-a
Lesson Plan
Course Title:
Audio Video Production
Session Title:
Audio Basics
Lesson Duration: Approximately two to three days
Day 1 – Introduction, slide presentation, demonstration, & Guided Practice
Day 2 – Independent Practice & Audio Basics Review
Day 3 – Exam and Extension Activities, if time permits
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will demonstrate the basic setup and
manipulation of audio for video productions.
Specific Objectives:
1. Explain the properties of audio for video production.
2. Compare dynamic microphones to condenser microphones.
3. Identify different pickup patterns for microphones.
4. Select proper microphone uses for various recording situations.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
§130.85.(C)
(11) The student develops a basic understanding of audio and video production. The student is
expected to:
(B) employ knowledge regarding use of audio by:
(v) understanding various microphones based upon type and pickup patterns; and
(vi) understanding various audio cables and connectors.
(13) The student understands the production process. The student is expected to:
(C) understand audio techniques, including microphone variances and sound mixing.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
Stinson, Jim. (2012). Digital: Video communication and production. Tinley Park, IL: GoodheartWillcox Company.
Zittl, Herbert. (2011). Television production handbook. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thomson
Learning.
Instructional Aids:
Audio Basics Slide Presentation
Audio Basics Studio Lab Assignment
Audio Basics Review
Audio Basics Review Key
Audio Basics Exam
Audio Basics Exam Key
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
1
Materials Needed:
None.
Equipment Needed:
Wireless lapel microphone
Handheld microphone
Boom pole
Shotgun microphone
XLR cables
Audio mixer
Learner
Paper/spiral notebook
Pen/pencil
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
ASK: How many of you would prefer to spend your money at the theater watching
a silent movie (instead of listening to actors say their lines) where you would
have to read every line of script? There would be no sound effects, only
music. Imagine watching one of your favorite action movies this way.
SAY: This is how movies began. But it didn’t take long for film producers to realize
that in order to get a more realistic experience watching the film, viewers had
to hear the movie as well as see it. Amateur filmmakers would spend a lot of
time focusing on making their video/film look great. But if they didn’t ensure
that the actor’s dialogue was clear and easy to understand, the viewer would
have a frustrating time following the film. Getting good quality audio is just as
important as telling the story visually. Today, we will discuss the basics of
audio for television and video production. We’ll discuss how to evaluate good
audio, the difference between types of microphones, and how to use them.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
2
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I. Explain the properties of audio for video production.
A. Sound
1. Loudness – measured in decibels
2. Frequency – measured in Hertz
B. Loudness
1. dBSPL (sound pressure loudness)
a. Measure of acoustic power
b. Sounds we can hear with our ears
c. 135 dB is considered “threshold of pain”
2. dBm
a. Unit of electrical power
b. Measured with VU meter
c. Live production, “0” – maximum sound
d. Post-production – between -12 & -6 dB
C. Frequency
1. Basic pitch of sound (high/low)
2. Audible (hearing) range: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
3. Common hearing range: 50 Hz – 15,000 Hz
D. Acoustics
1. Reverb – remaining sound
2. Hard walls & tile floors allow too much reverb
3. Too much soundproofing causes dead sound
II. Compare dynamic microphones to condenser
microphones
A. Dynamic
1. Pros
a. Rugged and durable
b. Great for ENG (electronic news
gathering)
c. Low cost
d. No power necessary
2. Cons
a.Larger and heavier
b. Not the best choice for quality audio
B. Condenser
1. Pros
a. More sensitive
b. Better quality
c. Can be smaller
2. Cons
a. Sensitive to shock and temperatures
b. Needs power
c. Expensive
Instructor Notes:
Note: Begin the slide
presentation here.
135 dB is the point at
which damage to hearing
can occur
VU meters can be digital
or analog
“0” also called “Unity”
“0” should not be reached
20 Hz – extremely low
20,000 Hz – extremely
high
The ideal room for
recording has freestanding, sound-absorbing
items (i.e. furniture; rugs).
Dynamic microphones use
a small coil that moves
within a magnetic field
when activated by sound.
Condenser microphones
have a plate that moves
against another plate to
produce a signal.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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C. Ribbon
1. Uses a small ribbon moving in a magnetic
field
2. Similar to condenser mics in pickup quality
and sensitivity
3. Produces warm, rich sound
4. Very sensitive to rough handling
5. Rarely used outside an audio booth
III. Identify different pickup patterns for microphones
A. Omnidirectional
B. Unidirectional
1. Focused hearing in one direction
2. Cardioid – “heart-shape” pickup pattern
3. Hypercardioid – narrow pickup pattern with a
