Best Small Dual Recording Recorder and Best Zero Handling Lav Mic?

[matt_gh2]

I'm going to be working on a project where the actor will have a lav mic hard wired to a small recorder, and both recorder and lav will be hidden on actor. What I need is the best small dual recording recorder (by dual recording I mean the ability to record the lav to 2 separate channels, 1 at one level, and another one lower volume level, in case the actor yells and clips/blows out the sound). I also need the best lav mic that has the closest to zero handling noise as the actor may be moving vigorously with animated gestures. What would you recommend. (No wireless lavs here, I'm looking for hard wired.)
Thanks in advance, Matt

 

[ggrantly]

The scenario as you describe it will be difficult to do with reliable results. As long as you use a decent lav, handling noise will have more to do with how you mount it. If you must use a lav, make sure it is an omni. Everyone has there own prefs, I have had good success with Countryman. Others prefer Sanken, Tram, and Oscar Sound Tech. In any event, lavs, vigorous movement, and zero handling noise is an oxymoron IMHO.

For small recorders, my pref is Tascam. But again, if your talent is moving around and yelling, you need to be able to ride the recording levels or risk clipping. And not monitoring during recording is risky at best.

Grant

 

[Noiz2]

It probably won't work for filming but it's fairly common in theatre to hid the lav in the hair. Of course this requires some hair. You run the cable back and down either the back of the neck or sometimes you can go down by the back of the ear.

You need a lav and cable that will blend in so usually one that is close to the skin color. Many profesional lave come in colors.

The big pluses are almost no handling noise, and the mic follows the head so it's relative position to the mouth doesn't change.

I had an older actress who didn't want anyone to know she needed a little help with volume rigged up and her daughter didn't notice the mic in a one to one conversation in the dressing room. That is what sold her on the mic.