You Be The Producer | Videomaker Magazine Tips

This article originally appeared in the Videomaker Magazine April, 2001 issue.
Reprinted with permission from Videomaker Magazine, Chico CA., Videomaker Inc. All Rights Reserved
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Natural background audio representative of a given recording environment. On-camera dialog might be primary sound; traffic noise and refrigerator hum would be ambient.

Extension arm used to suspend a microphone or camera over sound or subject(s) being recorded. Objective is to keep production gear out of camera's view or to provide a unique angle from which to shoot video.

The most common type of unidirectional microphone. The pickup pattern resembles a three dimensional heart-shaped figure.

Microphone type, also called capacitor or electret condenser. Requires battery or external power source known as phantom power (+48v DC). Uses change in capacitance created by sound pressure on diaphragm to convert sound into electrical signal and are much more sensitive than dynamic microphones.

Transmitting a signal without wires, as in cordless mike, cordless mouse or wireless keyboard.

Measure of audio signal strength based on a logarithmic scale measured in volts. Also the unit of measure used for sound pressure level (loudness).

Microphone type, also called "moving coil." Works much like a loudspeaker in reverse, employing a simple diaphragm, magnet and wire coil to convert sound waves into an electrical signal.

Number of vibrations produced by a signal or sound, expressed as cycles per second, or hertz (Hz).

Small, easily concealed, unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing microphone, typically attached to clothing for interview settings.

System of communication between digital electronic instruments allowing synchronization and distribution of musical information.

Combining sound sources to achieve a desired program balance. Finished output may be mono, stereo or surround.

Changing the characteristics of a sound wave. In audio frequency, modulation is known as phasing or flanging, amplitude modulation is referred to a tremolo.

Undesirable video or audio signal interference; typically seen as snow, and heard as hiss or hum.

Sturdy 1/4-inch male connector compatible with audio accessories, particularly for insertion of microphone and headphone cables.

Defines a microphone's response to sounds arriving from various directions or angles. The cardioid mike, for example, has a heart-shaped pickup pattern.

Small, sensitive condenser mike attached to a plate. Senses air pressure changes in tiny gap between mike element and plate. Guards against comb filter problems created by surfaces like tables or podiums.

plug (phono plug) A popular cable connector for home audio as well as video components. Standard connection for consumer electronics audio/video inputs/outputs.

Highly directional microphone with long "barrel" designed to pick up a narrow field of sound rejecting off-axis sounds.

The audio portion of a video recording, often multifaceted with voiceover, background music, sound effects, etc.

Post-production process of adding music and sound effects or otherwise enhancing a final audio track.

Highly selective microphone pickup pattern, rejects sound coming from behind while absorbing that from in front.

Narration accompanying the picture usually heard above background sound or music. Talking is typically applied to an edited visual during post-production.

Sponge-like microphone shield, thwarts undesirable noise caused by wind and rapid mike movement.

Consisting of radio transmitter and receiver; it utilizes a low-power radio signal for cable-free operation.

Three-pin plug for three-conductor balanced audio cable, employed with microphones, mixers and most professional audio equipment.