Ken Blair – Acoustic, classical, jazz sound recordist, Owner BMP Recording gave a guest lecture on the 30th of November 2015.
He spoke about how a normal day at BMP Recording goes and the issues they encounter on location. He also touched upon how to conduct ourselves professionally when recording with multiple artists.

Ken specializes in the recording of classical orchestras in live environments. He has extensive experience within the UK and Overseas. From his lecture I understood that it is very important to be on location as early as possible so that a full assessment of the environment can be made. This in turn will assist with the unloading and setting up of the equipment leaving sufficient time for corrections and re-structuring if needed before the artists arrive. This includes the set up of a control room and that of the microphones that are going to be used (even if you are uncertain where the musicians are going to be) – this saves time when the artists arrive as it is very difficult to set up equipment when a lot of people are moving around the recording area. This sort of time management can be useful when recording on location – getting there early and assessing the environment making sure I have everything I need before we start filming/recording – LO1 + LO5.

Another important thing that Ken Blair talked about is how we treat the artists and how to conduct ourselves professionally during long recording sessions. Greeting the musicians accordingly is very important, we have to treat them as we would like to be treated. Offering them a hot or cold beverage is also a good way to break the ice and to make them feel more at ease/”at home”. This relaxes the artists and in turn impacts their performance in a positive way. This is a “technique” that I applied when recording the voice-overs in the studio and on location with all the interviewees. Talking to them and letting them know what is happening at all times, also including general talk to establish a friendly repore so that they feel more at ease during the interviews, offering them beverages if needed. – LO1.