Need advice for building an E-Learning production studio

Feb 08, 2014

Narongrit Chimchang
By Narongrit Chimchang

Hi all,

I'm working in the Training and Development department and i'm the responsible of the E-Learning in the company, i just got some budget around 2000$ for building an home-studio grade E-Learning production room with all the necessary equipments. 

I got 2 connected rooms 4x6 meters each (Totally 8x12 m.) i planned to have 1 room to be a control room and another room for shooting photos, videos and voice recording. 

Here is the output that this room should be capable to deliver: (The most frequent activity will be marked as 10, the less will be marked as 1)

1. Shoot and edit photos of humans for illustrative purpose (3)

2. Shoot and edit stop motion picture for illustrative. It is something like this : (4)

3. Shoot and edit high quality indoor videos for video based instruction like http://www.lynda.com (For example, how to calculate machine productivity, how to use some particular machine etc) or add to Articulate studio modules. (6)

4. Shoot and edit outdoor video for my department marketing campaign, use only in the company. The examples are Welcome videos, New training videos, Training introduction videos etc. (5)

5. Record and edit voice for voice over activities. For example, dub company communication videos, e-Learning videos. (10)

6. Create 2D or sometimes 3D animation just for illustration purpose (6)

7. Create, edit visual graphics for illustrative purpose. For example, Infographics, Posters etc. (7)

8. Be the place to create, edit, research, and all activity of e-Learning modules creation

Here is the list of equipment i selected

1. Mixer with Audio interface : Mackie ProFX8

2. Studio monitor : Mackie MR5

3. Two studio headphone: Samson SR850 

4. A condenser Microphone: SE Electronics X1

5. A pop sound shield

6. Clip mic stand like this

7. Studio Monitor Stand

8. A desktop computer set : CPU i7, 8GB of RAM, 2TB of HDD, Nvidia Quadro 800 for VGA.

9. DSLR camera : Canon 70D 

10. A DSLR tripod

11. A wireless microphone (clip on) : Senheiser ew-112 p G3

12. Two studio lights: like this

13. A green screen like this

The target audience: All level of employee from the production workers to High level manager, 6,000 people approx.

E-Learning software: Articulate '09 (I can't use '13 because it cannot be viewed on IE6 which is the main browser in my company),

How i deliver the content to the end-user:

1. My company will have LMS at the end of this year, but for now, i need to send to user by CD or in ZIP file and uploaded to company's FTP site.

2. I planned to talk to IT to host some E-Learning created by Articulate on the web. (But i think they don't agree with me for sure)

Remark:

1. They are 2 types of E-Learning activity one is to transform the module from existing classroom training, another is to localize the module from the parental company (Translation, content localisation etc) The ratio is 50:50.

2. I got 1 Articulate Studio E-Learning module waiting for localisation, and at least 2 modules waiting to transform to E-Learning.

I would like to have your feedback especially on the equipment, i don't want to spend the budget for the "too much" equipment.

Thanks you guys in advance,

Narongrit

23 Replies
Bruce Graham
almost 10 years ago02/08/14 at 12:48 am (UTC)

Well....on the basis that many people are producing wonderful eLearning with just a PC, a (decent) mic, and a camcorder, I would say you are doing just fine there!

All you now need to do is ensure that the instructional design is sound, and that the content addresses real, measurable corporate concerns for the relevant audiences, and I would say you are good to go.

You have everything you need - just a little more than most "home-studios" I think.

Narongrit Chimchang
almost 10 years ago02/08/14 at 5:32 am (UTC)

Thanks you all for your replies, i do admitted that this set up it quite better than the home studio, that's why i try to have some feedback.

I'm thinking about changing from Canon 70D to an normal camcorder and look for cheaper studio monitor.

I need to have some money to make the room quiet too.

