Learning aim A

Unit 25 LEARNING AIM A = SOUND RECORDING

Introduction
A community media organisation has created to deliver training for young people to make
music and own a radio station in the local area. The association owns a variety of ranges of
professional sound recording equipment. I have been asked to provide information for young
people about how to record sound safely in a variety of situations.
I have been asked by the community media organisation to create an illustrated report, which
will be placed on their website which will clarify how sound is recorded and what equipment
is required for different situations. In order to be successful, the association has been
considering creating some spoken word products that are based on historical events but need
advice from me in this report.
P2 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MICROPHONES AND OPORATIONS FOR
SOUND RECORDERS
A microphone is a technical device which translates sound vibrations into the air into
electronic signals. This then creates them to a recording medium over a loudspeaker.
Microphones allow many types of audio recording devices which purposes them for
communications music, vocals, speech or sound recording. It also works by Sound waves
hitting a diaphragm that vibrates, a moving magnet near a coil.
We use microphones because it is essential tool for other things including films, public
speaking and many more which provides a high-quality sound which adds a lot of dimension,
emotion and excitement into anything you’re working on. It gives a vibrant sound which
target audiences will want to follow and may prevent disruptions when recording if you have
set up your microphone properly.
There are many different types of microphones when recording but there are your 2 main
ones which include Dynamic and Mono. The main difference is that condensers have better
frequency response and sensitivity than dynamic mics.
• A condenser microphone is a type of functional transducer that converts sound waves
(mechanical wave energy) into audio signals (electrical energy) through the
movement of a diaphragm in a fixed-charge capacitor-based capsule and electrostatic
ethics. Other classifications of a condenser mic include RF condenser mics, which
uses radio frequencies that make for better choice in humid conditions and electret
condenser mics which consume an existing power source which an example is a
mobile phone. People use mono microphones because it will make the subject of
whom you’re recording intelligible. This means that they can pick up greater sounds
at a longer distance than stereo microphones as the pick-up pattern is more focused on
that microphone.
• Dynamic microphone functions like a speaker in reverse (rewind). The diaphragm is
stimulated by changing sound pressure. This moves the coil, which causes current to
 flow as lines of flux from the magnet are cut. So, instead of putting electrical energy
into the coil (as in a speaker) you get energy out of it. Dynamic microphones are
capable of presenting high levels of pressure. This makes them outstandingly good for
recording loud sounds or even use in a live environment. They’re also very affordable
hence why people buy them too.

There are also further types of microphones too. These include:

 Ribbon
 PZM
 Noise cancelling.
 Radio microphone
 Dual encapsulation

 A ribbon microphone is a dynamic microphone where it uses a thin, eclectically

inductive piece of metal ribbon which is suspended. This is because there’s a strong
magnetic field which converts audio signals into sound waves. When the ribbon
vibrates, it creates a voltage that corresponds to the changes in the air velocity of a
sound source

 PMZ are pronounced as Piezoelectric boundary mics or pressure zone micsas they are
known, are one or more small omnidirectional orcardioid mics. These are often used
for boardroom meetings where sound is coming from multiple angles, or picking up
the voices of actors on stage as they can lie flat on the floor. They are important
because an advantage of this technology is the elimination of interference from
reflected sound waves. A standard microphone will pick up sound waves from the
primary source and also any reverberations, which can result in unnatural sound
reproduction.

 Noise cancelling detects and analyses the sound pattern of incoming noise and then
generates a mirror “anti-noise” signal to cancel it out. The end result is that you hear a
drastically reduced level of noise. An example of using a noise cancelling microphone
could be using a high-quality headsets using a noise-cancelling microphone which
will reduce background noise, allowing the person whom you’re talking to can hear
 your voice more clearly. This is very important, because the clearer your voice is, the
less information needs to be repeated, and your conversation will be more accurate.

 A radio microphone enables you to operate without a cable, using radio frequencies
between mic and a receiver. An example would be a television news provider which
use radio microphones to offer rapid coverage of developing stories through live and
recorded news reports "from the scene". Radio microphones normally use wideband
frequency curriculum to achieve the necessary audio performance for professional
use.

 A dual encapsulation is the aim to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by

increasing the signal (using a double back plate and double membrane) or reducing
the noise (using a sealed vacuum between two membranes). Up to date technology
allows us to utilize directionality to focus on the source of the audio by using two
points of reference. These dual microphones work together to identify where the
sound is coming from, and treat the audio differently depending on the defined
settings.

