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Chapter 6 Audio Basics Kaelin

Terms in this set (37)

Voice Track
The audio portion of a program created through dialogue or narration.
On-Camera Narration
Program narration provided by on-screen talent (seen by the camera).
Off-Camera Narration
Program narration provided by talent that is heard, but not seen by the viewer. Also called voiceover (VO).
Background Sound
Type of environmental sound that is not the focus of or most important sound in a shot. Also known as ambient sound.
Nat (Natural) Sound
Environmental sound that enhances a story and is important to the shot.
Room Tone
The sound present in a room or at a location before human occupation.
Microphone (Mic)
The piece of equipment that picks up sounds in the air and sends them to the mixer or recorder.
Generating Element
A thin surface inside the mic that vibrates when hit by sound waves in the air and creates an electrical signal.
Diaphragm
A thin piece of material inside the head of a mic that vibrates when struck by sound waves. As it vibrates it moves a thin wire back and forth within a magnetic field.
Wireless Mic
A mic that uses a short cable to connect the mic to a radio transmitter with an antenna, or the transmitter may be built into the mic itself. The transmitter wirelessly sends the signal to the receiver, which sends the mic signal through a short cable to the recorder.
Dynamic Mic
A very rugged type of mic that has good sound reproduction ability. The generating element is a diaphragm that vibrates a small coil that is housed in a magnetic field.
Condenser Mic
A type of mic that requires an external power supply (usually a battery) to operate. The generating element is a thin piece of metal foil or coated film. Also called an electret condenser mic.
Ribbon Mic
The most sensitive type of mic used in television. A thin ribbon of metal surrounded by a magnetic field serves as the generating element.
Pop Filter
A barrier made of shaped wire covered with a piece of nylon that is placed between a sensitive mic and the talent to avoid damage to the diaphragm of the mic.
Boundary Mic
A microphone used to pick up a sound on a stage or in a large room and is most commonly a condenser type. Boundary mics are usually placed on a table, floor, or wall to "hear" the sound that is reflected off hard surfaces.
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