How to Be a Sound Mixer | On-Set Audio Masterclass

[@DeityMicrophones]

What episode would you like to see next?!

[@SaintShane]

So, I now have the Deity Connect Interview Kit (HD-TX USA model, BP-TX, DUO-RX) and two pocket wireless. Usually we have a 2-lav setup, but I bought the extra Pocket Wireless mics so that we can add an extra person or two into a scene. How do I run this and ensuring the four transmitters are not interfering with each other, or cluttering up a transmission channel? We are running boom mic into the Zoom F6 port 1, the Duo-RX, goes into 2 and 3, and the pocket wireless transmitters go into 4 and 5, and we mix audio with the FRC-8 F-Control. But I am wondering with 4 transmitters are these ever going to create interference with each other, and if so, what can I do to make sure these are not fighting with each other?

[@DeityMicrophones]

@@SaintShane Best you can do is set your DUO-RX, HD-TX, and BP-TX to 10mW and High Latency Mode.

[@soundbreaker2485]

File naming conventions & workflow from set to post production

[@audiorolling]

how to get better signal using sennheiser g3 or g4 mics with 214 antenna diversity system. because it sucks but no budget for better gear

[@fridafeline]

Synching audiofiles to videoclips in Davinci Resolve and Premiere :-)

[@DanielRentzsch]

Nice video! I like the details about organizing your stuff. This is often forgotten, although it's mandatory for efficiency in the editing. Also, great visualisation and video structure. I'd like to add some points though, from my experience of sound mixer and boom operator for many years: 1. Always use headphones when booming! In your video the boom operator has no headphones. That would be an absolute no-go for me. It's the sound mixer's job to deliver a monitor signal for the boom operator. It's so crucial to judge the audio by your ears, not only your eyes. Otherwise, it'll be like operating your camera without a viewfinder, just by guessing your framing by camera angle and focal length. Many mixers offer an aux output to create an additional output with only the boom mic routed. If you don't have to pass the audio over to the camera, you can try to use the mixer's main outputs. If you have the equipment, you can build a smart solution with wireless systems. There are special monitoring wireless systems available, with convenient features like a volume adjustment knob on the receiver. But also some standard lav-system can be reused for that purpose. 2. Speaking of volume adjustments: I'd always recommend to set your headphone volume once with a appropriate level and don't touch it then. Especially not during a recording. Wear closed-back headphones to isolate you from the rest of the set. If you adjust the headphone volume, you lose your reference for the correct levels and have to rely solely on the meters. Of course the meters are necessary to use but at the end, your ears are the most effective analysing tool for quick adjustments. 3. Learn the script! If you do scripted work with multiple talents involved, the boom operator should always know who says which text. If you don't that sooner or later, you'll miss half a line, since you haven't adjusted the mic's position. Preferable, you even know already the acting. If your talent is supposed to stand up in the middle of a scene and you're not prepared, you could hit it with your mic or you may be in the frame when the camera follows the talent. 4. If you have to record two talents side by side with only one boom operator, decide your position carefully. If possible, I'd use a position between them, so basically on the axis with the camera. Doing so I can switch the mic position from one to the other my only twisting my boom pole slightly with my wrist. Standing at their left or right, I always have to move back and forth. I know these suggestions are more for boom operators but maybe it's helpful for some of you though. What do you think?

[@DeityMicrophones]

thanks for the detailed additions! All invaluable advice. Maybe we should do a boom operator specific episode next.

[@ethanrhanielle2474]

Thanks for having me Deity! I'm glad to have been a part of this video it came out great!

[@bigdoghat3827]

Hi Ethan, do you also record room tone to help out the dialog editor? Thanks!

[@hugolagnado-monery3027]

This is literally the best video ever, thank you

[@DeityMicrophones]

Thanks for watching!

[@wcsdiaries]

@@DeityMicrophones Can you do a video on hw ya'll animated at 2:15ish? Incredible video!

[@malmeadows]

Ethan’s got drip. Never hurts to see how others mix! Thanks for the advice Andrew and Ethan

[@ethanrhanielle2474]

It's all in the dog hat

[@giovannispinotti]

@@ethanrhanielle2474 What model of ktek bag was that?

[@ethanrhanielle2474]

@@giovannispinotti no idea. That was Andrews bag. My bag was the bigger orca or32 bag

[@mariotb13]

Just got into the Film Industry as a P.A. and mind blown with the amazing Lav graphics that explained the outputs. Wish most tutorials were like this. Thanks!

