Recording Radio Interviews Outside the Studio

The Essentials of Audio Recording in Different Environments

Apr 23, 2009 Dan McCurdy

Knowing the pitfalls and possible areas where there might be problems in capturing audio effectively, will help ensure a better final recording.

Before any sound engineer or radio presenter even thinks of leaving the studio to record an interview outwith the studio environment, there are a few simple checks every professional will do. These will increase the chances of getting the interview (or any sound recording) recorded successfully and in the best way possible. Some of these are fairly obvious but disastrous if not done.

Checks Before Leaving the Studio

• Select the right microphone for the project (i.e. from wide to narrow pattern)
• Know the directional characteristics of the chosen mic
• Ensure the recording equipment is sufficiently charged
• Check there is ample recording time for any length of planned recording
• Test the equipment and ensure it is recording properly

Having arranged the interview or set-up the recording there is nothing more frustrating or pointless than arriving at the chosen destination to find the equipment is not working. The time to test the equipment is when something can be done to fix it. Not just before the recording. Some broadcasters will always carry fresh batteries, or have a separate spare charged battery. Barring total equipment failure, it is always useful to have a back-up or at least a plan B.

Getting the Sound Right on-Site.

There is no substitute for practice and experience in finding out the effects of varying conditions and likely disasters to be avoided and the affect they all have on the recording. Here are a few basic tips to consider whenever audio, and especially an interview is being captured outwith the controlled environment of a recording studio.

• Find as a quiet a spot as possible, away from unwanted noises
• Background noise may add to the effect, but don't let it intrude into the interview
• Be wary of noise from passers-by
• On windy days, a mic shield will suppress wind noise
• Indoors has its own noise too like clocks, air conditioning and machinery
• Each venue both outdoors and in will have its own ambience, be aware of each

Getting the Technicalities of Recording Right

There are some very simple ‘golden’ technical rules to be observed for a better recording. These can be easily checked and remembered by doing a test where the recording is going to take place. Sound engineers will often demand ‘something for level’, just to ensure the equipment is working properly and the sound is good. An interviewee is often asked how they got to the location, or what they had for breakfast! Their answer is usually enough to get the proper level. When recording ‘Vox Pops’ a trial sample is usually enough otherwise any spontaneity will be lost. The golden technical rules to remember are :

• If the person speaking is too close to the mic or too high level, ‘Popping’ may occur.
• If too far away, the voice will sound distant or tinny.
• If the recording is too low, ‘Hiss’ will appear
• If recording levels are too high, distortion is likely.

Always Wear Headphones.

It’s far easier to rectify any bad audio recording when the recording is being done, than trying to rectify it later in the studio. All of the above can easily be checked and the chance of a good recording increased if the person who is doing the recording always wears headphones and so hears exactly what the equipment is hearing.

The copyright of the article Recording Radio Interviews Outside the Studio in Radio Journalism is owned by Dan McCurdy. Permission to republish Recording Radio Interviews Outside the Studio in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

city traffic environment example 1

supermarket environment example 2

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