In this episode we'll learn about the
recording of Vox Pops.
Vox Pops are a term for going out to
record interviews in the field,
and an incredibly important
part of radio podcast videos and lots of
other types of presentation, let's look
at the best way to get a really
efficient system together for recording
your Vox Pops.
There are lots of ways to record Vox Pops,
you have to figure out the best way
for you.
Do you want to use a failed
recorder or some other equipment that
may suit your workflow a little better.
Let's look at a couple of options and
see how they might work for you.
Option 1: A proper microphone plugged
into a field recorder, and of course the
other thing you will always need is a
quality windshield, you'll need to look
at Rycotes vast collection of
products, to see what is best for you.
You don't want anything destroying your
beautiful recordings like wind noise,
the advantage of having a field recorder
with you with a proper microphone
plugged in is, that you have super high
quality recordings.
You'll also have the option to use any mic
or microphones you wish and you have a
solid machine on which to record, security all the way.
The downside is that you have a lot of gear
and leads, and that may affect your
mobility and durability if you're
carrying them around all day.
Option 2: is carrying a handheld recorder, totally
mobile, light, and depending on the
machine the recording quality is top
grade as well.
You can get a handheld recorder from
lots of different companies such as
Tascam, Zoom and Roland.
If you need just a recorder you may get
something like the Zoom H1n, it is a
simple stereo recorder, but for more bang
for your book you can get a recorder
with extra mic and instrument inputs
such as the tascam DR-40X, or the zoom
H4, H5 or H6.
Remember to use a quality handle for
your handheld recorders as they reduce
the amount of handling noise through the
recorder and onto your recordings.
One small drawback about handhelds are,
that you are generally using the built-in
mics, which might be an issue for you if you have a
favorite dynamic mic, one that does not
need power then you might look at the
Tascam DR10X which is a neat little
recorder that plugs directly onto any
dynamic mic,
one super feature on this recorder is that
it simultaneously makes a copy of your
recordings but at a lower level,
so if there are any loud bits that might
distort on the main recording,
then it could be safe on the
lower level version.
Option 3 is totally simple and totally
connected - it's a quality microphone that
plugs straight into your iPhone, our other iOS
device, via the lightning connector.
Rode make the iXY, Sure the Mv88,
and there are a few more, again if you
have a favorite dynamic then you could
use the Rode iXLR, which plugs
directly into your mic, and straight into
your iOS device, most of these type
devices come with dedicated apps that
allow you some basic editing and control
over the parameters of your recordings.
If you are considering getting one of
these devices, do consider that you will
need to fix your windshield on to the
mics and still be able to plug in some
headphones to monitor your recordings as
they happen, the serious advantage of
these iOS recording devices is that they
are light, portable, and you can carry them
always, not just when out in a job, with
the option to edit the recordings in
your iOS device and deliver them back to
the studio from wherever you are, is a
real advantage especially when you're
under pressure to deliver, be careful
when looking at some mics that connect
directly to your headphone or TRRS
socket on your phone, this connector is
not a professional connection, the
quality is not good for professional
applications, also by the nature of the
connection the mic can only be mono.
Voxpop and interviews are an essential
addition to any production,
it's important to get your interview and
recording technique right.
In this situation you have to keep a few things
in mind, firstly most people are not used
to having microphones shoved into their
face every day, go gently, tell them what
you're doing as you setup the record, if
you're using a handheld recorder, tell
them what it is so they can distinguish
it as a microphone, and not some alien
technology to suck their brains out.
Explaining things engages them in the
process, and they'll want to give you
their best.
Use eye to eye,
humans communicate face-to-face
and if your head is buried and playing
around with your recorder,
then your interviewee will drop off in
performance, whilst you're disengaged
with them.
RRemember to always use the
quality windshield to protect your
recordings, even when it's not windy out,
always use headphones to monitor what
you're recording, if you use bud
headphones you will not hear some
low-frequency noise on your recordings,
watch where you're placing your
microphone, if you're playing with your
recorder, then you might be missing the
interviewees mouth.
A nice proximity to the mouth without
shoving it down the throat is all good.
Finally mind yourself, if you're out in
the street for a long time recording,
remember a couple of things, check the
weather, make sure you have the right
clothing so you're comfortable.
There's nothing worse than being soaked through
when you're trying to work,
have liquids to keep yourself hydrated,
bring a snack in case you're at it longer
than you expected,
even being out for a couple of
hours doing Vox Pops,
it can seem like days.
To lessen your load you got to
think about the location you're in, will
you need extra equipment or permissions
from the relative authorities or owners of
some of the properties.
Your battery situation..
have you spare batteries or a
battery bank.
Your storage situation do you have a
spare SD card to record to
that has enough room for all of your
recording needs, will you need to back
things up, or will there be mobile data or
Wi-Fi available to you to send your
files back to the studio, all serious
considerations before you head out to
the job.
If you are a solo you may also
be responsible for the release forms
from the subject, don't take this for
granted.
Make sure you stay legal.
Check the laws in the country that
you're filming in.
Finally and most importantly enjoy yourself.
Talking to humans on the street can be an amazing
source of energy, joy, and the making of
your show.
I'm Keith Alexander and you've
been watching Adorama TV.
Don't forget to subscribe to Adorama TV
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