How Long to Record Room Tone? at DVinfo.net

Peter Moretti · April 12th, 2008, 05:34 AM

I am recording interviews and in some cases will only use a lav. But I can use a boom mic later on to record room tone. If the interview lasts 30mins, how long should I subsequently record room tone for? Can I just loop it?

Any general tips on room tone recording an mixing it in during post production?

Thanks much as always.

Ty Ford · April 12th, 2008, 06:02 AM

Hello Peter,

Room tone is not just the sound in a room. It's also the sound of the mic, the preamp, and all circuits that contribute to the sound. You can't get proper tone by recording in a room with a different mic than you used to record.

A room doesn't necessarily have just one tone. Each setup in a room may have different tone based on the acoustics of the room and the noise sources, e.g. placement of HVAC ducts, lighting buzz, outside noise getting in through a window, coming in through a doorway.

Plug in a mic, walk around with it and listen to the sound field change. You'll hear what I mean.

How much? Usually 30 seconds is plenty.

See you at NAB.

Regards,

Ty Ford

April 12th, 2008, 05:34 AM	#1
Peter Moretti Trustee Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sherman Oaks, CA Posts: 1,259	How Long to Record Room Tone? I am recording interviews and in some cases will only use a lav. But I can use a boom mic later on to record room tone. If the interview lasts 30mins, how long should I subsequently record room tone for? Can I just loop it? Any general tips on room tone recording an mixing it in during post production? Thanks much as always.

April 12th, 2008, 06:02 AM	#2
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	Hello Peter, Room tone is not just the sound in a room. It's also the sound of the mic, the preamp, and all circuits that contribute to the sound. You can't get proper tone by recording in a room with a different mic than you used to record. A room doesn't necessarily have just one tone. Each setup in a room may have different tone based on the acoustics of the room and the noise sources, e.g. placement of HVAC ducts, lighting buzz, outside noise getting in through a window, coming in through a doorway. Plug in a mic, walk around with it and listen to the sound field change. You'll hear what I mean. How much? Usually 30 seconds is plenty. See you at NAB. Regards, Ty Ford __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog