Upgrade from the built in HVX mic

J

Johnny Bueno

Active member
Hey guys,

As I've posted a few times already, I will be shooting a wedding soon and just about all the equipment I needed has been ordered. I just ordered a sennheiser G3 wireless lavalier and I have a slither of budget left and the last thing I'm looking for is a upgrade from my built in HVX microphone to pick up the wedding testimonials as I walk around. Now, all I need is something that is an improvement over the HVX's mic nothing fancy. What suggestions are there for around a $100.00 or less. So far I have found this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=664440&is=REG

Would this be okay as a simple upgrade in terms of enhancing the range and sound from the built in camera mic? thanks for any advise.

Johnny
 
I have seen used Oktava MK012's with one capsul on eBay for $150 if you can go a little higher.
 
Johnny,

The mic you mentioned, as shown, does not have a plug compatible with the HVX. You need an XLR type plug. A shotgun, or any mic, from a distance more than around three feet is going to be pretty sucky.

You mentioned wanting interviews of the guests. You also mentioned getting a G3 kit. Are you getting the kit with "butt plug" included? I have a friend who does weddings, and for the type of interview you want, he will plug an interview mic onto the butt plug and hand it to the guests and let them "eat it". He swears by this method for this purpose, because short of having a sound guy, you just can't get close enough with a cam mounted mic. Maybe others would swear at it instead, don't know.

In any event, here is a traditional, very rugged interview mic which could be used wired or wireless on the G3 butt plug. These models or are often used by your local TV stations for interviews. This is a little over your budget but would serve you well for years. Frankly, not much available under $100 that won't disappoint.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=re50b&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

Chip suggested the Oktava, which is a great economy hyper cardioid mic, but without a boom operator would kill you at a wedding with handling noise. I posted a comparison test of the Oktava and another mic this afternoon. Read thread "You be the judge"

Best Regards,
Grant
 
There's really not anything at $100 that's going to do you any good. The AT875 is the lowest priced 'decent' mic for on camera that I can think of, it's usually just under $200.
 
Johnny,

Some of the wireless Sennheiser kits include this accessory or you can buy it seperately:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/618849-REG/Sennheiser_SKP_100_G3_B_SKP_100_G3_Plug_on.html

It plugs on the bottom of a dynamic mic (like the RE50) with a XLR plug, taking the place of the lav and body pack transmitter. Note this unit does not supply 48v phantom power, so you cannot use it with phantom powered mics unless they are battery powered like a AT-897 shotgun.

There are transmitter models available that will supply 48v power but they are more $$ yet.

I know we are getting out of your budget, but if you already had the expanded wireless kit, then the interview mic is a pretty good way to go for what you need to do. You can also run the interview mic via a wire, just make sure your liability insurance is paid up.

Grant
 
Johhny,

If your on a tight budget eBay is your friend. I have gotten killer deals there, used the stuff for a year or two and have broke even on it. Audio gear depreciates less than cameras as long as you buy what's in demand.
 
Hey guys. After looking into the options mentioned above, a "butt plug" is out of my budget. Cuz after spending $300.00 on the butt plug id still have to spend $150.00 more on the michrophone. So unfortunately that is not an option at the moment. So that leaves me with the AT875 shotgun that Jordan suggested. The only question I have about it is whether or not I can mount it on the the camera instead of a boom? If anyone can clarify that for me it would be appreciated. Also, I can stretch my budget to 200.00 tops on a mic solution so any other suggestions on mics or shotguns are welcome. At this point I just need a camera mountable mic that will be better than the built in HVX mic. Thanks.

Johnny
 
Hey guys. After looking into the options mentioned above, a "butt plug" is out of my budget. Cuz after spending $300.00 on the butt plug id still have to spend $150.00 more on the michrophone. So unfortunately that is not an option at the moment. So that leaves me with the AT875 shotgun that Jordan suggested. The only question I have about it is whether or not I can mount it on the the camera instead of a boom? If anyone can clarify that for me it would be appreciated. Also, I can stretch my budget to 200.00 tops on a mic solution so any other suggestions on mics or shotguns are welcome. At this point I just need a camera mountable mic that will be better than the built in HVX mic. Thanks.

Johnny
 
Assuming the 875 fits the camera's built in shock mount, it will work just fine for walking around and getting testimonials from the crowd, assuming you are within 3 feet of them. What it won't work well for is anything else - too much distance.
 
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