Chapter 6 Discussion Questions

1. Of the various microphones, which types are most frequently used to cover news and field events? Compare the strengths and weaknesses of each type.

Hand mike, lavaliere mike, and shotgun mike. Handheld strengths are it looks good on the camera with the logo, weakness is that you have to hold it. Lavaliere mike strength is that it is attached to your clothing and it's hidden, weakness is that it can disconnect. Shotgun mike strength is that it is long enough to be able to get close enough to your subject, weakness is that it is big and bulky.

4. Discuss the typical uses of the handheld, lavaliere, and shotgun microphones in news applications.

The handheld mic is often used for its bulletproof construction and for how they look wearing a mike flag, the little box around with the station logo around the mic. The lavaliere is often used for interviews because it is more appropriate since it is easily hidden. The shotgun mic is used in situations where you can't get close enough to the speaker.

6. When you work with news subjects, what considerations are most important to remember in concealing the miniature microphone beneath their clothing or in other personal effects?

Lavs usually sound good mounted at about sternum height; a mike mounted too high on the neck may sound muffled, with the chin blocking some sound; a mike mounted too low may sound thin and distant. If necessary, tape the mike firmly to the shirt or body to keep it from producing extraneous noise when the person moves.

7. Overall, what are the most important considerations to follow if you are to achieve good-quality sound in the field?

Achieving good sound is a matter of learning to listen for sound and to differentiate between what is acceptable and what is not. Listen to sound recordings for hiss, buzz, boomy, sound, low, volume, and distortion. Eliminate them if you hear it in your recording.

8. Explain why it is essential for the photojournalist or soundperson to constantly monitor sound in the field with earphones.

There's no other way to determine whether the sound is good enough unless you monitor it with earphones. If you can't hear it, then you won't know what's wrong.

9. Discuss the full range of techniques you can use to reduce wind noise in the field.

You can use open-celled acoustic foam. It has holes that allows the wind to pass through it. A microphone in a large mesh cage called a zeppelin is used when it's windy. You also need a filter, it sharply attenuates low frequencies and allows the highs to pass through.

13. Explain the role of nat sound in helping lend a sense of realism to television news stories.

Nat sound is a storytelling tool. All sound other than speech that occurs naturally in our environment is an expression of our desire for realism. When we hear sounds on television that imitate or draw from our own life experiences, we bring the story to a more profound and intimate depth of understanding.