 A voice/ sound recorder is essentially a digital device that records sound, saves it in
file format, and transfers it to another device, such as a computer. Popular file types
include MP3 and Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF). Poor audio quality can make
or break your video production. It is frustrating for viewers to listen to a bad recording
and it makes your production come across as cheap.
  Sound – Inverse Square Law - In audio production, the inverse square law describes
the reduction of a sound's intensity over distance. The inverse square law states that
with every doubling of distance away from the sound source, the sound will be four
times less intense. This will lead onto every time you double your distance from the
light to your subject, you lose 75 percent of the light.

P1 SIGNAL PATHS, AUDIO LEVELS, DIGITAL SOUND

RECORDINGS, AUDIO FILE FORMATS
 Signal paths - A wire, or line, that carries an electrical or light pulse or frequency. The
signal path has the signal from the microphone pass from the microphone through
those (and potentially other) devices on the way to being recorded or amplified (or
both). Understanding signal flow makes it easier to solve problems while recording.
And if there's one thing, we all know about audio, there's always a problem. If you
don't really know what's going on with signal flow, you're going to waste a ton of
time fixing stuff.

 Audio levels - Sound level refers to various logarithmic measurements of audible

vibrations and may refer to: Sound exposure level, measure of the sound exposure of
a sound relative to a reference value. Sound power level, measure of the rate at which
sound energy is emitted, reflected, transmitted or received, per unit time. Audio levels
are incredibly important when creating content - poor audio levels will ruin your
footage no matter how incredible it is. Audio can sometimes be overlooked as you
spend most of your time focusing on an incredible shot or colour grading. So,
sometimes you just export and settle for average audio.

 Audio file formats – Audio formats are broadly divided into three parts:
Uncompressed Format. Lossy Compressed format. Lossless Compressed Format. An
audio file format is a file format for storing digital audio data on a computer system.
The bit layout of the audio data (excluding metadata) is called the audio coding
format and can be uncompressed, or compressed to reduce the file size, often using
lossy compression. Lossless audio is used in the event where you want to use the
original data in a file. Compression algorithms preserve audio data, so the audio is
exactly the same as the original source. This differs from lossy audio formats such as
AAC, MP3, and WMA, which compress audio using algorithms that get rid of data.

 MP3 may not be useful as you can lose significant data

 Digital sound recording - Digital sound recording, method of preserving sound in

which audio signals are transformed into a series of pulses that correspond to patterns
 of binary digits (i.e., 0's and 1's) and are recorded as such on the surface of a magnetic
tape or optical disc.

 Mono and stereo sound – Mono sound is when one channel is created to convert a
signal into any sound you want to make. Stereo sound is when there are multiple
channels which are used to convert multiple signals to any sound you want to make.
An importance of mono is that everyone hears the same signal. All listeners would
hear the system essentially the same sound level. This creates Mono sounds to be well
designed system which is ell used for speech reinforcement as they create a fantastic
space for speech intelligibility.
M1 MICROPHONE EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUES
Microphone equipment

A mount is a stand in which it holds a microphone into place when speaking into it.
 An important consideration is the way the microphone is held or mounted. A poorly
mounted mic can lead to all sorts of problems, whereas a well-mounted mic can lift
the audio quality significantly. Things to consider when mounting a mic include:
 The mic obviously needs to be correctly positioned, facing the required direction. You
should be able to reposition the mic if necessary.
 The mic must be safe, i.e. Won't fall over, get knocked, get wet, etc.
 The mic must be shielded from unwanted noise such as handling noise, vibrations,
wind, etc.
 Cables must be secure and safe. In particular, make sure no one can trip over them.

Tripod
 In photography, a tripod is a portable device used to support, stabilize and elevate a
camera, a flash unit, or other videographic or observational/measuring equipment. All
photographic tripods have three legs and a mounting head to couple with a camera.
They are important to use because the camera angle and framing becomes
 standardized for every shot you take. Which means that recording ill be a lot easier
and look more consistent.

Camera mounted
 Different mechanical mounting systems are used to connect a lens to a camera,
ensuring both good focus and image stability. The mount is defined by the mechanical
depth of the mechanics (flange focal distance), along with its diameter and thread
pitch (if present). This is important because it makes it quick and easy to attach and
detach lenses to the camera which you are using. It also allows for a ell fitted fit
which is good for high resolution cameras.

