Recodring Dialog Inside Sound Blankets

[Cole]

I will be capturing some dialog to be used as a voice over for a current project. I will be recording in my home theater which has carpet on the walls (bottom half) and a layered curtain style material (Top Half). I took too long deciding on a new Mic so I am going to use my Rode NTG-1 in a Rode Blimp w/wombat connected to my DVX (no pre/mix). I know it isn't ideal but I am going to run with it anyway. I plan to boom the mic aimed at the floor with the reader about 4 inches away and slightly below mic level. To cut down even further on any noise I will be building a makeshift sound booth with sound blankets, C-stands and some egg crate foam. Nothing permanent, just clipping it together for the voice over. Here is what I'd like to know:

1. Due to the pick up pattern of the shotgun (small tail behind), does it hurt, help or not matter to have a sound blanket directly above the mic (touching)?

2. Is it necessary to have a blanket up behind him? As it is now both of his sides have a blanket as well as above him, a carpeted wall is about 3 feet behind his chair and there is carpet where the mic is aimed.

3. In a controlled environment like this, would I have noticed a difference with a mixer sending in a line level signal?

4. Since there is no wind, is the wombat and/or the blimp overkill? The other options being a bare mic or the included foam that came with it.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Cole

 

[10s]

The Blimp is overkill and your questions can be answered by simply playing around yourself and listening, that's half the fun! Your blankets can be helpful, keep what you can away from touching the mic because materials transmit vibration easily. The DVX will record very well. Keep it away from the mic and use the ALC in the ON position; just in case.

 

[SMuir]

3. In a controlled environment like this, would I have noticed a difference with a mixer sending in a line level signal?

Assuming you have healthy hearing and a good monitoring setup, yes you would hear a significant difference. Voiceover recording is a situation where good preamps and a clean recording chain will really make a big difference, while noisey preamps will really draw attention to themselves.

Of course, an external preamp/mixer makes a noticeable difference in production sound as well.

 

[unclebob6958]

Is this ADR or VO? If you're doing ADR you'll want to match the room tone in the scene. If you're doing VO you should discuss with the director the kind of "tone" s/he wants; is it a very dry "in your head" kind of VO, a narration, etc.

 

[wabbit]

Consider micing from below at 45 degree angle; play around with it to find the best choice. The rear lobe will likely prefer your carpeted floor to your ceiling.

Remember sound blankets and foam will improve your room but simply don't preform miracles. If your home theater is already well designed then you probably won't have too many issues.

Don't use the zeppelin but get yourself a pop filter (DIY pantyhose & wire hanger works fine for those on budget). Your talent shouldn't be that close to a shotgun but different people require it regardless.

Cheers

 

[Cole]

The Blimp is overkill and your questions can be answered by simply playing around yourself and listening, that's half the fun! Your blankets can be helpful, keep what you can away from touching the mic because materials transmit vibration easily. The DVX will record very well. Keep it away from the mic and use the ALC in the ON position; just in case.

10's- I had been playing with it but when I decided to close off the top I wasn't sure if it would have in ill affect covering the tail end of the pick up. ALC is on all of the time and the Blimp is removed. Thanks for the help.

 

[Cole]

Assuming you have healthy hearing and a good monitoring setup, yes you would hear a significant difference. Voiceover recording is a situation where good preamps and a clean recording chain will really make a big difference, while noisey preamps will really draw attention to themselves.

Of course, an external preamp/mixer makes a noticeable difference in production sound as well.

SMuir- I listen through Sony 7506's connected through the DVX. The 100B has a higher level for monitoring compared to the 100 & 100A but it is hard to distinguish that hiss from actual noise. In the DVX book Barry does mention that there is hiss on the monitor that won't be on the recording. So I expect some when monitoring Ijust don't kno whow much of that translates to the finished product. I do plan to get a PSC or Sound Devices Field Mixer in the future which should give me a better monitoring situation not to mention the cleaner recording. Thanks

 

[Cole]

Is this ADR or VO? If you're doing ADR you'll want to match the room tone in the scene. If you're doing VO you should discuss with the director the kind of "tone" s/he wants; is it a very dry "in your head" kind of VO, a narration, etc.

UncleBob- This is voice over. Just some details about an organization played over B-roll that is related to the dialog. The tone changes as the subject matter changes as far as delivery by the narrator. Organizational facts are read slightly upbeat while subject matter is a little more somber. The organization educates kids (2nd grade) on bullying and abuse. Thanks

Consider micing from below at 45 degree angle; play around with it to find the best choice. The rear lobe will likely prefer your carpeted floor to your ceiling.

Remember sound blankets and foam will improve your room but simply don't preform miracles. If your home theater is already well designed then you probably won't have too many issues.

Don't use the zeppelin but get yourself a pop filter (DIY pantyhose & wire hanger works fine for those on budget). Your talent shouldn't be that close to a shotgun but different people require it regardless.

Cheers

Wabbit- I will play with the mic position. The reason I covered the top of the "booth" with the foam egg crates was to avoid the reflection of the ceiling tiles. The room itself will dampen just about anything outside of the room, but the room itself can be a little reflective. I had to yank out carpet due to a flood some time ago so it is just concrete. I have a 3x5 carpet scrap on the floor under the mic right now. I had the mic aimed 90 degrees to avoid getting any pop. The reader’s voice is passing about 3 inches under where the mic is pointing, not directly into it. I will give the 45 degree angle a try from below. Thanks