Queen's FILM 250 Notes on Sound: Balance

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	Sound Balance
Interiors	Balance is the relative volume of different sound elements in a scene. Since background sound effects can usually be added separately in post-production, the best original recording of dialogue or sound effects is often the cleanest recording, with the least background noise and reverberation. Placing the microphone close to the sound source is the best way of reducing the relative amount of reverberation in an interior recording. Quilts or other absorbent material will also help reduce reverberation off hard surfaces.
Exteriors	Outdoors, the relative level of wind and other background noise can also be reduced by close mic placement, even when a more distant sound perspective might be preferable. (Note: the mic must also be protected from direct wind pressure.) Download a demonstration of reverberation and background noise (800K QuickTime movie). The compressed file loses the clarity of the original recording, but demonstrates how moving the microphone changes the balance between foreground sound and background noise.
Problems With Sync Sound	The sync sound from the camera mic for this shot might sound like this. So the sound editor might prefer to use wild sound recorded in closer perspective or recorded somewhere else. Note: this effect comes from our Sound Ideas library, where you may find the right sound if you can't record one yourself. Sound Ideas CD's can be signed out from the Film and Media office. When recording audio, always monitor the sound in headphones, to ensure there is only an appropriate amount of presence (reverberation) and background sound, and avoid interference from electrical cables, loose connectors, etc. Continue to Types of Microphones. Return to FILM 250 Course Materials.

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