AV News 187 - February 2012
Microphones Day School
Malcolm & Hazel Saxton
The Day School, held at Wilmslow Guild, on Saturday 29th October, was run
by Howard Gregory ably assisted by Suzanne Walker. His first topic was about
choosing a microphone. All 5 were set up in a row and Suzanne talked to them
simultaneously. Each one being recorded on a multi-track recorder and then
played back in turn. This was a simple and scientific method at its best.
Microphone types terminology, dynamic, electret, omni-directional and
cardioid were all covered with demonstrations and extracts from Howard's
helpful CDs. Then on to the actual recordings and how to overcome the
problems of a low level input to a computer. It is important to remember that
all electronic devices produce some noise and you want your voice over to
swamp this. A preamp could be the answer and Howard your source of one.
Where you record is important. The best type of room has plenty of sound
absorbing materials. Certainly keep away from that computer with its cooling
fans. Adobe Audition was demonstrated in detail and sequences which
Suzanne and Howard have made, gave us some insight into how to make a
complicated sound track that enhances the AV.
We had an enjoyable day and picked up lots of useful tips.
Pretoria AV Club
Jeff Morris LRPS APSSA AFIAP
PAVC was born during 2011 out of the Magalies
Foto Fun Club (MFFC), a photography club that
had organized three AV salons. It is a fully
fledged Audio Visual club.
We held our first postal competition for
members during the year with 18 entries being
received. We invited all 35 members to judge the
submissions and 17 were brave enough to try, often their first attempt at
judging. We saw it as a way to get members to look critically at AVs and learn
just how hard judging is for a novice. It was also a way to encourage members
to look at AVs within a deadline - it is so easy to think - that can wait, let me do
urgent things first even though this is important - and never get around to
looking at AVs.
Judges commented on each AV and these comments were posted on the
members-only part of the website so that all members can see what
everyone (anonymously) thought of all the AVs. We think this is another
learning opportunity for all our members, whether they entered or not.
We also applied successfully to PSSA to host a national salon during 2012.
As MFFC did, we have secured the services of three gifted overseas judges.
Details of our activities, newsletters and administrative details are available
on our website: http://pretoria-av-club.wikispaces.com/.
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