Equipment Preparation and Maintenance:
Ensure all recording equipment is in working order.
Setup microphones, boom poles, cables, mixers, and headphones.
Check batteries, memory storage, and backup equipment.
Location Scouting:
Join the director and/or other crew members to evaluate shooting locations for potential sound issues.
Identify any ambient noises or challenges that could interfere with recording, such as traffic, air conditioning units, or other machinery sounds.
Mic Placement:
Decide on the best microphone types and positioning, including lavalier mics on actors or boom mics overhead.
Continually adjust and reposition mics as scenes evolve.
Levels Monitoring:
Monitor audio levels during filming to ensure they're neither too high (causing clipping) nor too low (which might capture unwanted noise).
Adjust settings on the fly to adapt to changes in the environment or scene.
Real-time Sound Quality Control:
Monitor the audio quality through headphones to detect any issues (e.g., interference, rustling clothing, or wind noise).
Communicate and coordinate with the boom operator to achieve the best sound capture.
Communication with Director and Crew:
Discuss the sound requirements of each scene with the director.
Work with the assistant director (AD) to request quiet on set or to hold off on certain activities that might interfere with sound capture.
Collaborate with the wardrobe department if lavalier mics are being used to ensure they're hidden and not rubbing against clothing.
Record Ambient Sounds:
Capture "wild tracks" or ambient sounds from the location, which can be used during post-production to help create a more immersive environment or to smooth out audio edits.
Log and Label Tracks:
Ensure all audio files are correctly labeled and logged so that they correspond with the shot list and scene numbers. This is crucial for post-production.
Make notes of any potential issues or concerns with specific takes.
Collaborate with Post-production:
After the shoot, the sound mixer often works closely with post-production teams, especially if there were known issues on set that need addressing.
Provide insights or recommendations for the sound editing process.
Backup and Data Management:
Regularly back up recorded audio to ensure data safety.
Organize files in a manner that makes them easily accessible for post-production.