Field Recording: from Research to Wrap: An Introduction to Gathering Sound Effects

Paul Virostek

Interested in learning about field recording? Curious about how to record sound effects in cities and the wilderness? Field Recording: From Research to Wrap – An Introduction to Gathering Sound Effects shares a step-by-step approach to capturing sound clips beyond the studio. It introduces new recordists to the craft of field recording, including gear, technique, and tricks to use in the field. You’ll discover what happens during a field recording shoot, and how to begin your own. And you’ll learn how to record cleaner, compelling tracks effortlessly, and more thoughtfully. Author Paul Virostek has provided sound effects for Hollywood films such as Batman Begins, Ali, and others. He has contributed to commercial DVD libraries, and premier Web shops. He uses almost two decades of experience to explain how to record sound effects simply and clearly. Field Recording: From Research to Wrap is an essential handbook for recording powerful and meaningful sound effects for your audience, their projects, and yourself. Summary: Field Recording: from Research to Wrap is written for those new to sound who are curious about field recording. The book begins by explaining the profession of field recording, the sound effects recordists capture, and a philosophy of recording audio beyond the studio. A section is dedicated to an overview of the tools field recordists need to capture sound clips, and why they use them. The heart of the book, “Field Recording from Research to Wrap,” breaks down what happens during a field recording shoot, beginning with research and scouting. It describes preparing before the shoot, including deciding how to record, and getting organized. It explains in detail the best methods to use while actually capturing sound effects: how to use “positioning,” recording tips for specifics and atmospheres, the importance of slating, choosing proper levels, and recording the essence of a sound that respects its identity. The book concludes describing technical, environmental, and creative challenges recordists will encounter, and how to resolve them.