Brief summary of activity
The following activity will serve to familiarise the participants with the proper use of microphones and headphones.
Aim of the activity
To identify proper use of headphones and microphones to ensure high quality recordings.
Expected Outcomes
Participants will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills of:
- Proper use of headphones
- How to use a microphone
Additional information for Trainers
The Handout Microphones and Technology can be distributed or used for this workshop
Experience and skills required
Practical knowledge of the use of microphones and headphones.
Infrastructure, setting, resources
Training room and/or studios.
Length
80 minutes
Material
Different types of microphones, headphones, portable recorders, access to microphones and headphones in the studio.
How the activity should take place
Headphone demonstration
Give a brief introduction to headphones; explain the difference between consumer and professional models, and their importance in sound monitoring
- When producing programmes for broadcasting it is necessary to use full size studio headphones. This will assist you in monitoring the sound level and ultimately the quality that listeners will hear.
- By wearing headphones you are able to focus on the source of audio from the microphone and exclude any other sounds that you would otherwise hear.
- Headphones are plugged into the headphone/output socket using a ‘jack plug’.
- This type of studio headphones are known as ‘circumaural headphones’ which have pads that go around the ears, usually very large and very comfortable.
Demonstrate the correct technique for wearing headphones, point out the importance of covering the left and right ear with the correct sides, to control the playback volume.
Have each participant try wearing the headphones. Ask the participants to record a short piece of audio with headphones on and again with them off. Compare the results, and discuss the importance of headphones for sound quality monitoring.
How to use a microphone
Show the different types of directional microphones that are available in the studio and for portable recorders.
Explain the correct distance from mouth to microphone to ensure there is not problems with popping or distortion.
Show how microphone levels can be monitored using desk/recording software.
Demonstrate the correct procedure for connecting the microphone and headphones to the portable recording device.
Show how microphone levels can be monitored.
The steps involved may include:
- Open the equipment bag and remove the microphone and accessories
- Place the windshield over the head of the microphone
- Connect the lead from the microphone into the recording device
- Place the headphones correctly over each ear and plug the jack into the output socket
- Conduct a sound test and avoid ‘blowing’ into the microphone as this can reduce its ability to record properly
- Your mouth should be positioned a hand/fist distance from the microphone
Have the participants practice this, testing to make sure that everything is connected correctly.
Recommended max. number of participants and trainees to trainers ratio
5 (for visually impaired/ blind trainees, 1 to 1, and learning difficulties trainees, 4 per trainer)
Tips for Trainers
Try to keep it simple and practical by explaining how to use the microphones that are being used in the stations and offer a simple explanation on directionality. Make the workshop as practical as possible.
Analysis and evaluation
Do the participant remember the ideal distance from mouth to mic?
Can they attach a microphone to a portable recorder?
Do they remember how to monitor microphone levels and how to ensure recording is not distorted?
Do they know how to operate the volume of headphones when sitting at the desk?
Scheduling
This should be one of the first activities of technical training.If offered early in the training, could facilitate a more practical approach to interviewing techniques