Making dialog like it's from behind a wall. at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio

All Things Audio
Everything Audio, from acquisition to postproduction.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old May 15th, 2006, 10:55 PM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 316
Making dialog like it's from behind a wall.

I'd like to make dialog that I recorded normal sound like it's happening in another room. If you've seen the movie Barton Fink, then very much like when we first hear John Goodman's character laughing. I want the dialog to be unintelligable, and sound like its happening in another room.
Bryan Mitchell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 16th, 2006, 01:04 AM   #2
Major Player
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 595
I'm sure others will have more hi-tech solutions, but the first idea that popped into my head was this:

* Find a location with two appropriate rooms (A and B)
* Burn the required dialog onto a CD
* Place a CD player in room B
* Place your recording device in room A
* Press play on the CD player and then record!

As I said, I'm sure you can do it quite easiliy with Sound Forge, Protools, Soundtrack Pro, Acid, etc. but the above method might sound more natural.

Back in the old days when tape reverb units were expensive (and digital reverb units didn't exist), a lot of sound techs used this same method to achieve the desired result.

For others to help you further, I guess it would be best if you list what software (ie. Protools) and hardware (ie. digital reverb units) tools you have to help you.
Chris Hocking is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 16th, 2006, 06:48 AM   #3
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Stockton, UT
Posts: 5,648
This is actually the best way to get the most believable sound. Yes, you can do it in post, but if the cut is very long, then it will become apparent that it's not real. Short cutaways can be done in post, but not long sections, IMO. If you really wanna take the time with a couple of verbs, EQ, and banded compression, you can approximate it pretty well, but some things are just faster if done "analog." This is one of them
__________________
Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot
Author, producer, composer
Certified Sony Vegas Trainer
http://www.vasst.com
Douglas Spotted Eagle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 16th, 2006, 08:55 AM   #4
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 108
My #1 rule of thumb for audio, photoshop retouching, effects, etc:

"Nothing's as real as reality"

So yep, the re-record it deal fits.

Myself... I'd record it stereo or multitrack, with one mic placed where it's totally the unintellegible deal you want... and *maybe* one mic a bit closer, which will give you some options in post. Say, if when mixed with your main audio, music, or effects, it just doesn't cut it as a voice in another room, you could bring up a tad more clarity if needed. (You could just use your original track, but then you'd have to synch it).
Michael Carter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old May 16th, 2006, 08:57 AM   #5
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 690
I did this in post with quite acceptable results. Using Audition, try a filter that attenuates the higher frequencies, and add in some echo and reverb.
Dick Mays is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:44 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network