DIY Field Audio Kit

sound DIY Field Audio KitAudio for Video
Most of us have entered an edit session following what at the time seemed to be a successful shoot – perfect lighting, clean lines, smooth pans, precise focus….uh oh - that the boom mic was noisy as hell!  How could you have not realized it in the field?  Well, most of us utilize the awesomely convenient XLR inputs on our cameras to handle the usually simple audio recording options required.  You can use a boom mic in one input and a lavalier in the other.  This setup will usually suffice. 

The Problem
We all use this set-up and probably all run into the same problems.  The camera is now attached to something.  The extra wires cause many inconveniences in changing set-ups and handheld work.  And, you are monitoring your sound levels and quality from a camera which is not ideal.  Shots are probably your number one concern when standing behind a camera - not audio.  This run-and-gun solution works 90% of the time.  For the other 10% when you need to impress:  You have a client/interview/film that needs a little “wow” in it.  You have an idea for something big with the “look” and being hassled with boom mic placement is a distraction that you can’t afford.

The Solution
By recording your sound independently from your camera set-up - You can be more creative,  more mobile, and more precise.  More subtleties can be realized and you free your eyes from level meters to the picture.  If you are low budget, but maybe have an extra person on hand,  make that person your sound guy/girl.  The benefits of quality of sound will outweigh what this person could attribute as extra grip.  This DIY field kit is easily set-up and operated and you can teach just about anyone how to use it.maudio DIY Field Audio KitThe Set-Up
There are many solutions out there that range from all-in-one field recorders to complex 12 channel boards.  The system described in this article falls somewhere between the two.  The intrical piece of the system is how sound is interfaced digitally.  This DIY kit is built around USB audio interfaces used for recording in home studios with Pro Tools - specifically the M-Audio Fast Track Pro.  It gives you dual XLR or 1/8 pin inputs, 48v phantom power, and is powered by USB.  I connect the Fast Track Pro to a Asus Netbook.  These mini notebooks have just about everything that laptops have.  You can run full operating systems like Windows 7 and since the screen is so small and the hard drive is SSD, the battery life is extraordinary (5-7 hours per charge).  With software you have a couple of options – You can use Pro Tools (M-Powered in this case) or free audio editing/recording software such as Audacity. 

The Advantage
You have endless options to effect the quality of recording “live” that you are not afforded with the cameras “level” controls.  It gets your camera “wireless” from any audio devices which allows for freedom of movement.  You now have a dedicated person for audio which enables a more concentrated effort for picture and talent.  And, you have a stand alone system for grabbing natural or b-roll sounds without having to break out any camera gear.  Give it a try and shoot me a message or comment with some feedback. 

|JONNYHEE|

35mm Adapter Comparison

**Here is a 35mm DOF adapter comparison chart.  The information was gathered from each manufactures website.  Remember that you still need a camera and lenses to make these work, so the price is for the adapters and accessories only.  There are many upgrade options that will add to the cost of each. 

35MM ADAPTER DOF 35mm Adapter Comparison
Additional Features:

Letus Extreme
◦ Best edge-to-edge sharpness in the industry.
◦ Battery is fully enclosed and secured by 2 magnets for ease of replacement during a shoot.
◦ Optional relay offer direct mount to ENG type cameras.

SGblade
◦ Choice of 3 ROTOrazor (ground glass element) for various shooting environments.
◦ Variable speed controller for spinning element.
◦ Now offer PL mounts.

M2 Encore
◦ Rotating screen enables you to stop down to f16 without seeing the screen grain.
◦ Integrated collimating lens mount, and the adapter comes pre-collimated.
◦ Widest angle-of-view of all adapters.

Brevis35 MP.2
◦ Microprocessor controlled adapter.
◦ Interchangeable diffusers allow for a variety of looks/setups.
◦ Waterproof ABS case provided.

These numbers come from the least expensive set-up which usually includes mounts for “still” lenses like Nikon, Canon EF (OES), and Pentax K mount.  If you want to use the grossly more expensive “film” lenses, the PL mounts and others are several hundred dollars extra.  This chart is to be used as quick reference for people needing a side-by-side comparison that would usually come in the early stages of the whole process.  Please be sure to investigate before you buy so you know exactly what you are getting when making a purchase of this size.  You can leave a comment here.

|JONNYHEE|

Poor Man’s Light Kit

Like you I struggle with the cost of staying on the cutting edge of the video production. Everything associated with what it takes to shoot video/film professionally is horribly over priced. Well, I have a money saving idea that I will take you step by step to owning a professional portable light kit for less than half of the leading manufactures like Lowel and Arri.

