Radical Amazement - Zoom Recorders

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Revision as of 10:47, 12 April 2012 by Zorns (Talk | contribs) (→‎Recording Checklist for Single Narrator Recording)

Media Loan

  • www.evergreen.edu/medialoan
  • Bring your Evergreen ID with the current quarter sticker.
  • Make a reservation for equipment, stop by Lib. 2504, or call (360) 867-6253.
  • Test and confirm all equipment is in working order before leaving Media Loan.
  • Media Loan has SEVERE LATE FINES. Return equipment on time, or call to make a renewal. Follow up with an appeal form to negate late fines.
Late Fines assessed daily, per item
Equipment valued over $250 — $20.00 per day
Equipment valued under $250 — $10.00 per day
Keys and all equipment and accessories valued over $50 — $10.00 per day
Equipment and accessories valued under $50 — $5.00 per day

Microphone Types

  • Dynamic Mics
    • Can withstand louder noises, rugged pickup elements.
    • No power needed
  • Condenser Mics
    • More sensitive to quieter noises, and more delicate pickup elements.
    • Needs power supplied through a battery, or through phantom power on zoom recorder.

Microphone Pickup Patterns

  • Omni: picks up sound from all directions.
  • Cardioid: picks up sound from front:
    • Proximity Effect: low frequencies are boosted as mic is closer to the source.
  • Super-Cardioid: Picks up from front with a narrower pattern.

Microphones Categories

  • Handheld
  • Lavaliere: small clip-on attaches to clothing for vocal only recording.

Connector Types

  1. XLR = used at the bottom of the recorder for an external microphone (1 & 2).
  2. Mini or 1/8 inch = will not work with zoom.

Mic Usage Tips

  • Use a stand if possible to reduce noise (table, or floor)
  • Listen for:
    • handling noise
    • proximity effect
    • popped p's

Media Loan Shopping List

  • Zoom recorder
  • Mic cables
  • Headphones
  • Extension cables
  • Desk stand, floor stand, microphone handle
  • Microphones:
    • Recommended for vocal recording > SM-58, SM-57, Sennheiser 421, ECM-50 Lavolier
  • Extra AA batteries

Zoom Recorder

Digital audio recorder that records to flash memory cards. No moving parts. Copy files off just like using a USB drive.

  • Format memory card before use, and before returning to Media Loan.
  • Record Settings: Review settings on Zoom Recorder Guide


Notes

  • Install fresh batteries when recording, or use ac power when available.
  • Turn off stamina switch inside battery compartment when using AC power - this will limit settings.
  • Always record as WAV 44.1/16bit or higher. Stay away from MP3.
  • Mono vs. Stereo
  • Setting Levels: have levels around -12dB. If sound is too quiet or too loud adjust record levels, and/or mic placement to sound source.
  • Always have headphones to monitor sound and watch levels on the recorder.
  • Record room tone.
  • USB Mode


Recording Checklist for Single Narrator Recording

  1. Select a controlled and quiet recording location. Avoid noisy public locations (like restaurants, or areas near a road). If possible, eliminate background noises (turn off stereos, TV’s, fans, air circulation vents). A room with carpeting and furniture will typically sound better than one with hard floors (too much echo).
  2. Turn on recorder
  3. Format card
  4. Plug in headphones
  5. Connect an external mic to recorder, press 1/2 button on the front panel. If using a condensor mic turn on Phantom Power (+48v)
  6. Set to record to WAV, 48kHZ, mono, manual record levels
  7. Confirm all filter settings are turned off
  8. Make a test recording:
    1. Press Rec button once - this will go in record pause mode
    2. Test the microphone placement, confirm if you are hearing the built in mic, or the external, any crackles, or hums, too close, too far away?
    3. Set levels - record level controls on the right of the recorder
    4. Press Rec to start recording (counter will be running, record light will be solid)
    5. Listen on headphones through entire recording
    6. Press Stop to stop recording
    7. Playback recording

Recording Checklist

  1. Check record levels. Improve the quality of the recording by adjusting the mic placement either closer, or further away from the sound source. Always wear headphones to monitor volume levels as well watch the volume meters on the recorder.  Ideal recordings will have clearly audible audio, while not being too loud so that it is distorted (going into the red on the audio recorder meters). What you hear is what you get. Shock mounts and stands are great to reduce mic handling noise.
  2. Confirm you are recording. Make sure the record light comes on, that the clock numbers are counting and audio levels are moving up and down.
  3. Tag the recording. Start each recording by stating the date, time, location, your name, and the name of your interviewee for proper archiving and cataloging of this work.

Copying Files

  1. Connect the zoom recorder to ac power, connect provided USB cable to the computer.
  2. Turn on the recorder, select USB mode.
  3. Copy files from the audio recorder to a computer as you would from a USB drive. Protect the privacy of your recordings by deleting all files on the recorder before returning equipment to Media Loan.
  4. When finished click and drag the device icon to the trash before turning off the recorder.


Get proficiency sign in sheet.


Recording Checklist

  1. Make a test recording prior to your scheduled interview to make sure you are comfortable using the recorder. Start with fresh batteries.
  2. Secure a signed talent release from the person you’re interviewing. Be sure to include in the wording of the release possible college archival use.
  3. Select a controlled and quiet recording location. Avoid noisy public locations (like restaurants, or areas near a road). If possible, eliminate background noises (turn off stereos, TV’s, fans, air circulation vents). A room with carpeting and furniture will typically sound better than one with hard floors (too much echo).
  4. Check record levels. Improve the quality of the recording by adjusting the mic placement either closer, or further away from the sound source. Always wear headphones to monitor volume levels as well watch the volume meters on the recorder.  Ideal recordings will have clearly audible audio, while not being too loud so that it is distorted (going into the red on the audio recorder meters). What you hear is what you get. Shock mounts and stands are great to reduce mic handling noise.
  5. Confirm you are recording. Make sure the record light comes on, that the clock numbers are counting and audio levels are moving up and down.
  6. Tag the recording. Start each recording by stating the date, time, location, your name, and the name of your interviewee for proper archiving and cataloging of this work.
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