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Home: Video University Forums: Filmmakers & Screenwriters:
advice on mic's to buy

 
 


stonecutter
Novice

May 1, 2006, 9:27 PM

Post #1 of 6 (5235 views)
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advice on mic's to buy Can't Post
hey guys-
i want to buy some mic's. not sure what to get. i have a sennheiser mkh 416 shotgun mic, and wondering what else i need. i'm going to start filming some shorts, mostly inside, smaller areas. should i get wireless lavaliers?
thanks in advance.

-stoney


videobear
Veteran


May 2, 2006, 7:04 AM

Post #2 of 6 (5229 views)
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Re: [stonecutter] advice on mic's to buy [In reply to] Can't Post
The key to good audio is to get a mic element within 18" of the sound source. Doesn't matter much whether you do that with hardwired mics and cables, wireless, or a separate recorder like a MiniDisc or MP3.

Hollywood does it with a shotgun on a boom pole, placed just out of camera shot by a boom operator. The mic is often above the speakers, but can also be placed low and angled up.

Lavs are very convenient for the shooter on the go. Their major drawback is that the signal fades if the speaker turns his head much, and often are visible in the shot (which may or may not be a concern for you).




Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions


safarijoe
New User

May 17, 2006, 11:19 AM

Post #3 of 6 (5157 views)
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Re: [stonecutter] advice on mic's to buy [In reply to] Can't Post
I agree. You could look at an AKG or Oktava. Or if your budget will stand it you can get a Neumann or a Schoeps


JeffErie
Veteran


May 14, 2007, 6:53 PM

Post #4 of 6 (4257 views)
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Re: [stonecutter] advice on mic's to buy [In reply to] Can't Post
The Oktava MK012 on a Gitzo pole, with a baby ball gag and KTek KSUS suspenders will sound as good as $1000 mics. Got to www.sound-room.com

Jeff Natalie - President, ErieKIDS
ErieKIDS "In the Middle"


earthmap
User


Jul 15, 2007, 5:10 PM

Post #5 of 6 (3942 views)
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Re: [stonecutter] advice on mic's to buy [In reply to] Can't Post
I shot a feature film a few years ago and used the Audio Technica at835B.

I was very happy with it.

I am getting ready to direct another feature and I am looking into other microphones. There is a chance I could be wrong, but since I don't even want to risk the chance that a mic will be scene in the frama, and I want to get some wide shots with lots of actors talking, I am looking into oher shot gun mics, but I am not sure what kind of decision to make on that yet.

Hollywood films rarely depend on set audio, since it can suck, and they get the actors in the studio to dub their lines so they get perfect audio. Simply put, I don't have the time or $$$ for that, so on-set audio has to be great.

Wireless lapel mics will be a nightmare for the actors wearing them and don'tcount on them. Once they start rubbing against the clothes, forget it. It's all over.

Good luck!


grinner
User


Aug 30, 2009, 2:43 PM

Post #6 of 6 (560 views)
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Re: [earthmap] advice on mic's to buy [In reply to] Can't Post
I have a barely used Azden SMG1000 I'll sell ya for 200 bucks with XLR cable and mount.

;)
grinnerhester.com