First get juiced - The number of watts any given lighting kit will output is the key to professional results. Second is control - Once you have a kit that continuously lights at 1500 watts, you have to be able to control that power to get the results you are looking for. Lastly is price - You don’t have to pay $1500 for a kit that you can put together separately for under $300 and get the exact same results.

super Poor Mans Light KitStep one: Be super!  The kit that I use is assembled from old Super 8 camera lights. These lights were made to be mounted onto Super 8 cameras and usually output up to 650w at 120v. This is key considering that a 650w Lowel or Arri light can cost upwards of $800 each. These “super lights,” as I call them, can be found either around town or on eBay for sometimes as cheap as $10. What’s the catch? Well, there really isn’t one. Most are made of plastic which is probably the only downfall. Some of these supers come with the hot shoe mount. That’s OK because you can buy stand mounts for around $5 here. If you take care of them, they will last a really long time. And, otherwise at $10 a pop, they might as well be disposable. So search around and find at least 3 of these “super lights” to get your kit started.

softbox Poor Mans Light KitNext: Stay in control. I suggest soft boxes. You can find these at B&H or eBay. The ones I use are cowboy studio’s soft boxes. They control the light just like the Lowel Rifa soft boxes. It has the option to have two levels of diffusion (outside and inside) with the two included diffusion clothes. You need to find a way to attach the speed ring to the light. The easiest way is to screw it to the ring of the barn doors. Some of the “super lights” come with barn doors, others do not. You can find them at B&H, but with everything else they sell, they can be pricey. So, when purchasing the “super lights” try and find ones with the original barn doors.

stand Poor Mans Light KitLastly: Take a stand. You have to have stands for all of your new lights. The ones I use are Smith-Victor and can be found relatively cheap on eBay. Think quality over cosmetics. It doesn’t matter how ugly any of these components are. What matters is how well they make your subject look on camera.

With the soft boxes and gels, you can get professional results for well under $300.  Remember that the softboxes have to attach to the light.  Some supers come with barndoors that are usually the easiest solution.  Most soft boxes have “speed rings” which will easily attach to the barndoors.  Check out the details and measurements of each component, so you are sure they will be compatible.  Questions? Leave me a comment here.

|JONNYHEE|

48 Hour Scramble

STEAL 48 Hour ScrambleLast weekend, I worked with a really cool group of guys and girls on a film for the SoAL Film Festival.  The concept was for the festival’s 48hour Film Scramble.  We had 48hours to produce, write, direct, shoot, and edit the film.  The scramble concept was “Mobile, We love you” and our location was Spinghill College.  The film is a love story/comedy that takes place in the Springhill area titled, “Steal My Heart” and debuts Friday, Nov. 6th during the opening of the SoAL Film Festival at the Crescent Theatre.  Try to come out, check it out and vote for our film before you go off and get into whatever it is you’re gonna get into later that night.
|JONNYHEE|

Still Alive

light Still AliveHey guys, I’m still here.  People are fussing at me about the lack of posts on the site.  The imbalance of work and more work leaves little time for jonnyhee.com, but I’m about to get back in the groove.  Many updates to come on my new project entitled for now: “(type title here)”.  OK.  I haven’t got a title yet.  But it is a short-subject documentary on the Middle Bay Lighthouse in Mobile bay.  Click here if you wanna learn about it.  Middle Light is one of our most beautiful historic places here along the gulf coast and there is an effort to try and move it on land.  Before that happens, I want to archive the beauty and elegance of this super cool place before it is too late.  I will post when it is complete and have to trailer on jonnyhee.com.

|JONNYHEE|

The New Beast

SETUP The New Beast
Specs -
◙ Intel Core 2 Quad Core Proccessor (2.83GHZ; 12MB Cache)
◙ 4 GB of Corsair Extreme Memory
◙ WD RAID0 Disk Array (2TB)
◙ Nvdia GeForce 6800GS Graphics Card
◙ Blackmagic HD Extreme Editing Card
◙ M-Audio Fast Track Pro Audio Interface
◙ Dual 20inch Samsung Monitors
◙ Samung HD Preview Monitor

This thing hauls.  Combine the quad core processor with the striped drives, the thing is basically out of control.  It is the fastest system I have ever been on. 

Intel Core 2 Quad -
What can I say about this damn thing.  OK, two words: Fast & Effecient.  The most taxing task I can come up with doesn’t even phase the thing.  I used to be a AMD advocate, but Intel is just completly blowing them out of the water now.  I don’t see me going back anytime soon.

SYSTEM The New Beast

Blackmagic HD Extreme -
The Extreme is used for capturing (component) and previewing edits in Premiere Pro (through HDMI to the Samsung HDTV).  It does full uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 1080 or several compressions including Blackmagics Motion JPEG compression.  I have been shooting a lot of 60i footage and it looks amazing.  Still tons of more test to be done.  This capture card is the most cost effective thing on the market.  I just upgrading to the Blackmagic HD Extreme in the recently and am really happy with it.  Blackmagic is an up and coming manufacurer of very solid solutions related to TV/Film. 

