Mics for 8 people

mjdorris

mjdorris

Well-known member
Hi All,

Just had a new client contact me with a project which I would like to take on, but I'm not entirely prepared for. It's a simple project lighting and camera wise--a scripted 45 minute meeting of 8 people discussing various topics. Probably two cameras, and long takes. That part I can handle.
What I'm not so sure about is that they preferred to have each person individually mic'd, which would be hard for me because I don't have 8 mics, and if i was going to rent equipment for it I would have no idea where to start.
Wouldn't it make more sense to just suspend two boom mics above the table with some c-stands and boom poles?
If I do end up going with 8 lav mics (which would worry me for any number of reasons like 8 shirts crinkling at the same time or, someone coughing into their mic), would I have to go with sepereate a seperate device for audio recording 8 channels or could I somehow mix it down into two channels to record directly to my HVX?
An input on how to individually mic 8 people and record/mix that sound on set, or how to properly set up two boom mics for 8 people sitting around a table and equipment suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Matt
 
use 8 lavaliers , if the mics could be seen , hare is no problem with rusle
forget about working alone , berin soundmixer with panel mixer
mix left right as usial or mono mix + 2 or 3 isos on cameras ( could be maneged with sub groups on mixer)
also you can recorrd in the same time to computer for iso tracks and use these in places the mix wasnt good enouth .
quit simple
 
Oleg is right. WHat he says is the right thing to do.

In a pinch, you could use boundry mics, but they can end up sounding hollow and pick up any banging on the table.

No matter what you need a sound mixer to keep from having all the mics open.
 
Is the discussion live chaos or is it controlled where only certain individuals talk at once.

If it is scripted, like you say, then you can do it with minimal mic'age.

You can have mics catching all the open discussion and then a boom mic or two to zero in on the key participant(s) dialog...almost like where they must be recognized to add their two cents...or at least wait for the mic to signify permission to speak.
 
thanks for the advice all. this project is a long way off so hopefully i'll get some more practice in before this happens.

can anyone recommend a mixer that would handle this well (most likely i will rent)? and maybe a book on basic mixing? i really know absolutely nothing about this stuff besides basic boom operation.
 
I suggest you get someone who have the resources to cover 8 separate talent. You're doing almost EVERYTHING on your own and you might think you're saving some money and time, but end results vary depending on how well you did on each part. 45 minute take of this meeting would want to make you pull your hair out if you're considering boom operating. 8 separate lavaliers will get you there, but you will need a mixer that can handle the amount of inputs. If you want to record iso channels of each talent, then you need to get a recorder that can handle 8 channels, maybe record onto computer instead. You still need to either buy or rent the lavaliers which will cost you more money. Boundary microphones are probably your best bet if the amount of crew is low. Your camera framing has a lot to tell you what you should and should not use, must consider shadows and reflections if booming.

By any chance, do you know of anyone who has done sound mixing for post? S/he can save you a lot of headaches during the final edits. Why did I ask? You're working for a client that must meet a certain deadline. Professional quality and professional work. Reading a book on basic mixing is like the beginning course of writing the alphabetical letters, consider that you still have to write it neat and fast. Looks like you're renting about everything for audio, means $$$.

If you're shooting a continuous 45 minute take, consider what I just said. If you're planning on shooting multiple takes, then disregard it. From my experience, shooting and recording 8 people in a room is going to be filled with lots of excitement and has a good character to character relation. Once you stop and roll again, your actor and actress will start to lose it.
 
mjdorris said:
thanks for the advice all. this project is a long way off so hopefully i'll get some more practice in before this happens.

can anyone recommend a mixer that would handle this well (most likely i will rent)? and maybe a book on basic mixing? i really know absolutely nothing about this stuff besides basic boom operation.
Click to expand...
probably not only rent amixer - but rent person with mixer
you can make add on ramps or craig list to find someone in your budget /no budget ( then expect what you pay for)
i can mix for free you pay the ticket :-)
 
Matt,

In Dallas there are places to rent mics for theatrical productions. We get them on a cart, complete with transmitters, receivers, and mics...and an instruction manual. The rental places also can provide or recommend a sound person.
 
You say client I assume you mean professional gig. Hire a pro. If you underbid the project because you didn't include a soundman suck it up and take the lost. You couild try and explain your price was for just running the video end and if he wants good audio he needs to cough up some more dough.

Good luck
 
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