Narongrit

Narongrit Chimchang
almost 10 years ago02/08/14 at 8:37 pm (UTC)

Justin McDonough said:

You could save several hundred dollars by dropping from the Canon 70D to the Canon T5i.  It's a nice camera and will do everything you need.


Thanks for your advice, Justin.

To be honest, i'm not so sure about my really need, i want to combine photo and video device by the DSLR but it seems there are some disadvantages too, for example, i need to have more distance when i shoot the the video in my studio.

Narongrit Chimchang
almost 10 years ago02/08/14 at 8:42 pm (UTC)

Basically, i need a quiet place for the voice recording, and enough light with equipment for the photo and video tasks. I don't want that high-quality sealed room like those in the professional studio.

I got some rough prices from several suppliers, but it was too expensive. 

I'm finding the way to make the room quieter, i don't want to spend much money for the construction, i would insist on the equipment instead. Any ideas?

john faulkes
almost 10 years ago02/10/14 at 4:45 am (UTC)

Why not get a reflection filter?

Like this:

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/se-electronics-project-studio-reflexion-filter-rf/42669

This should be perfect unless you want to proof the room for video recording also in which case it would not be appropriate.

For that you'd just need to muffle the hard surfaces in the room, particularly the walls. One way to do this is to hang curtains against the walls, or some of them, or cover a couple of walls with foam.

Bob S
almost 10 years ago02/10/14 at 6:43 am (UTC)

Hi Narongrit,

Looks like you've got a great start on a FUN project. Nice!

Depending on the details of your actual needs, here a couple of thoughts you might want to consider...

  • Do you really need loudspearker monitors?   If you're producing content for e-learning, you can likely get away with monitoring solely via headphones (I've done this for years). This would allow you to save some money and logistics headahces, possibly reinvesting those funds into even better headphones or other ares.
  • Make sure that whatever device (SLR or Camcorder) you use to capture video, that it has high quality external mic inputs. Recording audio separately then "syncing" it is a headache you don't want to have to deal with, trust me. XLR or mini-xlr are preferred of course to work with quality mic/mixers, but mini jacks can be made to work as long as you can record channels separately.
  • You may want more, but less expensive lighting for chroma keying. Green screen shoots are usually make or break on the lighting. You want lights dedicated to the green screen to give you an even wash of green (no shadows or hot spots). Then light the talent separately (3-point is best, 2-point can be made to work). I love green scree shoots... .soooo many advantages you will discover as you go. But investing in light kit/set up that is specced for that purpose is a great investment that will save you tons of time/frustration trying to grab a decent looking key in post production.
  • Unless you need wireless, go wired. You can get better sound quality for less money with a wired lapel solution... unless it's truly important to do location shoots. If it's all studio shoots, a wired solution such as a classic TRAM mic or the like, can give you as good (or better) sound for less money. And save you some potential headaches too. The Sennheiser's you specced are wonderful (use them myself!), but for studio shoots they stay in the bag and we go wired.
  • Invest in room treatment. Things like packing blankets can and do work on the cheap for sure. But products from companies like Primacoustic (room kits or separate panels) can be had for reasonable money. They are safer (fireproof), cleaner (less dust/allergens), don't degrade over time (like foam), and sound even better. And of course, you can start with a few and grow if needed later. On a similar note, treat the room visually too. Black is your friend with green screen shoots.... you are going to get "green bounce" on your talent if you have light/light gray walls. And find ways to control the ambient lighting so your studio lights can do their job properly and without reflections.

Hope this helps and good luck with the project!

Bob S
almost 10 years ago02/10/14 at 7:11 am (UTC)

For what it's worth, there are two different common sounds issues that folks often roll together. It's important to differentiate between them because the solutions are not usually the same....

Sound Intrusion - aka Noise - Outside and unwanted sounds filtering into your space from elsewhere. Eg the furnace rumble from downstairs, the traffic outside, voices in the hallway, etc.

