Lav mic - direct connect

[haighter]

Hi,

I've just spent some time perusing the boards, but can't find an answer to the following question. Apologies if this has been asked elsewhere.

I'm a budding documentary filmmaker and have shot two videos in the past couple months. The audio level on my recordings leaves something to be desired. I shoot with a Canon Vixia HF10. I find the internal mic atrocious, as it picks up too much ambient/background noise. I had a wired Sony ECM-MS907 lying around so thought I'd test it out. It was too cold, and again left room for improvement.

I shoot mostly interviews. The setting changes, which may be a problem. I conduct interviews both in controlled settings (eg: someone's office) and dynamic settings (such as a noisy room at a conference).

From what I've read, I should probably invest in a nice Lav mic. Unfortunately, I don't really want to go through the hassle of getting a mixer or any of the other equipment that seems to be necessary. This is for a number of reasons, but mostly because I shoot on the move and lugging around lots of equipment is not feasible. Is there a lav mic of decent quality that will plug directly into the "Mic" input on the back of my camera (it's about the size of a headphone jack)? Also, are there any wireless options that achieve the same end result; that is, minimal equipment?

Thanks all! any and all feedback and experiences welcome.

 

[Alex H.]

I shoot with a Canon Vixia HF10. I find the internal mic atrocious, as it picks up too much ambient/background noise. I had a wired Sony ECM-MS907 lying around so thought I'd test it out. It was too cold, and again left room for improvement.

And you've learned the first lesson in production audio: the camera's built-in mic is all but worthless. You have to get a better mic, and get it away from the camera... as close to the interview subject as possible. And even when using a mic that is camera-mounted, you're better off with a good shotgun mic and proper isolation mounting.

The second lesson, if you aren't already adhering to it: always wear headphones while you shoot. If you aren't listening to audio as you record it, you're bound to have unpleasant surprises in post.

From what I've read, I should probably invest in a nice Lav mic. Unfortunately, I don't really want to go through the hassle of getting a mixer or any of the other equipment that seems to be necessary. This is for a number of reasons, but mostly because I shoot on the move and lugging around lots of equipment is not feasible. Is there a lav mic of decent quality that will plug directly into the "Mic" input on the back of my camera (it's about the size of a headphone jack)?

Short answer: yeah, you can get a mic that will plug directly in.

Long answer: you really don't want to run a hard-wired mic down that long of an unbalanced feed. You're better off getting a lav with an XLR connection, either with an inline battery capsule or wired to accept phantom power.

You need XLR ins on your camera. Period. Since you are trying to stay compact, look at an XLR converter box from Beachtek or Juicedlink. Some models are even battery-powered with phantom power. These boxes will mount underneath your camera, stay out of the way, and give you a much-improved audio setup.

http://www.dvcreators.net/beachtek-xlr-adapters/

http://www.dvcreators.net/juicedlink-xlr-adapters/

You can also get your lavs set up for a wireless rig, which brings us to...

Also, are there any wireless options that achieve the same end result; that is, minimal equipment?

Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 series ($550-ish for a system). Compact, can be mounted to the camera.

As for lavs, you're really looking at about $300 for the mic itself. If you get a G2 system it will have a mic included... replace it, as it is not the best quality. Look at:

- Countryman EMW
- Countryman B3 or B6
- Sanken COS11
- Tram TR50
- DPA

 

[Captain Pierce]

I would definitely second C2V's recommendation of the Beachtek or Juicedlink in your situation. (I use the Beachtek myself with a GL2, but the Juicedlink looks like a decent project as well.) As he said, these mount right under your camera to the tripod mount (and have another tripod mount on the bottom to go onto a tripod), so there's no worry about lugging extra equipment around, it's all one piece. The other nice thing that these do is split a single mic to both the left & right audio tracks.