DIY Network

Recording High-Quality Sound Recording High-Quality Sound From "Making Home Movies" episode DMHM-110

To record high-quality sound, a musician or a home moviemaker once had to rent either studio time or expensive equipment to capture a live performance. Then came the computer, and with it a sound revolution. Now high-quality sound can be produced with a basic stereo microphone connected to a standard computer.

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	Software menu.
	Audio input meters.
	Figure A
	Exterior microphone.
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Microphone switch for mic range.
	Figure E

Computers have opened all sorts of doors for musicians and home moviemakers. For example, it used to be if you wanted to hear your child playing piano, you were doomed to the relatively poor quality sound captured by the camera microphone built into the top of the video camera. As good as the image is, the tinny nature of the sound would detract from the viewing. Also, every time the camera was moved, it affected the sound quality because the distance between the camera and the piano varied.

Luckily, times have changed. Currently there are several new types of software available that can turn a computer into a portable recording and editing studio. And this software is fairly inexpensive, averaging between $50 to $200, depending on the options. The program used here has a number of options and cost approximately $200.

Today we're joining musician Troy Campbell at a local club in San Antonio (figure A) for the recording of an acoustical performance. He is joined by audio engineer Mike Traylor, who will monitor the recording. The performance will be recorded directly into a computer, after which they will select and fine-tune one of the songs, using sound-editing software. The total cost of the equipment used will cost between $100 and $400, excluding the laptop computer, and includes the editing software, a stereo microphone with a stand and a pair of headphones to monitor the audio.

• Many people feel intimidated about translating concert sound into a computer, but there are simple software programs available with basic options. If you use primarily the defaults, you'll end up with a high-quality soundtrack.

• Other than software, it's important to have a good-quality stereo condenser microphone since it will channel the sound. For most computers made in the past few years, there is a line microphone input port that lets you plug the microphone into the computer and start recording. Every video camera comes with a built-in microphone (figure B), but if you are serious about making high-quality movies, it's worth the investment to upgrade to a second microphone that connects to the camera. This exterior microphone provides much higher audio quality than the camera microphone.

• Before using, always double-check that all cables are in place to connect the computer to the microphone (figure C).

• Input meters in the software program visually register the sound from the microphone. Always check to ensure the audio is cleanly entering the computer.

• For this concert recording, a stereo microphone is used that costs about $200. It can connect to an amplifier, a computer (figure D) or a video camera, making it quite versatile.

• A stereo microphone has an important built-in feature, a switch that allows you to control the microphone range. It can be set to either 90 or 180 degrees. If set at 180 degrees it will capture all the sound in front of the microphone from the far left to the far right; at 90 degrees it will narrow the range. In this case, to record a musician on stage, the 90-degree setting is used, since the sound to the left and right is not needed for the recording.

• If the microphone is used to interview someone, use the 180-degree setting, because the microphone will be fairly close to the subject's mouth, and it's necessary to record the full range of his voice.

• Another option for an interview is the lapel or lavalier microphone (figure E), which costs about $200. It clips onto the subject's shirt or blouse and allows the subject to be videotaped without a distracting microphone intruding into the picture. This type of microphone contributes to a more natural shot, and it also allows the interview subject to relax since he won't have to concentrate on holding a microphone while talking.

• If you use either a handheld or a lapel microphone, an audio adapter will probably be needed to plug it into a video camera. Although the exact adapter may vary slightly from model to model, typically it's a device that reduces the size of the microphone plug. These are available at camera or electronics stores and cost approximately $40.
  
  
  
• If you are taping a performance to a camera as well, attach a cable from the computer or recording device to the camera.

Graphic: 90-degree mic setting for stage recording.

Graphic: mic with 90-degree range.

Graphic: mic with 180-degree range.

RESOURCES :

IMAC Computer
POWERBOOK laptop computer
IMOVIE editing software
Apple Computer Inc.
Website: apple.com

Tripods
3433 Fluid Head
755B MDVE Video Tripod
522A Sony LANC Remote
700RC2,756BK MDVE Tripod w/head
714B Digi Tripod
Bogen Photo Corp.
Website: www.bogenimaging.us

Canon Digital Camcorders
Canon USA Inc.
Website: usa.canon.com
canondv.com

Video cameras
PD-150 camera and accessories
Vaio laptop
Flatscreen TV
Mini DV tapes
Sony Electronics Inc.
Website: www.sony.com

Photographic equipment
Precision Camera
Website: precision-camera.com

Media 100 editing software
Media 100 Inc.
Website: www.media100.com

Final Draft Professional Scriptwriting Software
Final Draft Inc.
Website: finaldraft.com

Video conversion devices
Adaptec, Inc.
Website: www.adaptec.com