Audio Production

 Audio Production:

Audio production relates to the way that sound is captured and mixed. Sound capture is how the sound is physically recorded. And mixing refers to how the sound is altered in Post-Production.

It all starts with the Microphone.

Microphones :

  • Dynamic Microphones are strong and well built. These mics are most commonly found on live shows in which vocals are required. This is because dynamic microphones capture a very narrow field of view; And, so can be amplified extremely loud without interfering with other pickups without creating feedback (the screeching noise when two sound frequencies meet at a high volume). They never require additional Phantom Power.

  • Large Diaphram Condensor Microphones are considered the absolute best vocal mic for narration and record production. the aim of a 'Large Diaphram' is to make a sound feature warm tones (imagine a radio station).  

  • Small Diaphram Condensor Microphones are deemed most accurate to the tone our voices produce in reality, and is an industry favourite. This because the recorded sound is always very 'neutral' and 'flat'. This is useful for sound engineers to mix the tone exactly as they wish.

  • Ribbon Microphones are the most 'earlike' of them all. They pick up the widest frequency range of all the mics, and so are an industry favourite for ADR, as it is the most immersive of all sounds. 

  • Audio Capture Devices :
  • Location -
  • On a film set, portable audio recorders are often used. This is because they are lightweight, and can move around with the boom operator. Every recorder you use will sound different, this is because different brands use their own frequency response. This is why choosing the right recorder is so important. They often have 2 XLR mic inputs and only record in mono (single track).
  • Studio -
  • Studio capture devices are the industry go-to for the most professional sound quality. There are two types of commonly used devices. The Mixer Board, and the Audio Interface. 
  • Mixing boards are an all-in-one setup. With multitrack recording, and in built compressors. They are commonly used in live events as EQ and other Post Processing effects can be added on the dry audio signal (raw signal).
  • Audio Interfaces are the best capture devices for studio recording sessions. They have the best frequency response of them all, and pre-compress the audio as it is recorded. They also supply phantom power to condenser microphones.

DAW
Digital Audio Workstations - 
DAWs are what is used to mix and master the recorded tracks. Whether these are recorded on location, or in a studio, they will always be moved here for the final edit.
Imagine this as a software that can layer multiple audio tracks, add virtual instruments, add effects and even program melodies digitally.
There are many to choose from, but they all achieve the same result.




Audacity is an entry level DAW where barebones editing and recording can be achieved.




Reaper 6 is my personal favourite, it is an inexpensive professional level choice for producers and sound engineers. It can be used to freely position tracks, record MIDI, and import VSTs.

VST
Virtual Studio Technology -
VST's are imported effects onto tracks. They can be added to a dry track before a recording (to record the effects straight onto the track). Or after (record wet so that the effects can be changed).
Wet and Dry refers to if a track has adjustable effects. Dry refers to a track with no effects, Wet referring to a track with effects.
These effects can be as follows:
  • Compressor
  • EQ
  • Octave
  • Chorus
  • Flanger
  • Vibrato
  • Reverb
  • Delay
All tracks will be recorded with a compressor. This is important because it keeps all of the audio frequencies at a controlled level. Loud notes will be the same volume as the quiet ones, and quite the same as loud. This helps prevent what is known as peaking. Peaking is where an audio track reaches above 0 db (decibels) and distorts.

EQ (equalisation) is a term used to define the altered frequencies of a track. If the bass is too low, you can use EQ to boost them. Parametric EQ is used to Cut and Peak a 'v' shape into a tracks frequencies. Therefore, helping it stick out in a final mix.

Reverb (reverberation) is a digital term for ambient echo. There are many types of reverb such as Hall, and Spring. They can be controlled to help simulate a real environment virtually.  

MIDI VST's
An interesting type of VST is that of MIDI. MIDI refers to digital notes arranged to create a melody, beat or chord structure. These can then be taken to a Virtual Instrument (like a piano or drum kit) and played in real time. The beauty of VST instruments is that you can simulate the sound of expensive equipment with the twist of a dial. And if a mistake is made, you can look at the MIDI and correct it. This means that Non musicians are creating world leading songs by arranging digital notes and applying them to these instruments. A good source for free VST instruments of that of 'Labs' by the BBC. By clicking the link above, you will taken to a demonstration page, showcasing the use of digital VST instruments.








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