How to choose a microphone for
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I cannot emphasis enough the importance of capturing GREAT audio!
There are three basic categories of microphones for documentary and video production.
- Shotgun microphone – also known as a boom mic (a boom is the name of the stand that holds the mic), these mics are great for pinpointing the exact audio you want without the problem of audio interference from the talent or other external sources. The mic can be manually held by a boom operator using a “fish pole” for filming action scenes or the mic can be attached to a boom stand and pointed directly toward the desired audio source.
- Handheld microphones – these are typically what you see local TV reporters using. They are useful for “run and gun” type of situations.
- Lapel microphones - these are tiny little mics, also referred to as lavalier microphones, that clip to someone’s shirt or tie and are usually used in a sit-down interview situation. These are great for capturing consistent audio levels as the microphone does not move around like a handheld mic. (Helpful Hint: always tuck away wires and cables for a more professional look.)
DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONES
Different types of microphones gather sound in varying ways and there are three (3) basic audio patterns. Understanding these patterns will help you choose the right microphone for your project:
- Omnidirectional - This is a great all purpose microphone, gathering a wide range of sounds from all directions. For example, this kind of mic is great for picking up all voices in a group discussion. Camcorders typically operate with an internal omnidirectional mic. For good quality sound, the mic must be held close to its subject.
- Unidirectional – Great for focusing in on a specific sound and blocking ambient noise. For example, this is a great mic if you want to pick up the voice of just one person in a group discussion. (This mic is not for long distant sound as some people think) Boom mics are highly directional and must be pointed directly at the subject to capture the best sound quality. No dozing if you’re the boom mic operator!
- Cardioid – So named because the pick-up pattern of the audio is somewhat heart-shaped. The mic pics up sound mostly from the front and sides of the microphone and also a bit from behind. Handheld microphones used for gathering news usually have this audio pattern for the widest possible usage.
And those are the different types of microphones.
LET’S GO WIRELESS!
If you’re like me, I hate dealing with cables. They get in the way, they get tangled, they can slow you down and they can limit your options for creativity (for example, a wireless mic is great for a “walk and talk” with your subject). It’s a bit more expensive to buy wireless mics, but to me, they are totally worth the extra cost. The only downside is that they tend to be a bit more complicated (more buttons and settings) and can pick up wireless interference, however the benefits of flexibility and creativity far outweigh the negatives.
I personally use a Sennheiser EW100 wireless microphone and I love it. You can also get a wireless transmitter for handheld or shotgun mics (such as the Sennheiser SKP100 G3 plug-in transmitter) which allows the mic operator to walk away from the camera and not be “tied down” with cables.
To the right is a great wireless microphone starter kit from B&H Photo:
Related articles:
- Top 10 Videography Tips
- Lighting for Video
- How to write a documentary script
- Audio Basics for Video Production
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