Feature Project - To Boom or not to Boom

Yep, I agree. I love to "window shop" on B&H's site, but when it comes down to actually buying stuff, that's when I switch over to Trew (my first choice, because if I order from Coffey I have to pay shipping and sales tax, whereas I with Trew I just pay shipping.)

Phil
 
Thanks so much again,

I'm really figuring out a lot because of everyone's help here. I've narrowed it down finally to a boomed Oktava with a non-DIY shockmount (either Audio Technica or Sabra one from Sound-Room) and some sort of wind protection..

There lies the problem.

I've gotten so many suggestions for foams, dead animals, and BBGs to throw over my mic, but I dont know exactly what combination or which ones i need.

What I was thinking was a fuzzy dead cat windscreen, but do i need to put something under that? Is that even the best route? Also, where would I go about acquiring one of those because; I did not see them on Sound-Room.

One more question. Which shockmount is more appropriate for my needs and budget, the Audio Technica or the Sambra one from Sound-Room. If the Audio Technica is the answer, then where should I go for that?

Thanks as always!!
 
I don't use the sound-room one, I use the AT 8415 with the k-tek suspenders. The stock suspenders on that mount are useless.

If you're going to go with the Octava, then go with a BBG and furry for the BBG. You can talk to Trew or Coffey (or others...search for it-several people have listed other resellers that have good prices on the BBG and windsock.)

Phil
 
That is exactly your problem. You NEED the baby ball gag! I just got my oktava and boy is it sensitve to wind. I got the "extreme condition" windscreen from sound-room for $50 (only to use inside for interviews on a staionary boom). It will not be enough (remember MattinSTL's link I posted). That is why i bought the Baby Ball Gag ($140), furry jammer ($70) and the kssm shockmount ($100) we don't just spend the money for fun! It is because that is what we need! Why do you want to get the mic that requires the most expensive wind/shock protection? What is wrong with the shotgun? Are you shooting more inside?
 
Saneproductions,
I guess at this point I'm trying to evaluate my least expensive option. At first I thought the Oktava would be prime because it was about $50 cheaper than the Rode Mic. However, from what you have told me it seems as if the amount of accessories needed for the Oktava are going to pile up.

I have nothing against the Rode, but you're still suggesting that I boom it, correct? Also, would buying a used Rode be a legitimate possibility...I know that buying used Oktavas is sketchy sometimes, but do you have the same troubles with the Rode?

Also, is the Rode generally considered to have as crisp, warm audio as the Oktava? I know nothing about it (I know that there are stickies, but I would like the opinion of you guys as well)

Thanks!!!
 
One more thing:

Does the Rode run off of the Phantom Power from the DVX, or would I have to buy a phantom power provider for that too?
 
http://dvestore.com/theatre/mics_guide.html

You can listen to the Rode at that link. I have heard worse.

I would focus on getting ALL the sound equipment you need for your film then picking up a couple of pieces of good gear but coming up short overall. To that end I will through in the dirty four letter word: rent. You can put together a much more complete package for less money.

Or at least let the guy who will be actually running your audio be more involved in picking out the gear.

Cheers
 
Almost any phantom mic (48volts) can run off a DVX100. I don't think you need a preamp or mixer since you have a limited budget.

I would like to know where you will primarily shoot. If you say "outdoors" 60% or more, get a shotgun since the wind/shock control for the oktava is out of you budget. It won't be horrible to use the shotgun indoors on occasion as long as you control the refections with furniture pads etc. It is really not ideal, but it comes down to you to make the tough choice since you can't get both right now (you can always add later). ANYTHING will be 1000x better than the on camera mic if you boom it close a foot or so away. I am a video teacher for a month each summer, so I want you to be successful.

I don't know about the used rode mics sorry.

There is also a NTG-2 that can run on battery if you need to use it with cams other than the DVX.

I love the Oktava, but it is useless without the right stuff to make it work.
 
