5 must haves for sound recordists

Paul Zanders

Author: Paul Zanders

Published 1st June 2015

by Paul Zanders Issue 101 - May 2015 Every location has a different set of challenges and you have to deal with whatever sound your environment throws at you as best you can whilst looking after your gear and yourself. Here are 5 non-technical things that make my life on location easier.
1. Sound Blanket
A lot of studios are big empty spaces that bounce sound around and often leave you feeling like you\'ve recorded sound from inside a box. A sound blanket can dramatically reduce this. I always use one when recording sit down interviews. I\'ll lay it under the subject\'s chair cutting down on reflections from the floor bouncing up into the mic and reducing any foot taps from subjects prone to fidgeting.
2. Bag Harness
Years ago I swapped my shoulder strap for a harness. It keeps the bag in front of me even when running and spreads the weight evenly across both shoulders, I currently use the Versiflex BHS 2 and it\'s so much better for your back which in this line of work is paramount.
3. Bongo Ties
These are very handy thick elastic bands with a wooden toggle shaped like a bongo. They are primarily used as cable ties but I use them for all sorts of things, Iike attaching receivers and lockit boxes to small cameras.
4. Mic Stickies
These clever little sticky pads are designed to attach and hide personal microphones to people. I use these almost every day to either hide mics, stop rattling props or to hold actresses blouses together!
5. Dedleg
A lightweight folding monopod that attaches to the bottom of any sound bag allowing you to take all the weight off your back and shoulders whenever you feel like it. It\'s a real lifesaver.

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