View Full Version : Mic. choice for shooting "live" Play 125
Unclemort
05-23-2004, 02:02 AM
I often shoot Plays in small theatres 100-150 Seaters.......What would your microphone[s] choice be? Ive actually gotten decent sound in the past with on-cam mic..........Recently have done shoots using ME-66 and on-cam mic. and have found ME-66 picks up too much Reverb........So I'm obviously gonna try my ME-64 on the next few! Appreciate any suggestions! Thanks........
ullanta
05-24-2004, 03:06 PM
If aesthetics prevent you from flying or hanging mics in a nice position to get a good stereo image of the stage, one common approach is to use boundary mics on the outer lip of the stage... on top of some padding to prevent footsteps from dominating. This technique is good enough to be used effectively even for operas when you can't just hang a decca tree or something...
Unclemort
05-24-2004, 03:36 PM
Have never heard of boundary microphones.............or are you talking about using something like Shure 81's pointing up , mounted on either side of the stage? Thanks for your input?
thats also calls pzm (presser zone mike)
at 8something , it a nice cheap mike (there are cardioid and omny versions)
cub-1 sanken is exelent one( cardioid )
fullcircle
05-24-2004, 03:52 PM
"ullanta" is referring to PZM mics PZM (Pressure Zone) Microphones are a special type of condenser microphone. PZM mics don't really look like microphones at all. They work best when placed against a hard, flat surface.
ullanta
05-24-2004, 05:52 PM
"ullanta" is referring to PZM mics PZM (Pressure Zone) Microphones are a special type of condenser microphone. PZM mics don't really look like microphones at all. They work best when placed against a hard, flat surface.
Ullanta is referring to boundary mics! PZM is a trademark of Crown, and indeed a popular model of boundary mic, but there are several manufacturers of boundary mics (Crown, Shure, AKG, A-T, Beyer, ... even Radio Snack!).
Depending on how many mics you want to use, stage size, etc., you may want either cardioids or "half omnis" (a common pattern for boundaries). I wouldn't go for the absolute cheapest ones... step up at least to the mid-level (~$100) if you can.
Unclemort
05-25-2004, 09:50 AM
Thanks for your input guys................I can see that I need to invest in all kinds of microphones and that this is typically a weak point in many a videographer's arsenal !
Keep in mind that boundary mics (some models) can have a tendency to accent the lower end bass frequencies because they use the hard surface they're mounted to as an extension of their diaphram... so if your act has alot of foot stompin good times in it, you're sure to hear it.
ullanta
05-27-2004, 02:44 PM
Keep in mind that boundary mics (some models) can have a tendency to accent the lower end bass frequencies because they use the hard surface they're mounted to as an extension of their diaphram... so if your act has alot of foot stompin good times in it, you're sure to hear it.
Hence the padding! Yes, footsteps can definitely be a problem, but in general I've found it can be very workable.
For padding, I sometimes make a square "pillow" about 1/4" - 1/2" tall of insulation material or loose-woven rag and gaffer's tape, and set the mic on top...
dont place the mike dyrectly on rug or insulation material , fix plexi glass over it and place the mike ,1 sq feet is enouth
Good call on the padding prescription Ullanta
Unclemort
05-30-2004, 02:42 AM
Alright then, what is the boundary mic. of choice??????? 2 choices...........Your typical local theatre [college or community] or a major city venue So yes we're talkin' about a budget great quality mic. vs. a great value Pro mic. !!!!!!!! Spit it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unclemort
05-30-2004, 10:39 PM
Just used my ME-64 for a piano recital shoot! Surprisingly good results........Shot in a fine art center lobby.......high ceilings ........The reverb was very natural and the mic provided a crisp sound in the mids and highs........lows were a bit more reverb affected. Had to ride the audio volume dials for some of the more aggressive tunes! Overall the ME-64 worked out just fine! Can't wait to be able to afford a few more microphones though! Thanks again guys for your input!