Boom/dolly mounted
 A long pole with a microphone attached, used to record participants who are being
filmed while allowing the operator to stay out of the shot. The best part about using a
boom pole with your shotgun microphone is that you'll capture great audio as close to
the sound source as possible without being in the frame. It is important because the
overhead positioning creates and helps the microphone get closer to the actors rather
than leaving the microphone mounted on the camera. It also reduces ambient sounds,
as angling the microphone helps reject background noise while putting actual
dialogue in the pickup zone.

Handheld options
 Hand-held Microphones. The term "hand-mic" generally means any microphone held
in the hand and used to pick up human speech. Hand-mics are used in a huge variety
of settings, from musical performances to television interviews. When you say
"microphone", most people picture a hand-mic. They are important because these
sorts of shots allow the operator to follow action very closely, creating a greater sense
of immediacy for the audience, and may copy the movement of a character in point of
view shots.

Lavalliere/belt packs
 A belt pack is a wireless radio microphone transmitter that usually has a lavalier mic
connected to it. It is typically used by strapping it to a person's waist or another body
part.
Wind shields
 It is a foam or fur cover of a microphone is called a windscreen. A windscreen
protects the microphone diaphragm from gusts of air. Without a windscreen, wind or
breathing can cause loud pops in the audio signal. Windscreens break up gusts of air
before they interact with the microphone diaphragm.

Pop shields
 Pop filters are designed to reduce plosives by reducing the force of the puffs of air
directed at the microphone. Pop filters can be made from different materials such as
nylon or metal, but they achieve the same effect. Its important because it helps to
reduce or eliminate popping sounds caused by the mechanical impact of fast-moving
air on the microphone from plosives during recorded speech and singing.

Sound recorder
A sound recorder is a device most commonly used to record speech for playback or to be
used I film for sound effects or dialogue. The sound recorder is essentially a digital device
that records sound, saves it in file format, and transfers it to another device, such as a
computer. Popular file types include MP3 and Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF).
Sound signals levels
 Amplitude - Amplitude, in physics, the maximum displacement or distance moved by
a point on a vibrating body or wave measured from its equilibrium position. It is equal
to one-half the length of the vibration path. 
 Pitch - pitch, in music, position of a single sound in the complete range of sound.
Sounds are higher or lower in pitch according to the frequency of vibration of the
sound waves producing them. 
 Hertz- The units of frequency are called hertz (Hz). Humans with normal hearing can
hear sounds between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Frequencies above 20,000 Hz are known
as ultrasound. When your dog tilts his head to listen to seemingly imaginary sounds,
he is tuning in to ultrasonic frequencies, as high as 45,000 Hz. 
 Tone - tone, in acoustics, sound that can be recognized by its regularity of vibration. A
simple tone has only one frequency, although its intensity may vary. 
 Phasing - Essentially, phase refers to sound waves — or simply put, the vibration of
air. When we listen to sound, what we're hearing are changes in air pressure. Just like
the ripple of a stone in water, sound is created by the movement of air. 
 Equalization -The measurement of frequency response that is measured on a graph  
 Impedance – This is a measure of the amount of opposition to the current flow in an
electrical circuit. The speaker impedance is usually measured in ohms and its essential
for amplifiers, Av receivers or speakers connected to each other because mismatched
impendence ill cause distortion.  It is therefore very important to match inputs and
outputs.  

 Input and output – I you think of audio input as signals going into a device, then
audio is something that translates an input signal into workable audio, which can be
heard and manipulated or edited.  

 Line level/ Mic level – with audio signals, sound is transferred as a voltage into our
mixers, audio interfaces, amplifiers and speakers.  

 Millivolts- the unit to measure a line level is millivolts. For example, the output
voltage of a microphone is very low. It is measured in milli-volts that is 1/1000th a
volt.  

frequency response
A frequency response is a range of sound that a microphone can reproduce and how its output
varies within that range. A microphone with a frequency response range of around 80 Hz to
15 kHz would make a good choice for a vocal mic. It is important because its the most
significant factor in determining the sound signature of a microphone. 

