What do you do it if you need to interview and audio record someone but they are physically far from you? Telephone and video calls compress and distort audio. Even so, with the help of “tape sync” or “self sync,” you can capture broadcast-quality sound that sounds like the interviewer and guest are in the same room. See more below:
TAPE SYNCS
A tape sync (or “simulrec” in the UK) is when the interviewer and the interview subject are talking from a distance via telephone or video call. Their audio is recorded separately and then “synced” or combined in editing. To do this, the interviewer needs a “tape syncer” to record an in-person professionally-recorded uncompressed audio file. The tape syncer sits next to the interview subject and records their audio while the interviewer records themselves. The syncer also keeps an ear out for other sounds that might be a problem in the recording. Afterwards, the tape syncer sends the audio file to the interviewer.
Costs: It’s important to keep in mind that a tape sync is more than just the recording time. The syncer also need to prepare their gear beforehand and get the location ready when they arrive. Plus there’s communicating with the client to establish the needs of the recording, monitoring the recording location for problem sounds, the time reviewing and delivering the files to the client and invoicing them. There’s also travel time or travel costs. With all that in mind, here’s how much it costs to hire a tape syncer: AIR’s latest tape sync rate guide.
Finding a syncer: Here’s where to find someone to help inside the United States:
- For New York-area interviews, I can help with your tape sync.
- Outisde NY, check the AIR Talent Directory. First google the recording location’s zip code and then use the search field for producers accepting new work who do tape syncs.
- A regional audio producer group
- An NPR member station: Reach out to reporters who might be able to help or know someone who could)
- If none of the above work, you could try the databases of The D-Word, The Video Consortium or Journalist.net to find a documentary film producer open to being coached on tape syncing.
And here’s where to find tape syncers outside the United States:
- International Tape Syncers spreadsheet
- AIR Talent Directory (search for city name)
- If neither of the above work, you could try the databases of The D-Word, The Video Consortium or Journalist.net to find a documentary film producer open to being coached on tape syncing.
- There are also a number of listservs outside the US (but you need to be a member or know a member to send messages)
SELF SYNC
A “self sync” is when the interview subject records themselves and sends the audio file to the producer after the interview. This is obviously cheaper but requires the consent and tech savvy of the interview subject. Make a copy and adapt this instructions template to send to interview subjects in advance.
- TalkSync. I like this app because, when you interview someone over a video call, you can coach them to hold the phone near their mouth for optimal sound quality and see if they’re doing it correctly.
- You can also use any voice memo app but this often more complicated for guests.
Field & Live Event Recording/Mobile Studio
Please note that when the interviewer and the interview subject(s) are in the same physical space and need the help of a producer to record, that’s a field recording, a live event or mobile studio setup. Here’s is AIR’s rate guide for this type of work (and I can also help with these).
Will Coley | Aquifer Media 