This thesis describes the development of an interactive online tool which comprehensively informs production sound mixers about microphones and their proper application for professional dialogue recording on location. The first chapter contemplates the fundamental characteristics of the human voice as the primary sound source. The technical specifications of all used microphones are going to be introduced and their suitable deployment in different both typical and rare situations are being described in detail. An important part of the thesis is the creation of five short films in order to give a practical demonstration of all theoretical aspects. For presentation purposes a complex individually designed video player was built, using up-to-date HTML5 technology. The player allows the user to smoothly switch between multiple audio tracks while playing the video to gain an in-depth view of the function of the different microphones and their behavior.
The thesis was made available for the web presence of Schoeps under the category “applications”. It is the groundwork of a new resource for film sound; an ongoing and growing project with lots of different authors in the future.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Human Voice
1. Steps to Create Voice
2. Timbre, Formants & Loudness
3. Male vs. Female Voice
4. Intelligibility and Directivity behavior of Sound Field around the HumanTalker
Microphones Used for Location Sound
1. Transducer principle, frequency response, polar pattern
2. Fulfill requirements
3. Boom Microphones
4. Lavalier Microphones
5. Planted Microphones
Placing the Microphone
1. Boom Positions and Techniques
2. Lavalier Positions and Techniques
3. Planted Positions and Microphones Techniques
4. Sound Improvement
Field Tests
1. Test #1
2. Test #2
3. Test #3
4. Test #4
5. Test #5
Creating the Film Sound Application
1. Elements
2. Using the Elements
3. The Application as a whole
Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This thesis aims to develop an interactive online tool for the company Schoeps to inform production sound mixers about microphone selection and placement for professional dialogue recording on location, while demonstrating these technical aspects through practical field tests and a custom-built HTML5 video application.
- Fundamental characteristics of the human voice as a sound source.
- Technical specifications and application of various microphone types (boom, lavalier, planted).
- Strategic microphone placement techniques (angle and distance) to optimize dialogue quality.
- Comparative field tests documenting microphone performance in diverse acoustic environments.
- Implementation of a sophisticated, multi-track HTML5 video player for educational purposes.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Steps to Create Voice
The human voice originates in the larynx. It contains cartilages and ribbons, but is mostly hollow on the inside. Only the vocal folds are located there. These are elastic ribbons about 15 – 20mm in length. While the talent is breathing, the vocal folds are completely relieved. Now when the talent decides to speak, the vocal muscles force the vocal folds to close. But since air from the lungs pushes against the vocal folds, trying to open the crack (glottis) between them, they begin to oscillate. Depending on length and size, they oscillate at about 120 Hertz (men) or 220 Hertz (women).
This is called the neutral pitch of a voice. The amplitude of the oscillation is at maximum which means that the talent can speak very powerfully and over a long period of time at this pitch. All regular speech is nearby this frequency and definitely in the same octave, the lower two-thirds of the whole speech range. Changes in pitch are achieved by straining the muscles in and around the larynx (for higher pitch), or by relieving strain to lower the pitch.
The glottis produces the fundamental frequency at roundabout 100 Hz (200 Hz respectively) and many more harmonics at 200Hz, 300Hz, 400Hz etc.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the context of location sound recording and explains the motivation for creating an interactive, educational web tool for the manufacturer Schoeps.
The Human Voice: Explores the physical nature of the voice, including its generation, timbre, differences between genders, and the directivity of the sound field.
Microphones Used for Location Sound: Details the transducer principles and operational characteristics of microphones, focusing on their specific roles in dialogue capture.
Placing the Microphone: Discusses the critical role of positioning, examining boom, lavalier, and planted techniques along with methods for sound improvement.
Field Tests: Presents the results of five practical experiments conducted to compare microphone performance and directivity under various location conditions.
Creating the Film Sound Application: Documents the development of an HTML5-based web application that synchronizes video with multiple audio tracks to demonstrate recording techniques.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the core principles of professional dialogue recording and highlights the long-term potential of the developed digital application.
Keywords
Production Sound, Dialogue Recording, Schoeps, Microphone Placement, Human Voice, Transducer Principle, Boom Microphone, Lavalier Microphone, Planted Microphone, HTML5, Web Application, Field Tests, Sound Perspective, Speech Intelligibility, Directivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core purpose of this thesis?
The work focuses on creating an educational, interactive web tool that helps production sound mixers understand microphone selection and placement for filming.
What are the key areas covered in the research?
The research spans from the physics of the human voice and technical microphone characteristics to practical on-set placement strategies and the technical implementation of an HTML5-based demonstration platform.
What is the primary goal of the Schoeps Film Sound Application?
The primary goal is to provide international customers with an interactive, demonstrative way to learn about the complexities, specifications, and practical applications of microphones used in film production.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The thesis combines theoretical analysis of acoustics and microphone physics with a series of controlled field tests to generate empirical data on microphone performance.
What does the main body of the work focus on?
The main body treats the physical properties of the voice, the technical specifications of microphones, standard placement techniques (boom, lavalier, planted), and the technical development of a browser-based multi-track audio/video player.
Which keywords define the research?
Key terms include Production Sound, Dialogue Recording, Microphone Placement, HTML5, and Directivity.
Why are lavalier microphones often considered challenging for dialogue?
Lavaliers are often hidden under clothing, which can cause muffling, contact noise, and an unnatural, dry sound perspective due to their proximity to the mouth.
How does the author overcome browser limitations in the web application?
The author developed a custom solution (Solution #4) that merges all audio tracks into one MP4 container and uses custom Javascript controls to overwrite the standard browser player for smooth, in-sync switching.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Markus Rebholz (Autor:in), 2014, The development of the interactive Schoeps Film Sound Application. The study of location dialogue recording, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/320499
