Mediaworks - DSLR Dual System Sound

Overview

Dual system sound is a motion picture technique of capturing sound on a separate device from the camera. The image and the soundtrack are synchronized during post-production using sync points that are typically accomplished using a clapper board.

It is critical that:

• A sync point, or marker, is clearly captured both visually and audibly at either the beginning or end of each recording
• Both recording devices are using compatible record settings

Audio

Zoom Recorders

Record Format

• 48 kHz / 24 bit *highest quality
• 48 kHz / 16 bit

Microphones

• Lavalier
• Shotgun

Slating Procedures

1. Director or AD calls for "quiet on the set" and then for "roll sound".
2. The sound engineer will start recording and allow a few seconds of pre-roll before calling out "speed".
3. The camera operator will commence recording and call out "speed".
4. The AC will be holding the slate that is clearly labeled with scene information in front of the camera and the clapper sticks open. The AC will verbally state the slate information and call "marker" and close the sticks while holding this pose for a few seconds.

• If a slate is not possible at the start of the take it can happen at the end

1. After the Director calls "cut" both the sound engineer and camera operator should let the recording continue.
2. The AC should complete the slate calls in the reverse order and hold the clapper upside down to signify this is a tail slate.

Cameras

Use only the T2i model Canon Rebel

• Record Format > 1920x1080 (30 fps)
• Sound Recording > On (it is recommended to record a scratch audio track. There is a known issue of the camera audio being out of sync)

Final Cut

• Prepare audio clips by normalizing in Peak and exporting an appropriately named track that will be easily identifiable with the corresponding video clip.