TV broadcast AUDIO TIPS !!!

[redstudio]

Looking in to doing some audio for TV / News station. Does any one have any good tips on live News cast ... what to do, what not to do, and if there are any - TRICKS that can spice up the audio for a segment or two...

... any thing ...

Thanks...
C

[gsilbers]

are u mixing or recording the audio?

know the levels.


roll of below 60hz and compress and limit (L1) and make peaks bounce no more than -3db or so.

[redstudio]

mixing live, back and forth from different anchors etc.

But I'm curious if there is an art to adding a little reverb or short delay to a segment to give it some pizzazzz! at an anouncement or anything.

Just got on, noticed they had some fx units.. Lexicon PCM 60 and something else...

but any ways...

yeah

[soundguydave]

Originally Posted by gsilbers

are u mixing or recording the audio?

know the levels.


roll of below 60hz and compress and limit (L1) and make peaks bounce no more than -3db or so.

-3dB? I mix no peaks above -10dB

[Jim vanBergen]

Originally Posted by redstudio

Looking in to doing some audio for TV / News station. Does any one have any good tips on live News cast ... what to do, what not to do, and if there are any - TRICKS that can spice up the audio for a segment or two...

... any thing ...

Thanks...
C

Keep it simple. Even in the buggest markets, it's dumb mistakes that take people down. Make sure talent knows how to properly maintain mic position, not smack elements, and not strain cables.

Make sure your mics are open when they are supposed to be, and OUT when they are supposed to be, and that inbound & outbound phone, satellite, and fiber feeds only go live when they are confirmed as good.

You don't want SPICE for a news segment unless you a breaking into a new territory in a 'shock jock' fashion. Program/managing/station directors will have a specific view, and you will have a job longer if you follow that direction.

Hope this helps!

[kuanding]

do what other engineers do till you know what you are doing 100%

keep os level between -20 ~-10, and watch the meter often.

mic position are very important, double check before it's on air.

borrow tapes and listen to what you have done if possible, it helps.

[David Spearritt]

Mono compatibility is VERY important. If you are doing stereo, mike in MS and make sure that middle channel is good.

[gsilbers]

Originally Posted by soundguydave

-3dB? I mix no peaks above -10dB

oops i meant to say -3db of gain reduction form the L1.

[Tim Halligan]

Originally Posted by redstudio

mixing live, back and forth from different anchors etc.

But I'm curious if there is an art to adding a little reverb or short delay to a segment to give it some pizzazzz! at an anouncement or anything.

Just got on, noticed they had some fx units.. Lexicon PCM 60 and something else...

Adding "pizzazz" is absolutely not your job.

Your job is to not screw up...and stick to the established formula.

Maybe - when you become the network audio director - you can think about changing it...but not before...and only then in consultation with the network Director of News AKA God.

Mixing TV news is like nothing you have ever done before. It really is like catching a tiger by the tail and holding on for dear life. You are wll advised to remember your place in the scheme of things...somewhere near the bottom of the pile. Sorry...sad but true.

The reverb and effects you mentioned will probably be for promos and prep...maybe for disguising a voice (the "anonymous" inside source...)

Do not think for a minute that it is easy, and that you'll have plenty of time to fart-ass around with 'verbs etc... That is a sure recipe for making a mistake on air...one potentially seen by millions...either live, or on one of them blooper shows...

Cheers,
Tim