Sourcing sound equipment

Audio equipment includes microphones, radio receivers, AV receivers, CD players, tape
recorders, amplifiers, mixing consoles, effects units, headphones, and speakers. It is very
important that sound systems provide clear, clean, and reliable amplification. Feedback or
noise in the signal may go unnoticed by the presenter but can be very uncomfortable and
annoying to the attendees if it is constant.
Connecting procedures
Connection is important when recording film as you do not want
 Bad sound
 Miscommunication
 Film doesn’t go plan
 Doesn’t look professional
When recording you want the sound to sound crisp and clear, so the viewers have a positive
reaction to whatever your recording. For a successful performance, it is essential that all
the connections need to be put into place when filming or recording sound.
Recording level equipment
 Editing sound and the sound recorder
 A voice/ sound recorder is essentially a digital device that records sound, saves it in
file format, and transfers it to another device, such as a computer. Popular file types
include MP3 and Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF). Poor audio quality can make
or break your video production. It is frustrating for viewers to listen to a bad
recording, and it makes your production come across as cheap.
 Editing is important because if you want to sound authentic and distinct, editing is
important for you. It removes mistakes and awkward pauses. Without editing,
unwanted sounds and repetitive sentences may draw away the listener's attention from
where it is desired.

D1 – DIFFERENT SOUND ENVIRONMENTS – INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

 INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
 Outside sound recording tips
 Inside sound recording tips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBqFzhIy_yA
Inside
 Foam cover used to cut wind and any air movement noise
 Don’t use a ded cat because it helps keeping a low footprint
 Best mobile
 Most acoustically transparent
 Also a shotgun microphone is usually used to capture sound at a distance, meaning
that the microphone is trying to pick up low-level signals. This is why a quality
shotgun microphone needs to have sensitivity higher than those intended to pick up
close sources.
 Another good piece of equipment used for the indoors is a Pop shield. Pop filters are
designed to reduce plosives by reducing the force of the puffs of air directed at the
microphone. Pop filters can be made from different materials such as nylon or metal,
but they achieve the same effect. It’s important because it helps to reduce or eliminate
popping sounds caused by the mechanical impact of fast-moving air on the
microphone from plosives during recorded speech and singing. This would be
 beneficial if you’re recording inside no outside. It will keep your speech being soft
and clear when recording inside.
 Camera mounting may be important for inside sound recording or filming in general.
Different mechanical mounting systems are used to connect a lens to a camera,
ensuring both good focus and image stability. The mount is defined by the mechanical
depth of the mechanics (flange focal distance), along with its diameter and thread
pitch (if present). This is important because it makes it quick and easy to attach and
detach lenses to the camera which you are using. It also allows for a ell fitted fit
which is good for high resolution cameras.

 Dynamic microphone functions like a speaker in reverse (rewind). The diaphragm is

stimulated by changing sound pressure. This moves the coil, which causes current to
flow as lines of flux from the magnet are cut. So, instead of putting electrical energy
into the coil (as in a speaker) you get energy out of it. Dynamic microphones are
capable of presenting high levels of pressure. This makes them outstandingly good for
recording loud sounds or even use in a live environment. They’re also very affordable
hence why people buy them too.

Outside
 A long pole with a microphone attached, used to record participants who are being
filmed while allowing the operator to stay out of the shot. The best part about
using a boom pole with your shotgun microphone is that you'll capture great audio
as close to the sound source as possible without being in the frame. It is important
because the overhead positioning which it creates helps the microphone get closer
to the actors rather than leaving the microphone mounted on the camera. It also
reduces ambient sounds, as angling the microphone helps reject background noise
while putting actual dialogue in the pickup zone. = USE A BOOM POLE
 Use a ded cat
 10-12 mph wind protection
 Cause minor role off
 Always good practice to keep it lean
 Keeps high frequency reduced
 Gives it wind protection
  Windbreaker – water repellent
 A dead cat is an effective microphone windscreen. Unlike most plain
windscreens, dead cats feature fake “fur” to further reduce wind noise pickup in
the microphone. These windscreens are frequently utilized in outdoor recordings.
 Also, with being outside you will need a sound recorder A sound recorder is a
device most commonly used to record speech for playback or to be used I film for
sound effects or dialogue. The sound recorder is essentially a digital device
that records sound, saves it in file format, and transfers it to another device, such
as a computer. Popular file types include MP3 and Audio Interchange File Format
(AIFF).
 Shot gun microphones would also be very useful when attaching a ded cat to it
 A shotgun microphone is usually used to capture sound at a distance, meaning that
the microphone is trying to pick up low-level signals. This is why a quality
shotgun microphone needs to have sensitivity higher than those intended to pick
up close sources.

LOUD AND QUIET SETTINGS

LOUD QUIET
BOOM POLE SOUND RECORDER
SHOTGUN MICROPHONE POP SHEILD
SOUND RECORDER SHOTGUN MICROPHONE
DED CAT IF OUTSIDE HEADPHONES
POP SHEILD IF INSIDE
HEADPHONES