Best Boom Pole/Mic Operation Method

[Alex H.]

So, I should have the mic and recorder mounted side by side on the end of the pole?

No. Putting the recorder on the mic end of the pole puts it out of reach for operation, out of sight for visual reference, and means that you have to run a headphone cable down the pole.

The recorder needs to be within sight and within reach, in a waist pack or similar. The XLR cable runs from the mic, all the way down the pole, and to the inputs on the recorder (or, even better, into a mixer that will then feed the recorder). The boom operator will become your recordist, and will need to be responsible for operation and monitoring.

 

[maplecap]

So, I should have the mic and recorder mounted side by side on the end of the pole?

No disrespect intended, but I'm amazed at the patience demonstrated by the mod. That question is remarkable.

It was evident to me by your first post, and has been made even more evident by your subsequent posts, that you've done little or no research on your own. It's incumbent on you to learn the basics. You can't accomplish that in this manner. You're asking disjointed questions, and not understanding the replies. You need to research production sound as anyone would first do, such as by reading a comprehensive book, and then pose questions based on a basic understanding of production techniques and the equipment involved.

 

[KyranFord]

I apologize. I've done research, but Google was yielding almost no results on what I was looking to know and I figured I could get faster help here. Maybe due to key words I was using. Maybe if I'm general, I'll find a lot more information than before. I'll definitely do more research on specific and basic audio (production). I realize how ridiculous my question was and am sorry for my ignorance; when I came to reply, I rushed and didn't take the time I should have. Alex, thank you for your patience. I completely understand and feel ashamed that I wasn't understanding you at the time. Thanks to everyone for the advice. It is highly appreciated.

 

[Alex H.]

Kyran, everyone has to start somewhere. If you haven't dealt much with audio, it can be a very confusing - even bewildering - arena. I'd highly recommend that you invest in the training DVD offered at DVXUser. It will clear up much of the terminology for you, and give you a better place to start when you're looking at gear.

 

[Steve House]

A book that has a good treatment of actual boom techniques is "Location Audio Simplified" by S. Dean Miles, available from Trew Audio and other sources.

 

[Doc Bernard]

I apologize. I've done research, but Google was yielding almost no results on what I was looking to know and I figured I could get faster help here. Maybe due to key words I was using. Maybe if I'm general, I'll find a lot more information than before. I'll definitely do more research on specific and basic audio (production). I realize how ridiculous my question was and am sorry for my ignorance; when I came to reply, I rushed and didn't take the time I should have. Alex, thank you for your patience. I completely understand and feel ashamed that I wasn't understanding you at the time. Thanks to everyone for the advice. It is highly appreciated.

Kyran, another thing you could do in the mean time, for this upcoming shoot, you could hire a sound guy for your film, and talk to him and explain what your goals are while on set. I talk to people on set all the time about audio, because they ask me. I have no worries about them taking over my job or replacing me with someone they think can "do audio" without training and experience. Once they start doing it, they find out it is one of the most physically demand jobs on a film set and usually run from it.

 

[Allan Black]

I can add things to Docs list .. shown to me years ago.

When working indoors (or out) once the spot for the boom mic is established for the start of a take .. fix a straight eyeline from you to the mic to a spot on the wall. That's where you start for retakes.

Keep a roll of red or pink adhesive tape on hand, if you change anything from its standard setting, mic low cuts, pad etc, tag the boom with tape.

Don't leave your headphones down on grass, bugs love it and they don't smoke.

Cheers.

 

[Doc Bernard]

NICE!!!!! Forgot the "spot on the wall" for establishing "don't go below" points.

Good adds, Raster!!!!!