1. RECORDING SOUND
Microphones and Cables used in Film &
Television

2. Pickup Patterns
 Different microphones pick up sound in different
ways.
 The direction from which a mic records sound is
referred to as its pickup pattern.

3. Lavaliere (Lav) Mic
 Omni-Directional
 Hands-free (fastened
to clothing with a clip)
 Used for:
 Interviews
 News anchors
 Planting in scenes
that are hard to place
a mic

4. Handheld Mic
 Cardioid
 Used for:
 Electronic News
Gathering (ENG)
 Interviews
 Field Reporting
 Game Show Hosts

5. Shotgun Mic
 Super Cardioid
 Often used in
conjunction with a
boom pole
 Used for:
 Film Shoots
 Location sound
 Recording nature

6. XLR Cables
 Most commonly used
cable for attaching an
external mic to a
camera
 Carries a left
channel, as right
channel, and a
ground wire.

7. Other Types of Audio Cables

8. Recording Accessories
Windscreens Pop-Filters
 These devices are  Used to minimize
used to eliminate or plosives (pop-sounds
reduce wind made while talking) in
sound, and other the studio
ambient environment.
sounds, during the
recording process.

9. How is Sound Measured?
 The volume of sound is Digital & Analog VU Meters
measured in decibels (dB).
 A VU (volume units) meter
is used to measure the
decibels of a sound.
 Sound that is louder than
0dB becomes distorted. In
the film industry, when a
sound is distorted, or too
loud, it is referred to as
“hot” or “overmodulated”.

10. Tips for Recording Good Sound
 Each mic has a specific purpose. When choosing a
mic, think about what you are recording and how you want
it to sound.
 Make sure you use headphones to listen to the audio as
you record it. This will allow you to hear exactly what is
being recorded to tape.
 Use an external mic. The microphones included on
cameras are not high quality, and will produce a low quality
audio recording.
 Eliminate as much background noise as possible. Close
windows, shut doors, turn off lights and/or electrical
equipment to reduce excess noise and/or buzzing.
 Hold the mic close to your subject, pointed at her/his
mouth.
 Have the person speak clearly and loudly.
 Check your VU levels to make sure the audio you are