Surfing Documentary Sound

S

smk23

New member
Hi. I am currently producing a small surfing documentary, and have noticed that the wind is just destroying the interviews I am trying to catch with my on camera shotgun mic. Now I have purchased a new mic, and with it, a better windscreen, but I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas of how to minimize wind interference. I was thinking about interviewing people with my back to the waves, so they wouldn't be heard, I was wondering if anyone knew of any other ways I could position myself, to get the best audio possible.

Thanks.
 
blue screen:-)
hand mike straight to the mouth
better side rejection shot gun , pointed from bellow with good wind protection
 
A good windscreen is definitely a must. Take a look at Rycote Windshield or Lightwave Super-Screen. Also, add some wind cover on them.

Good technique is also helpful. Booming from below will help block some of the wind. Also, you can do your interviews in places that are shielded from the wind. Get the mic as close to the source as possible. On camera is not a good idea especially in high noise conditions.
 
Lightwave Super-Screen is dead - was killed by rycote

k-Tek making very good zeppelin products , less expensive then rycote softie
try to find some one who can stand on the side with plexi glass frame and block the wind if it to hard on the mike
 
Here's a quick and dirty way to get rid of wind noise. Works great.

1. Go to your nearest fabric store and buy a few square cm of foam (about a cm or two thick), and fake-fur with the longest "fur" possible. Since you're buying such a small amount, they may even give it to you for free (or may force you to buy the minimum, which is about a square metre!)

2. Wrap foam around element of mic. Wrap fur around foam. Secure with a rubber-band.

Long, unequal lengths of "fur" is the key as they slow down the velocity of the air gradually, without inducing any noise.
 
Have you considered doing some of the interviews in a different location? Like inside a surfshop where you could use some of the boards and gear to make a cool background? With some creative lighting you could come up with something really cool, and you'd have complete control over ambient noise. That's probably what I'd do for any long interview.

Also, I have the Rycotte system and really like it...

Matt
 
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