Hyper cardioid for indoor use (interior dialog)

[Legion6789]

I picked up a Rode NTG2 the other day, and although it's excellent outside in the open, when I tried it with interiors the results were less than optimal. Since my interiors suffer from a lot of reflection due to hard surfaces like concrete and hardwood, I guess it confuses the NTG2. So I've been looking for a good mic for interior dialog that will be used on a boom. Budget wise I'd like to go no higher than $600+Tax, but if I can get something in the $300 - $400 range, that would be better. A lot of people have talked about the Oktava MK12, but I can't find anyone who sells them here in Toronto. In fact, the only mic I've found available in stores here is the Audio Technica AT4053b. Anybody ever use one? Any good? It's right at the top of my budget at $600+Tax. Any other suggestions?

Also, since a hyper cardioid is so directional, does that mean you need two to capture two characters talking back and forth?

 

[Bruce Watson]

In fact, the only mic I've found available in stores here is the Audio Technica AT4053b. Anybody ever use one? Any good?

That's the go-to mic of the indy crowd for interior dialogs. It's an excellent value.

The problem with the NTG2 in interiors with lots of reflections is that it's an interference tube shotgun mic. You're trying to use it in conditions that it's not designed for that can (severely) degrade its performance.

As to two characters talking back and forth, you'll ideally have a boom operator swinging the mic back and forth between them. This can be done with excellent results if care is taken to avoid handling noise. If you don't have a boom op, it gets considerably more difficult; you'll probably either end up using lavs (if the talent has to move much at all), a couple of hypers on boom stands, or ADR. The best results almost always come from having a competent boom op. Just sayin'.

 

[Legion6789]

I have a friend with arms who acts as my boom op. As for competence, we're both noobs, so I think we're even. Swinging the boom seems fine if the dialog isn't frantic. But I do wonder about situations where the characters are talking fast/interjecting. Guess we'll just have to experiment. Good to know that the AT4053b is decent.

Much has been made of the costs of equipment and how it quickly piles up. While true, what has been more surprising for me is the number of people needed. There never seems to be enough hands available, and getting all those people together at the same time can be more challenging than actually shooting.

 

[Bruce Watson]

...what has been more surprising for me is the number of people needed. There never seems to be enough hands available, and getting all those people together at the same time can be more challenging than actually shooting.

You've hit on a truth, for sure. Making a video is quite a collaboration. Way easier said than done. But generally worth the effort. ;-)

 

[Drew Ott]

Much has been made of the costs of equipment and how it quickly piles up. While true, what has been more surprising for me is the number of people needed. There never seems to be enough hands available, and getting all those people together at the same time can be more challenging than actually shooting.

Precisely. Filmmaking is a collective effort. You can create this collective of artists easily if you have lots of money. Otherwise, you'll be forced to dip into the old-fashioned technique they used to call leadership.

 

[Steve House]

Another hypr to consider is the AKG Blueline SE300b with the CK93 hypercardioid capsule. Trew Audio at 17 Carlaw Ave carries them, don't know if they have one in stock but they're only a phone call away.


One way to cover two-character dialog is to use two mics and two booms ops, one covering each character.