Help me spend $600AU on my audio kit!

DanielRutter

DanielRutter

Active member
Hey guys;

So, to start off... I currently shoot with my GH2, a Zoom H1 audio recorder... and a Rode Videomic (and Azden EX-503 lav) fed right into that... all running off a painters pole for a boom pole. I don't mind the syncing of audio, it's part of my workflow now and it suits.
Recently, during a shoot for a web series i'm working on... I found my Videomic to be less-than-amazing for indoor audio recording. In fact, on the boom pole it was horrible. I think it's time to replace this 3-year-old Rode with something much easier to use.

I'm doing some videography work in the next few weeks which will give me a bit of coin to fund this upgrade. I'm looking at around $600.

What I primarly would like to do is:

Record quality, usable indoor dialog audio with minimal trouble.
Record good quality outdoor audio with minimal trouble.
Reduce, or get rid of completely... shock mount squeak.
Reduce and/or get rid of wind noise.

I've done a little bit of research already, and will be looking at buying the Rode NTG-2 to replace my current shotgun... but I came across the Oktava MK012 in some reviews, and found it to be well recommended for indoor dialog use. The only problems, seem to be it's sensitivity to movement.

Should I go ahead with the purchase of a Rode NTG-2, and Oktava MK012 with shock mounts and a Rode boompole? Or should I be focusing my ears on other microphones?
 
Your "shock mount squeak" might very well be "painter's pole squeak" - that's one of the downsides to DIY solutions and eliminating pole-induced handling noise is one of the design objectives of professional pole manufacturers.
 
I actually took a look at my Rode Videomic tonight, and my squeak was the rubber bands on my Videomic. They've been there a few months, need replacing.
 
second getting a boom pole. i got a great k-tek internally wired graphite one used for $200. pretty vital to good audio.
 
So lets backtrack a second. I'm after advice on which mics to get for the money I have... and you're all telling me what I already know? I've factored in a boom pole already... I know I need one.

I don't want to sound rude, but I did ask a question about mics... not boompoles. Can we focus on answering the questions put forth? By all means, tell me what boompoles to look out for... but I want to upgrade my audio equipment, namely mics.
 
DanielRutter said:
I don't want to sound rude, but I did ask a question about mics... not boompoles. Can we focus on answering the questions put forth?
Click to expand...

Well you did say and I quote

DanielRutter said:
What I primarly would like to do is:

Record quality, usable indoor dialog audio with minimal trouble.
Record good quality outdoor audio with minimal trouble.
Reduce, or get rid of completely... shock mount squeak.
Reduce and/or get rid of wind noise.
Click to expand...

Maybe that diluted your original question a little and made it a tad confusing?

On and up. Rode have kits that may be useful.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/747422-REG/Rode_NTG_2_Shotgun_Microphone_HDSLR.html

If your thinking the Octava you need to also add a Ball Ball Gag to get rid of the noise associated with the mic being moved - very sensitive to even the slightest air pressure it faces.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/322363-REG/Rycote_011001_Baby_Ball_Gag_Windshield.html
 
Noel Evans said:
Well you did say and I quote
On and up. Rode have kits that may be useful.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/747422-REG/Rode_NTG_2_Shotgun_Microphone_HDSLR.html

If your thinking the Octava you need to also add a Ball Ball Gag to get rid of the noise associated with the mic being moved - very sensitive to even the slightest air pressure it faces.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/322363-REG/Rycote_011001_Baby_Ball_Gag_Windshield.html
Click to expand...

Thankyou, this is information I'm after. That rode kit looks extensive, expensive but close to what I need.

I've read a lot about the Octava, and many people recommend the ball gag to fix wind noise. I guess the question I have regarding all this is:

Do you guys think, for a guy who's only reliable sound op is someone who doesn't understand sound... will the NTG-2 do the job, or should I spend the money on the Oktava as well? I know, "hire a sound guy"... I'm stuck in the arse end of NSW Australia, it'd cost me as much as it's going to cost to buy these mics as it would to bring a sound guy from Sydney to be my boom op.
 
NYG-2 or other shotguns for non-reflective environments, ie sound-stages or exteriors. Oktava or other hypercardioid for "live" reflective environments such as typical business and residential interior locations. Note that there are reflective exterior locations and "dead" interior locations so the what to use indoors/outdoors rule of thumb has frequent exceptions.
 
"Do you guys think, for a guy who's only reliable sound op is someone who doesn't understand sound.."
Sorry, but getting the pro gear (expensive or not) will not help much if the operator "doesn't understand sound"
 
Rick R said:
"Do you guys think, for a guy who's only reliable sound op is someone who doesn't understand sound.."
Sorry, but getting the pro gear (expensive or not) will not help much if the operator "doesn't understand sound"
Click to expand...
A mentor once said "All business decisions ultimate boil down to a choice of make or buy." Our OP has two options - either make a sound op by training up his present operator, or buy, by hiring a pro for the gig.
 
Since your budget is fairly limited, I would start with something like this to upgrade your audio...

AKG Perception 170 Mic : $99 US

25 foot Star-Quad XLR Cable with Neutrik Black/Gold Connectors : $30 US

Rycote Standard Hole Softie Windscreen : $99 US

Rycote INV-6 InVision Mic Shock-mount : $62 US

Tascam DR-100mkII Recorder : $280 US

...It's not the greatest mic, but I think you will find it's an improvement over your Rode mini-shotgun for indoor work. A better mic for the same price would be a used Audio-Technica AT3031, which you might be able to find.

Despite the cost, I would NOT trade down the Tascam DR-100 recorder for the Tascam DR-40 recorder which has significantly noisier mic pre-amps. I would also look for a deal on a used Tascam DR-100 model ( the original model ), which might save you $100 or more.

The main idea behind this list is to get you started with a basic audio package that you can slowly upgrade when you can afford it.
 
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