Topic outline

  • General

    Sound and Video



    The Sound and Video team provides professional services that support both the academic and performance functions of the College.   We can carry out high definition, broadcast quality recordings in all four of the College's main venues as well as the Oxford Road rehearsal studios. Our state-of-the-art mixing facilities provide high-quality recordings of events, lectures and master classes for archival and training purposes.  In addition to recording we can provide advice and assistance on all aspects of music and video technology

  • What do we record?

     

    Lunchtime concerts (Concert Orchestra, String Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Brass Band and Brass Ensemble) as well as evening concert performances at the College (Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, New Ensemble, Baroque Ensemble, Big Band, Opera, Opera excerpts and Chorus) are recorded for archive purposes. The recordings are made available in the library on CD.

    Visual spectacles such as the Opera will also be filmed and archive DVDs produced for the library.

    In addition, all première performances (including Composers’ Workshops and Labs), as well as public prizes/competitions will be recorded.

    If you have a special event or performance that you would like to have recorded or filmed, this needs to be arranged in advance through the Sound and Video team who will be happy to help and can be contacted via email, phone or feel free to call in to the office.

    • Recording Sessions


      Recording sessions can be arranged on request and are charged at a rate of £35 per hour, this includes recordings intended for competition entries, funding applications and demo discs. This cost will include basic editing and two free CD/DVD copies. All studios are available for recording but some will be more suitable for certain projects. If unsure please contact the team before booking.

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      Additional editing and mixing of multi-track recordings will be charged at a rate of £25 per hour.

      Recordings can cover a wide range of activities from audio multi-track studio sessions to single camera filming of a soloist using one microphone. All bookings include equipment and an engineer to manage the session but it is always best to discuss your project with a member of the team to help minimise time and cost.

      Please either email, telephone or call into the department to arrange a session.

      Note - we require a minimum of 2 weeks notice for all recording sessions.

      • Self Recording

        If you need to make a recording of yourself you can sign-out a Zoom Q8 portable recorder from the library. Microphones, cables and stands are available from reception to help you manage this process.

           


        A Basic Guide to Recording

        There are a number of things to consider when recording:

        Consider what instrument(s) you are recording and how you want them to sound. Consider how many microphones you want to use, and whether you want to record in mono, stereo or surround. 

        Microphone placement is an important factor to consider when recording. There is lots of helpful information and there are some great tutorial videos that will guide you through the process of recording. 

        All microphones have different characteristics. Below is a diagram of some of the common polar patterns that microphones have which you should consider when recording. 

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        If you want to use 2 microphones to record in stereo, position 2 microphones in in a cross pattern. Note how the microphone that will capture audio on the left is actually positioned on the right side orientated towards the left. As standard your 'left' microphone will be connected to the first suitable channel of your recorder and the 'right' into the second. 


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