New To Audio? - Read This First Please

[Alex H.]

Well since I am doing this more as a hobby maybe I should stay away from this and go with a more friendly mic? Reason is I don't usually boom op but have a friend do it. I'm usually being the director and DP.

Check out the Audio Technica AT-U873r. It doesn't get much attention, but it should. It runs around $200 and is a solid performer. Get ample windscreening, though.

 

[dre83]

I concur with Richard, the eBay seller's picture and statement are in conflict.
Even with a genuine Russian 012 , there's the infamous Oktava quality control issue. I always recommend getting an Oktava from the The Sound Room http://oktava.com/home were you're guaranteed a quality pick.
That said, the 012 still isn't a good mic for an inexperienced boom op, due to the handing noise and other issues.

Indeed, you have to be carefull with "swinging", and it's very sensitive to "B, P, H and other letters that has some wind in it". It's better not to go extemly close, and turn on lowcut on mixers. Or to "point away" a little bit.

 

[WesleyWesley]

hey guys, was looking at this shotgun mic on BHphoto and i was wondering if there are any other non-included cables i would need to it to connect it to my HMC-150? i plan on using the mic on camera so the cables would probably be pretty short.
thanks in advance

 

[ReelFilmGeek]

Indeed, you have to be carefull with "swinging", and it's very sensitive to "B, P, H and other letters that has some wind in it". It's better not to go extemly close, and turn on lowcut on mixers. Or to "point away" a little bit.

And it will still work fine for film? Looks more like a musical mic but what do i know about audio :| its my week spot that I need to start learning more about

 

[Jema]

And it will still work fine for film? Looks more like a musical mic but what do i know about audio :| its my week spot that I need to start learning more about

That depends entirely on what the job requires. If there's not a lot of movement and quick turns, as some films actually are quite devoid of, then it will work fine. If there is, then probably not. Regardless, unless this is a purchase for one specific project that you want to keep as low as possible, I would scrape up for a mic that is more expensive, but also more durable and easy to handle.

 

[Alex H.]

And it will still work fine for film? Looks more like a musical mic but what do i know about audio :| its my week spot that I need to start learning more about

It will work just fine. The sensitivity issues mentioned can be aided by proper suspension (Rycote INV-6) and windscreening (Rycote Baby Ball Gag). That, and a little practice with handling the fish pole (boom) and you'll be okay.

Two key factors here are response pattern and size/weight. Hypercardioid is what you're after, and you don't want a mic that's large and/or heavy. At the end of a pole, every ounce makes a difference.

Again, look at the Audio Technica AT-U873r. It's not as sensitive to handling noise, though it still needs wind protection. It's also less expensive than the Oktava. Either way, the Rycote INV-6 lyre suspension is one of the best things you can do for your hypercardioid.