This cheat sheet provides a quick guide for setting up and using the equipment at the Boyle Center studio. It covers microphones, camera setup, lighting, ProPresenter, and the audio console.
The first tip is to always begin with the microphone and work back to the recording equipment.
1. Microphone Setup
Seated Presentations (Podcasting, desk presentations)
- Desk microphone is the default for seated presentations and already connected to the audio equipment. Desk mics
- If you have more than two speakers you add in lapel microphones (wired) clipped near the center of the chest. Note, the lapel mic sound may be slightly different than the desk microphones. Be sure to check the sounds balance on the audio mixer.
- Ensure the lapel is secured to prevent noise from clothing.
Backup Audio
- Use the boom microphone for additional ambient sound or backup recording.
- Place the boom mic just outside of the camera frame.
Choir/Band/Group Sessions
- Use vocal microphones and stands for singers and instrument microphones and stands for instruments.
- Use overhead dynamic microphones for drums and other percussion instruments.
- The microphones are available upon request and will need to be connected to the audio mixer prior to use.
Adjusting Microphone Volume
- Speak close to the microphone to avoid having to increase gain.
- Check levels on the audio console and adjust input gain accordingly to maintain audio in the yellow range (-18 to -12 dB).
2. Camera Setup
Turning On the Camera
- Power the camera using the rocker switch located on the side.
- Remove the lens shield if needed.
Framing the Shot
-
Use the zoom control on the right side of the camera to adjust
the frame.
- Ensure subjects are centered within the white guide frame.
-
For two people, back the camera up to fit both subjects
within the frame.
Focusing
- Use the focus ring on the side to sharpen the image.
-
Continuously adjust the focus if the subject moves closer
or farther from the camera.
3. Lighting Setup
Powering the Lights
- Turn on the studio lights before recording.
-
Ensure the color temperature is set between
(5000K - 5600K) for natural skin tones.
-
Adjust brightness and positioning to avoid harsh
shadows or overexposure.
Color Temperature Adjustment
- Access the light controls via the camera settings.
-
Monitor the subject on-screen to verify the correct
skin tone and lighting balance.
4. Audio Console Setup
Powering On
- The power switch is located on the back of the console.
Flip it on and wait for the boot-up process.
Setting Levels
- Use the fader sliders to adjust each microphone's volume.
- Aim for a target level between -18 dB and -12 dB (yellow range).
-
Keep the main stereo output enabled to ensure audio is routed
correctly.
Microphone Gain Adjustment
- Select the microphone channel (Mic 1, Mic 2, etc.) to adjust gain.
-
If the microphone is too quiet, increase the input gain to avoid
post-production noise.
5. Video Switcher Setup
Starting the Switcher
- Power on the switcher using the button under the desk.
-
Recall the “scene setup” by going to the “Scenes” button
and selecting the appropriate preset (e.g., podcast, band).
-
Use the comm system to communicate with the camera
operator, especially during live events.
6. Recording & File Management
- Starting the Recording
- Use the capture computer, open Blackmagic Media Express, and hit the Capture button.
- Ensure files are named properly before recording (e.g., Your LastName_ProjectName_Date).
- Save files to external hard drives to transfer to editing suite.
EXTRA: ProPresenter (Teleprompter & Graphics)
Note: for most A/V needs graphics should be added in the editing suite and not via the teleprompter and graphics in the Digital Studio
Basic Setup
- Open ProPresenter on the control computer.
- Create a new presentation and load your text or graphics.
Displaying Slides
- Drag and drop text or images into the slide editor.
- Double-click to display the slide on the teleprompter (not on the main screen).
Switching between Slides & Camera
- Use ProPresenter for teleprompting only. Avoid displaying teleprompter slides on the main screen unless necessary.
Best Practices
Check All Equipment Before Recording
- Test microphones, check camera framing, focus, and lighting before starting any recording.
- Verify all devices are working by monitoring the multi-view screen.
Work in Teams
- Anytime you adjust the camera height you need to have at least two people to move the tripod and support the camera. It is ideal to have three operators: one for audio, one for lights, and one for video.
File Backup
- Regularly back up recorded files to avoid losing data due to hard drive space limits.