Blog post with embedded video from YouTube of the various audio techniques demonstrated and explained

Examples

Coming soon…

Steps

Watch Top 10 Best Sound Designed Films of All Time – CineFix (14:30)
Watch Microphones & Audio Syncing Tutorial – Indy News from 2:00 into the clip (5:26)
Create blog post titled, Audio Deck Operation and Control
- Create headings for:
  - Summary
  - Sound Design for Film Notes
  - Zoom Audio Deck Settings
  - Zoom Audio Deck Tutorial
  - Timeline
  - Pre-production
  - Production
  - Post-production
  - Film (Project Skills Evidence)
  - What I Learned and Problems I Solved
Copy and paste all the material for the Zoom Audio Deck Settings and Zoom Audio Deck Tutorial into your blog post
Watch Filmmaking 101 – How to Record High Quality Audio on a Budget by DiCasaFilm (25:15)
Embed video and Watch Music & Sound Design for Film – Film Riot 1st half of the clip (up to 5:45 minutes) and take notes about under the Sound Design For Film Notes heading
Embed video and Watch Export OMF from Adobe Premiere Pro CC and take notes about under the Sound Design For Film Notes heading
- Le Duc’s OMF video tutorial
Watch and practice How To Properly Roll Cable by Randy Coppinger (1:03)
Watch some of the other tutorials linked in the Resources section below to better prepare for your specific audio recording needs
Get a copy of the Zoom H4n Audio Deck Settings Form (PDF)
- Fill in with your settings for all audio projects
Write a script that includes a shot reverse shot script with 5 lines for each actor
- The lines shot be easy to ADR, which will be done in post-production
- The point of the film is to demonstrate what you have learned about basic audio recording and operations as a reference for yourself in your blog
Storyboard each shot
Block each shot
Pitch storyboards
Revise storyboards
Create the shot list for the project
- Shot List Creation for a Blog Post video tutorial
Create an equipment list
Practice each shot, update the script, as needed
Gather equipment; audio deck, microphone(s), camera, lens, lights, bounce, diffuser, etc.
Create a shot log
Shoot each scene
Catalog shots
Edit shots in Adobe Premiere
Export OMF files from Premiere
- Settings
  - Create a folder to save all the files into
  - Title the OMF file something simple
  - Sample rate: 48,000
  - Bits per sample: 16
  - Files: Separate Audio
  - Format: Broadcast Wave
Import files into Adobe Audition
Edit in Adobe Audition
Import finish sound back into Premiere
Export in the highest resolution possible
Upload to YouTube
Embed under the Project Skills Evidence heading
Write the Summary
Write What I Learned and Problems I Solved
Have someone proofread your blog post, make corrections, and additions, and hand in your feedback form