questions about production sound

[Alee1207]

HI!

I have a few specific questions about recording production sound.

1. On our mixer (SHURE M267), above each input dial there is a LO CUT switch. What does that do? We've experimented, but to tell the truth, we've not noticed anything different. Should we shoot with the Lo Cut in or out?

2. The Mixer also has a LIMITER switch. We shoot with the Limiter in. Is the correct?

3. We are going to mic our actors with Lavs and run a shotgun to pick up ambient sound. The shotgun should be pointed away from the actor, right? It sounds echo'ey if it's picking up the dialogue that the lav is getting?

4. Last question. We've been experimenting with "sticky triangles" to put the lavs on the actors. Any other tips on getting good sound from a hidden, hardwired lav? Or other methods for hiding the lavs?

Thanks to anyone who can help!!

Alee

 

[Bob Kessler]

1. The lo cut switch rolls off the bass/low end, usually at 80hz. This can be a help if you are in a windy situation or near heavy traffic.

2. A limiter puts a ceiling (a top limit, hence the term limiter) on the volume level. This is to assist in preventing volume peak overloads which can cause distortion. Be careful in adjusting the peak level, if you make it too low the ambient noise could be recorded just as loud as the dialog. Unless you have a scene where there will be extreme ranges in volume it is best NOT to use limiting but to adjust the volume on the recorder (the camera, I assume).

3 & 4. There is a saying in Hollywood that the use of wireless microphones is more of a mystic art than it is a science, so use wireless lavs only as an absolute last resort. It is best not to use lavs unless you absolutely have to. And no matter what the shotgun mic should always be recording the dialog. Ambiences can be added in audio post. Here's good article about using lavs.

http://www.equipmentemporium.com/Lavarticle.htm

Then check out my blogs on the subject of production sound:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=111888913

PM me if you have any other questions.