No boom-op, own a 4073a: MK012 too for indoors doco?

bifter

bifter

Member
I am about to film a behind-the-scenes documentary.

I own an AT4073a (with softie) which has served me well in my previous nature-doco work, and have a Sennheiser ew100gs wireless lavalier set (with softie) that I've successfully used for set interviews indoors and out. As I am on my own, when doing run-and-gun my mic is mounted on-camera using a KTEC shock mount. I know sound is best when recorded as close as possible but I have no boom-operator.

A lot of this project will involve indoor work - knowing that shotgun mics can accentuate certain sound reflections indoors, would it be wise to buy a Octava MK012 with hypercardoid cap for indoor run-and-gun? Would it outperform the AT4073a when mounted on-camera as described?

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edit: added (with softie) twice!, I would get a Baby ball gag with the Octava, just to clarify. I know a little about sound absorption techniques too.
 
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Perhaps I'm asking a dumb question or one that has been answered? Help appreciated.

I had hoped someone might know if the indoor advantages of a MK012 over a 4073a would remain even if the mic was mounted on the camera rather than boomed right up to the talent?

:dankk2:
 
I dislike using the word "depends," but it does depend on the situation.

Mounting a sensitive mic like the Oktava MK012 onto your camera will work. How you are positioning and holding the camera is the problem. A slight movement of the camera can generate some noise to the mic. Also, how far are you going to be shooting from the person? The oktava would be best positioned about 2 feet away, but I can't imagine you putting your camera 2 feet away from the person's face. The AT4073a would be the wiser choice to mount onto your camera.

If you mount the Oktava MK012 on top, the audio won't be as clear as having the AT4073a. Even though the Oktava MK012 is a little more forgiving on the pickup patterns, you wouldn't be getting much dialogue because it's not direct enough and too far. Do you have anybody that is willing to help you with the audio recording? What's your budget like?
 
Thanks Alan.

Most of the time I'll be shadowing the production on my own, so it looks life the AT will remain my mic of choice. When I'm interviewing one person in a set situation I can use my lavalier, but, I can see that an Octavia on a stand may be useful.

My budget is very tight, but I can get a friend in to boom for me when I ask, so I'll still consider buying the MK012.

You've answered my question though, that for run & gun, I should stick to the shotgun. Thanks.
 
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