Sound Quality - aka Flutter Echo, Standing Waves, etc - Rooms that sound too "live" or reverberant and/or rooms that have large peaks and valleys in frequency response (comb filtering).

Instrusion is typically solved in construction methods (simplest being a basic double-sheetrock solution) and or sealing up air movement into the room. Other products such as Melanie mentioned above or Dynamat-like products can also be effective, though not inexpensive typically.

Sound Quality is often more of an issue and is typically addressed through room treatments such as absorbtive panels, bass traps and diffusors.

For most applications, doing room treatments such as abosrbing panels and then close-micing the talent will address the vast majority of issues. But if you have serious outside noise, and can't address it by turning things off or hanging a "recording in progress" sign outside, then it can start to get expensive.

Cromerty York
almost 10 years ago02/11/14 at 7:15 am (UTC)

Hi Narongit - it's probably worth mentioning that the most echoes will come from behind your head, so make sure you have some baffling behind; eg  clothes rack with a duvet thrown over it (ahem). [http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40177233/?cid=gb%3Eps%3E%3EAll+Products%3E%3E{keyword}%3Emckv%3EZNieTI0R].  As mentioned, reflexion filters are great and will also make a massive difference.

Have fun!

Cromerty

Narongrit Chimchang
almost 10 years ago02/16/14 at 6:14 pm (UTC)

john faulkes said:

Why not get a reflection filter?

Like this:

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/se-electronics-project-studio-reflexion-filter-rf/42669

This should be perfect unless you want to proof the room for video recording also in which case it would not be appropriate.

For that you'd just need to muffle the hard surfaces in the room, particularly the walls. One way to do this is to hang curtains against the walls, or some of them, or cover a couple of walls with foam.


Thanks John,

It looks nice, i will take it into the list if my room doesn't that much sound proof.

Narongrit Chimchang
almost 10 years ago02/16/14 at 11:37 pm (UTC)

Bob S said:

Hi Narongrit,

Looks like you've got a great start on a FUN project. Nice!

Depending on the details of your actual needs, here a couple of thoughts you might want to consider...

  • Do you really need loudspearker monitors?   If you're producing content for e-learning, you can likely get away with monitoring solely via headphones (I've done this for years). This would allow you to save some money and logistics headahces, possibly reinvesting those funds into even better headphones or other ares.
  • Make sure that whatever device (SLR or Camcorder) you use to capture video, that it has high quality external mic inputs. Recording audio separately then "syncing" it is a headache you don't want to have to deal with, trust me. XLR or mini-xlr are preferred of course to work with quality mic/mixers, but mini jacks can be made to work as long as you can record channels separately.
  • You may want more, but less expensive lighting for chroma keying. Green screen shoots are usually make or break on the lighting. You want lights dedicated to the green screen to give you an even wash of green (no shadows or hot spots). Then light the talent separately (3-point is best, 2-point can be made to work). I love green scree shoots... .soooo many advantages you will discover as you go. But investing in light kit/set up that is specced for that purpose is a great investment that will save you tons of time/frustration trying to grab a decent looking key in post production.
  • Unless you need wireless, go wired. You can get better sound quality for less money with a wired lapel solution... unless it's truly important to do location shoots. If it's all studio shoots, a wired solution such as a classic TRAM mic or the like, can give you as good (or better) sound for less money. And save you some potential headaches too. The Sennheiser's you specced are wonderful (use them myself!), but for studio shoots they stay in the bag and we go wired.
  • Invest in room treatment. Things like packing blankets can and do work on the cheap for sure. But products from companies like Primacoustic (room kits or separate panels) can be had for reasonable money. They are safer (fireproof), cleaner (less dust/allergens), don't degrade over time (like foam), and sound even better. And of course, you can start with a few and grow if needed later. On a similar note, treat the room visually too. Black is your friend with green screen shoots.... you are going to get "green bounce" on your talent if you have light/light gray walls. And find ways to control the ambient lighting so your studio lights can do their job properly and without reflections.

