088 - Finding & Creating Recording Environments

Unless your entire cast are working remotely, you’re going to need a place to record your Audio Dramas. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer here, and there are a lot of factors that come into play. You’ll have many things to take into consideration regardless of where you plan to set up your ‘studio’, and that’s the purpose of this episode.Recording at HomeYou need to decide if you’re purely focused on recording voices, or if you’re working ‘around the mics’If it’s the former, you’ll want sound dampened conditions. This will benefit your audio quality in post-production.Are you setting up a permanent or semi-permanent studio?External walls can be an issue. Is your neighbour a drummer?Windows – do you have a busy road or environment outside?Does the floor creak when you walk around?Internal noise, are you in cupboard with boiler or gas meter?Other noises around the home, like the fridge. Try Ric Viers car keys tip.Equipment – Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, or for multiple actors, M-Audio M-Track 8, SM58 microphones.Field/Location RecordingThe great outsdoors are free to use. Working on location offers a great natural soundscape built in to your recordings.Choose sites with your ears, not your eyes.Take as many provisional sound samples as you can.Roads – look for natural barriers (trees, conifer hedgerows)Site visits – consider midweek and weekend differences.Weather – how exposed are you?Cheap or affordable gear – Zoom H1, ATR3350 lav mics (upgrade to Zoom H4 or recorder with ¼” inputs for more control)Hiring a Studio or Rehearsal SpaceCosts money, but can give session a sense of professionalism. What should you consider?Does it have a dead room or sound dampened conditions?Does hire include engineer?Does hire include equipment?Is there a band playing in the room next door?Equipment – vocal condenser micsOther OptionsSchool, college, community center, churchAlso mentioned in this episode.Alien: Out of the Shadows, We’re Alive: Lockdown, Archive 81, The Longest Podcast In The World.