2. Pickup Patterns
Different microphones pick up sound in different
ways.
The direction from which a mic records sound is
referred to as its pickup pattern.
3. Lavaliere (Lav) Mic
Omni-Directional
Hands-free (fastened
to clothing with a clip)
Used for:
Interviews
News anchors
Planting in scenes
that are hard to place
a mic
4. Handheld Mic
Cardioid
Used for:
Electronic News
Gathering (ENG)
Interviews
Field Reporting
Game Show Hosts
5. Shotgun Mic
Super Cardioid
Often used in
conjunction with a
boom pole
Used for:
Film Shoots
Location sound
Recording nature
6. XLR Cables
Most commonly used
cable for attaching an
external mic to a
camera
Carries a left
channel, as right
channel, and a
ground wire.
8. Recording Accessories
Windscreens Pop-Filters
These devices are Used to minimize
used to eliminate or plosives (pop-sounds
reduce wind made while talking) in
sound, and other the studio
ambient environment.
sounds, during the
recording process.
9. How is Sound Measured?
The volume of sound is Digital & Analog VU Meters
measured in decibels (dB).
A VU (volume units) meter
is used to measure the
decibels of a sound.
Sound that is louder than
0dB becomes distorted. In
the film industry, when a
sound is distorted, or too
loud, it is referred to as
“hot” or “overmodulated”.
10. Tips for Recording Good Sound
Each mic has a specific purpose. When choosing a
mic, think about what you are recording and how you want
it to sound.
Make sure you use headphones to listen to the audio as
you record it. This will allow you to hear exactly what is
being recorded to tape.
Use an external mic. The microphones included on
cameras are not high quality, and will produce a low quality
audio recording.
Eliminate as much background noise as possible. Close
windows, shut doors, turn off lights and/or electrical
equipment to reduce excess noise and/or buzzing.
Hold the mic close to your subject, pointed at her/his
mouth.
Have the person speak clearly and loudly.
Check your VU levels to make sure the audio you are
