Mic for motorsports events

andy mace

andy mace

Well-known member
Hi all, I'm just getting started with shooting local events with a HVX and have been trying to decide on the best starting mic. The shoots will be mostly outdoors and in close range of moving vehicles. The mic will need to work reasonably well camera mounted when don't have any other choice. When I have help available, I want to be prepaired with a boom pole, deat cat, etc. There will be environmental issues to deal with...

Picking a mic is no easy task. I've read tons of reviews, posts and my head is swimming. :2vrolijk_08:
It would be a lot better if I could try before I buy but I don't have that luxury. Add to that, a number of events are coming up quickly so I want to do something now. I'm thinking that a kit like THIS Sennheiser ME66 from B&H would get me in business fast and serve as a good starting point. Later on I could supplement the kit with a ME67 capsule for better boom work.

I'm looking to keep this under $800 so should I go with a kit like this or put together the components individually? It's been about 15 years since I had anything to do with audio so I'm interested in alternate opinions on my mic selection too.

Thanks, Andy
 
The general consensus on the ME66 is that it offers poor value for the money. They're fine mics to start with, but you'll outgrow it quickly and wind up shopping around for a better mic.

Scrape together a couple hundred bucks more, and you should be able to find a used MKH416. It'll be a greater initial investment, but a well-maintained `416 is the backbone of many high-end location kits.
 
If you are who I think you are, I've got an ME66 you can try. I've also got a shock mount for it, but no boom pole. I've got enough XLR cable to take it off camera as well.
 
The MKH416 would be my first choice but even used, purchasing the accessories would blow the budget. I hate to throw good money after bad so perhaps I should just do it.

Edit: Perrone, yes it's me. Very cool!! Thanks!
 
If its a matter of reigning in startup costs, then renting makes a whole heck of a lot more sense.

There plenty of advantages to renting gear rather than buying it outright:
-Its easier on the cashflow, helping you avoid small-business loans.
-It allows you to audition the gear and find the tools that best suit your work.
-You can use the gear you want/need rather than the gear you can afford.
-Bad investments will be limited to bite-sized chunks.
-You won't be stuck watching your shiny new recorder rendered obsolete after a month of use.
-You can try out new and unproven technologies without the risks associated with early addoption (I'm looking at you, Holophone H3-D).

Some pieces of gear can take a long time to pay for themselves, and that money effectively goes out the window if you're going to have to buy a better mic down the line anyway.
 
There is nowhere to rent video gear within hours of us. Frankly, people have to try to help each other out. Borrowing or collaborating is a lot cheaper than renting. And more fun too!
 
Some of the larger gear rental outfits will courier the equipment to your location.
 
To your south: http://www.taiaudio.com/

To your north: http://www.trewaudio.com/

Two of the best audio retailers/renters in the country. Simple as two phone calls to find out what they can do for you. If you explain that you are also testing out the equipment before a possible future purchase they might offer you a discount off your purchase for renting from them.

Cheers
 
I'm not really into renting. If this were a commercial project with a guaranteed income that would be another thing altogether. One thing I haven't done is call the local music stores to see what's in stock. I might find just what I'm looking for. Thanks for the tips! Any others?
 
5 hours south or 7+ hours north. I have no doubt that if Andy or anyone else for that matter were about to make a major purchase, this might be a consideration, but asking someone to courier a $500 mic for a 10 hour road trip? Any profit over wholesale would be lost in fuel and employee cost over the road.

There are a couple of decent audio shops in town that deal primarily with musicians. I've dealt with them for various needs before. They just don't know anything about video.
 
PerroneFord said:
...but asking someone to courier a $500 mic for a 10 hour road trip?
Click to expand...
FedEx doesn't deliver to your area?

I think you might be overthinking this. Call up Trew Audio, and explain your situation. They're a great bunch, and they really know their stuff. Accomodating unusual production situations is what they do on a daily basis. They also have plenty of experience with the specific needs of low-budget productions.

Local music dealerships are certainly an option, but the problem there is that they're unlikely to stock mics specifically suited to film and video production (to say nothing of boom poles, shock mounts, and wind protection). They're also unlikely to have anyone on-hand who's had any experience with this kind of work. Try to avoid music stores, unless you know exactly what you're looking for.
 
SMuir, I'll give em a call. It can't hurt and it may be the best (only) way to try before I buy. The local shops, although geared to musicians and garage bands have come though in the past for me. It can't hurt to call them either. Thanks.
 
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