Newbie Needs Advice on Equipment at DVinfo.net

Steve Withers · May 25th, 2003, 09:23 PM

Ok, I'm looking to record mainly voice in a studio (er well, basement) of actors in front of a green screen. I have a Canon GL2 camera and no audio equipment except for an M-Audio Revolution sound card in my computer.

I'm a complete newbie when it comes to recording sound and microphones. What equipment do I need? (Microphones, adapters for the camera, etc) what would be the best and least expensive way of going about this? I really just need a few pointers...

Thanks.
Steve

Ben Lynn · May 26th, 2003, 09:05 AM

I'll take a shot at the least expensive method. Buy a PZM microphone and place it in the middle of the group and have them talk. Record it to your camera so that you have a tape backup.

Ben Lynn

Steve Withers · May 26th, 2003, 03:42 PM

hmm, I was hoping to get something camera-mounted or possibly boom-mounted because there will be a few action shots. I'll look into that though.

Ben Lynn · May 26th, 2003, 04:17 PM

Well, a boom mounted mike would probably be the most versatile option and be able to cover the largest number of situations. I just threw out the pzm idea because it's extremely cheap and I know it will get you better sound than any on camera mike could do.

Audio is like video. If you want it to be good you need specific tools for specific jobs. So if you can get something that covers all your bases at least partially then you may have a start.

Ben Lynn

Dylan Couper · May 26th, 2003, 04:20 PM

If you are looking for an inexpensive, decent shotgun mic that is camera mounted, check out the Sennheiser MKE-300. Plugs right into the mic port.

Otherwise, for a boom mounted mic, which is a better choice, you will be looking at an XLR adapter, XLR cable, a boom, possibly a boom stand, and of course a mic. The Sennheiser ME66 is very popular, but not cheap. Azden makes a few cheaper shotgun mics which might fit the bill, but quite often, it's better to spend a bit more on a higher quality item.

Stephen Sobel · May 26th, 2003, 06:52 PM

How does the MKE-300 compare to the Canon DM-50?

Steve Withers · May 26th, 2003, 07:21 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Dylan Couper :
Otherwise, for a boom mounted mic, which is a better choice, you will be looking at an XLR adapter, XLR cable, a boom, possibly a boom stand, and of course a mic. The Sennheiser ME66 is very popular, but not cheap. -->>>

I've researched the ME66 a bit, and if it comes with a mic stand clamp I could just put that on a mic stand and use it for a boom. (I'm blowing my budget on the mic, I can't afford a $500 boom when I can use a stand... heh) *heads on over to eBay*

What adapters would you recommend that are low cost? I've used a beachtek before... other than that I have no experience...

Dylan Couper · May 26th, 2003, 10:31 PM

I like the Beachtek. There is a MA-300 for the GL2 cameras I think .

Many things can be used instead of a boom, like a painters pole. I don't use mic stands, so I can't really add what to look for in them.

I forgot, you should get a shock mount for the ME66 as well. That will be extra.

I haven't compared the MKE300 to the DM50, maybe someoen else has.

Steve Withers · June 1st, 2003, 07:48 PM

I figured I don't have the money to go for something like the ME66.

I'm seriously considering the MKE300. What would happen if I mounted that some way (duct tape) to a boom? Assuming I had the extension cable. Is the MKE300 somewhat directional? I guess.. "would it work" as a boom mic is what I'm asking. heh.

Jay Enterkin · June 4th, 2003, 08:04 AM

In considering shotgun/boom mics, when considering the Sennheiser K6/ME66 (+/-$400) and the Azden SGM-2x (+/-$225) and SGM-1x (+/-$150), don't forget the AT835b(+/-$235). Price is very reasonable for a mic like this with very clean sound and it is more durable than some of the competition as well.

<<<-- Originally posted by Steve Withers : I figured I don't have the money to go for something like the ME66.

