Episode 7: The Hydrophone.

When the postcard came in our daily mail, we were a little surprised (that anyone had been watching), but very happy.

And so the sometimes-curly question of 'how do I record underwater' just had to be answered.

Thankfully, with the help of a few friends, we took a DPA hydrophone down to MSAC, our local swimming pool, and did some tests…for those of you playing at home, feel free to join in at the end for a memorable sing-along.

Director's Notes:

No idea that underwater would be so noisy. Quite an assortment of audio gear was used at MSAC. The first footage of Tone at MSAC (2'08" - 2'20") was using a Sennhesier K6 + ME66 plugged into our little Sony DV cam. Should have left it plugged in…because the on-board mic used for the rest of the 'above-water' ambience doesn't sound as good.

Fostex FR-2LE was the recorder we plugged the hydrophone into (just one channel we used). Great little recorder, and very easy to operate. It provided the phantom power.

A little forethought would have seen me remember to bring a Sennheiser XLR(M) cable, then the body pack receiver for Tone's interview mic could have been plugged into channel 2 of the FR-2LE. We'll know for next time we need to test underwater microphones.

Gear Mentioned:
DPA 8011