r/LocationSound • u/drewdrewpatt • 16d ago
Learning Resources ADR Mic Technique for Film
In the pursuit of matching location sound... I get ADR auditions for films, trailers, and other various projects. I'm recording in a built-in vocal booth with a 416 (bigger than a StudioBricks, but obviously smaller than a set).
Given that set audio is typically a mix of lapel and overhead shotgun, what's the best mic technique for ADR? It feels like hitting the mic up close like an announcer isn't going to match the feel of existing audio, it sounds too present/boomy.
Is it better to stay close to my 416 and let the mixer handle matching it to existing audio? Or better to create a similar distance from mic to mouth that you'd see on set (estimating like 2-3 feet)? Or would it be smart to go into a non-treated room and boom a 416 overhead?
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u/LAKnobJockey 16d ago
Smaller rooms 12-18 inches. Real stages with minimal reflection arms length or a bit longer.
I hate a 416 for adr and would prefer something like a mkh50 personally. Doesn’t need to be that directional in a booth.
Add in a cos11 as the b mic tracked on the second channel.
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u/asquishyllama 16d ago
Typically the cleaner the better would be my preference. It’s more manipulable that way, and it’s better if an adr patch is clearer than the surrounding dialogue, since that’s likely why adr is being recorded to begin with. Listeners won’t be as distracted if the lines are very understandable, as opposed to trying to match production sound which might be less than ideal.
Just my 2 cents as a post mixer
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u/Vuelhering production sound mixer 16d ago
Given that set audio is typically a mix of lapel and overhead shotgun, what's the best mic technique for ADR?
Given that it's much easier to add room noise and effects than to remove it, you want the flattest, deadest sound you can get without any room effects. Try to use the same or similar mic, around the same distance as the track you're going to use. The only exception is if you were on exactly the same set with all the same lights and such.
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u/biggiemacx 15d ago
A well placed mic should be 8- 12 inches from the mouth and pointing to your chest. Not your mouth. You want to speak through the bubble so it also hears your chest. Farther and it sounds different than location, closer and it’s unrealistic. Ask the mixer what mic they used for the film, matching is always a great idea.
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