I am really stoked to play with it. It is very directional. For tomorrow I will be using the Okatava on ch1 (panned left) and an MKE2 on ch2 (panned right) I have split each output from my SD302 and have 2 XLRs going to each of the 2 HVX200s so that I have my multi-cam interview sound recorded on both cams. I am capturing live to computers (Mac Pro with internal RAID1 and Macbook Pro with Expresscard34 external RAID1) via firewire live from each cam in 720p24. I have used this setup a bunch and it rocks for static locations.
 
The only downside to buying a used Rode that I can think of is that the factory is pretty far away (from me, anyway...it's in Australia). Used Sennheiser is safer, because you can send it to Old Lyme CT for repairs. But, you're also not likely to save very much buying a used Rode (the price is already pretty low).

Phil
 
As you can probably tell by now, you've stumbled into a place where there's some very experienced hands willing to share some incredible expertise and they really take their audio seriously. One question you haven't answered is WHERE ARE YOU ??? There may be more resources available close by than you know. We've been totally blown away by the offer of amazing gear and talented help in totally unexpected places more than once.

On mic choice, after many many threads here we went with the AKG blue line (se300b body and ck93 hyper cap) - mainly because of inexperienced crews and the noise susceptibility of the octava. These can be found used on ebay or at tapersforum fairly often. Bit the bullet and bought the BBG (thanks again MattinSTL). Costs its weight in gold but actually worth it.

Still use a DIY boom pole adapted from a Harbor Freight light bulb changer. Fluted aluminium, 12'9" reach, 30 oz w/o cable, cam locks marginal but price was right! Big thing here is the weight. If you use the regular home depot fiberglass poles you'll need to rotate your boom ops in 10 minute shifts.

Good Luck!
 
Pixelated,

I just wanted to respond to part of your post and say how amazing I think it is that "soundies" all seem to be so open when it comes to sharing information, tips, tricks, techniques, etc. I'm not sure if it works this way in the other departments (camera, grip, etc.) but there are a couple of sound boards, including this one, where people with amazing experience (guys like Oleg, Matt, Wabbit, etc.) share so freely. On another sound board, there are multi-award winning guys (and gals) that freely exchange information with us "newbies", and it continually blows me away. You look at what some of these folks have worked on or are working on, and it is amazing, yet they still take the time to answer questions and offer advice.

Anyway, enough gushing. ;-)

Phil
 
I echo with what Pixelated and Phil said. I've worked with audio engineers that are willing to share up some information but always hold back fearing that sharing too much would be helping their competition. It's refeshing to find a creative atmosphere on this board where people want to help one another have the best end product.
 
I'll just echo what most people have said here. If you're filming in-door most of the time, go for the Oktava and the $50 windscreen from Sound Room, it will be more than enough. I've actually used it outside with the Oktava once and it worked just fine as long as there is no strong wind. Now if you're going to be anticipating strong winds, then get the BBG.

As for the shockmount, I use the sabra-som one from sound room and it works fine. I'm not too thrill about the way I have to adjust the elastic bands every time I change microphone, but it works.
 
To everyone, thank you so muc hfor your input...honestly i never expected to get over 30 responses in a matter of 2 days:

I am ordering the Oktava Mk012 and have decided also to get the $50 windscreen from Sound-Room. I know its not ideal, but for the most part do you think this will work in preventing too much wind noise when the boom is moved???

Also, i have a 20 ft XLR cable...should I get a bigger one, if yes, would guitar center be okay for that?

You guys rock

Matt
 
Bluewave07 said:
I am ordering the Oktava Mk012 and have decided also to get the $50 windscreen from Sound-Room. I know its not ideal, but for the most part do you think this will work in preventing too much wind noise when the boom is moved???
Click to expand...

Unless you're swinging your boom like a golf club you shouldn't have a problem with that. What you definitely NEED however is a shockmount (another $50 from Sound-Room). Trust me, it's amazing how much handling noise the Oktava pick up.
 
Jade,
Yes I'm definately getting the $50 one from Sound-Room. What about the cables, would Guitar Center be okay for those, or should I get those off the internet too?
 
I just shot all day with the stationary boom indoors with the sound-room $50 windscreen and the oktava sounds great. i still think you will be screwed outside.

Guitar center cable should be fine for what you are doing.

Happy oktava.
 
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