Introduction to Microphones for Video

Get to know the shotgun and lav mics. From the first episode of the Alaska Short Forum TV series.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• mic
• microphone
• video
• shotgun
• lav
• how
• to
• tutorial

[handsomevision]

who makes a good shotgun mic and how much??

[AlaskaRobotics]

@handsomevision We use an Audio-Technica AT897, I think you can pick one up for under $250. If that's too steep, the Azden ECZ-990 can be picked up for about $60. We usually buy from B&H photo or Full Compass but you might find a good used one on eBay or Cragslist.

[handsomevision]

@AlaskaRobotics cool thanks. will a shotgun mic capture two people at once(conversing) or does it only capture 1 voice at a time.

[AlaskaRobotics]

@handsomevision It's a directional microphone so if both people are in the same direction or close together it will work fine. If the mic is pointing towards one person and away from another person then it won't work very well. Generally we try to hang the mic on a boom just above or below the frame or find somewhere in the scene to hide it.

You can also use an effects program to mask it out of shots, it's easier if the camera and background are stationary.

[murtazamohammad]

Good audio, I use a Olympus ME-52 lav mic, but there is small amount of noise in the audio. What did you use, since your video has no noise sound at all? Thanks.

[AlaskaRobotics]

@murtazamohammad Our lav mic is an Audio Technica. If your mic is wireless, you might reduce noise by switching to a wired lav or using some sort of noise reduction software like Adobe Soundbooth.

To do that you'll need to record several extra seconds of environmental silence.

[BlackSabotage100]

@person3301 Yes we all care about your eccentricity.

[shapeworkstudios1]

nice motion tracking at the end

[pdeteresa]

what about mics that mount directly onto camcorders with accessory shoes?

[todoctordan]

Very informative. Straight to the point. i like your video style. 

[simxproductions9]

@person3301 lol'z

[person3301]

I'm viewer 5,999