Instruction manual

track, such as recording 3 background singers with a microphone, on one track.

Once all of the tracks are recorded, the multi-track tape is played back, and the

song is mixed through the audio mixer. (Mixing means that the sound of each track is

adjusted, including volume and effects.) When the mix is just right, the song is played

back, and recorded by a 2-track stereo audio tape recorder, which creates the Master tape.

It’s common for the Master audio machine to be a 2-track reel-to-reel tape recorder or a

DAT digital audio tape recorder.

C) The band could record the song live, using a PA system with a multi-channel audio

mixer, and a multi-track recorder. After mixing the multi-track recording, the song would

be recorded by a 2-track stereo audio tape recorder, creating the Master tape.

AUDIO PLAYBACK DURING THE SHOOT - For best sound quality, use the same

machine that was used to record the 2-track stereo Master audio tape. The next best thing

would be to use a comparable machine.

If that’s not possible or practical, use a stereo audio cassette recorder, and a blank

audio tape to record a copy of the song from the Master tape. Try to use the same

recorder/player for song playback during the shoot.

For shooting and syncing where AC power isn’t available, use a stereo audio

cassette recorder to record the song from the Master tape. Use a battery-powered audio

cassette player for song playback, and use brand new alkaline batteries.

Some readers may wish to have a Production Assistant in charge of audio

playback. A “PA” lends a helping hand during the shoot. If needed, ask a friend if they

could assist with simple tasks.

7) SPECIAL AUDIO CABLES - Available from electronic stores, like Radio

Shack. The total cost should be around $15. Two regular home stereo audio cables will

also be required.

(A) Three "Y" Audio Cable Adapters.

(B) One 6-Foot Audio Cable that will run from the audio playback machine to the

camcorder. Get a 6-foot shielded audio cable with a Phono Plug at each end.

signal from the audio player’s output to match a camcorder’s 1/8” microphone input.

(Remember, some camcorders don’t have a 1/8” microphone input.)

If you should ever encounter a stereo camcorder with stereo audio input Jacks

(microphone inputs), a stereo audio cable, and proper adapters and attenuators (if

required) could be used. Some Industrial camcorders, and all broadcast camcorders have

at least 2 channels of audio recording capability. Two audio channels are required for

stereo audio.

The following overhead diagram shows the cable connections, and is not drawn to

scale. (The “Y” adapters are about 3” long.) Plug each phono Plug into the corresponding

phono Jack. Phono Plugs and Jacks are also known as RCA Phono Plugs and Jacks. Any