Noise from Multiple Mics

[Sumfun]

Do you guys have some suggestions for reducing the background noise when mixing several mics into 1 output channel?

For example, sometimes I need to record 3 people talking (in a run and gun situation). Usually I use 3 wireless lavalier mics, and mix 1 to the left channel and 2 to the right. Sometimes I use 3 lavs and a boom, and mix the lavs to 1 channel and the boom to another (the boom may not always be in proximity to all the speakers). When mixing 2 or 3 mics into 1 channel, sometimes the background noise can get a little loud, especially in a nosiy ambient environment. The background noise from 1 mic is acceptable, but when it's 2 or 3 times louder, then it starts to be distracting. Is there some way to reduce the noise? Or would it be better to go to a multi channel recorder in this situation?

 

[Oleg 2]

keep the mics 2 /3d down and rise the channel as person starts to speak
at lest that what i do, keep the mics as much as close to the source , half way up would bring you 6 db more in relation to the back ground noise .
multi channel recording - yes , if you have the time and money to remix it later .

 

[Sumfun]

Thanks Oleg. I'll give the volume settings a try next time. Like you said, mutichannel recording adds time and money, so we'll use it only if we have to.