Chapter 3

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

2. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Objectives 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.

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

4. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Objectives 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.

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

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

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

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

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

10. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Basic Audio Mixer Features 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.

11. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Advanced Audio Mixer Features 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.)

12. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Advanced Audio Mixer Features 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.

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

14. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Advanced Audio Mixer Features 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.

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

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

17. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Audio Sources 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

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

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

20. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Audio Mixer Adapters 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.

21. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition The Audio Dub Process • 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 • Cue the video to the start of the program. • Engage the audio dub function. • Record your new sound. • Rewind, listen, and repeat if necessary.

22. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Mixing Voice and Music 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.

23. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Using Production Music 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.

24. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Using Production Music 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.

25. Television Production: A Classroom Approach, 2nd edition Using Production Music 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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