Audio Advice: The Right Tool for the Job (page 2)

You'd think a wireless microphone would be perfect for dramatic performances like plays and skits. Unfortunately, you'll run into several problems with this idea. First, do you have a mic for every actor? Didn't think so. Second, you may run into duplicated wireless frequencies at the venue. To eliminate these problems, consider using boundary microphones (also known as Pressure Zone Microphones, or PZMs). Boundary mics are placed on a floor, wall or table and turn the entire surface into a pickup device. The larger the surface, the broader the pickup pattern. Boundary microphones are usually not directional, so two or three placed across the front of a stage should pick up everything, from dialog to dancing to music. This microphone technique sounds much different than the other methods we've discussed in this article. The sound is generally more open, natural and airy. You'll also notice that distance from the mic is less critical. Attend a rehearsal, find the sweet spots, and you'll make a very nice recording indeed.

There are no perfect microphones or mic techniques. Each type of microphone has its own strengths and weaknesses. Your job is to understand the differences and choose the right tool for each shoot. We've given you a place to start, so get out there and record some great audio.

Contributing Editor Hal Robertson has miked almost everything, including the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach.

I worked on a movie recently where the three main characters all wore wireless mics. Obviously, we had to hide them and it took some ingenuity. The main actor wore a polo shirt through most of the shoot, so we taped his mic at the bottom of the buttons on the shirt. Another actor wore a pocket t-shirt and, through a small hole we hid his mic behind the pocket. The main actress was a bit more challenging. She received her mic before each shoot and, in the dressing room, taped the element to her underclothes. Hiding the belt packs was always an issue, but all three had a mic within a foot of their mouth for the entire shoot.

There are times when a handheld or lapel mic isn't the right decision. Under these circumstances, a shotgun microphone on a boom pole might do the trick. Shotguns are highly directional and great for minimizing ambient noise during the shoot. Mounted on a boom pole -- sometimes called a fishpole -- a shotgun mic is a mobile, invisible way to capture audio from one person or a small group. You'll need a helper with a pair of headphones in most instances, but you can also mount a shotgun mic on a lighting boom and position it just out of frame for static scenes.

• Digg This!
• del.icio.us
• Technorati
• StumbleUpon
• Reddit