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by Sam Mallery · Posted 08/16/2011
You’re probably aware that Apple’s iPad, iPod touch and iPhone have zillions of uses. Were you also aware that there are oodles of accessories for these things that enable you to harness their power for your recording studio? In this article we’ll take a look at the available options and show you how they can make your studio an even
by Sam Mallery · Posted 03/30/2011
Have you ever wondered what’s going on inside the audio bags that are used in professional video and film productions? In this article we’ll take a close look at the gear found in a typical professional location sound bag, and explain what each piece of equipment does. You’ll gain an understanding of how all these devices connect together and why each tool is necessary to have.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that not all location sound bags contain the same equipment. A professional sound person could have a variety of
by Sam Mallery · Posted 03/29/2011
When you’re packing your gear to travel out into the field, you should always ask yourself one question: Do I really need to give myself a hernia? Even though the answer is always “no,” it’s important to remind yourself not to make your freight heavier than it needs to be. You may not injure yourself this time, but in the long run, overexerting your body will catch up to you. Here are a few tips that will help you lighten the load.
Tip No. 1: Do You Really Need to Bring Your Hard Cases?
by Beverly B Nathan · Posted 11/08/2010
In this article, we're going to introduce you to a tool that the average person may not be familiar with, yet media professionals depend upon daily. The tool is a plug-on transmitter, and before we show you how to use one, we'll first explain what they are and how their operation will benefit your productions.
When interviewing people on the street or during a wedding reception, a wireless handheld microphone is the tool of choice. It's an easy mic to pass quickly to the person who wants to speak, a task that's impossible when using a
by Ken Hamberg · Posted 11/08/2010
The sound of plucked-string acoustic instruments, from the mandolin to the ghimbri, has enlivened thousands of recordings in nearly every genre of music since the invention of the gramophone. The acoustic guitar enjoys the most prominent and ubiquitous presence of them all, particularly in Western classical and popular forms, possessing an organic, soulful quality and texture that adds an insistently human dimension to any mix, whether as a solo or ensemble instrument.
In this article we'll discuss microphone placement, and other relevant
by Sam Mallery · Posted 11/08/2010
I recently purchased a new MacBook Pro for my video and audio production needs, even though the limited ports on these computers make it tricky to plan out a suitable work flow. The biggest hurdle I faced was how to get by with just a single FireWire port. In this post I'll explain how I rearranged my hardware to work smoothly with my new production computer.
I'd been using an Apple G5 tower for several years to handle my media-production
by Sam Mallery · Posted 08/19/2010
"Extend the intermission for two more minutes, the lead just had a wardrobe malfunction."
"Check if the groom's wireless transmitter is connected properly, we can no longer hear him on camera A."
It doesn't matter if you're a team of photographers, theater techs or a coaching staff; efficient communication is vital when you work as a crew.
An experienced group of people can usually communicate pretty well without having to say a word, but there are still plenty of occasions when having a dependable wireless intercom is indispensible. These
by Sam Mallery · Posted 08/12/2010
Over the weekend I did a video shoot where I was operating the camera, doing the sound and directing. There was no production budget, just me acting as a one-man crew. I managed to cobble together a fairly decent-looking picture with the available light, but the audio quality I achieved would not have been possible without my pistol grip.
The video centered around two subjects walking around an apartment, talking about renovations and decorating ideas. The material was completely unscripted. I followed them around with my video camera in one
by Sam Mallery · Posted 08/08/2010
Recently I needed to transfer a video from an old VHS tape to digital, so I could upload it to YouTube. Since I currently don't own a VCR, I got my 20-year-old VHS camcorder out of the basement and used it to play the tape. When I opened its case after many years of neglect, I discovered the foam windscreen was disintegrating.
The foam literally turned into sticky black powder when you touched it. It was pretty gross. I wasn't sure if the thing even worked anymore, and if the deplorable state of the windscreen was any indicator, it didn't seem
by Sam Mallery · Posted 04/13/2010
Scrunchies. Board game pieces. Teeth. What do these things have in common? They're all small and easy to lose if you're not careful. If you use a lavalier microphone in any capacity (for video work, live sound, business presentations, etc.) then you're already aware that the clips are the easiest thing to lose in the entire universe. Buying replacement lav clips can be expensive, but there is one universally compatible (and very affordable) option that no
by Sam Mallery · Posted 03/25/2010
In the 1983 film Brainstorm, Christopher Walken plays the role of scientist Michael Wood, who invents a helmet that transfers sensations and abilities into the human brain. In one scene Walken sits at a piano wearing the helmet, and he’s able to play a complicated composition on the keys even though he’s never played piano before. That scene has always stuck with me. It would be cool if a technological innovation came along that enabled people to do complicated stuff without
by Staff Writer · Posted 03/24/2010
Musicians creating music on their computers have more options at their fingertips than ever before. Thanks to virtual instruments, a computer can replicate sounds from just about any synthesizer and simulate the sounds of almost every instrument imaginable.
But for many people, creating music with a mouse and QWERTY keyboard just isn't instinctive or convenient and it makes it difficult to capture the essence of their musical ideas when inspiration hits. That's where a slew of USB Controllers come in. These controllers allow them to
by Staff Writer · Posted 03/24/2010
This holiday season, you can give and/or enjoy the following budget-friendly ways to DJ—ready for action right out of the box. Like modern DJing, all of these devices are separable into two primary categories — analog or digital. Subsequently, you will notice that the first unit (by Numark) is exclusive to digital workflow, and the rest have relationships with both analog and digital configurations.
One isn't inherently better than the other — just a matter of multi-factorial preference. Bear this in mind, and you will undoubtedly make
by Jurek Ugarow · Posted 03/17/2010
Part One
Early in 2008, a friend sent me an email with a link to a YouTube video. The video was a preview of a movie he was producing/directing called "Overnite Shift". I was immediately intrigued by the excellent look of this no-budget movie, and something about the characters piqued my interest. I did however have reservations concerning the audio, which to my ears was problematic. On getting in touch with him, he informed me that most of the film had already been shot, but that he was having issues with the sound person delivering on his
by Jurek Ugarow · Posted 03/16/2010
A quick recap for anyone who didn't get to read Part One. In the beginning of 2008, my friend, writer/director Tibor Spiegel shared with me the completed production footage of his independent film, "Overnite Shift". The thirty-plus minute movie tells the story of an older, immigrant New York City taxi driver who, on a particular evening, picks up a series of passengers. As he interacts with them, his past hauntingly resurfaces, and in the process changes his future irrevocably.
The footage looked great. Really good. However, the production