I'm seriously considering the MKE300. What would happen if I mounted that some way (duct tape) to a boom? Assuming I had the extension cable. Is the MKE300 somewhat directional? I guess.. "would it work" as a boom mic is what I'm asking. heh. -->>>

May 25th, 2003, 09:23 PM	#1
Steve Withers Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Haven, CT, USA Posts: 59	Newbie Needs Advice on Equipment Ok, I'm looking to record mainly voice in a studio (er well, basement) of actors in front of a green screen. I have a Canon GL2 camera and no audio equipment except for an M-Audio Revolution sound card in my computer. I'm a complete newbie when it comes to recording sound and microphones. What equipment do I need? (Microphones, adapters for the camera, etc) what would be the best and least expensive way of going about this? I really just need a few pointers... Thanks. Steve

May 26th, 2003, 04:20 PM	#5
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	If you are looking for an inexpensive, decent shotgun mic that is camera mounted, check out the Sennheiser MKE-300. Plugs right into the mic port. Otherwise, for a boom mounted mic, which is a better choice, you will be looking at an XLR adapter, XLR cable, a boom, possibly a boom stand, and of course a mic. The Sennheiser ME66 is very popular, but not cheap. Azden makes a few cheaper shotgun mics which might fit the bill, but quite often, it's better to spend a bit more on a higher quality item. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

May 26th, 2003, 10:31 PM	#8
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	I like the Beachtek. There is a MA-300 for the GL2 cameras I think . Many things can be used instead of a boom, like a painters pole. I don't use mic stands, so I can't really add what to look for in them. I forgot, you should get a shock mount for the ME66 as well. That will be extra. I haven't compared the MKE300 to the DM50, maybe someoen else has. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

June 4th, 2003, 08:04 AM	#10
Jay Enterkin Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina Posts: 33	don't forget the AT835b In considering shotgun/boom mics, when considering the Sennheiser K6/ME66 (+/-$400) and the Azden SGM-2x (+/-$225) and SGM-1x (+/-$150), don't forget the AT835b(+/-$235). Price is very reasonable for a mic like this with very clean sound and it is more durable than some of the competition as well. <<<-- Originally posted by Steve Withers : I figured I don't have the money to go for something like the ME66. I'm seriously considering the MKE300. What would happen if I mounted that some way (duct tape) to a boom? Assuming I had the extension cable. Is the MKE300 somewhat directional? I guess.. "would it work" as a boom mic is what I'm asking. heh. -->>> __________________ http://www.wholmmovies.com/ website for the OTHER indie films

May 26th, 2003, 09:05 AM	#2
Ben Lynn Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bloomington, IL Posts: 636	I'll take a shot at the least expensive method. Buy a PZM microphone and place it in the middle of the group and have them talk. Record it to your camera so that you have a tape backup. Ben Lynn

May 26th, 2003, 03:42 PM	#3
Steve Withers Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Haven, CT, USA Posts: 59	hmm, I was hoping to get something camera-mounted or possibly boom-mounted because there will be a few action shots. I'll look into that though.

May 26th, 2003, 04:17 PM	#4
Ben Lynn Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bloomington, IL Posts: 636	Well, a boom mounted mike would probably be the most versatile option and be able to cover the largest number of situations. I just threw out the pzm idea because it's extremely cheap and I know it will get you better sound than any on camera mike could do. Audio is like video. If you want it to be good you need specific tools for specific jobs. So if you can get something that covers all your bases at least partially then you may have a start. Ben Lynn

May 26th, 2003, 06:52 PM	#6
Stephen Sobel Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 408	How does the MKE-300 compare to the Canon DM-50?

May 26th, 2003, 07:21 PM	#7
Steve Withers Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Haven, CT, USA Posts: 59	<<<-- Originally posted by Dylan Couper : Otherwise, for a boom mounted mic, which is a better choice, you will be looking at an XLR adapter, XLR cable, a boom, possibly a boom stand, and of course a mic. The Sennheiser ME66 is very popular, but not cheap. -->>> I've researched the ME66 a bit, and if it comes with a mic stand clamp I could just put that on a mic stand and use it for a boom. (I'm blowing my budget on the mic, I can't afford a $500 boom when I can use a stand... heh) heads on over to eBay What adapters would you recommend that are low cost? I've used a beachtek before... other than that I have no experience...

June 1st, 2003, 07:48 PM	#9
Steve Withers Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Haven, CT, USA Posts: 59	I figured I don't have the money to go for something like the ME66. I'm seriously considering the MKE300. What would happen if I mounted that some way (duct tape) to a boom? Assuming I had the extension cable. Is the MKE300 somewhat directional? I guess.. "would it work" as a boom mic is what I'm asking. heh.