Use multi-mic array to capture sound libraries of locations (atmos, specifics, etc.)
Location recordings are the key ingredient to any giant-screen soundtrack. It gives the sound designer the ability to immerse the audience in the pristine images of unique locations around the globe, and is the reason location sound effects recordings are used. All location recordings are useful. If there are reasons the sound designer cannot use original recordings in the final soundtrack, the presence of a guide track will give insight on how the locations sound and allow the designer to mimic them more accurately. Even recordings done for behind-the-scenes footage can be useful. It is therefore important to turn all recordings over to the sound designer. The giant-screen sound environment is a surround one. When recording location sound effects, it is important to record them with a multi-channel mic array whenever possible. This will give an organic, immersive feel to the final soundtrack. When stereo recordings are electronically converted to surround tracks, the immersive effect is not as strong or precise.
When gathering a library of location sound effects, it is important to get specific sounds as well as atmospheric sound effects such as birds, animal calls, crowds, vehicles, etc. These will be added to the atmospheric sounds to bring the locations to life for the audience. Such specific sound effects can be extremely difficult to find in sound libraries.
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