MediaArtTutorials

W5 — Tech Walkthrough

Foley Sound Creation · Multi-Device Recording Setup

This technical walkthrough focuses on how to set up and coordinate multiple audio and video recording devices to capture a live Foley.

Live Foley is the art of creating sound effects in real-time (for a video scene) by physically producing sounds to match on-screen action.

By the end of this session, students should be able to:

Set up multiple audio recording devices
Decide which microphone is best suited for each type of sound
Coordinate audio recording with camera placement
Capture a clean, well-documented live Foley

Overview — What Is Being Recorded

For this assignment, you will perform a live Foley using different objects and materials to generate sound.

Examples:

fabric, paper, plastic, metal
footsteps, scraping, tapping, rubbing
subtle textures and louder percussive sounds

Equipment:

3 audio recording devices
3 cameras
1–3 lights
1 video monitor

This monitor must be positioned outside the camera frame and within clear view of all performers, as it will serve as your live visual reference.
Connect the video monitor to a computer.

In-Class Reference Station

During the second part of the lecture, the professor will set up a complete Foley recording station using all the equipment described above. Follow these instructions to help you prepare for Thursday’s production class.

Take time to carefully observe how everything is connected
Take clear photos of the setup from multiple angles
Note:
- microphone placement
- cable routing
- recorder settings
- camera positions
- lighting coverage
Ask technical questions

Audio Setup — Microphones & Recorders

Check Audio Equipment Reference

All audio devices must be powered on, checked, and monitored before recording.

Audio Device 1 — Sennheiser Condenser (ME 80)

Purpose:
Capture subtle, low-volume, detailed sounds (texture, quiet movement, delicate Foley actions).

Setup:

Mount the Sennheiser ME 80 on a mic stand
Connect it to a ZOOM H4N Handheld using a XLR → XLR cable
Position the microphone:
- Directed toward the specific object producing subtle sound
- At a close but safe distance (do not touch the object)
Keep recording levels low to capture subtle, detailed sounds while minimizing the recording of general ambient noise.

This microphone is directional and sensitive: it is your detail mic.

Audio Device 2 — RØDE VideoMic NTG (On-Camera Shotgun)

Purpose:
Capture medium to loud sounds and provide audio directly synced to video.

Setup:

Attach the RØDE VideoMic NTG directly to Camera A
Plug the microphone directly into the camera
Place this camera:
- On a tripod
- On the opposite side of the Sennheiser microphone
Aim the microphone toward the general Foley action area
Keep recording levels at a low level or low medium range to capture both detailed and general sound.
Place the microphone on a camera that is closer to the specific element you want to capture in more detail.

This mic captures directional sound with visual reference. It will help your when syncing and reviewing actions later.

Audio Device 3 — ZOOM H4N (Ambient / Overhead)

Purpose:
Capture the overall soundscape of the Foley performance.

Setup:

Mount a second ZOOM H4N on a tripod
Position it:
- Above the action, angled downward
- Centered to capture general sound
Use the built-in microphones
Keep recording levels at low-medium or medium range to capture general sound.

This recorder acts as your room / ambient mic, capturing how sounds blend together.

ZOOM H4N — Sound Levels (Important)

When recording with both ZOOM H4N Handheld, adjust the input levels carefully.

Keep levels between 10–50
Make sure the signal does not peak or clip when all sounds are playing together
Watch the level meters while performing the loudest Foley actions
Use headphones to check sound quality and listen for distortion

Plug one set of headphones into each ZOOM recorder
If levels peak, lower the input gain and test again

❗ Always set levels based on the loudest moment — quieter sounds can be boosted later, clipped audio cannot be fixed.

Do a short test recording and listen back with headphones before recording your final take.

ZOOM H4N TUTORIAL - How to set up the Zoom H4N to record - Recording audio for film

How to: Line Input to Mic Input on Zoom H4n Recorder

Camera Setup — Visual Documentation

You will use three cameras to document the live Foley. The goal is to see all objects, gestures, and interactions that produce sound.

Use the lenses provided per station.

Check Lenses Equipment Reference

General Camera Setting

For any questions about camera settings, review the previous Tech Walkthroughs: MEDIAART 2B06

All cameras on Tripods
Set the camera to Video Mode
Set the Aspect Ratio to 16:9
Set the Resolution to 1920 × 1080
Set the Frame Rate to 30 fps
Activate the Grid
Set the lens to Manual Focus (MF)
Continue working in Manual Mode (M)

Set Apertute, Shutter Speed, and ISO
Set up Custom White Balance

Tip: Use a Balance Card Set or a white sheet of paper
Use Evaluative / Matrix Metering.
Image Stabilization OFF

Camera Positions

Camera A — Front / Wide Shot
- Primary documentation of the Foley setup.
- Positioned in front of the group
- Wide framing
- Shows: performers, objects, hands, movement
Camera B — Side / Wide Shot
- Provide a secondary perspective that reveals spatial relationships and lateral movement.
- Positioned on one side of the setup
- Wide framing
- Angle may be adjusted to explore perspective, but all sound-producing actions must remain visible
Camera C — Back / Overhead Angle
- Capture a top-down or upper-to-down view of the Foley performance.
- Positioned from the back, angled from above
- Wide framing
- Shows: objects, placement, hand movement, spatial organization of the setup
- This camera helps document how sounds are physically produced, not just who is producing them.

Lighting Setup — Visibility & Coverage

You will use the Fiilex 360 LED Light Kit (3 lights).

Goal:
Ensure all performers, objects, and gestures are clearly visible on camera.

For general questions about lighting equipment, review W2 Tech Walkthrough

Lighting Guidelines

You may use 1, 2, or all 3 lights
Position lights to:
- Avoid heavy shadows on hands or objects
- Maintain even illumination across the working area
Lights can be placed:
- Front
- Side
- Back (as separation)

Lighting choices should prioritize clear visibility of the objects producing sound.

Credits: Jessica A. Rodríguez

AI Disclosure:
AI Disclosure: AI tools (Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT) were used for editing and clarity only. No original course content was generated using AI.