On-set audio recording is crucial for capturing high-quality sound during film production. Sound designers use various microphones and techniques to record dialogue, ambient sounds, and effects. Proper equipment and synchronization methods ensure seamless integration of audio and video.

Capturing clean audio on set saves time and effort in post-production. Sound recordists use boom mics, lavaliers, and field mixers to record dialogue and ambient sounds. They also employ tools like audio slates and timecode to sync audio with video footage.

Microphones and Recording Techniques

On-set Audio Capture

• Location sound refers to the process of capturing audio on set during filming
• Boom microphone is a directional mic mounted on a pole, held overhead to capture dialogue and sound effects
  • Allows for precise aiming and minimizes unwanted background noise (traffic, wind)
  • Requires a skilled boom operator to maintain proper positioning and avoid shadows in the shot
• Lavalier microphone, also known as a lapel or clip-on mic, is a small wireless mic attached to an actor's clothing
  • Provides clear, isolated audio for individual actors, ideal for wide shots or scenes with multiple characters
  • Can be hidden under clothing to maintain visual continuity (collars, ties)

Ambient Sound Recording

• Wild sound refers to the practice of recording additional sound effects or ambience separately from the main action
  • Captures specific sounds (footsteps, door creaks) for layering in post-production
  • Provides flexibility for editing and mixing, allowing sound designers to enhance or replace audio as needed
• Room tone is a clean recording of the ambient sound in a location, typically captured during a break in filming
  • Used to fill gaps or transitions in dialogue editing, ensuring a consistent background noise floor
  • Helps maintain audio continuity between takes and scenes shot in the same location (room reverberation, air conditioning hum)

Audio Equipment and Synchronization

Recording Hardware and Accessories

• Field mixer is a portable device used to combine and control multiple audio inputs on set
  • Allows sound recordists to adjust levels, apply filters, and monitor audio quality in real-time
  • Provides XLR inputs for professional microphones and outputs for recording devices (cameras, digital recorders)
• Audio slate, or clapperboard, is a tool used to mark the beginning of a take and synchronize audio with video
  • Displays essential information (scene, take, production details) for organization and post-production
  • Produces a sharp clap sound that creates a visible spike in the audio waveform, aiding in precise synchronization

Timecode and Documentation

• Timecode synchronization ensures that audio and video recordings share a common time reference
  • Enables precise alignment of multiple audio and video sources in post-production
  • Timecode generators in cameras and audio recorders are synchronized at the start of each shooting day (jam sync)
• Sound report is a detailed log created by the sound recordist, documenting all audio-related information for each day of filming
  • Includes notes on microphone placement, audio file names, and any technical issues or observations
  • Serves as a crucial reference for the post-production team, facilitating efficient organization and troubleshooting