long reach (for distances).
IV. Selecting microphones
A. Handheld – Held by the talent
1. Advantages
a. Allows talent to control mic’s location
b. Reporter can move it closer to interviewee
c. Singer can hold it closer
d. More durable for Field Reporters
e. Better sound quality for singers
2. Disadvantages
a. Can be distracting
b. Talent’s hands are not free
c. Sound quality depends on placement
B. Lavalier
1. Advantages
a. Allows Talent to move freely
b. Mic never moves
c. Sound is consistent
2. Disadvantages
a. Each on-camera subject requires a mic
b. Requires proper setup and placement
c. Clothing may rub mic or muffle sound
C. Boom
1. Unidirectional
2. Picks up sound without being seen
3. Mounted on the end of a telescoping pole
4. Pole can be held above or below the talent
D. Desktop
1. Mounted on a small stand
2. Used for fixed positions
3. Used in game shows, speeches, & churches
E. Headset
1. Allows freedom of movement
2. Can include earphone for talkback
A small ribbon, rather than
a coil, moves in a
magnetic field.
Omnidirectional patterns
pick up sound in all
directions.
The proper microphone
should be selected based
on the recording situation.
If possible, show examples
of each microphone.
Lavalier mics are small,
rugged, & omnidirectional.
They are usually clipped to
shirts, ties, lapels, or collar
six to eight inches below
the talent’s chin.
A lavalier may either be
worn under clothing (to
hide wires) or on the
outside of clothing.
Also called a “Shotgun”
mic
Headsets are often used
by sportscasters,
musicians, performers,
and public speakers.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
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F. Wireless
1. Involves mic with transmitter & receiver
2. Comes in any style
3. Allows complete freedom of movement
4. Transmits through frequency bands
G. Windscreens
1. Filter out wind noise
2. Made of acoustic foam rubber
3. Windsocks
a. Used for shotgun mics
b. Ragged cloth pulled over a windscreen
UHF – Least interference,
but more expensive
VHF – Less expensive, but
more likely to interfere
Windscreens are designed
to filter out wind noise, but
let the normal sound
frequencies through.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
In the studio, the instructor demonstrates the following tasks:
The proper setup of handheld, lapel mic (wired or wireless) and boom mic to audio
mixer
How to operate the audio mixer by mixing the different inputs and monitoring their
levels
How to perform mic checks
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Using the “Audio Production Studio Lab Assignment”, students will demonstrate
proper techniques for setting up and testing audio production equipment in the
studio. Each student should setup the mics using other students as “models” or
grips. Each student should also mix the microphones as the models give mic checks.
Make sure audio levels are appropriate for a live production.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Students will use their notes to complete the Audio Basics Review Handout.
Students may work on this assignment concurrently while the lab exercise is going
on. Evaluation is based on a 100-point scale.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Assess students during the lab assignment, monitoring their progress and giving
guidance and correction when needed.
Evaluate for completion based on the lab instructions.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Students will complete the Audio Basics Exam. Evaluation is based on a 100-point
scale.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Have students separate into smaller groups and perform the same lab exercise in
the field using camcorder kits. Have them record their results for evaluation
afterward.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Audio Basics – Studio Lab Assignment
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Total Score
Demonstrate
proper operation
of audio mixer by
adjusting all
microphones
Demonstrate
proper
placement of
boom mic
Setup shotgun
mic on boom
pole
Connect Lavalier
mic and a
handheld mic to
audio mixer
Students from
period ____
Properly place a
wireless Lavalier
mic on another
student.
INSTRUCTIONS: Have students perform the following tasks. Check for completion of the task. The exercise
will require the following items: wireless Lavalier mic, handheld mic, shotgun mic, boom pole, XLR cables for
each, and an audio mixer. If the student demonstrates the task without help, place a + in the box (worth 20
pts). If the student demonstrates the task with minor assistance, place a  (worth 16 pts.), and if the student
has difficulty demonstrating the task even after being shown, place a - in the box (worth 12 pts.).
Audio Basics Review
Name _____________________________
Date _______________________
Define:
1. Loudness –
2. Frequency –
3. Threshold of Pain –
4. Omnidirectional –
5. Unidirectional –
6. Cardioid –
7. Dynamic Microphone –
8. Condenser Microphone –
9. Ribbon Microphone –
10. Windscreen –
List:
11. Identify five different ways mics are used and where they might be used:
a. (ex.) Handheld mics are used by field reporters
b.
c.
d.
e.
12a. Identify pros and cons for each mic type:
Pros
Cons
Dynamic Mic






