Advice for recording audio in Cambodia?

M

Mavoz

Well-known member
Hi,
As mentioned in another thread on dvxuser I'm travelling to Cambodia and will be filming the work of an 'Aid and Relief' organisation. I'm still learning this craft and would appreciate any advice!

One part of the process will be recording interviews. I plan to record the audio separately and sync in post with Plural Eyes. Re: Audio capture, I'm still learning how best to do this in terms of microphone technique/placement strategy etc.

I realise that often people use boom poles and shotgun mics..but I am a bit reluctant about using a boom pole because I want to remain as discrete as possible and also will have novice help from other team members. (However I am open to all suggestions)

The gear I currently have available to me is:

Zoom H4n Audio Recorder
Oktava MK12 Mic
Rode Ntg1
DPA 4061 Lapel mic (wired)

Questions I am unsure about:

When recording interviews should I use the wired DPA Lapel mic? (In some cases I may be filming people who have barely seen a camera before...much less had someone strapping lapel mics to them!)
Should I instead use the Rode or the Oktava shotgun?
Would buying something like the 'Rode Pistol Grip' be a way of using the shotgun mic but being a little more discrete? Is this a good option?
Do i need to consider buying a wireless lav system instead ...is there something 'wireless' that can make use of the DPA 4061?

Any advice? What 'go to' techniques would you suggest?

Thanks for any thoughts at all!
 
Any particular reason you feel the need to record audio separately?

Which cameras will you be using?

What other gear do you have? I don't see headphones, cables, batteries, or any time of water protection on your list.
 
Thanks David...I will make sure I have headphones, cables etc. I'm just particularly interested in which mics I should be using and what particular method for capturing with them..lapel versus shotgun...boom versus handheld with a pistol grip

..I'm recording audio separately because I'm using a Samsung NX1 and a Canon 60D....I 'might' be able to go direct into the Nx1...but would probably need an adaptor like a Beachtek or something..hence the dual audio idea...
 
I would do some tests before you leave to determine your best course of action.

At any rate no matter what you decide, you are going to need some type of shock mounts to kill handling noise for your microphones, as well as wind protection/dead cats.

That Oktava would not be my first choice outdoors.

Be sure to include some way to offload your SD cards, or have plenty on hand, as well as batteries.

Also have plenty of silica desiccant drying packs in your gear bags, as well as the above mentioned water/moisture protection, and microfiber cloths on hand if you are headed there during the wet season, which is now thru September.

I would also consider adding on-camera mics with shoe mounted shock mounts.

Just be warned, many mics will not work once the elements get soaked. Have a plan of action in place to dry them out, and have a backup.

Also be aware that the more gear you try to bring in, the more you appear to be a professional crew working.

Good Luck!

Dave
 
record dual system sound. Reference mic on the camera, and then a real mic in a shock mount on a boom pole being used by a boom op. That's a better option than throwing lavs on people if they are folks that haven't been mic'ed up before. Boom is usually the "go to" for this type of thing, so if you can, hire a boom op.
 
Thanks and David and David for the replies here...much appreciated! The tips about the water/moisture protection is really handy...thank you! I guess there could be a fair bit of humidity and rain etc.
Also like the idea of the shotgun for people who will barely have seen a camera before let alone having a lapel stuck to them!

Re: Boom pole...I don't want to spend a fortune...but thinking:

Rode Mini Boom Pole
https://www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p/24277/rode-mini-boompole-1-rodbpm.html#CustomerReviews

or Rode Micro Boom Pole
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/757123-REG/Rode_MICRO_BOOMPOLE_Micro_Boompole_3_Section.html

Rode Pistol Grip
https://www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p/3844/rode-pg2-pistol-grip-shock-mount-1-rodpg2.html

(Use this with NTG1 and H4n)

I'll then also make use of the new Rodelink Wireless system:
https://www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p...reless-system-for-filmmakers-1-rodlnk-fm.html

Does that sound like a good combo to cover sound?
 
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You will need a some good wind protection for outdoors. Preferably a Zeppelin type enclosure with a Wind Jammer (fur cover). A 'Softie' type wind cover will only be adequate in a light breeze, and I wouldn't recommend the Oktava at all outside, unless it's in a shielded area on a stand... the 012 extremely susceptible to wind and handling noise. The NTG 1 shotgun mic is generally better for exteriors.
 
Hi

Lot's of good advice above. Especially about moisture. Very hot and very wet in most of the country. I have been there. So hot and wet it made me ill some of the time.

I am going to suggest that with novice help you might not want a shotgun on a pole. Great for pros but can cause more problems than it solves in a novice's hands. Either a mic with a broader more forgiving sweet spot or lose the pole altogether. You might try a three prong approach.

First do put a shotgun on the camera and send it to one camera channel. This can be your always there scratch track or safety track.

Second, then I would experiment with a omni condenser handheld either wired or wireless going into the camera. Omni condenser will allow more forgiveness in interviewing skittish subjects. You can be further away by a little and not pointing perfectly. Of course you can also put it perfectly and get better results! Yes, you lose rejection of unwanted ambient noise but under your extreme situation I would at least pack one or experiment before going. Audio Technica makes a really nice one that's inexpensive. Note: Condenser will not be as rugged as dynamic in that environment.

Third, I would experiment with a wireless lav system like a Sennheiser G3. If you wear the lav and get close enough you might be able to interview someone that is totally resistant to mics. In this case recording into something with lots of clean gain like a Sound devices Pre or recorder would help. Obviously this would be less than ideal but remember content is king, get the shot and interview!

I would experiment before you go. I haven't specific knowledge for you but be aware that wireless frequencies may differ by country and that some countries treat ANY transmitter as a huge issue. I am sure someone on here can offer advise on that.

In any case I am really pointing out that what is accepted and works so well for pros under controlled circumstances has much to offer you. But also look at your own situation and go for what works best for you. Pros point the mic and keep it close. You have novices so less pointy mics and more gain may indeed be your friend. I have found this true in my own experiences with novice help and novice talent.

Great luck to you. Hope something here helped.
 
BTW don't wander off the roads etc. Cambodia still has more landmines that people. Seriously it's VERY dangerous to wander off the beaten path.
 
Thanks so much for the comprehensive reply 'Blit'...some excellent advice in there...I am getting a little concerned as to how best to deal with the moisture etc....I was once in the Philippines on a really hot humid day...and the camera I had at the time started seizing up!

I've ended up ordering the new Rodelink Wireless lav and will direct inject it into the NX1....but the idea of maybe also running a shotgun into a split channel could work well...have to figure out how to mount the 2 simultaneously if I put the shotgun on camera...(not ideal I know)

I was planning to give the 'novice' audio recorder the zoom H4n and the Rode Ntg1 with pistol grip (not sure if a pistol grip is a safety hazard?)...headphones with simple instructions....just point it at the head of the person talking and try to avoid noise or 'bumps' on the mic....and make sure the red light stays on and the levels are right!

Will definitely do some testing before we go....thank you again...

Thanks to 'Noiz2' for the advice about landmines....do want to come back with my legs etc....thankfully we're going with a well organised organisation with a fair bit of in country experience...so hopefully they've got the safety parts well covered....but I'll be extra cautious now...

Really appreciate the help of this community and experienced people such as yourselves! (When this isn't my full time job...I know 'experience' is one thing I could do with more of!)
 
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