sound effects demonstration with Roger Gregg part 4

Roger gregg, award winning radio drama and comedy writer/producer, discusses and demonstrates some of the instruments and gadgets used for producing sound effects in live-audience and studio-based radio comedy & drama productions. More info, photo-galleries and essays on all aspects of radio theatre at:
www.crazydogaudiotheatre.com

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[crazydogaudio]

SparxSFX is quite correct in tips on how to improve the sound of this type of wind machine, however, we have never heard any wind machine sound 'realistic' in an absolute sense. At best it produces a stylised approximation of wind which serves 99 percent productions extremely well. Like-wise the troop box or 'machining machine' which produces a stylised sound not the real thing. This is suitable for comedies or stylised productions, for absolute realism use the real fx recorded outdoors.

[SparxSFX]

Here, Roger demos a friction-style wind machine. You need to mic it very closely. I suggest gluing nail file-type sandpaper (emory boards) to the slats to get a better sound. Crank it SLOW to sound realistic--otherwise, listeners can perceive rhythms--and you expose the fakery. The "marching machine" can be improved by using "weed whacker" filament--rather than string or twine, which wears out too quickly.