Camera Timecode and Audio Database
Vandelay Sound Exports have a neat database of timecode and audio connections on cameras on their website which can be a useful quick reference: http://timecode.vandelaysoundexports.com/home/index.php
Resources
Decibel Sound Level Chart
It is sometimes useful to refer to a chart that shows some common decibel levels of sounds as a reference, and a simple chart with some examples every 10dB or so usually suffices, but today I came across a really details chart put together by Paul Virostek on his Creative Field Recording blog/site that details … Read more Decibel Sound Level Chart
Sound Levels in Cinemas
Something that has been bothering me lately is the variable playback loudness in cinemas, with most cinemas playing back well below the Dolby Reference standard level of 7 (or calibrated to 85dB SPL), but seemingly there pretty much being no standard anymore. Unfortunately films being mixed at lower levels, to make for louder mixes, which … Read more Sound Levels in Cinemas
Intelligibility in Films
The slashfilm.com website has posted up an article discussing some of the reasons why it has often become more difficult to understand the dialogue in films these days. There are a number of points that cover creative choices such as Christopher Nolan’s approach in various films and mixing with theatrical dynamics that doesn’t necessarily translate … Read more Intelligibility in Films
Footsteps Foley on The Feed
A couple of months ago The Feed on SBS did a piece about Foley which a couple of people suggested I check out. I finally got around to watching it and it turns out it is a really good profile of Footsteps Foley studio in Canada, where they have a fantastic custom “Foley House” set … Read more Footsteps Foley on The Feed
Immersive Microphone Set-ups
DPA have some fantastic information in their Mic University and their page discussing microphone set-ups for surround sound and immersive audio formats is a really great primer covering some of the common approaches: https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-university/immersive-sound-object-based-audio-and-microphones I’ve recorded using various multi-channel/surround techniques, but my most common approach for ambiences is using an IRT Cross. Although the technique … Read more Immersive Microphone Set-ups
Dolby Atmos Explainer
Music Tech Explained have produced a neat explainer video giving a rundown on Dolby Atmos, and importantly, the current state of affairs with regards to some things to keep in mind about mixing with it and how Apple Music handles it downstream. A great introduction to these aspects in this video:
AES Loudness for Internet Audio
The AES have released a new/revised recommendation concerning loudness for internet audio streaming and on-demand application. There are no real surprises in there, with a -18 LKFS/LUFS (+/- 2 LU) integrated loudness for assorted content where the dialogue is not directly measurable on its own, which is in line with previous recommendations, as posted about … Read more AES Loudness for Internet Audio
Creativity in the Studio
Dom Morley from Mix Consultancy, has written some tips for boosting creativity in the studio for the Production Expert website, which are actually just simple tips for creativity generally no matter whether it is in the studio or other types of creative pursuits. Here they are: https://www.pro-tools-expert.com/production-expert-1/5-tips-to-boost-creativity-in-the-studio
Wireless Spectrum Management for Fire Fight 2020 Concert
Profiles Resource Management have written up a great article/post about the work they did in managing the wireless (RF) spectrum for the massive Fire Fight Concert for National Bushfire Relief at ANZ Stadium in Sydney in 2020. The article gives some good insight into the challenges of dealing with many wireless channels in a high … Read more Wireless Spectrum Management for Fire Fight 2020 Concert