[@Vectif]

Thanks so much for all these videos. I was recently introduced into this industry from a Sound in film seminar in one of final college classes; and while sometimes I had an assistants and I could just mix, I have also had to do a one-man boom + placing lavs + mixing combo, I instantly loved it. I was always into music and sound, so this seems right up my alley, I would like to try to dedicate to this in the future as a job. These have been incredibly helpful and insightful, and the quality of each video is superb. Thank you.

[@metalinyourhead3604]

I remember working with a Mixpre 3 in college, and during our documentary assignment, I put the lavs on channel 1&2 since those inputs were right next to each other, and then since the boom was on channel three on the other side of the recorder, I knew what was what. Just helped with organizing.

[@clurkroberts2650]

I wish I had such a complete instruction 40 years ago. This type of information wasn’t freely shared within the industry

[@FirstLast-tj4nl]

I'm diving deep into post sound and live music mixing but this opens my purview into on set film as well.

[@didgeproject]

Solid video. I am a mix-pre3 user and learned a lot here. Thx guys!

[@RhettBrownatRetroWreck]

Great job! The visuals and breakdowns were explained perfectly clear. Cheers to you! Thanks!

[@JosephMichael1989]

I rented an ifb setup from that dude on a project a few months ago haha All around solid dude

[@ethanrhanielle2474]

Lol I remember that day. Thanks dude

[@jordanpresley8197]

This was great! Thanks to the team who all worked to put this together!

[@prathapkumar1903]

Great basic lesson.. Nice.. Bro.. 👍

[@jake0638]

This video is amazing complete breakdown so much help thank you so much!!!

[@adamgarceau]

Last weekend (Saturday and Sunday) I used this exact setup but I put the boom in port 3 because it was by itself and 1&2 were right next to each other. First time mixing a short film I must admit. No catastrophes. But it would have been good if someone taught me how to do that spreadsheet. I wish I saw this before. This would have saved the sound designer some trouble 🤪. There’s always next time haha

[@bethanysparks2116]

This is a really excellent channel. Well paced, great graphics, storytelling is easy to follow, strong demonstrations. Great work.

[@DeityMicrophones]

That's really nice to hear. Thank you!

[@rorisangsathegi]

I'm glad I found this Channel 👌🏿

[@benjaminmedina229]

Magnificent content, It would be great if you made a video explaining the advanced functions of the zoom f6 recorder.

[@GoneByDawnSean]

this is a great video, thank you!!

[@highbird21]

Really, seriously Outstanding video! It put together a lot of pieces I've learned but not used yet. Thank You!

[@DeityMicrophones]

thanks for watching and happy to help :)

[@j.masonbrown6216]

Excellent video, these graphics are super helpful and well done.

[@amirkhan-fu2uj]

it so so so helpful but can you talk more about the the functionality of pre and post fader during recording please ?

[@arminfatol]

Hi, I have learned a lot from this video, and also others of yours, so thank you! A quick question please... can the Sound Mixer also be the boom operator at the same time/set? Or there is a need of at least 2 people for those jobs?

[@sedem693]

Great lessons I had today

[@mitch60mccoy]

Whoa! So glad I found this video and this channel. This was a great overview and gave me a good beginning and basic understanding of managing sound on a set. Very cool and informative. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@felipeeufrazio1044]

Great video, I'm a sound mixer/boom op here in Brazil and I see that we work in very similar ways.

[@Puronorte123]

Hello, excellent video, thank you. One question: if I need the client to be able to hear what is happening in the recording and see it at the same time on an external monitor, how could I do it?

[@remektekmedia6641]

EXCELLENT VIDEO. Great content, great video technique and a lot of work had gone into the animation. Well done guys and thanks for sharing.

[@stevenpam]

06:19 "Sound speed" and "camera speed", not "speeds". It's shorthand from the film and tape days for saying that the camera and sound had spooled up to speed and were stable.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I just say "Speed". The director will call out "Sound!" And I'll say "speed" "Camera!" and camera operator will say "speed" or "rolling" Whatever the director likes.

[@jerrypotter0112]

There is any sound mixer heard a ghost!! LOL. Nice tutorial. Thank you so much Andrew and Deity.

[@user-Artist23]

Oh man! I love this!!!! Muchas gracias team. I am a photographer for DoD and was task to do video for Command. I know few things but not everything to handle a smooth work process. Oh my good Lord you guys are a blessing. Thank you,, thank you, thank you! I have a lot to learn but at my age I don't care... I'm going to do it. So to understand the vocabulary, is there a chart on video lingo like what's an AD, etc.?

[@sarishkhare8907]

great video as a basic tutorial for field audio production. thanks a lot

[@periklisliakakis2049]

What an amazing series! Thanks for this invaluable knowledge!

