Prakash Ramkissoon, Technical Runner
Monitoring in most off-line suites is limited in comparison to dubbing theatres. External sound levels, Roland speakers and no external audio meters, let alone PPMs mean that it?s better not to be too ambitious with the sound mixer.
Use it to get audio levels into the right region for digitising, but don?t use the EQ unless it?s absolutely necessary. Bear in mind the chosen route to the finished product - if the audio is to be reconformed, the re-digitising levels are bound to be different from your off-line, especially if you have altered levels whilst digitising. Any subsequent level changes in the Media Composer Audio Mix Tool may carry through to the sound dub but will be completely irrelevant. Listen carefully for any distortion or noise such as hum, etc and ensure that this is not being introduced in the offline suite. When using the mixer, keep the channels high and the input trim low to avoid distortion. Ensure unwanted channels are not left faded up and any EQ set for one clip is not left on and accidentally applied to a whole tape or more! Always return EQ controls to centre after applying to a clip.