would a lav help this situation?

P

powerdog

Veteran
I have to shoot short talking-head clips at a university, where I'm given little time and little control over the environment. It's usually a research lab or classroom, but when I'm lucky it's a conference room with a bit more upholstery.

I really THINK I'm doing all the right things...

I use a very good short shotgun on a stationary boom, sitting a couple of inches above and in front of the subject's head, and pointed toward his mouth. Sometimes I even cut off the top of his head so the mic can be that much closer.

I tape up a couple of moving blankets on the opposite/side walls, but I still get lousy sound...very reverberant and hollow. In fact, when I coach the subject (I'm standing behind the camera and about 8 - 10 ft from the subject), I sound a lot better than the subject! It's really frustrating.

I usually have a couple of hours to set up, shoot, coach, and take down, and I work alone.

Given these limitations, does it make sense to try a good lav? Unlike the shotgun, the lav doesn't need to be hidden.
 
Don't take this wrong, I of course have no idea how skilled you are with audio, but if what you say is true here:
In fact, when I coach the subject (I'm standing behind the camera and about 8 - 10 ft from the subject), I sound a lot better than the subject!
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then I'd say it sounds like you're using the on-camera microphone. What camera are you using, and have you configured it to use the external mic instead of the internal? Your technique sounds like you should be getting very good audio, but your results (and the idea that you sound better than they do!) points to the idea of the cam actually using the on-board mic!
 
I'll check, Barry. If you're right, suicide will be very tempting!!! Argh!!!


---------------

Barry, you were right! Don't know how those switches got switched.

Sometimes I can't believe how dumb I can be. Thank you.
 
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powerdog said:
I'll check, Barry. If you're right, suicide will be very tempting!!! Argh!!!


---------------

Barry, you were right! Don't know how those switches got switched.

Sometimes I can't believe how dumb I can be. Thank you.
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Don't sweat it. I've actually forgot to TURN ON my recorder, even did it more than once!!

HOWEVER THIS IS YET ANOTHER REASON TO BRING, RENT, BUY A DEDICATED AUDIO RECORDER!

Whether it be a Zoom H4 or a Tascam HDP2 or a Sound Devices 722/744 or a Deva, they make 'em for good reason!
 
I think your first order of business is to get some very good headphones Sony 7506 $99. You would hear any problems right away. Barry is right, you are probably still selected to the on camera mic. Which camera do you have?
 
saneproductions said:
I think your first order of business is to get some very good headphones Sony 7506 $99.
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:thumbup: :thumbup:

I actually just re-cupped mine. I found the vinyl replacements. Got 5. Two for the remotes and three for the studio. When tracking and micing I grab them all.
 
There is a very simple test I always use on the DVX to make sure the built-in mic is disabled. Run your finger nail across it. If it is on, your levels should peak into the red. Then simply flip the switches. I do this every time when I'm setting the camera levels. Then a nice piece of gaffer tape goes over all the switches and volume nobs. You know how those damned DP's like to tinker. :-)

Phil
 
I have good headphones, and yet I wouldn't allow myself to believe what I was hearing (bad sound) because I knew it SHOULD be fine! Crazy. But it won't happen again, and I think tape over the switches is a great idea. Thanks to all.
 
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