how to isolate the noise from a generator for a film shoot?

S

shaun_au

Active member
I have a location which is more like an abandoned factory. There's no powers source in the place. So I might have to rent a generator from homedepot. Thye have 2500w generators. But one of those beasts will create a lot of noise, right? Is there any plans that I can isolate/contain the noise from the generator? Thanks.
 
bring allot of 64 amp cables , run as far as possible outside the factory , place the generator with the wind , if you have tracks let them park between the set and the genny , bring generator that will not work on the limit of its power , if you need 2,5 kw , bring one that can supply 5 since the generators become very noisy when they on edge
 
Could you run a long power cord of 12 gauge or more an adequate distance to keep the noise far away? Do you have a audio editing program? Most have filters where you could remove the noise, especially a constant noise like that. You could mic the noise, flip the XLR input with a switch on the mixer or an adapter and adjust the faders to cancel the noise ...

just a couple options?


Larry
 
the noise consolation wouldn't work since the microphone usially change the position , better to eliminate it on the set as much as possible
 
Step #1: try to get a quieter generator. The Honda EU2000i is supposed to be quite quiet; I'm planning on picking up a 3000 later this year. Start with a quieter generator and all your other efforts will still apply, but will be more effective.
 
I have this generator http://www.yamahagenerators.com/ef3000iseb.htm and recently used it on a night shoot outside a house. Placed to the side of the house with 100' cable to lights and it's not on the sound track. Basically, this is a 20AMP circuit (rated 2800 watts) so use efficient light sources. Unless you are lighting a very large area you should be able to light within 20 amps.
 
There is no "remove generator" plug in, so that's not an option. If it's on your track, it will be very very very very difficult to get rid of, even with expensive Cedar plug ins. Everything Exile said is the way to go.

-Dave
 
Trying to get rid of the noise in post is a pain. Knock down the noise on set. Like Barry says, start with as quite a generator as you can get, move it as far away as is practical then block the sound if you can. I've built tents around them with sound blankets that really helped (becareful of potential fire hazards with the blankets). Place the genny behind something that will help, like a building. Also, watch what surface you place the genny on. A generator on a concret sidewalk or road way is a lot more noisy than one on grassy soil. Try to place them on the ground.

From there, just be meticulous about your sound. Use good mics, close to the subject. Make sure you get good ambient loops (with the genny runnning). Think about doing complete wild tracks of the scene with the genny off, just in case.
 
blankets ? :-)

bring an excavator and dig a hole in the ground , place the genny in , put 2 pipes for air and the gases and cover with send - might help :-)
 
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