Two Audio Questions

B

bugsbunny

Active member
Hi,

1.) I want to know if I should film sound in mono or stereo. Which one is best and why? I hear sound in lots of films in different channels sometimes on the left and sometimes on the right. Is this all done in post?

2.) I have a Sennheiser G2 system. What kind of lavalier mic is best for this system? Are there any tutorials online for how to best use this system? Can I use the lav that came with system straight into DVX camera or do I need to always use wireless transmitter? I would like to run the sound into the camera sometimes. Can I use a boom mic with the transmitter and hope the receiver picks it up? The mic that comes with this system picks up lots of distortion. Is this just me or do I need another mic?


:dankk2: fro
 
1, Dialog is almost always recorded in mono. In a final mix of a hollywood feature the dialog will come from the center speaker 98% of the time. In that same film 99% of everything other than dialog will have been added in post. Also about 20% - 80% of the dialog will be ADR. This is an expensive way to work, but with the various delivery requirements of a big budget film it actually saves money. Since your not a big budget film things are a bit different. Mono is still the way to go for dialog, you still want it centered on the screen. Stereo for recording backgrounds, and mono for most FX. Someone once said (and it's sort of true) "if it's bigger than your head you want stereo".

2, The mic that comes with the G2 is not the greatest but it should be OK. So the distortion is probably user error, trim too high, too close to the source, etc. You probably can't use the lavs directly with the camera even with an adapter because of powering issues, and you might damage either one by trying... You should be able to use a boom with the wireless with the proper adapter but it's not a great idea. The boom wired to the camera will sound much better.

And while I'm at it try searching this group, you will find the answers.
SK
 
Bugs,

First, please search the archives for both of these topics, as they have been covered in numerous threads.

As far as the G2 goes, IMHO, you will need to replace the lav that comes with it. Good options are the Countryman mics - B6, B3, EMW, Sanken COS11, MKE2, etc. As far as whether you can connect these lavs directly to the camera, it depends on the model you buy. Some of the ones mentioned above do have wired options, along with models that have the right plug for the G2. As far as booming with the G2, you need to get the plug on module, but not the 100 version - it doesn't do phantom power. And, you're subject to drop outs and other interference. Most large productions will only go wireless with the boom using Lectro 400 series or Zaxcom wireless.

Phil
 
Thanks Guys for your replys. I will purchase the coutryman lav right now. Okay, so I won't boom into the wireless just into camera or seperate recorder. I have done thorough searches in the forums but there is just so much information, and everyone has a different opinion, I just get confused. I guess every purchase takes a lot of research of pros and cons.

Is there a good portable recorder that I should invest in? I heard that DAT is over and the future is digital recorders. I DP'd on a set where the boom guy had a digital recorder, it was pretty good but I don't remember the brand. He got his for under $500. Are there any good recorders under $500. I don't want to record in mp3 though. I wan the best quality audio possible. Yes, my budget is kind of meager but I will try to purchase the best equipment even if I should save for awhile.

thanks
 
bugsbunny said:
I wan the best quality audio possible. Yes, my budget is kind of meager
Click to expand...

These two ideas are diametrically opposed to each other. You want the best quality, you pay for it.

For the level you are at, save your money while you learn what you need and don't need. Then, when you know a few things, you can start evaluating where you want to put your money (for example, some people would do FAR better to upgrade their wireless then to buy a cheap or moderately priced recorder).

Step back, read a lot more (get Jay Rose's book), record some stuff, and then proceed to empty your wallet.

We talk in here about how a cheap mic used properly will kick the ass of a top-end mic used poorly. Well, $2000 spent wisely, tailored for your needs, will beat $3000 spent haphazardly without much forethought.

BTW, Bugs, I didn't see you at the last family reunion. :)
 
bugsbunny said:
The mic that comes with this system picks up lots of distortion. Is this just me or do I need another mic?
Click to expand...

Check the sensitivity setting (setup menu) on the transmitter. It's probably set too high.

-Dan
 
I think I would have to echo wabbit, I'm not sure I would be replacing the mic till figure out the transmitter. If your not set up correctly it's not going to matter if you have a $10,000 mic or a $10 mic plugged into it.
 
2 channel

2 channel

How do I set the left line input XLR (say a shotgun mic) to record onto both channels?

thanks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top