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| Chapter 7 Overview The equipment discussed in this chapter serves as an excellent model for illustrating the basic control functions discussed in Chapter 1, Section 1.3. The microphones transduce, the outboard equipment records and plays back, the cables and connectors channel, the audio board selects and alters, and the speakers monitor. Also, the concept of how both disciplines and techniques relate to production can be clearly applied to the field of audio. For example, knowing the steps needed to connect a microphone so that it functions through an audio console is a matter of applying several basic techniques. However, the care with which the operator then works to test the quality and loudness parameters of that mic for its eventual use is very much a matter of individual discipline. Audio is an extremely important element of a TV program, often credited with providing 80 percent of the information. Any mistake with audio, especially the lack of sound, is readily picked up by viewers and usually leads them to change the channel to make sure their set is still working. If they get distracted with another program and don't come back, that is a lost viewer—something stations and networks definitely don't want. People operating audio equipment must be constantly thinking ahead to their next actions. Which audio fader will you raise next to bring up the sound from the breaking news in the field? How loud should the music be over the host? How quickly will the microphone boom need to move as the talent exits? The material in this chapter should enable you to build both audio techniques and disciplines and to understand both the technical and creative aspects of sound. It includes the following:
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