Hope this helps and good luck with the project!

Bob S said:

Hi Narongrit,

Looks like you've got a great start on a FUN project. Nice!

Depending on the details of your actual needs, here a couple of thoughts you might want to consider...

  • Do you really need loudspearker monitors?   If you're producing content for e-learning, you can likely get away with monitoring solely via headphones (I've done this for years). This would allow you to save some money and logistics headahces, possibly reinvesting those funds into even better headphones or other ares.
  • Make sure that whatever device (SLR or Camcorder) you use to capture video, that it has high quality external mic inputs. Recording audio separately then "syncing" it is a headache you don't want to have to deal with, trust me. XLR or mini-xlr are preferred of course to work with quality mic/mixers, but mini jacks can be made to work as long as you can record channels separately.
  • You may want more, but less expensive lighting for chroma keying. Green screen shoots are usually make or break on the lighting. You want lights dedicated to the green screen to give you an even wash of green (no shadows or hot spots). Then light the talent separately (3-point is best, 2-point can be made to work). I love green scree shoots... .soooo many advantages you will discover as you go. But investing in light kit/set up that is specced for that purpose is a great investment that will save you tons of time/frustration trying to grab a decent looking key in post production.
  • Unless you need wireless, go wired. You can get better sound quality for less money with a wired lapel solution... unless it's truly important to do location shoots. If it's all studio shoots, a wired solution such as a classic TRAM mic or the like, can give you as good (or better) sound for less money. And save you some potential headaches too. The Sennheiser's you specced are wonderful (use them myself!), but for studio shoots they stay in the bag and we go wired.
  • Invest in room treatment. Things like packing blankets can and do work on the cheap for sure. But products from companies like Primacoustic (room kits or separate panels) can be had for reasonable money. They are safer (fireproof), cleaner (less dust/allergens), don't degrade over time (like foam), and sound even better. And of course, you can start with a few and grow if needed later. On a similar note, treat the room visually too. Black is your friend with green screen shoots.... you are going to get "green bounce" on your talent if you have light/light gray walls. And find ways to control the ambient lighting so your studio lights can do their job properly and without reflections.

Hope this helps and good luck with the project!


Thanks Bob,

This is really useful for me,

DSLR:  I just changed my mind not to purchase the DSLR as i have one in the department, so i'm looking for a Sony HXR-NX30P instead.

Mic input:There some doubts in the video shooting, Do i need to buy an additional wireless mic if i have a shot gun mic like Sony HXR-NX30P have? Most of the shootings are in studio but i need to go shooting outdoor for several times.

Loudspeaker monitor : You're right that the loudspeaker monitor might not be necessary, we can use 2 headphones (1 for controller, 1 for voice actor).

Room lighting : It seems that i need 3 light sets, could you please suggest me some of them so i can study further on that.

Thank you very much

Narongrit

Narongrit Chimchang
almost 10 years ago02/16/14 at 11:41 pm (UTC)

Cromerty York said:

Hi Narongit - it's probably worth mentioning that the most echoes will come from behind your head, so make sure you have some baffling behind; eg  clothes rack with a duvet thrown over it (ahem). [http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40177233/?cid=gb%3Eps%3E%3EAll+Products%3E%3E{keyword}%3Emckv%3EZNieTI0R].  As mentioned, reflexion filters are great and will also make a massive difference.

Have fun!

Cromerty


Hello Cromerty,

Thank you for you advice but i don't really understand about what we are going to do with the rack, do you have some more information?

Have a good day,

Narongrit

Bob S
almost 10 years ago02/18/14 at 8:04 am (UTC)

To answer some of your follow up questions...

DSLR:  I just changed my mind not to purchase the DSLR as i have one in the department, so i'm looking for a Sony HXR-NX30P instead.

  • Heard great things about that camera and it has XLR inputs with phantom power... nice. Should work really well!

