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Your Media, Your Way

Columbia Post is Portland's audio, video and web production house. We can do it all - whether what you need is something as small as a VHS-to-DVD transfer or as large-scale as recording, editing and mixing audio for feature-length film. We have experts on hand to help you with your media project of any sort, and ensure your satisfaction.

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We're an independent business in the heart of SE Portland (map), and have been digitally enhancing lives for well over a decade. We pride ourselves on our quick turnaround time and cost-effective pricing while never sacrificing our highest standards in quality and craftsmanship. We love what we do and we guarantee you'll love what you get!

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Tips for Better Audio Gathering

Video production can be quite complicated sometimes. Just learning and understanding all the features on your camera is a daunting task. Add to the fun all the audio tips and hints you've collected over the years. What if there were just a handful of things you had to remember about recording audio for your videos? While this list is by no means complete, paying attention to these simple items will assure better audio in your productions.

1. Think Outside the Camcorder
   The simplest way to improve your recorded audio is to invest in an external microphone. Let's face it: the built-in microphone on virtually every camcorder is barely adequate for a simple document of an event, let alone production-quality sound. There are several types of external microphones, from simple lapel mikes and handheld models to pole-mounted shotgun mikes and even wireless versions. Start with a microphone that suits the type of video you shoot most often, then build from there. Of course, before you make a purchase, be sure your camcorder has a jack for an external microphone - not all cameras do.

2. Use the Right Tool for the Job
   A carpenter would never use a saw to pound a nail or a hammer to drive a screw. In the same way, each of your microphone options are well suited for certain tasks, but perform poorly in others. For instance, if you shoot a lot of interviews, a simple lapel microphone provides an inexpensive way to get clean audio into your camera. However, in an outdoor shoot, that same lapel microphone may be swamped with background or wind noise, and your recorded audio will suffer. The addition of a shotgun and/or a handheld microphone will round out your choices, provide a great deal more flexibility and bring home the sound you intended to record.

3. Know your Equipment
   You just got a new Gizmotron 2000 wireless kit in the mail and you can't wait to try it. The shoot you have scheduled in 30 minutes is not the ideal setting to smoke test your new toy. Wireless mikes are a particular temptation, but carry the highest potential for failure during the shoot. Are you certain you have all the adapter cables necessary to attach your new equipment? What about interference? Do the batteries need charging? Some simple testing prior to a shoot will identify possible problems, and the time spent will give you a comfort level with the new equipment that will help the real shoot go smoothly.

4. Get a Handle on Background Noise
   There are those rare occasions when background noise will compliment a video, however, most of the time it's your enemy. These nasty noises come from everywhere - traffic, machinery, air conditioning and even nature all contribute to the level of background noise in your video. By scouting the location ahead of time, you may be able to spot these noisemakers before the shoot. Even if you can't control them, knowing the source can help with your setup and even microphone choice. When using directional microphones, leverage their sound canceling characteristics and aim the sensitive side away from the noise. When using a lapel or other omni-directional microphone, try to block some of the noise with the subject's body or simply get the microphone closer to your subject's mouth.

5. Listen Up
   A good pair of headphones will help you get the best sound possible, not only by allowing you to hear the effects of your microphone choices and placement, but also by helping spot potential audio problems before you hit the record button. A partially connected cable or a dead battery can cause a low-level hum or buzz from your audio - or maybe no audio at all. With your trusty headphones, you can identify the problem and affect the necessary repairs before it's too late. Even a simple pair of lightweight headphones will work, but spring for the larger ones that better isolate you from distracting noises. It's worth the extra expense.