M-Audio Fast Track Pro -
Very cool device.  I use it with M-Powered Pro Tools for recording/processing.  It is a USB interface giving you total control through pro tools.  This is not the cheapest solution, but it is very cost effective.  It gives you dual instrument/mic inputs through XLR or 1/8 inch.  I only use it for recording mics, but you can hook a mixer to the thing and have as many channels as you want.  It is a great device for us video guys.

|JONNYHEE|

Still waiting…

The days seem longer now that I have saved up enough cash to pay for this camera and can’t seem to get the guy to go through with the sell. I have reached the first step in the budget aspect. I penny pinched and saved all of my earnings from the website business to reach the goal. Problem is, I can’t buy the thing any cheaper than what guy is asking for it. It is selling for around twice the amount even on ebay. I’ve reached a crossroads. Do I go ahead and assume that this transaction isn’t gonna happen and keep saving, or do I just wait him out? I need a lot more money for the project than what I have, so I guess I will try and save more and hope he pulls through. If he asks if I still want it after I pay retail for another one…well, a beating will ensue. Anyways. Here’s to saving money. Cheers!
You can subscribe to my feed here!

|JONNYHEE|

3-point-lighting: hard vs. soft

WS DVC1 allon 500 3 point lighting: hard vs. softI said in the previous entry that I am not a “soft” kinda guy, so I prefer a harder lighting.  Someone asked what that meant, so here we go!  I found an example of what I consider is three-point-lighting at it’s best.  The configuration consists of the following:
1. A key light just off center in front to initially “light” the subject.
2. A fill light more off center in front to fill the shadowing.
3. A backlight behind the subject to give contrast from the background.
(Center is in relation to where the subject is looking, not the camera or where the interviewer would sit when asking questions).

Even though this is the most basic of lighting techniques, it is a time tested standard.  The dramatics of the lighting on screen are controlled by the contrast between the hardness of the key vs. the softness of the fill along with strength or brightness as a pair.  If the key is brightened and the fill is dimmed, then the subject will have more defined shadows.

Below is an example of hard vs. soft:

CU DVC1 final 500 3 point lighting: hard vs. softThe first technique uses tungsten lights with the classic umbrella and diffusion paper.  The second uses all softboxes.  Though both very well lit, I prefer the first photo.  The edges of the shadowing have harder lines. Notice the chin shadow on her lapel.  Also, notice the sheen of her hair from the backlight.  This feels more natural to me and the source of the light seems more believable.  The second shot seems to be more of a photograph taken in a mall somewhere; bright and happy and a little bit washed.  If the subject of your work is dark and you are looking for a more dramatic look, the soft technique doesn’t lend itself to be as versatile.  When you back off of a soft set-up, it tends to just simply look dark; not dramatic.

Note:  I am in no way pretending to be an expert on the matter.  These are just my thoughts and observations. Comments? Do it!

|JONNYHEE|

 Photos courteusy: lowel.com

More on lighting…

I’ve been searching on ebay for what seems like days and think I have an idea.  Ideally, my light kit would include the following:
2 – Softboxes (tungsten light with a cloth box diffuser)
2 – Key Lights (focusable tungsten with normal diffusion and gels)
2 – Accent Lights (non-focusable throws)
I think if I had all of these, I could make just about anything pop indoors.  There are kits that use all softboxes, but the examples I have seen are very soft.  I’m not a soft kinda guy.  I don’t like using softboxes as key lights.  I love them as front fills, though.  The lowel Pro Light seems to be the ticket for keys.  A lot of guys love the versatility of the Tota.  With 2 of each of the softboxes and harder keys…the possible combinations become a lot larger that any 4 piece kit available. 

 I think that if I could buy the lights individually used…I could potentially cut my $1,000 light budget in half.  So, the plan is to still buy quality equipment (cause remember: we are not skimping on camera, lighting, or sound), but find new or used deals on ebay individually to make up my ideal kit.  I realize that this is not ingenious in itself, but I figured I should record the thoughts.  Comments? Always appreciated.

|JONNYHEE|

What an expensive hobby!

I have the camera picked, but haven’t had the opportunity to purchase the thing.  I’m checking out light kits in the mean time.  Wow! This shit is expensive!  I want to spend my money on quality were it really matters.  I think that includes 3 things:  1. Camera 2. Lighting 3. Audio.  DV901Z What an expensive hobby!I feel that everything else can be made or borrowed.  I’m pretty set on the XH-A1 to shoot with.  I work with Lowel lighting in TV and can’t find any reason not to spend the extra money for that quality.  As far as audio is concerned, that will probably be another post.  What do you think about the Lowel DV Creator kit (pictured)?  It comes with 3 distinct lights with stands plus barn doors.  It has a number of gels, umbrella, diffusion, etc.  It costs about $1000.  It’s uses for the purpose of the film will probably be limited to formal interviews with most other shots to be daytime/exterior.  Would love some feedback.

|JONNYHEE|

MY SITES

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BLACKBERRY TWEETS

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Super-Duper!!!

It’s working! (thanks to twitter)

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Truly a Test

This is a test post from my blackberry to jonnyhee.com to twitter to facebook.?

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Scramble

We didn’t even place. Got beat by a balloon, two dogs, and Forest Gump.

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Film Premiere

My short film “Steal My Heart” premieres tonight at 7pm and 8:20pm at Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile.

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F Google

Google may be taking over the world, but not jonnyhee.com. jonnyhee.com optimizes for no one.