DIY Network

Placing the Microphone Placing the Microphone From "Making Home Movies" episode DMHM-110

Recording basics are the same whether you are recording a rock and roll band or a child's piano recital. Digital recordings are easy to remix with audio editing software, which captures sound digitally and has the option of remixing what is recorded once it is in the computer.

advertisement

	Computer time monitor.
	Sound meters on computer.
	Software graphic.

• When recording an event, give some thought to where to place the microphone. A good rule of thumb: If it sounds good to the ear, that's a good place to put a microphone.

• Practical considerations may mean that you can't put the microphone exactly where you want to, so there has to be a compromise between where it sounds best and where it's not going to be bumped into or get in someone's way. If the microphone is touched or bumped, it will effect the quality of the recording.

• The height of the microphone matters. For the stage recording the microphone is raised on a stand over the guests' heads to pick up more of the music and less of the ambient noise.

• Avoid placing the microphone near walls because the bass tends to bounce off the walls and create a booming sound. The center of the room is the ideal place for the microphone.

• Don't set the microphone next to speakers.

• Tape down microphone cords to prevent people from tripping over them.

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