[@haydenkharrazi]

Thank you showing the final product. So many of these videos give explanations with no result 😭

[@saidcisneros2933]

I've been searching for a video like this and now I've found it. You guys rock!

[@DeityMicrophones]

Hopefully it's a good place for you to start. Let us know if there's anything else you want to see in future episodes!

[@midwestdocumentarycenterin1680]

Another great and informative video. Quick question: Who determines what audio sample rate (44.1 kHz vs. 48 kHz) will be used on the shoot? Who conveys that information to the audio team? Thank you!

[@DeityMicrophones]

Video is always done at 48Khz.

[@midwestdocumentarycenterin1680]

@@DeityMicrophones Thank you. Apologies for the dumb question. :-)

[@midwestdocumentarycenterin1680]

@Alberto Garcia Thank you!

[@DeityMicrophones]

@@midwestdocumentarycenterin1680 not a dumb question. We are here to help.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I use the highest quality, usually 92k

[@GiancarloBiondi]

Great video! Lots of useful information

[@showmaster13]

Can’t wait to look at that spreadsheet ❤

[@estudioladob]

The best channel for cinema audio workers!! I fucking love this videos, and i learn so much with them! Tksss

[@nhatkhanhla906]

Thank you very much Deity, this is what I was looking for, thanks for the very detailed video

[@GeeQueeeTv]

Best sound channel

[@ronaldtuhirwe7491]

Dude thanks for this.....super spot on and very good even for beginners. God bless

[@VAN_production.mp4]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃 may I ask, when you stated that there are going to be 5 files, L, R, boom and 2x lavas. Where does L and R come from?

[@orcaacht1223]

Amazing Video 🔥 always nice to hear some good advice on how to be a better sound mixer on set 💪🏼 tanks:)

[@f.burton135]

Found a new favorite show!! Thanks for the info! Hey! I have a question! I have an old (but still new) SOUND DEVICES 552 and I’d love to start using it. Is it any good? Or should I get something newer?

[@fridafeline]

Fantastic!

[@danieldiazoyarzun]

I checked everything is good to download.

[@alexpintado]

Hi guys.... Great vid. Thanks for posting and for all the great info!! Also, I was wondering if Caleb from DSLR VIDEO SHOOTER knows that you guys use a piece from one of his tutorials here on your video?! Thanks again and keep those videos coming!!

[@francoismorel1415]

Hi there, just to clear my mind, sound report is a function directly from the recorder, right ? I never saw this option on Zoom h4N and I never did large budget film, so I always did my sound report by hand.

[@polarmx7890]

there are apps like sound report writer.

[@charliehinde3653]

Correct. The H4N does not have this function. You'd need a mixer from the Zoom F series to do Report Sheets, specifically F4 (though double check this one), F6, F8 and F8n. Other brands like Sound Devices do them also. Not to sure about Tascam, but wouldn't be surprised if they did. So long as the Recorder was designed for Location Sound Mixing, and not a handy recorder (which btw is what the H stands for in the Zoom H line), it should do Report Sheets.

[@francoismorel1415]

@@polarmx7890 Thanks, that's a good alternative for me and my crew.

[@francoismorel1415]

@@charliehinde3653 Thanks for the info, I knew that H stand for Handy. However, I'm a studio guy more than an on set recorder. I work on a lot of low-budget documentaries, and I guess the better option to save me times is an App like Polar MX suggest. Usually, I do sound design and mixing more than recording. Do you have a relatively low-budget suggestion on Location Sound gear ?

[@charliehinde3653]

@@francoismorel1415 Polar MX is right, and App would be very useful. As far as low budget kit, it depends on how many inputs you require. I'd argue that the best Mixer/Recorder on the market for "Max Inputs to Price" ratio is the Zoom F8n. You get 8 inputs and 3 outputs. As far as quality though, any of the MixPre-ii line are good for low budget (the ones that can do 32-bit float recordings). The MixPre-3ii was the one in this video, and is good, with 3 inputs but you need External Timecode. Consider the MixPre-6ii. The MixPre-3ii and the F8n can be sourced for under £800. If you need it cheaper than that, I'd suggest you look for a Zoom F4, second hand as they are unfortunately now discontinued.

[@Vakama16]

Moving blankets, sound blankets, or a comforter? What's a better option at dampening noise in a room?

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

That's a whole nother video! Oacking blankets are kind of the standard in video shoots. TBH, I use a cardiod mic for interior shots, and a shotgun for exterior work. That solves a lot of problems. Curtis Judds's channel probably cover that, or you could ask Curtis. He's really a great guy

[@stefanreinberger]

This Video is really amazing! Thank you so much!!

