Audio configuration for indoor "show" format

[xSDMx]

Originally I was heart set on using an on-camera (yes, like in my lighting thread) shotgun microphone, but after all of the awesome reading I've done on DVX, I'm pretty sure that it isn't the best way to go. I am not able to have a boom operator, but I want to get the best audio on one or two people for an indoor product review show (think promotional videos). I was looking at getting an inexpensive lav like the AT 3350 or the Azden and then using a DR-03 or Zoom H1. The reviewer would clip the lav on his/her shirt and keep the recorder in their back pocket.

That seemed logical to me, but I'm concerned about syncing and if I might miss out on some of the "good" ambient noise (like that of the product). What is the best way that I should go for this configuration? I want to make sure my low budget is spent well and I get something suited to this purpose. Also, are there any other recorders that are both inexpensive and easy to synchronize. I've heard that mp3 only recorders ruin timing.

 

[Alex H.]

The problem with your proposed setup:

Lavs can be problematic, and the only way really to detect those problems is to monitor the mics and recording levels. Constantly. If the lav is feeding a recording device that is in the person's pocket, how are you going to:

- know that the dialog was recorded clean, without distortion/clipping on the peaks?
- know that the lav was not rubbing on clothing, or gathering other kinds of extraneous sound issues?
- know that sounds from the demo didn't clip the signal, or drown out the dialog and leave your sound unusable?
- know that the entire demo was recorded without the lav's 1/8" connector jimmying its way out of the recorder?

Truth is, you won't. Rather, you'll find out when you go to edit the show and sync sound files in. Then what? "We'll fix it in post" is not a viable solution most of the time.

Perhaps you should consider renting what you need on a per-project basis. That can get you the gear you need for the right cost. You can always find some one to help... beg and borrow what and whom you can. Teach some one to swing a boom. It's better than nothing.

If it's a stationary table demo, you could get away with a mounted mic overhead. Not perfect, but at least it can run to the camera or to a separate recorder that's close to you for proper level monitoring during recording.

Or better, hire a sound person who knows what s/he is doing.

As for recording sound separately and syncing in post... there is software called "Plural Eyes" that helps automate that process. Or, there's the century-old, tried and true tool for organizing and syncing sound and picture from each take (which is a good idea with or without Plural Eyes).