Does anybody have any microphone suggestions??

Teepolo wrote on 2/8/2003, 4:24 PM
Here is what I am asking. When filming a few scenes with a digital camera is there an inexpensive way to hook each subject (let's say 2) with a microphone so each can be heard loud and clear without having them practically yell. I would imagine there are very expensive ways to do this but I'm just curious if there is a cheaper way to do some experimenting?

Another question that maybe i could get assistance on: I was filming my kids having a discussion about school. Using one camera i had to pause and change places, pause and change places and so on and so on. Every time i would change positions to film, the normal background noise in the house made each position change evident, almost to abrupt. Is this were using seperate microphones would come into play? Thanks for any info.

Tee

Comments

Randy Brown wrote on 2/8/2003, 4:52 PM
Hey Tee,
B and H Photo has a wide selection of lavs at good prices. I'm happy with the Azden WR-22 dual receiver(about $160) but I wish I'd have bought a little higher grade mikes than the Azdens I got with it. I think Audio Technica makes a pretty good one for around $80. Regardless, I think just about everyone here will advise you to go to B and H.
Happy shopping,
Randy
Teepolo wrote on 2/8/2003, 5:10 PM
Thanks Randy. Do you have a web address for B and H or do know where they sell?

Tee.
TomHHI wrote on 2/8/2003, 5:34 PM
http://www.bhphotovideo.com

The are in NYC only. Have delt with them through their web site and have been very happy, but they keep sending these 300 page cataloges.
Teepolo wrote on 2/8/2003, 5:40 PM
Hello again Randy, I found the website and found the unit you were talking about. Thanks again for the information. This creates one more question though. Were does it record to?


Appreciate it!!!!!
Tee
Randy Brown wrote on 2/8/2003, 5:50 PM
Provided you have a microphone insert, you plug it into your camera (if your cam has XLR inputs as opposed to mini plug, you'll have to buy an adaptor cable). The receiver itself can be mounted on your shoe mount (that would ordinarily hold a light) and runs on a 9 volt battery...very convenient.
Randy
Teepolo wrote on 2/8/2003, 5:57 PM
Very cool! Are the microphones similiar to lapel microphones? They did not give much description on the website. Now you said you wish you would have went with Audio Technica (I remember those mics from the old band days). Does Audio Technica make a system like the one you mentioned to me or are you just talking about the micropones? Tee.
Randy Brown wrote on 2/8/2003, 6:07 PM
> Are the microphones similiar to lapel microphones?<
same thing

>They did not give much description on the website. Now you said you wish you would have went with Audio Technica (I remember those mics from the old band days).<
Me too, my wife and I played the bar scene for 25 years but Shure 57s and 58s were our preference.

Does Audio Technica make a system like the one you mentioned to me or are you just talking about the micropones?<
I don't think Audio Technica makes a camera mount receiver.
I have to leave for the evening but the pros will be back tomorrow or Monday (don't buy until you hear from them) I'm just filling in and very proud that I've finally actually (maybe) helped someone on this forum : )
Randy
Teepolo wrote on 2/8/2003, 6:19 PM
Hey thanks for all the information. I would not have known if ya hadn't told me, appreciate it. I'm just gathering info right now to help me when i do go to purchase a mic system. Have a good night Randy!!!
Caruso wrote on 2/9/2003, 1:55 AM
You might consider this alternative approach. You state that you are using one camera. However, you might want to consider a second source to capture audio. It could be a second (or third) camcorder (really broadens your creative possibilities) or some other audio only recorder. Place that audio recorder at some optimal location near your subjects and leave it there. Move the cam(s) around per your desire.

Capture your video/audio tape as you normally would. Import that second, fixed source of audio and place it on its own track within VV and sync it to the video (you may have to trim/re-sync the audio if you've shut down your cam during repositioning). Use the audio that is part of your video for syncing to the fixed audio only. In the final render, mute the audio that your cam captured, and use the audio from the fixed source instead. Your audio will be homogenous as your cam perspective changes.

I love to shoot music concerts using a multi-cam setup. One of my cams is particuarly well-endowned as an audio recorder, so I always position it for optimum audio pick-up and use that track as a master audio track.

In your case, a stereo cassette recorder might suffice as the "master audio recorder" and free you to move your cam per your creative instincts.

Just a thought.

Caruso
FuTz wrote on 2/9/2003, 10:31 AM
some use MiniDisc recorders...
mikkie wrote on 2/9/2003, 11:11 AM
Mini discs are geting more popular all the time as futz noted.

I've gotten some flack over this in the past, but IMO sometimes you can get away with a stage mic which can be cheaper. M-Audio.net has a pdf file for download that explains a lot about mic types and even mic placements. Also visit dv.com and see if you can find any of Jay Rose's columns, check out his forum, buy one of his books. There are differences in recording with different types of mics. Jay Rose had a few columns on this also that may help you out, & his most recent article on making a simple adaptor to connect xlr to camcorder mini plug could apply.

A source I like over B&H is musiciansfriend.com - IMO I've gotten better service. They sell mics and mixers etc. in all price ranges, as well as some nice, portable sound recorders as well as mini disc recorders.

FWIW, for the problem you described, abrupt changes in ambient sound, you might want to try extending your takes a bit before and after, then blend the sounds overlapping the ends of the audio track clips.

mike
Teepolo wrote on 2/10/2003, 6:28 PM
Hey thanks alot for all the information guys!!!!! Definitely helpful. Soon I'll be able to offer some advice on this forum, but for now I must soak alot of it in. Have a great night. Of all the forums I've been on, this one ranks high on my scale.