H4n & shotgun mic or shotgun & preamp

H

headofmush

Active member
I'm in the process of planning a documentary shoot but am quite inept with audio. Like many, I have a Zoom H4n and have been searching for a good on-camera companion for it. I've been running into threads where people claim to be experiencing a clash between the H4n and shotgun mics(Rode NTG-2), saying the AGC causes buzzing and even at +100 dbs, the sound is low. Therefore, I've been looking for an alternative, like a Juicedlink preamp with a shotgun mic. Will this be a better combo than an H4n with a shotgun mic?

I'll mostly be doing run and gun work, following people on busy streets sometimes and sitting down with them in their homes at other times. Also, any suggestions for what kind of mics I'd need is greatly appreciated.
 
A little more information is required: What is your budget, what camera do you use, and does it have XLR inputs? A documentary usually means a lot of material being shot, and recording externally you have to sync everything, which could take a lot of time. I would go into camera if you can. I would also recommend a preamp instead of a recorder, but not a juicedlink but an SD mixpre-D - even if it costs more, it will last for 10-20 years and is a pretty professional piece of gear.

Also, read some threads about recording using a mic on a camera - it's usually not very good, but if you're alone then of course your options are limited. If you have the camera on a stand, then get a mic stand or boom for the mic. You have to get in close!

Regarding the mic, it depends on the usage. Indoors or outdoors, and in what climates? If indoors, get a hypercardioid like the AT4053b. Outdoors a rode shotgun could work fine, but in humid weather, make that an NTG-3.
 
Your situation is discussed several times a week and it is well covered, search and read the 'Stickies' they are a world of good information.

Good luck
 
Please link me to threads if you find they help answer my question. I've been looking for a couple days.

Jema,
Thanks for your response. My budget is whatever that will get me the essentials for good sound, but compactness is an important factor as well. I'll be shooting in a hot tropical climate with a friend, both using GH2s, so no XLR input. He'll be the 2nd camera. Do you mean shotgun mics on top of the camera is not ideal? Because they won't be as close to the source of the sound I understand. I know that running around with a boom pole is the best for good sound, but a lot of times, the situation might not permit that. I'll be working in a sometimes dangerous situation, think communist government. We are trying to keep a low profile 50% of the time.

I realize that hypercardiods are best for indoor interviews, I don't really want a wireless lav system but I just may have to get them. Are Rode Videomic Pro not robust enough for humid weather? I'm actually not a big fan of the way the Rode Videomics sound anyways. Will take your advice and go with the preamp.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top