Tools for Controlling and Capturing Sound

Besides mics, the basic tools of the sound technician are a mixer (to control audio levels and combine inputs) and a recorder (which can be the camcorder itself), plus the connectors, cables, and line pads needed to hook them all together.

Even today, most of this gear, except for the recorder, is analog. The audio inputs of your camcorder are analog, after all. Unless you're using a sophisticated dual-system sound rig or working in a recording studio, audio doesn't become digital until it's in the recorder.

Sound Mixers and Boards

A mixer gets its name from its ability to combine multiple inputs, but you'll need one even if you're only using a single mic, since a mixer is the best way to control audio ...

Get Real World Digital Video, Second Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.