I'm in the process of writing a web series right now called 3 6 5. I only have two episodes left to write, but won't begin filming until summer. This gives me plenty of time to get my props and locations for the series. What I really need help with though is the audio. I want to get a good boom/shotgun mic, but I'm not knowledgeable about sound equipment. What mic will pick up sound very well and give the voices a nice bass tone. I understand these can be expensive, but it would be nice if I could find a nice one between 500-800 Dollars. Thank You!
Help finding a good mic
- Thread starter Boogachoog
- Start date
Yes, a nice mic will make a small difference, but what makes the most difference is the skill with which the mic is used.
You also left out a lot of information.
Will you be shooting primarily indoors or outdoors?
Do you already have the accessories needed for the mic (headphones, boom-pole, shock-mount, wind protection)?
Which audio recorder do you have?
What other audio gear do you already have?
Who will be "swinging" the boom?
Do you have a PSM? - if no, who will be monitoring the audio?
How much experience with production sound do you, the boom-op and the PSM have?
How are you handling the audio post?
BTW, make sure that you scout locations not just on how they look, but on how they sound. Sure, that alley may look great, but if it's 100 yards from a major highway, half a mile from an airport, and half a block from a bikers bar...
Solid production sound IS NOT just about the gear. A very experienced boom-op and PSM can make prosumer gear sound great, but handing even a $2,000 Schoeps shotgun to whichever PA isn't busy is still going to yield crappy sound. And if you are considering mounting the mic on the camera you may as well give up on decent sound right now.
If you really must have a recommendation right now, the Rode NTG-3 is a great mic for the price.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/563798-REG/Rode_NTG_3_NTG_3_Precision_RF_Biased_Shotgun.html
You also left out a lot of information.
Will you be shooting primarily indoors or outdoors?
Do you already have the accessories needed for the mic (headphones, boom-pole, shock-mount, wind protection)?
Which audio recorder do you have?
What other audio gear do you already have?
Who will be "swinging" the boom?
Do you have a PSM? - if no, who will be monitoring the audio?
How much experience with production sound do you, the boom-op and the PSM have?
How are you handling the audio post?
BTW, make sure that you scout locations not just on how they look, but on how they sound. Sure, that alley may look great, but if it's 100 yards from a major highway, half a mile from an airport, and half a block from a bikers bar...
Solid production sound IS NOT just about the gear. A very experienced boom-op and PSM can make prosumer gear sound great, but handing even a $2,000 Schoeps shotgun to whichever PA isn't busy is still going to yield crappy sound. And if you are considering mounting the mic on the camera you may as well give up on decent sound right now.
If you really must have a recommendation right now, the Rode NTG-3 is a great mic for the price.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/563798-REG/Rode_NTG_3_NTG_3_Precision_RF_Biased_Shotgun.html
I live in the appalachian mountains. There are plenty of beautiful static locations where I live. My friend is somewhat experienced with audio equipment I believe. I figured I'd use the Zoom H4n for recording. I'll mainly be shooting outside. I thought the rode blimp looked like a good wind protector, but that's why I am here, to get your opinion. Thanks
I use a sennheiser 416 with a budget rycote kit (windshields and clam) and record it on a fostex fr-2le.
I'm verry happy with that set up..
When filming with a sound man, he brings his own boom.. so no knowledge about that one
I think with a good look around on the 2nd hand market you can find some good deals and stay under a 1000 dollar for the whole set up.
good luck.
mike d. / the netherlands
ps I sometimes use the 416 also in the studio when recording bands... good allround aslong as you point it on the subject with the right distance and balance.
I'm verry happy with that set up..
When filming with a sound man, he brings his own boom.. so no knowledge about that one
I think with a good look around on the 2nd hand market you can find some good deals and stay under a 1000 dollar for the whole set up.
good luck.
mike d. / the netherlands
ps I sometimes use the 416 also in the studio when recording bands... good allround aslong as you point it on the subject with the right distance and balance.
You still have not answered most of my questions:
The full NTG-3 kit (mic, boom-pole, shock-mount, wind fuzzy, cables, etc.) is about $1k.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/573977-REG/Rode_NTG_3_Basic_Shotgun_Microphone.html
The NTG-1 kit is around $600.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/461493-REG/Rode_NTG_1_Shotgun_Condenser.html
I would recommend the Tascam DR-100mkII ($300) over the H4n - better mic preamps, a more solid build, more friendly navigation.
Don't forget quality headphones:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/751941-REG/Sennheiser_HD25SP_II_HD_25_SP_II_On_Ear.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/49510-REG/Sony_MDR_7506_MDR_7506_Headphone.html
I cannot stress enough how much skill, knowledge and preperation will trump the equipment that you use.
The full NTG-3 kit (mic, boom-pole, shock-mount, wind fuzzy, cables, etc.) is about $1k.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/573977-REG/Rode_NTG_3_Basic_Shotgun_Microphone.html
The NTG-1 kit is around $600.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/461493-REG/Rode_NTG_1_Shotgun_Condenser.html
I would recommend the Tascam DR-100mkII ($300) over the H4n - better mic preamps, a more solid build, more friendly navigation.
Don't forget quality headphones:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/751941-REG/Sennheiser_HD25SP_II_HD_25_SP_II_On_Ear.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/49510-REG/Sony_MDR_7506_MDR_7506_Headphone.html
I cannot stress enough how much skill, knowledge and preperation will trump the equipment that you use.
I have a few friends who are interested in being involved with this project. I'm not too sure if they have any skills with the questions you asked above though.
As for audio, I've been using Sony Vegas and After Effects for years. I'm not too sure about audio programs other than audicity lol.
As for audio, I've been using Sony Vegas and After Effects for years. I'm not too sure about audio programs other than audicity lol.
Vegas started out as an audio editing program many moons ago, so will do quite a few audio things that other NLEs can't do well. However, it is not very compatible with other DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) programs, which can be a large problem if you want someone else to handle your audio post.
Audacity is an okay, although limited DAW.
The reason that I harp so much on who will be handling the production sound is that it is difficult to master. That full rich sound you want takes quite a bit of skill and knowledge to accomplish, and that onus falls upon the boom-op. Just having the "right" equipment is not enough.
Audacity is an okay, although limited DAW.
The reason that I harp so much on who will be handling the production sound is that it is difficult to master. That full rich sound you want takes quite a bit of skill and knowledge to accomplish, and that onus falls upon the boom-op. Just having the "right" equipment is not enough.
I've enjoyed fellow ITer Yardbless Pro's videos about the performance of some of the equipment you'll be likely checking up on before settling on some package.
http://www.youtube.com/user/yardblesspro/videos?view=0
RODE NTG-2 Microphone Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhHN6F-pPFY
RODE NT3 Microphone Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNiZm5v7h2M
Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO Preamp Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_mkp168RL0
JuicedLink Riggy-Assist RA222 Preamp Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0eDMr2kRTg
If you no habla espanola (like me) just click on the little "cc" to the left of the resolution gear wheel on the YT viewing options bar in the lower right hand corner.
GL!
http://www.youtube.com/user/yardblesspro/videos?view=0
RODE NTG-2 Microphone Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhHN6F-pPFY
RODE NT3 Microphone Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNiZm5v7h2M
Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO Preamp Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_mkp168RL0
JuicedLink Riggy-Assist RA222 Preamp Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0eDMr2kRTg
If you no habla espanola (like me) just click on the little "cc" to the left of the resolution gear wheel on the YT viewing options bar in the lower right hand corner.
GL!