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Chapter 3 Advanced Audio Equipment and Techniques Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition

Objectives Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Identify and describe the main operational controls of an audio mixer. Identify several audio sources for video production and describe the appropriate use of each source.

Objectives Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Identify various audio connectors and how they are used in video production. Explain the processes of audio mixing and audio dubbing.

Objectives Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Explain the concept of production music in a video production setting and list several reasons for using production music. Compose a script for video production. Produce an audio commercial.

Audio mixer Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition An audio mixer is an electronic component that allows the audio technician to select and combine audio (sound) sources.

Basic Audio Mixer Features Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Microphone inputs - XLR - ¼ inch phone Line inputs - used for other sound sources - RCA phono - ¼ inch phone (pair)

Basic Audio Mixer Features Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Fader Bar - vertical movement increases/decreases level. Potentiometer (“pot”) - clockwise or counter- clockwise movement increases/decreases level. Level Controls

Basic Audio Mixer Features Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition LED - lights illuminate as audio level increases. Analog - needle moves to the right as audio level increases. Volume Unit (VU) meters

Basic Audio Mixer Features Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Sends final mixed audio to several sources, including recording VCR, public address system, control room monitor, etc. Outputs

Basic Audio Mixer Features Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Headphone Jack - allows audio technician to hear mixed audio signal, as well as individual audio sources. Stereo/Mono Switch - allows audio technician to select between stereo (left and right channels) and mono (same sound in both channels) output.

Advanced Audio Mixer Features Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Trim - lets the audio technician adjust each individual microphone so that all microphones will perform at the same level. Balance (Pan) - lets the audio technician send each input to either the right or left channel (stereo audio mixers only.)

Advanced Audio Mixer Features Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Equalization (EQ) - controls the amount of bass, midrange, and treble tones in each audio input. Cue - sends input sound only to the headphone jack, when audio technician selects “cue” function of headphone jack.

Advanced Audio Mixer Features Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Solo - instantly mutes all other sources, creating a single-source audio signal. Mute - instantly turns-off completely that audio input.

Advanced Audio Mixer Features Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Cross-Fader - a fader bar positioned between to input fader bars; increasing one signal, while decreasing the other signal. Send - an additional pot for each input, that allows the audio technician to “send” only those inputs to a second output.

Advanced Audio Mixer Features Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Digital Audio Effects - electronic enhancement to one or all of the inputs. Includes reverb, echo, delay, and other enhancements that are popular with singers.

Audio Mixer Connections Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition

Audio Sources Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition VCR – audio from pre-recorded segments, including interviews, opening, and other segments. CD Player – music, sound effects Audiocassette Player – music, voice-overs MP3 Player – created music, legally converted music Computer – created music, sound effects, computer files

Audio Mixer Connectors Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Quarter-inch Phone - high-impedance microphones, musical instruments, headphones, outputs RCA Phono (patch cords) - music sources, outputs

Audio Mixer Connectors Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition XLR Connector - low-impedance microphones, balanced outputs 1/8-inch Mini - portable electronics (MP3 and CD players), some headphones and microphones

Audio Mixer Adapters Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Adapters change the size/shape of the connector. A matching line transformer changes the impedance (and often the size/shape as well.) Image provided courtesy of Shure Incorporated.

The Audio Dub Process Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Audio dubbing erases the existing audio track, and replaces it with a new audio track. “Audio dub” is a function on some VCRs. Some VCRs have the audio dub function, and others do not. To audio dub 1.Cue the video to the start of the program. 2.Engage the audio dub function. 3.Record your new sound. 4.Rewind, listen, and repeat if necessary.

Mixing Voice and Music Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Proper microphone placement is 6 to 8 inches from the announcer. Set the Output Master to about 75%. Ask the announcer to read the script. Adjust the Output Master VU meter to 100% VU. Play the background music. Ask the announcer to read the script as the background music plays. Use headphones to determine the proper music/microphone mix. Decrease to Output Master so that the total audio (voice and music) approaches 100% VU.

Using Production Music Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Production music is anonymous. No unwanted memories or emotions are associated with the music. Production music allows for theme music. Your selection will be the theme song for your show or segment.

Using Production Music Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Production music is created for narration. Dominant singing or instruments will not overpower your script. Production music has acceptable content – no bad language or suggestive lyrics.

Using Production Music Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Production music creates a professional atmosphere in your studio. Use the music that real TV stations use. Production music is available in various lengths. Choose shorter versions for brief projects.

Production Music track listing Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition

Making Your Own Production Music Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Loops-based Software

Making Your Own Production Music Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition SmartSound Software

Scriptwriting Tips Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition The first sentence tells the story. Use the active voice whenever possible.

Scriptwriting Tips Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Use creative verbs. Don’t headline. Use a “people” angle.

Scriptwriting Tips Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2 nd edition Don’t start a sentence with “this is” or “here are.” Read the script aloud. Make sure it makes sense!