Recording teams in a training exercise
March 6, 2015 3:39 PM   Subscribe

I want to record (audio and video) the discussions of a team of 5~6 people during a training exercise that requires moving through a physical course. The recordings and transcriptions will be used to conduct a research study on how teams learn. I have agreements from the parties involved to record these exercises. What equipment/services could be used to accomplish this goal?

The setup:
*The teams will be performing tasks across a large field for about an hour.
*The teams move through what is essentially an obstacle course.
*There are physical barriers preventing them from seeing upcoming challenges and obstacles.

Requirements:
*Digital files with identifying information/metadata. I also need some way to save/convert these conversations digitally so that I can later synchronize/separate audio tracks. This is necessary since I want the option to listen to only select members OR the entire team at the same time.
* Devices cannot interfere with physical activities. Teams will be moving around on a field, so I need a wireless, or a wired, but portable solution. The solution needs to be unobtrusive as team members will be wearing safety gear so the devices cannot hinder physical activities (i.e. could simply be attached to clothing or worn around neck).

I thought about using separate mics, or using a radio transmitter, but have not used either for a task like this, so I am asking the hivemind for advice.

I also have a budget constraint - cheaper the better, but I can stomach about $2000 of expenses.

Has anyone done something like this before, or does anyone have recommendations on equipment or setups that would let me to record multiple streams of conversations that can handle the constraints above?
posted by butwheresthesushi to Technology (3 answers total)
 
Best answer: Can you just buy 5-6 GoPros (either the $129 version or the $399 version), plus big SD cards and helmet mounts for everyone? Plus possibly external mikes, which you may or may not need.

You'll need to do some video editing work to sync the audio streams afterwards, but you'll have them all digitally.
posted by brainmouse at 3:48 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


Response by poster: I'd have to ask, but all of their equipment, including their helmets, have to be checked under regulations. Not sure if attaching a mount/camera would interfere with that, but it's worth asking.
posted by butwheresthesushi at 3:51 PM on March 6, 2015


Do you actually need the video to be point-of-view? If not, how about you buy a bunch of cheap little self-contained pen drive audio recorders, like this, have each team member wear one on a lanyard, and save the money to spend on having cameramen or even drones record quality video from dramatic cinematic perspectives, or at least big-picture shots. You could use a gunshot or loud tone when you start all the recorders so that you have a point to align them on for synchronization at the editing stage.
posted by XMLicious at 6:08 PM on March 6, 2015 [1 favorite]


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