Help on microphone type (interview record)

cadu wrote on 5/26/2012, 9:06 PM

Hi,

I intend to record some interviews with video. I need do obtain a sound as best as possible, but my production isn't quite professional (shotgun microphones are not considered). First I was thinking on using a lavalier microphone. But I don't want to cause cause any discomfort to the interviewee.

Now I am thinking on using a microphone connected to a notebook. I intend to put the microphone in same desk in which interview will happen and record the interviewee without showing the microphone. My concern is with recording the interviewee voice with quality. The interviews will happen in people offices (inside different companies, under different environments, not studio).

HELP=> I would appreciate advice about kind of microphone that could be used in this context.

Bellow there is a microphone. I don't know well if it fits the mentioned usage.

Blue Yeti THX-Certified USB Condenser Microphone: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphon.../dp/B002VA464S

Thanks in advance,
Cadu

Back to post

Comments

Siby wrote on 6/13/2012, 10:08 AM

RRaud, My understanding from your last commnet, I need to use the desktop speakers as monitors. I guess there won't be any timelag if I listen to the computer speakers. I haven't receved the TRS cables delivery yet to test it. hope I get it today.

rraud wrote on 6/13/2012, 1:53 PM

"I need to use the desktop speakers as monitors. I guess there won't be any timelag if I listen to the computer speakers."
Not sure what you're stating or asking, but the type of speakers would not cause any latency issues.

Siby wrote on 6/14/2012, 7:01 AM

Hi Rraud, sorry for the confusion. Let me ask you this way. My computer speakers (aka monitors) input should be from new Echo Mia or the previously used PC audio out?.

My computer speakers having 1/4 TSR input as well as regular analog (red and white) input.

rraud wrote on 6/14/2012, 12:07 PM

Use the Echo Mia outputs. Since your monitors have 1/4" TRS inputs they probably want to see a +4dB signal, so set the Mia's output to that.
BTW, If there are any error notices, disable the unused sound card.

Siby wrote on 6/14/2012, 5:17 PM

I recorded my first cut. Not very happy becauuse, the vocal don't have much punch. I was expecting more crispy and loud vocal. I guess its most probably the settings which I need to play with it.

Byron K wrote on 6/17/2012, 12:26 AM

Try running the audio thru the EQ effect and adjust the frequency where you would want to have that "punch". Just be careful not to over do it because to much can make the vocal sound artificial.

Once you've adjusted the EQ then run it thru a mild compression to even out the levels.

musicvid10 wrote on 6/17/2012, 11:44 AM

"...the vocal don't have much punch. I was expecting more crispy and loud vocal."

What you are used to hearing has been heavily post-processed. It all started with what you are hearing now.
Set your gain so that the highest recorded peaks are around -2-3dB (for safety), and play with modest EQ and compression in post. That's a whole separate art which you will have to teach yourself.

I wouldn't try to imitate a Dodge Ram commercial with my voiceovers.
;?)

rraud wrote on 6/18/2012, 8:46 AM

A lot more goes into a VO than a good mic, preamp, processing ect., ect, ect. That's why the VO pros get the 'big bucks'.

Siby wrote on 6/18/2012, 8:53 AM

Thank you Musicvis, Rraud and John, I think I was able to achieve decent output after adjusting gain and levels. This is the first time I am using a mixer. So I have a long way to go. I recorded the audio into Adobe Sound Booth instead of VP. Sound quality was better in SB when I tried.

Hopefully last question: I recorded several vocals as different clips. The volume level is different in all these audio clips. I found an option in Adobe Sound Booth to level all clips into same level. Is there a similar function in Sony VP 11 rather than volume envelope. Some reason when I play same clip in Adobe SB, the audio output is much better to hear too. I never used SB before eventhough I have it long time. Looks like SB is powerful.
Siby

Geoff_Wood wrote on 6/18/2012, 6:11 PM

"Sound quality was better in SB when I tried."

Um, quality would be identical in each, unless you were doing something very wrong (can't image what !).

geoff

rraud wrote on 6/19/2012, 9:33 AM

I concur with Geoff. All settings being equal and in the absence of any 'presets', any difference would be inaudible.
"Looks like Sound Booth is powerful"
> Not really, and a lot less so than VP or SF. It may have an effects preset that works for you though.

FWIW, Adobe discontinued Sound Booth over a year ago.