Documentary Video Production

This LinkedIn Learning course is a must-see for anyone shooting documentaries. It includes invaluable information about choosing and mounting mics in an interview setting.

Wear headphones: Someone on your crew should always be monitoring the audio.

Microphone placement: Place the microphone as close to the subject's mouth as possible without it being seen.

Check your levels: The optimal point for your microphone levels is just below the red.

Record ambient sound: At the end of any scene, record 30 seconds of ambient sound. 

Capture sound effects: While filming on-location, don't miss the chance to record sound effects. 

You can browse all of the equipment available at Lauinger Library here. 

SENNHEISER SHOTGUN MICROPHONE - The Sennheiser Shotgun microphone is a "directional microphone" that is intended for on camera use. This is a great microphone to use for interviews where your subject is stationary.

BOOM POLE KIT - This kit includes a boom pole and microphone. This kit is great for recording sound effects or interviews. The microphone performs best when close to the source, but can still capture sound from far away.

Zoom H4N Audio Recorder - A portable recording device and a 2-channel USB interface in one palm-sized unit, the H4n Pro Handy Recorder from Zoom features a built-in stereo microphone, two low-noise preamps with combination XLR / 1/4" inputs, multiple recording modes, on-board effects, a built-in metronome, a chromatic tuner, and more

SONY MP3 DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDER - Use this premium digital voice recorder three ways: record music, notes, lectures and other audio; play back MP3, WMA or AAC audio files; or store and transport data and files with its built-in 2GB flash memory. With a swing-out USB arm that connects directly to your PC or Mac, you can drag and drop files between the recorder and your computer easily.

Editing rooms are also available at Gelardin Center located on the 1st floor of Lauinger Library. Here you can record audio and voiceovers as well as edit them with Garageband. Schedule a consultation with a multimedia specialist here.