How to Ensure Excellent Sound Quality

One of the things StudioNow expects from our filmmakers is excellent sound quality.  Here are a few tips on how to ensure that you get good, clean sound on your shoots:

•    When you arrive on location, put the "Filming In Progress" sign on the door so people entering the business are aware you’re shooting a video.  Hopefully they’ll take that as a cue to pipe down.

•    Next, choose a quiet location for the interview.  While you’d ideally like to have a completely silent place to do an interview, chances are you’ll be in a busy place with background noise.  (A little bit is OK, and may in fact help the viewer really experience the atmosphere of the place.)  Try shooting in an office or hallway if the background noise is overpowering. 

•    If you have to shoot outside, choose a location with the least amount of wind.  You can also add a small windscreen to the mic.

•    Use a lavalier mic.  For most StudioNow shoots, a lav mic is your best bet.  It allows you to focus on your camerawork rather than worry about holding a boom mic in place.  (For aesthetic purposes, be sure to hide the cord.)

•    Test your mic before the shoot.

•    Aim the mic toward the interviewee's mouth. 

•    Do a sound check before each interview.  Adjust your levels accordingly (Techie Note: your primary audio for interviews should peak at -6 db, with ambient sound peaking between -12 to -18 db).

•    Remove dangly earrings or jewelry.  Even if it isn’t touching the microphone, jewelry such as a charm bracelet can compete with a good sound bite. 

•    Pull clothing back from the mic.  As the interviewee shifts around, so does their clothing, creating a chance for it to rub against the mic.

•    Bring your headphones to the shoot.  Listen for any mic hits or frequency interference.  Adjust during the interview if you need to.

•    Don’t be afraid to ask a merchant to repeat a line.

•    Be aware of outdoor noise like thunder, airplanes, traffic.

•    This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worthy of being included here.  Throw in a couple of extra batteries, just in case yours decide to conch out during the shoot.