OT: good shotgun mic for *handheld* use?

ScottyLacy wrote on 3/13/2007, 4:03 PM
Hi all,

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good shotgun mic that is designed for handheld situations. I'll be a one-man show creating an audio documentary and I desire a mic that I can hold far enough away to put my subjects at ease (as opposed to the 6-inch under-the-chin reporter approach).

Anyone know of a shotgun that is designed for such situations? Or are there special gloves that can minimize handling noise? I have an ME66 and if you even look at it cross-eyed it picks up barrel noise.

I plan to use a small mic stand for interview settings, but when the subject matter requires that I go mobile, I need a mic that doesn't pick up every subtle movement of my fingers.

Budget: anywhere between $200 and $1000. Intimate sound is so much more important in audio-only format, so I'm willing to fork out for the right mic.

Thanks,
Scott

Comments

newhope wrote on 3/14/2007, 12:31 AM
The answer to your question isn't really another mike but proper mounting for the ME66.

It's not designed to be directly held in your hand.

The Rycote Softie System gives you a 'pistol grip' with shock absorbing mount to minimise handling noise, add to that the Softie Windshield and you have a fairly good setup for use indoor and out.

The mount has a threaded hole in the base for attachment to boom poles and mike stands.

Personally that's what I'd be doing as the ME66 isn't a bad mike. I prefer the MKH-416 but it's a $1400 as opposed to a $300 mike and they both need the Softie system to minimise handling noise.

Regards
New Hope Media