MOL Studios reboot

Any video, sound and lighting experts out there?

It's been a few years, but I hope to reboot the Jamie Ross Show.  And if anyone has other ideas, let me know.

Here's what I have:

- Green Wall

- 3 Sony HD cams - these are probably around 10 years old now.  HDR-SR11

- Lapel mics - I run these through a Mackie mixer and capture the sound in a H4n Zoom recorder

- Lighting umbrella - up to 4 (with 500 watt bulbs I think).

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What I need to figure out is how to  set up the cameras best.  I can't get the best focus with them consistently.  I'm not sure if the cameras are capable or if my lighting is incorrect.

For Audio - I probably need to figure out how to put material up to dampens the echo in the room a little.

Perhaps I don't have to depth in the room to properly pull off the green screen.


@jamie,  I don't profess to be an expert in sound or studio design, but I've worked as a professional radio announcer in Australia for around 40 years, and also do the occasional voice jobs using a small studio set-up at home.
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The aim of the (audio) game is to minimise sound reflections.

Describe the space where you do your show - is this a 'normal' room in your home, or one you've set up specifically for your filming? 

Tell me about the floor, walls and ceiling surfaces.  Any furniture in the room?

There are many good sources for information - look for 'Home Recording Studios' on the 'net.


Some of the walls are pretty bare - I have a few ideas.  Adding some foam to the walls and curtains.

You can see an older video here:

Some of these turned out better then others - this one isn't too bad.  some of the video is a little fuzzy. 

And just playing around with the camera right now - I may have found out the key to getting a good focus.


Another thing I want to figure out is - recording audio outside of the studio.  If I stopped by a business - what would be a good type of mic?  I would probably connect it through the zoom.


The best audio I've heard in many types of environments is done by Scott Carrier on his podcast Home of the Brave.  He uses this.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68506-REG/Shure_VP88_VP88_Mic_with.html


jamie said:

Some of the walls are pretty bare - I have a few ideas.  Adding some foam to the walls and curtains.

You can see an older video here:

 The room sounds fairly 'live'.   Is the floor carpeted?  Can you add an extra plush rug over it?

Curtains are fine, but make them as thick as you can.   Acoustic/sound absorbing foam is also very good.    If you're using a dedicated space, then you could even put carpet on the walls.  I've also heard of people using mattresses leaned up against the walls, with a doona/duvet thrown over them for extra sound-deadening.  It would be handy if you could get a collapsible roll-up projector screen holder, with a sheet or screen the correct shade of chroma-key green, and place sound-deadening behind that, as well, rather than use the solid wall.

I'm wondering about the audio as heard on the video you posted.   Admittedly, I only listened to the first few minutes, but why is it that your guests sound okay, whereas you are 'off-mike'?

jamie said:

Another thing I want to figure out is - recording audio outside of the studio. If I stopped by a business - what would be a good type of mic? I would probably connect it through the zoom.

Outside/on-location recording - 
First rule: find a quiet location
Second rule: get out of the wind

Lavalier/lapel mics are fine if you follow the above, but make sure you have good windshields on them, too.

https://www.thebroadcastbridge.com/content/entry/9026/avoiding-outdoor-wind-noise-when-recording-with-lavalier-mics

You could also look at a short directional (super-cardioid) mic held out of shot and pointed at you and the talent, in turn.

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Some reading - 

https://www.thebroadcastbridge.com/content/entry/12589/the-biggest-issue-with-makeshift-recording-spaces-room-acoustics

and

https://www.thebroadcastbridge.com/content/entry/7547/acoustic-treatment-for-makeshift-studios


jamie said:

Some of the walls are pretty bare - I have a few ideas.  Adding some foam to the walls and curtains.

what you really need are two ferns.


Video sounds great!!!


I am ready for my close-up!


yeah - you always are.  grin I'll have my agent call your agent.



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