Condenser Mic






12b. Identify advantages and disadvantages for each mic type:
Adv.
Disadv.
Handheld Mic





Lavalier Mic





AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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

Explain:
13. Describe how to properly place a lav mic for each clothing option:
Under clothing
Outside clothing
14. Explain reverb and how to avoid it in a sound booth:
15. Explain the difference between wireless mics using UHF frequencies and VHF
frequencies:
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Audio Basics Review Key
Name _____________________________
Date _______________________
Define:
1. Loudness – Measure in decibels of acoustic power
2. Frequency – Measure in Hertz, basic pitch of sound
3. Threshold of Pain – Point at which permanent hearing damage can occur; 135
dB
4. Omnidirectional – Pickup pattern for microphones that accepts sound all around
the mic
5. Unidirectional – Pickup pattern for microphones that focuses on sounds in one
direction
6. Cardioid – “Heart-shaped” unidirectional pickup pattern for mics
7. Dynamic Microphone – Rugged, durable mic; uses small coil that moves within a
magnetic field to produce a signal
8. Condenser Microphone – Higher quality, more sensitive mic requiring power;
uses a plate that moves against another plate to produce a signal
9. Ribbon Microphone – Extremely sensitive, used only in audio booths; uses a
small ribbon (rather than a coil) to produce sound
10. Windscreen – Acoustic foam rubber designed to let normal sounds through to a
mic and blocks out wind noise
List:
11. Identify five different ways mics are used and where they might be used:
a. (ex.) Handheld mics are used by field reporters
b. Lavalier mics are used by news anchors
c. Boom mics are used in film productions
d. Desktop mics are used in game shows
e. Headset mics are used by performers
12a. Identify pros and cons for each mic type:
Dynamic Mic
Condenser Mic
Pros
 Rugged and durable
 Low Cost
 No power necessary
 More sensitive
 Better quality
 Can be small
Cons
 Larger and heavier
 Not the best choice for quality
audio
 Fragile and sensitive to shock and
temperatures
 Needs power
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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 Expensive
12b. Identify advantages and disadvantages for each mic type:
Handheld Mic
Lavalier Mic
Adv.
 Held by the talent
 Allows for talent to control
mic’s location
 Reporter can easily move it
closer to interview
 Singer can control intimacy of
the sound by holding it closer



Allows talent to move freely
Mic never moves
Sound is consistent
Disadv.
 Can be distracting (takes up
visual space)
 Talent’s hands are not free
 Quality of sound depends on
proper placement by talent

Each on-camera subject requires
mic
Requires proper setup and
placement
Clothing may rub mic or muffle
sound


Explain:
13. How to properly place a lav mic:
Under clothing
 Have talent run microphone under the
shirt
 Clip mic to tie, lapel, collar, or button
flap
 Careful of material rubbing mic or
obstructing sound
Outside clothing

Run mic up the back of talent (outside
clothing) and over the talent’s shoulder
near the collar (under collar, if possible)

Clip mic to lapel, collar, or button flap

Use gaffers tape (on talent’s back) to
keep the mic cable from moving
14. Reverb and how to avoid it in a sound booth:
Reverb – sound remaining after the original sound stops; hard walls, tile floors
will allow too much reverberation. Too much soundproofing causes a dead,
lifeless sound.
Ideal room for recording and listening has free-standing, sound-absorbing items
(furniture, rugs)
15. Wireless mics using UHF frequencies vs. VHF frequencies:
Involves a microphone with a transmitter and a wireless receiver

