Which setup would be better?

B

brandonanthony1

Well-known member
So I have to create a documentary style promotional video, basically just a bunch of interviews and testimonials about a doctor.

Anyways, I don't have much a budget, none really. I've been doing some looking around and have come to two results...

1. ATR55 Shotgun Mic + Boompole - My biggest concern is getting interference through the line. Will I notice any kind of dropout or noise if I go from ATR55 -> XLR -> 3.5mm -> Cam? BTW, the "Boompole" isn't going to be an actual boompole, it'll be a DIY.

2. Azden WR-Pro Wireless Lav - This might be a better option for me. Will the sound be better than the ATR55's if the ATR55 is boomed right above the talent?

I am not much of an audio guy (or video for that matter), so I'm trying to figure out realistically what would work better.

Any input would be great. If there are any better alternatives under $100, I would really appreciate it.
 
The ATR55 is an unbalanced mic so there's no XLR cable or adapter in the mix. You'd extend the attached 3 foot cable with a 3.5mm F to 3.5mm M cable such as Radio Shack sells for headphone extension. Using XLR for the extension cable adds complications with the adapters and gains you nothing.

Azden does not have the best of reputations. Then that particular unit is a very low level consumer grade single channel VHF that is likely to be very marginal in performance. Why do wireless anyway? A hardwired lav is better for sit down interviews as it doesn't have the interference problems that come up with wireless.

Remember that a promotional video is intended to create a good first impression and convey the best possible image for the subject. Compromises in sound, as well as in other production values, are sort of like wearing dirty and torn blue jeans and a tee shirt to an interview for a job as a banker. Frankly, neither of the options you list has a lot of promise IMHO and your $100 budget won't even get your feet wet. You need to go back to the drawing board and re-think.
 
I agree, after I posted this, I realized that wired Lav would be much cheaper and better option than wireless.

I know it's not the best of options, but between these two, would you rather boom that mic and use that, or use a wired lav? That's the only answer I really wanted. I don't want to be told it's going to suck, I know it won't be that great, but realistically, I cannot shell out the money needed for high quality audio (I cant even rent it, nowhere near me). Plain and simple.

On a side note, if I decided to boom the mic, how long could the 3.5mm cable be without having problems?
 
brandonanthony1 said:
I agree, after I posted this, I realized that wired Lav would be much cheaper and better option than wireless.

I know it's not the best of options, but between these two, would you rather boom that mic and use that, or use a wired lav? That's the only answer I really wanted. I don't want to be told it's going to suck, I know it won't be that great, but realistically, I cannot shell out the money needed for high quality audio (I cant even rent it, nowhere near me). Plain and simple.

On a side note, if I decided to boom the mic, how long could the 3.5mm cable be without having problems?
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Cable length for an unbalanced cable depends on the environment where you're working. You should be able to get away with 10 feet or so if you avoid running the cable near AC power for lights, etc.

You're not going to get a quality wired lav for $100 either so given your options, the boom mic is likely to be the better option.

If you're making this as a promo video for the doctor, why not get him to foot the bill to rent? Who says you have to pay for it out of your own pocket?
 
Do you think it would be worth the money to upgrade from the ATR55 to the VideoMic? I've used the videomic, and while good, it didn't really impress me like everyone said it should. This is going to be a very closely shot video, so the mic will be very close via boom. Would there be much noticable difference? This is going to be "for the web" video btw.
 
brandonanthony1 said:
Do you think it would be worth the money to upgrade from the ATR55 to the VideoMic? I've used the videomic, and while good, it didn't really impress me like everyone said it should. This is going to be a very closely shot video, so the mic will be very close via boom. Would there be much noticable difference? This is going to be "for the web" video btw.
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The Videomic has a good reputation and would be my choice over the ATR55 were those my only options. I don't have direct personal experience using either one. Your mileage may vary.
 
May I suggest you rent until you can invest into quality gear? That's what I have been doing to keep from spending money on gear that I'm going to have to just upgrade or get rid of anyway.

Nicole
 
brandonanthony1 said:
misscc803, I already stated that I cannot rent. Trust me, if I could I would.
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So you've said, but are you aware that pro audio shops like Trew will Fedex overnight to just about anywhere? So even if you're in West Bugtussle, rental is still possible. It may be beyond your budget but that's a different issue.
 
How many days is the shoot? Where are you located? You can get a better mic(some places) for about 30-40 bucks a day. If not then I suggest have the Doctor or the company pay the rental fees or charge them a rental fee. Eitehr way good luck.


Nicole
 
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