[@cinemanuggets24]

Thank you 🙏🏾. Would like to know, how much does this whole thing cost?

[@jobvirusamit]

Im always waiting for your video

[@Thuser-ij8kv]

Amazing tips. I was wondering if we should be using limiter. Also I’ve been told that it’s not good to change levels while shooting as it will make dialogue editor job hard due to the changes of noise floor. It’s quite tricky as I have an example where I was in a shooting if a short film where the director wanted each take the whole 15 minutes film. Of course was using boom stands. The actors during the whole script are changing the way they talk from whispers to screams. I used limiter as I didn’t have extra channels to use on my recorder (f8n) as I had many actors and not any extra available channels to use the dual mode (lower levels from same channel) . What is your opinion I shouldn’t use limiters at all and always riding the levels?

[@Thuser-ij8kv]

I’m also wondering how the mixer rides the levels as said on the video so fast on boom and lavs simultaneously when the actors suddenly whisper or speak loud. If you have to do straight to the recording device.

[@imrydan]

Great video, I found it super helpful. Was wondering what type of recorder that is?

[@heyheyhey520]

This is really cool. I can tell a lot of work wen into this!

[@CRoses-dq9mv]

This video is nothing short of perfection. So thorough and helpful. Only problem: I need to know about the audio, mixing and mastering on the vocal music recording side.😔 Do you recommend any channels that are as thorough and clear as you guys are with your explanations? 😊

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Curtis Judd is awesome

[@mcproducciones4310]

Great vídeo! Cheers from Paraguay 🙌

[@mochtesh]

Cool and informative video. But you should have gone into a bit of the "audio level" aspect of sound mixing/recording. The mixer/boom operator (if they're the same person) should know what levels to set and know clipping means exactly and how to adjust the levels to get the best audio.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Thanks, Andrew

[@DigitalCreativeMedia]

Thanks guys. Amazing tuts always

[@EveryStepAnAdventure]

Such a good and informing video

[@rafikvz]

Ive always had this question: what is a normal top peak DB when recording, Ive worked with -12db, other mixers tell me to have it close to -6db but i think this is not good since it can clip when the actor rises their voice. What would Deity recommend?

[@deej-danielspiralringprodu8908]

This was great! I have a question though. Why is there boom pole sound and the actors lav'd? How is that audio used in post production? Is the boom just a fail safe or for room sounds? Thanks! Again great episode, just subscribed!

[@GaryPiazza]

I had this same question. Redundancy?

[@gremlin9619]

Your pretty bang on from my experience. Capturing room noise, sound from something the actor might be doing, and redundancy are great points. Also sometimes you need to add just a little bit of the room ambience, clothes rustling etc. in post to make it sound more natural, but it entirely depends on what you are doing. Hope this helps.

[@GaryPiazza]

@@gremlin9619 Thank you so much. Really appreciate the help.

[@soundmixerporter]

On an actual film set, the boom is used for the vast majority of all dialogue. The exception would be - very wide shots or shots where the boom can't swing fast enough to grab someone's lines, etc. A professional quality boom mic sounds infinitely better than a lavaliere mic and doesn't have the problem of clothing noise.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Coverage. Boom mics will give you the best sounds. In noisy environments, a lav can work better because the mic is closer to the talent's mouth.

[@NeonShores]

Clipping at 01:44 on a sound mixing master class 🤔

[@JoeyWinkler]

Is there a set time when you should capture room tone? Before you shoot the first take, or after the last take at each location?

[@norcrossgfa5156]

I generally take room tone after the last take at the location/set.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

At the end. I try to get at least 30 seconds.

[@SuperINMENSO]

Hla sus contenidos son muy buenos cuando los tendrán en español para aquellos que no hablamos Inglés. Saludos desde republica DOMINICANA

[@olgadekell]

Great video, thank you! 🙏

[@Ojini]

Hey guys, trying to film an outdoor interview with two actors in a semi-quiet location. Limited budget, basically no crew. Will just one overhead boom mic, going straight into my Pocket 6k XLR input, work?

[@DeityMicrophones]

Totally. Great way to do it is to get it all on the boom. Makes post a lot cheaper

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

How are the preamps on the BlackMagic??!

[@DanielTuriman]

Very detail job

[@jobvirusamit]

Sir I want ask you something about this he record multiple type mic like 2 lav & one boom & wich audio used in final shot .lav mic or boom & all of them & choose best wich sound is good then drag edit . Because I want make a short flim I face that problm how can get like hollywood type sound .plz suggest wich sound we when we record on loction lav mic or boom mic .& I like your video it's so help full thank for this .

