The Frustrations of Self Tape Sound
Have you gotten feedback on a Self Tape where somebody commented that the reader was just too loud?
It is a common complaint of disgruntled Casting Directors. And when that criticism trickles back to you, the parent, it feels defeating that yet again there is one more technical aspect that seems impossible to get right.
Maybe you finally feel like the lighting is looking good. Your backdrop is the right color. Your kid finally doesn’t look orange. And here comes another complaint. Defeat.
I’ll be the first to admit that the science of sound is not something I am prone to easily understand. But the harsh fact is, sound is equally as important to video quality as lighting is. The enjoyment of viewing video hinges on a clear balanced listening experience.
So what can you do?
Focus the sound to the subject of the video. In most cases, the actor is positioned at least three feet from the video recording device. This device is most likely being operated by the reader, who is positioned just off to the side of the lens. The internal microphone of the device is much closer to the reader than the actor. Hence the common advice for readers to try and be half the volume of the actor. It is a nice thought in theory but can be difficult to follow. Not to mention the vast differences in acoustics of rooms that you self tape in.
So we must get a microphone closer to the actor to enrich the sound and reduce echo.
Thankfully you do not have to break the budget too bad to make this happen. And after all it is an investment and a very wise one at that.
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One option is using a corded or wireless Lavalier microphone that simply plugs into your phone, tablet or dslr camera. These vary in prices from “dirt cheap” to “ouch” and you get what you pay for in terms of quality.
This type of microphone, also known as a lapel mic, is easily clipped to the actor or near the actor. I suggest clipping it out of the self tape frame. Beware of location as clothes crinkle and make awful noises when rubbed against.
Corded lapel mics standardly plugs into a 3.5mm audio jack. There are many inexpensive adapters sold as well that convert the cord to fit in a lightning jack or usb-c jack.
And the wireless options use Bluetooth to connect to your video recording device. Wireless options are expectedly more expensive but can be much easier to use and well liked by the actor who hates being tethered by a cord while performing.
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Another great external microphone option is a directional condenser microphone. When using these microphones, it is as simple as pointing the mic towards the sound you want to pick up.
Some are short and some are longer and often referred to as a shotgun microphone. They slide into a cold shoe mount on a camera or clips onto a phone or tablet.
Now a specialty audio source is directed at the actor and in the opposite direction of the reader. The improvement to the sound is miraculous. And these sound tools will significantly step up your self tape game!
So chin up!
No reason for defeat.
You just need the right tools for success.
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