You Be The Producer | Videomaker Magazine Tips

This article originally appeared in the Videomaker Magazine February, 2000 issue.
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ambient sound (ambience) Natural background audio representative of a given recording environment. On-camera dialog might be primary sound; traffic noise and refrigerator hum would be ambient.

audio dub Editing technique whereby new audio replaces a portion(s) of an existing audio track.

audio mixer Device with user-adjustable controls to blend multiple sound inputs into desired composite output. [See mix]

bidirectional Microphone pickup pattern, rejects sound coming from the sides while absorbing that from in front and behind. [See also unidirectional, omnidirectional]

boomExtension arm used to suspend a microphone over sound or subject(s) being recorded. Objective is to keep production gear out of camera's view.

cardioid The most common type of unidirectional microphone; pickup pattern resembles a heart-shaped figure.

condenser Microphone with built-in amplifier, the type installed on camcorders. Also called capacitor or electret condenser, requires battery or external power source. [See also electret condenser]

dub Editing technique whereby new audio or video replaces portion(s) of existing recording.

dynamic Microphone type, also called "moving coil." Works much like a loudspeaker in reverse, employing a simple magnet and wire coil to convert sound waves into an electrical signal.

electret condenser Microphone type incorporating a precharged element, eliminating need for bulky power sources. [See also condenser]

equalization Emphasizing specific audio or video frequencies and eliminating others as signal control measure, usually to produce particular sonic qualities. Achieved with equalizer.

feedback Echo effect at low levels, howl or piercing squeal at extremes, from audio signal being fed back to itself.

hi-fi(high fidelity) Generalized term defining audio quality approaching the limits of human hearing, pertinent to high-quality sound reproduction systems.

lavalier Small, easily concealed, unobtrusive, and aesthetically pleasing microphone, typically attached to clothing for interview settings.

lip syncProper synchronization of video with audiolip movement with audible speech. [See synchronous sound]

mixCombination of two or more sound sources into a signal output; the primary job of an audio mixer.

omnidirectional Microphone pickup pattern designed to absorb sound equally from all directions. [See also bidirectional, unidirectional]

pickup pattern Defines a microphone's response to sounds arriving from various directions or angles. [See bidirectional, omnidirectional, unidirectional]

PZM (pressure zone microphone) Small, sensitive condenser mike, usually attached to a metal backing plate. Senses air pressure changes in tiny gap between mike element and plate. [See also condenser]

shotgun Highly directional microphone with long "barrel," designed specifically to pick up sound from extreme subject-to-mike distances.

soundtrack The audio portion of a video recording, often multifaceted with voiceover, background music, sound effects, etc.

sweetening Post-production process of adding music and sound effects to or otherwise enhancing, purifying or "massaging" a final audio track.

synchronous sound Audio recorded in sync with images. When a person's mouth moves, the words come out in perfect synchronization.

unidirectional Highly selective microphone pickup pattern, rejects sound coming from behind while absorbing that from in front. [See also bidirectional, omnidirectional]

voiceover (VO) Off screen narration accompanying picture, heard above background sound or music.

wild sound Nonsynchronous audio recorded independent of picture. ie. rain on roof, five o'clock whistle.

windscreen Sponge-like microphone shield, thwarts undesirable noise from wind and rapid mike movement.

wow and flutter Sound distortions consisting of a slow rise and fall of pitch, caused by speed variations in audio/video playback system.

XLR Three-pin plug for three-conductor "balanced" audio cable, employed with high-quality microphones, mixers and other audio equipment. Also called "Cannon."