Mic input:There some doubts in the video shooting, Do i need to buy an additional wireless mic if i have a shot gun mic like Sony HXR-NX30P have? Most of the shootings are in studio but i need to go shooting outdoor for several times.

  • Again not sure you need wireless if it's mostly studio shoots, but I WOULD invest in a good wired lapel mic (or two if multi-actor shoot). A lapel mic will sound better, have less room noise issues and pick up less noise intrusion from outside... and be much easier overall to capture great sound with. I recommend something like this TRAM mic, but there are others. Tha TRAM is about half the price of the Sennheiser wireless equivalent and sounds as good (or better).... but it has a wire so limited to studio shoots; that's the tradeoff.

Room lighting : It seems that i need 3 light sets, could you please suggest me some of them so i can study further on that.

  • You can buy a kit, or you can piece it out. But I would investigate what's called a 5-point lighting scheme....
  • Green Screen Lighting - Basically you want 2 soft/diffuse lights (think large soft boxes) that provide an even wash of light just on the green screen itself. I prefer flourescents for the low heat factor. Here's an example, though you may need more power.
  • Talent Lighting - Here you want to consider a standard 3-light set that includes a Key, Fill, and Hair light. A kit works well here but again you can piece it out too. NOTE:  If you are going to spend more money on lighting, here is where to do it; especially on the Key and Fill lights. And remember that if you do location shoots, you are going to want to consider an easier/more flexible lighting set up (the soft boxes with screw in bulbs are a pain to set and break down all the time). An upgraded kit such as this is great step up in quality, ease of set up and break down, and flexibility.

Hope this helps!

Steve Flowers
almost 10 years ago02/18/14 at 9:20 am (UTC)

I have a big softbox kit. It's a pain to erect and break down. Most of my shooting is in the field so I'm really digging these ring lights from F&V:

http://www.fvlighting.com/118150010201.html

Not necessarily interested in these as a ring light, as these are unusable around the lens if your subject wears glasses. $600 for a 3 light kit that I could use some portable tripods as stands seems like a really fantastic deal. Less lux than a high heat light but a lot less heat and power consumption.

Lots of favorable reviews. This fellow modded his stand to mount an umbrella to diffuse the light a bit. He lost a stop of light.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPy5l8Hzbww

I like the idea of packing all of my lights and camera accessories into a backpack instead of 2 large duffels and a camera bag.

Amy Gibbs
over 7 years ago06/23/16 at 5:58 pm (UTC)

Hi Bob,

I'm browsing this thread looking for some sound proofing (I guess maybe more intrusion) methods. I'm not entirely sure what i'm doing in the audio recording department but it's now part of my role in designing e-learning so I'm learning as I go.

I think our issues are mostly intrusion- we have shared conference spaces and a wide open office. If I can get a room they are far from soundproof and noise travels fast. I'm looking to invest in a decent mic (the headset we use is terrible- it creaks when the speaker's jaw moves).

Are the table top sound proof boxes worth the money to cut down on the background and miscellaneous noise that gets picked up?

 

Bob S
over 7 years ago08/01/16 at 5:51 pm (UTC)

Hi Amy,

First.... sorry for the delayed response; not subscribed to the thread.

Second.... If you are still considering, then YES the portable-booth type boxes you are referring to are typically a great investment/bang for the buck.  HOWEVER.... Know that they do more for sound quality than limiting noise intrusion. Intrusion can be tough and controlling air movement into the recording space is often the first key.

You mention you are in an open environment. Think about it like this.... weathersealing your house against drafts.  You can put on all the sweaters in the world, but if you have air blowing in February your ears and nose are still going to be cold.  Sound is (loosely speaking) moving air. So.... unless you  seal off the air movement into your "booth", you are still going to have some intrusion.  

Just want you to know so you aren't thinking there is a magic bullet solution out there.  Porta booths are great at what they do; love them actually.... just be realistic about recording in an open space.

Hope this helps!

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