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View Full Version : Sound Mic-ing Tips, Tricks?

SirReality
02-13-2006, 09:30 PM
Recently did my first shooting of live subjects for a [very] small project. I had to rely on the mic built into my camera, and had to deal with all of the pitfalls associated with that. So, anyone have links, resources, suggestions, etc. on how to properly [and cheaply] mic a shoot? Suggestions I've heard from people I know include condensor mics [$$$] and shotgun mics. What kind [type] of microphones do they use on set when shooting films?
Joseppi
02-14-2006, 01:28 AM
Jeffrey,

For moving subjects or shots where you see the subjects whole body, either wireless mics (around $250+) can be used where the subjects are far from the camera, or a directional mic (shotgun or uni-directional) can be used on a boom, held by sound crewmember, or held by a mic stand out of frame.

For seated interviews, or stationary subjects, I've gotten great results using a wired "lapel" mic... the wire runs under the shirt, and there are ways to hide it, or clip it out out frame as well. While you have to be careful of people moving around in case the clothes rub on the mic, you can get really good, clear sound with a lapel mic.

One, it gets the mic off and away from the camera, where your holding the camera, or pressing buttons, or using the zoom often is picked up by an on-camera mic. Also, on camera mics can pick up the zoom motors etc.

Having the mic away from the camera, especially the lapel mics, have an internal battery which boosts the signal, and plugs right into the mini-plug (mic plug) of consumer cameras. Prosumer, or pro cams will come with the XLR connections of pro (balanced) mics. Those mics may not plug into your camera, depending on what you have.

A lapel mic like one by Audio Technica, which has a metal battery housing, runs about $29 at electronics stores like Best Buy. If you are doing stationary speaking roles, a lapel mic might be a fast cheap way to get a lot better sound than the built-in camera mic.

www.sennheiserusa.com has mics used by many in the film and video industry

Ken Stone has a lot of FCP info, and video-related info... here a mic comparison article...
http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/review_shotgun_mics.html

HTH,
Joe
SirReality
02-14-2006, 03:35 PM
Joe,

Thank you for the above information. I hadn't realized that on-camera mics could pick up sounds internal to the camera! I've started reading the article at kenstone.net and think that it will help build my understanding of sound during production quite a bit.

Thank you again, and I'm all ears for any more tidbits you can think of!

Jeff
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