Transmits through frequency bands
o UHF
 Least interference
 More expensive
o VHF
 Cheaper
 Most likely to interfere
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
11
Audio Basics Exam
Name _______________________________
Date_______________________
Matching
1. ____ Condenser mic
2. ____ Cardioid
3. ____ Omnidirectional
4. ____ dBSPL
5. ____ Frequency
6. ____ Ribbon mic
7. ____ Dynamic mic
8. ____ UHF
9. ____ Shotgun mic
10. ____ Lavalier mic
a. Frequency band for wireless mics, little interference
b. Measure of acoustic power
c. Unidirectional mic often mounted to a boom pole
d. Omnidirectional mic, also called lapel mic
e. Heart-shaped pickup pattern
f. Very sensitive microphone, only used in audio booths
g. Pickup pattern in all directions around the mic
h. Rugged, durable mic often used by reporters
i. Basic pitch of sound
j. Higher quality microphone, requires power
True/False
11. ____ Windsocks are used for lapel mics.
12. ____ To “dress” a lapel mic means to hide the wires.
13. ____ Singers should use condenser handheld mics instead of dynamic because the sound
quality is better.
14. ____ One of the advantages to condenser microphones is that they don’t need power.
15. ____ A perfect sound booth will have no free-standing, sound absorbing structures in it.
16. ____ Reverb is the sound remaining after the original sound stops.
17. ____ In post-production, all audio levels should be between -12 and -6 dB.
18. ____ Hypercardioid refers to a pickup pattern that resembles two hearts.
19. ____ Because of its durability and ease of use, reporters often use dynamic handheld mics.
20. ____ A type of wireless headset is called a “countryman” mic.
Fill in the blank
21. A type of microphone that is often mounted to a small stand for fixed position is known as a
___________________ mic.
22. ______________________ refers to the pickup pattern of a shotgun microphone.
23. _____________________ microphones create a signal when a plate moves against another
plate after receiving sound waves.
24. The threshold of pain is reached at __________ dB.
25. The two basic characteristics of sound are _____________________ and frequency.
26. The common hearing range is _______Hz to ______________ Hz.
27. A _________________ is used to filter out wind noise.
28. Wireless microphones using _________ frequencies are more expensive, but have less
chance of interference.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
12
29. When condenser mics require power, sometimes that power is supplied by the camera or
audio mixer. This is known as _________________ power.
30. Loudness is measured with _______ meters.
Short Answer
31. Compare the pros and cons of dynamic mics and condenser mics:
Dynamic
Pros
Cons
Condenser












32. Explain how to properly dress a lavalier microphone with either the under clothing method
or outside clothing.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Audio Basics Exam KEY
Name _______________________________
Date_______________________
Matching
1. _j_ Condenser mic
2. _e_ Cardioid
3. _g_ Omnidirectional
4. _b_ dBSPL
5. _i_ Frequency
6. _f_ Ribbon mic
7. _h_ Dynamic mic
8. _a_ UHF
9. _c_ Shotgun mic
10. _d_ Lavalier mic
a. Frequency band for wireless mics, little interference
b. Measure of acoustic power
c. Unidirectional mic often mounted to a boom pole
d. Omnidirectional mic, also called lapel mic
e. Heart-shaped pickup pattern
f. Very sensitive microphone, only used in audio booths
g. Pickup pattern in all directions around the mic
h. Rugged, durable mic often used for ENG
i. Basic pitch of sound
j. Higher quality microphone, requires power
True/False
11. _F_ Windsocks are used for lapel mics.
12. _T_ To “dress” a lapel mic means to hide the wires.
13. _T_ Singers should use condenser handheld mics instead of dynamic because the sound
quality is better.
14. _F_ One of the advantages to condenser microphones is that they don’t need power.
15. _F_ A perfect sound booth will have no free-standing, sound absorbing structures in it.
16. _T_ Reverb is the sound remaining after the original sound stops.
17. _T_ In post-production, all audio levels should be between -12 and -6 dB.
18. _F_ Hypercardioid refers to a pickup pattern that resembles two hearts.
19. _T_ Because of its durability and ease of use, reporters often use dynamic handheld mics.
20. _T_ A type of wireless headset is called a “countryman” mic.
Fill in the blank
21. A type of microphone that is often mounted to a small stand for fixed position is known as a
desktop mic.
22. Unidirectional refers to the pickup pattern of a shotgun microphone.
23. Condenser microphones create a signal when a plate moves against another plate after
receiving sound waves.
24. The threshold of pain is reached at 135 dB.
25. The two basic characteristics of sound are loudness and frequency.
26. The common hearing range is 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz.
27. A windscreen is used to filter out wind noise.
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
14
28. Wireless microphones using UHF frequencies are more expensive, but have less chance of
interference.
29. When condenser mics require power, sometimes that power is supplied by the camera or
audio mixer. This is known as phantom power.
30. Loudness is measured with VU meters.
Short Answer
31. Compare the pros and cons of dynamic mics and condenser mics:
Pros
Cons

Dynamic
Rugged, durable

Condenser
More sensitive

Low cost

Better quality

No power required

Can be very small

Easy to setup

Larger and heavier

Fragile, sensitive to shock and

Not the best choice for quality
sound
temperatures

Needs power

Expensive

Takes time to set up
32. Explain how to properly dress a lavalier microphone with either the under clothing method
or outside clothing.
Under clothing
• Have talent run microphone under the shirt
• Clip mic to tie, lapel, collar or button flap
• Careful of material rubbing mic or obstructing sound
Outside clothing
• Run mic up the back of talent (outside clothing) and over the talent’s shoulder near the
collar (under collar, if possible)
• Clip mic to lapel, collar or button flap
• Use gaffers tape (on talent’s back) to keep the mic cable from moving
AAVTC: Audio/Video Production: Audio Basics
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
15