If you remember slide shows – the ones made up of actual film transparencies – you’ll also probably remember just how much more powerful they were when sound was added. Now that many photographers are shooting video, also understanding the audio technologies involved is a vitally important skill. A good soundtrack adds more dynamism, depth and emotion to the imagery and, if you’re recording voices, they need to be clear and understandable. And it often all starts with the quality of the audio that you record on location along with the vision. Get this wrong and your production is very likely in trouble.
Digital audio recording specialist Zoom – which is a Japanese company – specialises in compact and highly-portable devices which are capable of delivering high-quality sound on location. Zoom products have become popular with professional film-makers who shoot in challenging locations and extreme conditions, capturing subjects such as adventure sports and expeditions.
The company’s recently-launched MicTrak product line combines a microphone and a digital audio recorder in the one handy device, particulatly for recording voices, but for other applications too. Among the current MicTrak line-up is the M3 which is an on-camera microphone-and-recorder for video-makers
