Pro Tools session 2

Krystin and Michael gave us an overview of some of the tools for cleaning field audio using Pro Tools. The Paz plug-in worked well for taking a sample of audio and indicating good frequency points to zone in on and pull down. The frequencies up to 250 were able to be brought down, as well as the ones above 4 000. We also learned the noise reduction tools for clicks, hums, and general noise. Some great tips for compensating for some cyber-type sounds in between significant parts of the wave include adding an ambiance sound track to make the sound more natural. Some extra care while recording can also help in post by making sure you have about a minute of the ambiance of a location without voice. I also found the pen tool handy as you can change the frequency more naturally by sloping your changes instead of sharp, jagged lines. This is great if you have a few clicks you want to quickly smooth out. I found a lot of the tools in Pro Tools similar to the ones I’ve used in Adobe Audition.

Also, I had a chance to test out the Audio Technica AT897 boom mic I bought. The levels are fantastic and the mic is highly directional. It doesn’t pick up a lot of extraneous noise at all. There was a fan in the room I was recording in and the mic was directional enough that it didn’t even pick up the sound. It will be a great use if I ever have the opportunity to shoot at a conference again.