audio for storyteller, 2 camera shoot

Tom Knight

Tom Knight

Active member
Hi,

I could use help thinking about a shoot I'm about to do on Saturday August 13th, 2011. It's a single storyteller, just using his voice. (No music.)

I have two DVX cameras and a Tascam DR-100. There will be a sound system. I believe the venue is a pavilion with 150 seats.

I plan to have one camera in back for the wide shot, and one in front for close-ups.

I hope to get a feed off of the board to either the DR-100, or one camera.

Any suggestions or advice would be welcome!


- Tom
 
Does a 150 seat pavilion need much sound reinforcement?
How are the venue sound people going to mike the presenter?

I would be somewhat concerned that what sound reinforcement people need (or can do) is not necessarily what you need to get good sound for video.

For example, they have to live within gain-before-feedback. But you don't have any such constraints.

For example, they don't necessarily need good coverage because it is only a small venue and they have natural (through the air) sound going for them. But you are completely dependent on whatever comes through the microphone.

I would plan on using my own sound coverage. Ideally, a wireless mic on the presenter, etc.
 
I would check with the sound person to see what kind of output they can give you. RCA? XLR? 1/4"? Then see that you have the correct adapters to run the signal to your recorder, and see that your recorders input can handle a most likely "Line Level" signal. Can the DR-100 do line level through the XLR inputs? Is it pro line level or consumer line level? These are the details you must know to make an educated plan. Never show up without talking to the sound person first.

It's good to have all these possible connectors in your bag at all times - they will save your butt when surprises come up. I have some "RCA to XLR" cables that are 3' that usually do the trick, as often sound people just offer me the "Record Out", which is consumer line level - not as hot as pro line level.

Another option is to slap a wireless lav on the guy if you have one.
 
Thanks for the tips, guys. I don't have a wireless lav (yet.) I do have a direct box that and cables which should help with getting the right connection. I'll try to get a good feed from the sound guy. The audio from the camera in front might be fine too.
 
Tom Knight said:
Thanks for the tips, guys. I don't have a wireless lav (yet.) I do have a direct box that and cables which should help with getting the right connection. I'll try to get a good feed from the sound guy. The audio from the camera in front might be fine too.
Click to expand...
Camera audio might be fine? ... not very likely. Remember that the story-teller's voice IS the purpose of the performance ... if you don't get that perfect, there's no point to even bothering with the entire exercise. Do NOT rely on the house sound; do not rely on 'might be fine'; do not rely on 'might' anything; do not rely on luck; do not rely on any person who is not your partner or employee and under your direct control. If you don't own a wireless lav, they're cheap enough to rent.
 
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Steve has a point. The guys voice is the show. To use audio from the point of a camera will sound far-away, and reverberant. However, I do not agree totally that you should not trust the house sound if it's all you have. I would add the word "Ideally" to that sentence. Ideally, if you can get a good wireless (nothing less than the Sennheiser G3 or better) to cover your bases, that, along with a feed from the board should cover it. And also put a shotgun on the camera. But if you can't or won't get a wireless, all you have is the sound board to trust. Guaranteed the audio from the point of the camera won't be up to snuff.

We only want to instill the drive to go after getting good sound.
 
Well, it's a bit late to get the wireless mic now, but I 've gotten the message for next time. Thanks for the advice, guys.
 
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