[@AmillionCo]

Dope video

[@fernandoguerra3047]

Awesome video!! What bag is he using!?

[@DeityMicrophones]

The K-Tek Mix Pro bag - www.amazon.com/dp/B07F7MT8RF?tag=mus0a-21

[@MelnardEdaCinematography123]

Awesome! Very interesting

[@globofonia]

Great episode!

[@hotstarmusictv7711]

Great advice, thanks.

[@DanielSilva-te1ww]

Wow great video

[@Bakemovies]

That boom op tho, lil slow and unfocused if you ask me haha

[@lll9416]

As a Gaffer for over thirty years in the Film and Video biz I can make you a sound recordist in 2 minutes! 1: point the microphone at the talent's mouth. 2: when they say rolling you hit the red button. 3: cry out "leaf blower" or "airplane" once in while to justify your existence. DONE! JK ! 🤣🤣 I was a sound guy before gaffing and I love my eavesdropping brothers and sisters!! 😂😂

[@arefrashidan7470]

I have the same Dewalt drawers but i cant find that cart you guys have, what is it called?

[@ianedwards348]

I'd be interested to know which sources were used and where in the final edit.

[@wristhouseuganda2484]

Hi Andrew, I recently got a pair the deity connect but it has a lot of self-noise. I updated to the new version of frame Ware.Do you have any solutions to make it sound better.

[@DeityMicrophones]

What is your gain settings through your whole signal chain?

[@wristhouseuganda2484]

@@DeityMicrophones Both the Tx are set at +15 and the Rx is at 0db. I use a sound device mixpre 10II at 25db, using the custom mode but the trim is set at basic the rest are Advanced.

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

Great vid!!

[@jamesburton1050]

Can a mixer/boom op run a boom mic and 2 lavs? If so, what are some tips and recommendations? How does using a sound cart differ mixing from a bag? Pros and cons of both, and tips for each?

[@TGFalk]

It's absolutely fine. I recorded an entire feature last summer, working as the sound mixer and boom operator with up to five lavs and a boom. The most important thing to think about is to set an appropriate mic level from the start, because it's pretty much impossible to adjust during take. That's also when you wanna use a bag for the recorder with a harness so you can be mobile and move with the actors and camera. The sound cart is better suited for the sound mixers that aren't booming.

[@j_freed]

Check that your audio from all 3 mics are in phase, and none of the Lav mics are wired 180° out of phase with the boom. You don’t want phase-flipped cancellation ruining the picture editor’s film dailies. And come to that, you may wish to provide a 2-mix that has boom on channel 1 and the lavs on channel 2. Haphazardly combining similar audio source signals that have different arrival times will sound weird.

[@jamesburton1050]

@@j_freed thanks. How do I check mic phase? Not familiar with that.

[@GrantAce]

13:22 or you can forget to do this and try to pair your audio and video together in post and have to go through your whole project just to find the one special audio file and spend 6X more time on your post production, (not a good idea); {I do this to myself all the time lol} 😂

[@kcdavies9251]

Great guys

[@erlvng]

I have Tascam DR 40X. How would I work that in shooting documentaries?

[@BadKarma714]

Good video

[@iamwhoiam254]

I love this

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

It's fun, isn't it?

[@mychess5821]

Hi 👋. I'm a beginner filmmaker. Do we necessarily need this high quality mixer or can we achieve the same quality audio using something like Zoom h6?

[@PranavBhave]

Awesome. Thanks 👍

[@edhwin]

saludos !!! gracias !!! son geniales!! me pueden dar la marca y el modelo de los lavalier!! gracias!

[@user-ot7lv8su1b]

love this

[@ColoresLatinosTVshow]

Thanks All for your videos. Question: What Is the best interview wireless handle mic under $250.00? I would like to use it for live events. Also, what can use to reduce noise? Best Regards, Nancy Pena

[@DeityMicrophones]

EV RE50L

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@DeityMicrophones that's an industry standard. I have one, you can use it for a lot of things, even voice over.

[@jobvirusamit]

Thank you sir for this

[@edselmahadika7206]

What are the reason do you use 3 mics for 2 people interview?

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Redundancy, best sound quality. Give your editor a choice, right?

[@edselmahadika7206]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 i see, i was curious to know bcs i have very little knowledge on audio. Would love to hear the admin’s response for further knowledge improvement before investing hehe

[@crystalfoxfilms]

very helpful. thank you.

[@MANGO-FILM]

Hi, what do you mean by tracks 1 and 2 is your stereo?

[@DeityMicrophones]

On a polywave, you have multiple tracks. Tracks 1 and 2 are your stereo.