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

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.
 
yeah, put it outside, run extension cords, but make sure they are thick enough. The longer the run, the more voltage drop you will have. Thick cords help prevent that. I worked on a location where the rancher told us not to plug into "that extension cord there" Why not somebody asked.... he said it was a long run from his house to the well, and by the time the power reached the end of the cord, it had dropped to 28volts, just the right ammount for the water pump!

Some people put the genie in the back of a truck with the open end pointed away from set. Some people build a sound blanket tent around the thing. Some people dig a hole and build a dirt burm on the side facing the set.

I have done all three, and it is never enough. But you do what you can.

-j
 
yeah i'm going to be facing a similar problem this summer. We intend to shoot a short film out in the woods at night so we have to use a generator (got a 5000w jobby to use) and i was worried about noise. Since there's almost no dialogue I might just adr it all, we'll see. I thought about hiding it behind a vehicle and building a box to put over it with maybe some insulation or something, dunno if that'd be enough or not.
 
That'll help.
You will probably end up doing both. Just make sure theing can get enough air.

Let me suggest using the honda whisperjet genies. they come in 1k and 2k variants and are a lot quieter (although not film silent). Ask around, and get a couple so you can spread out your lights and not be tied to one source.
 
I have the eu2000i and love it. It is definitely the quietest generator you can get. If you put it 100 feet away and behind a tree you will be in good shape.

Chris
 
Hi:

Why not just rent a real cine generator? They aren't that expensive to rent and they are basically silent. Always nice to have the right tool for the job.

I own two of the EU2000 Hondas that I power my fifth-wheel trailer with, they are quiet but not if you are shooting very near them with dialogue. They are crystal-sync and do the job for HMIs.

Best,

Dan
 
a geny van (400amp) with operator will run you about $400/day -- not a bad dal at all! You won't have to worry about now having enough power and you can run all HMIA you want.
 
Back
Top