BarnStormer
Member
First off I'm new to the audio section of this forum...most of my audio falls onto RAMPS where all the CAS guys hang out. I've been a pro audio mixer for 8 years, IATSE qualified (but I wouldn't be able to work nearly as much as I do as a member) and I'm used to stuff most of you won't ever really touch. That said I would like to offer a few additional bits I haven't seen really emphasized in what I've read here.
1) now matter what your boom mics you MUST learn its pickup pattern how to properly boom for that mic. the more hyper cardioid the mic the more it needs to move to track the dialogue. An MKH70 has such a small pickup area you really need to follow whereas a CMIT5U (one of my favorite shotguns) is more forgiving.
2) whenever you can record to an external device and into camera do it. You've spent over $10k on your camera setup try and get at least a 2 channel compact flash recorder there will come some day when for some reason the audio into camera has a problem...the back may be your job saver.
3) when your on a job you've got alot to do... don't neglect your audio. I've seen alot of interviews that looked amazing but you couldn't hear anything the subject was saying...your there to find out what the person had to say...
4) figure out what you need to accomplish 75% of your jobs and buy the best you can afford that fits this need. Then rent what you need to supplement with for the other 25% of jobs.
5) if you can afford it hire a pro audio mixer. Not only will they have a kit (if they don't, they aren't a professional) with equipment that will probably exceed your needs but it will allow you to concentrate on the camera.
6) not only should you not neglect your cables... don't neglect your power source. Many times power can really destroy your audio (hence most higher quality shotguns run on Phantom power) but your mixer needs to be properly grounded and your cables should never be run near power cables...
7) this is a repeat but important.... 1] ALWAYS GET ROOM TONE & AMBIENT SOUND
8) lavs are great (I personally tend to use countryman B6s, Tram TR50s, & Pin-Mics) but you need to understand when to use them. Your boom will give you natural depth to any sound source in motion whereas a lav will always sound like your 8 inches from the subject. There are also hundreds of tricks to hiding a lav and cutting down clothing rub, etc. but many times the best thing is to plant a lav in front of the person if you can.
9) wireless is not always best... I have the best available Lectro 411s w/SM transmitters and a Lectro Venue system and I still have problems with interference interference. Even the new Zaxcom which are great (still have some bugs to work out) and completely digital can have interference. Keep your boom on a wire if you can.
10) last and not least.... listen. Most people who haven't spent alot of time mixing don't always hear things that are problems...yes a fridge, street traffic, those are obvious...but fluorescent lights many times people don't notice till its in post.
~Marque
PS: You CANNOT master being a boom op in 3 months... and I do understand that everyone can't run out and buy the CMIT5U at $1750
1) now matter what your boom mics you MUST learn its pickup pattern how to properly boom for that mic. the more hyper cardioid the mic the more it needs to move to track the dialogue. An MKH70 has such a small pickup area you really need to follow whereas a CMIT5U (one of my favorite shotguns) is more forgiving.
2) whenever you can record to an external device and into camera do it. You've spent over $10k on your camera setup try and get at least a 2 channel compact flash recorder there will come some day when for some reason the audio into camera has a problem...the back may be your job saver.
3) when your on a job you've got alot to do... don't neglect your audio. I've seen alot of interviews that looked amazing but you couldn't hear anything the subject was saying...your there to find out what the person had to say...
4) figure out what you need to accomplish 75% of your jobs and buy the best you can afford that fits this need. Then rent what you need to supplement with for the other 25% of jobs.
5) if you can afford it hire a pro audio mixer. Not only will they have a kit (if they don't, they aren't a professional) with equipment that will probably exceed your needs but it will allow you to concentrate on the camera.
6) not only should you not neglect your cables... don't neglect your power source. Many times power can really destroy your audio (hence most higher quality shotguns run on Phantom power) but your mixer needs to be properly grounded and your cables should never be run near power cables...
7) this is a repeat but important.... 1] ALWAYS GET ROOM TONE & AMBIENT SOUND
8) lavs are great (I personally tend to use countryman B6s, Tram TR50s, & Pin-Mics) but you need to understand when to use them. Your boom will give you natural depth to any sound source in motion whereas a lav will always sound like your 8 inches from the subject. There are also hundreds of tricks to hiding a lav and cutting down clothing rub, etc. but many times the best thing is to plant a lav in front of the person if you can.
9) wireless is not always best... I have the best available Lectro 411s w/SM transmitters and a Lectro Venue system and I still have problems with interference interference. Even the new Zaxcom which are great (still have some bugs to work out) and completely digital can have interference. Keep your boom on a wire if you can.
10) last and not least.... listen. Most people who haven't spent alot of time mixing don't always hear things that are problems...yes a fridge, street traffic, those are obvious...but fluorescent lights many times people don't notice till its in post.
~Marque
PS: You CANNOT master being a boom op in 3 months... and I do understand that everyone can't run out and buy the CMIT5U at $1750
