we have technology

Bianca RabyLeave a comment
me having several mental breakdowns throughout the course of the project because i struggle greatly with simple concepts

Throughout the process of filmmaking, we will be utilizing a variety of technology. To shoot, we will be utilizing a Canon EOS Rebel T4i camera that we rented from our teacher Mr. Engle, in addition to our partner Katelyn’s iPhone X to attain shots that aren’t possible on the Canon. To edit, we will use Sony Vegas Pro. The specifications of these technology will be thoroughly discussed in my partner’s blogs, however, I will discuss the condenser mic we will use to record the auditory effects in the film.

The condenser mic we are choosing to use is a “CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone”. (a wordful, I know). After extensive research (because I am a grandma when it comes to electronics), I discovered that this mic could simply be plugged into my computer whilst I recorded sound. To practice, I recorded my voice, and the sounds of me tapping various objects to gauge the level of sensitivity this mic recorded with. I discovered the mic did well at minimizing background noise (for example from my fan, and loud family) and isolated the main source of what I was recording. This is going to be extremely helpful when we shoot, since ambient and subtle sounds are going to be a major feature of the film. Some sounds I may record consist of: air conditioning, footsteps, tapping, moving bedsheets, dripping water, turning sink faucets, and breathing.

graphic depicting the digital output level for a digital microphone

My mic has a sensitivity rate of -40dBV @ 1Pa. This is quite impressive, however, to compare, I searched for the most expensive condenser mic I could find. The result was one over $3,000, called the “Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone”. Alternatively, this one has a sensitivity rate of 17mV @ 1Pa. Of course, this isn’t necessary in our ~low budget~ film, but it did provide some insight as to the importance of recording professional sonic effects in film. 

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