What quality to record audio at for film?

[angel_of_war]

I searched for this, but didn't find anything.

I'm making a film in 3D, and I'm just about to start recording some vocals. I'm using an MXL mic and I'm recording into Sound Forge 8.0. I have all these option as to what quality/bitrate I'd like to record at.

I don't know what to select.

Any ideas? This movie may go to film for a festival, but will certainly go to DVD. I'd like to record at the higher needed quality and go down from there if needed.

Thanks!

AoW

 

[bennychico11]

if you want to record at a higher quality and then go down...then record at the highest sample rate and bit depth your program will allow you. however, know that this will take up a significantly amount of disk space on your computer the higher you go.

that being said...a standard broadcast rate is 48kHz with a bit depth of 24bit. Most TV commercials and/or TV shows air at 48kHz, 16bit...but is most likely recorded at 24bit first. When you get into the big production companies out in LA (paramount, warner brothers, etc.) they most likely will be using 96kHz to 192kHz for recording. However, they also have bigger budgets with equipment that can handle all that. If they need a new hard drive, they just buy one.

What medium is the video being shot on and what will it be shown on at the festival? If you're going to put it on DVD eventually you might just want to start at 96kHz though.

 

[Spe3d]

Depends a lot on your sound card imo. But 24 bit is the least you would want the sample rate does not matter as much 44.1 or higher (though 44.1 should be fine) Bit depth is the most important - when you edit you are going to need the headroom 24-bit (or higher if your sound card can do it) will give you.

 

[angel_of_war]

Hey guys, thanks for the answers! Exactly what I was looking for.

The film is completely 3D, rendered in Lightwave 3D, and then edited with sound (recorded in Sound Forge) in Vegas DVD.

Thanks again!