Recording in a room with reflections

[morgan_moore]

Do you know the inverse square law?

Simply double a distance and the SPL drops by 4

A reflector is a second source.

If you have two sources of equal volume and the mic is equidstent then the SPL is equal to both. MOve the mic towards doubly towards one source and away from the second and the ratio changes to 8 to 1.

Simply.. mic in close?

Also google 'critical distance'

S

 

[egproductions]

Here's a test. Decide for yourselves. https://youtu.be/tIv24UvdnkE

Paul, i’d shake your hand if I could. You taking the time to do this test is incredible, our community is lucky to have you!

 

[Paul F]

That's what the forum is for. Beers to ya'.

 

[IronFilm]

I carry sound blankets which while not a perfect solution, helps to make things a little more acceptable.

Especially helpful in sit-down interviews. Placing them on a reflective floor, and on C-stands just off camera.

Agreed, place a few strategic sound blankets in the setting!

 

[egproductions]

Do you think a huge yoga mat (on the floor under the talent) like this could make a significant difference in some

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742LVPHN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rXJWCbN35FMB2

 

[Rick R]

I think some thick carpeting, with or without a pad, would be better and cost less than a yoga mat.

 

[Jim Feeley]

Ya, you want mass, thickness, if possible a fuzzy/nonshiny/nonhard surface, and a neutral color. Grey carpeting works. I more commonly use furnipads (sound blankets) since I always have those. I like the Producer's Choice blankets from Movers Supplies. A bit thicker than many (and A LOT thicker than Harbor Freight blankets), well made, available with black on one side and white on the other (good for making nice with camera; do they want neg or poz fill?). $35-45 each depending; and since they're heavy, you gotta factor in shipping.

https://www.moverssupplies.com/sound-blankets-producers-choice.html

But I also have whatever decent blankets the local expendables shop has in stock (ie- if I lose or destroy one or two, I need replacements quick!).
http://www.jcxex.com

 

[Guest]

Ikea has a felt desk divider. They are self standing. A few of them could make a sound booth, and/or put a dent in the reverb of the room. Maybe not as versatile as the sound blankets, but an interesting and good looking solution for some situations.

They are over $100 as of now. I think it is called the Bekant.

 

[paulears]

EXACTLY.

Tell them to speak LOUDER, and then DROP the gains, and that should help minimize the reflections. Get the mic as close as possible, which will let you turn the gains down lower, and that will increase the signal to noise.

The direct top indirect ratio stays EXACTLY the same, so speaking louder does allow you to lower the gain, but if the reverberation is being generated by the source reverberating from the walls, then this reverberation gets louder by exactly the same amount. The techniques of speaking louder, and then dropping gain works great when the offending noises are NOT coming from the talent in the picture. A very important difference. To make intelligibility better, the mic needs to be closer to the subject. If the distance remains static, and level change from the actor does nothing at all - assuming the reverb is excited by them.