Planning Audio Coverage

The audio for any TV show needs to be loud and clear, so it is easily understood with no distortion. Audio coverage needs to be planned and checked within the audio control room.

The amount of Omni -Directional clip microphones depends on how much talent you have on set, however the mics need to be clipped on the side of clothing nearest the presenter, as that will be where they are facing the majority of the time. The presenters mic needs to be central on them, as the Host's Eye Line is directed to the left, right and directly ahead at the camera. A Directional mic is also needed to hang above the audience to pick up their applause.

The Sound Operators are responsible for putting the mics on the Talent correctly and providing the mic checks. Mic checks consist of at least 30 seconds of the Talent talking in their normal speaking voice into the clip mics, which is then heard in the audio control room through the speakers. When being heard through the speakers, the Sound Operators can adjust the faders on the audio panel, to a appropriate level, making sure all the Talent is kept to the same level. For example, if the Host was speaking too loudly, the Sound Operators would ask them to do another sound mic check, because the Host might of not been speaking in their normal voice.

After a mic check has been taken place, the Sound Operators can adjust the sound levels of each of the talents mics using the faders on the audio panel. They can tell if the sound is either too loud or too quiet, by not only hearing the speech or music through the monitors but checking the VU meter on the audio panel. This is a more accurate measurement for the Sound Operators to judge the sound levels. A VU Meter measures the audio in Decibels (dB). This suggests if the sound from either the Talent or the VT inserts are too loud or too quiet. The VU Meter lights up when sound is being created. A quiet level makes it light up green, but if the sound levels is too loud it will light up red. Another example of how the Sound Operators can judge the sound level is by the numbers listed by the side of the meter. Positive numbers representing a loud audio level, whereas the negative numbers reveal a quieter audio level. Going up the meter, every +3dB it doubles and going down the meter, every -3dB it halves. The most appropriate and best quality audio can be heard between +6 to +9dB. If the Sound Operators let the audio levels go above +9dB, the audio would not only sound too loud, but will sound distorted. Also, checking that the audio isn't too quiet, the signal mustn't drop over -12dB.