Interview setup for £300... at DVinfo.net

James Mulligan · May 29th, 2008, 03:43 AM

Hi guys, this is very similar to the thread regarding concert audio, but budget's may differ...

Im using a VX2100 and i need to capture decent interview audio at a live music event. I hadnt planned on using anything other than the built in mic for the crowd and such, but the interview audio has to be as decent as possible.

Now i was going to rent a sennheiser G2 wireless setup for the event, but im worried about interference, and im wondering whether i should invest in a wired system as a back up.

I dont particualrly want to have to add a phantom power beachtek to my camera if i dont have to, but if its absolutely necessary then i guess ill have to.

Any suggestions? The people im working with have an abundance of SM58s, but im aware theyll need phantom power, which the VX2100 cannot give alone.

So, whats the best wired solution for a VX2100 in an interview situation with an abundance of background noise (ill be shooting alone, no sound man).

All for under £300... or close!

Cheers guys!

(Hope that was specific enough!)

Mark Willey · May 29th, 2008, 06:21 AM

James. This has been a frequent question here lately and it's interesting to see the variety of answers. My recommendation would be to pick up an Electro Voice 635 A/B. It's a dynamic, omnidirectional mic. The handling noise is low and the quality for interview work is very good. This is an industry standard microphone for ENG work. I did a recording job a couple of weeks ago down in DC and there were a couple of old, grizzled broadcasters. When I pulled out my 635s they gave me the nod like we were compatriots. The mics are very durable and even have the nickname "The Hammer" because if you need to pound a nail between interviews the mic will be non the worse for it. This could come in handy in case your interviewee happens to drop the mic. Finally, I think they would look decent on camera. It's a pretty small mic.

The best news? The mic is about $120 and will last forever. Don't know how much that is in british these days.

Good luck.

James Mulligan · May 29th, 2008, 06:27 AM

Thanks for the quick reply Mark! Much appreciated!

I just did a quick google on the electro-voice and looks like it needs phantom power?

What would be the best solution for this? Seeing as the VX2100 doesnt supply phantom power.... (plus doesnt have an XLR port)

EDIT! Just read on BH that it doesnt require power?? How does that work??

Mark Willey · May 29th, 2008, 06:52 AM

James,

It doesn't require phantom power because it's a dynamic microphone, not a condenser. There are a bunch of sites out on the web explaining the difference. Here's one:

http://homerecording.about.com/od/mi.../mic_types.htm

All the many options can seem confusing but the good news is that you wouldn't need 48v phantom for the EV 635. I don't know your camera that well but I think I remember that it has a 1/8 stereo mini-plug for audio? You'll need a cable to go from XLR female to 1/8 mini.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Mini_Male.html

I think you'd be very happy with the EV 635. The latest version of the mic looks very slick and would show well on camera I think.

Cheers.

James Mulligan · May 29th, 2008, 06:55 AM

Thanks Mark! Ive been squirming over this issue for weeks now, and youve provioded me with a perfect solution (i hope!). My next event is on June 13th, ill try and report back my findings after then!

Jim Boda · May 29th, 2008, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Mulligan

...Any suggestions? The people im working with have an abundance of SM58s, but im aware theyll need phantom power, which the VX2100 cannot give alone....

SM 58's are also dynamic mics...which means that they do NOT require phantom power.

If your looking for a mic with a tighter pattern (less ambient sounds) than the suggested omni...then consider looking at a Sennheiser MD46 for the hand-held situations.

James Mulligan · May 29th, 2008, 02:57 PM

Ok i bought the Electro Voice 635N/DB and an XLR to mini-jack adaptor. Will be using it all on the 13th of June, so will let you all know my findings!

Out of interest, does anyone have any experience with how long standard shipping typically takes from BHPhoto to the UK?

Well psyched about testing this stuff out! :)

May 29th, 2008, 03:43 AM	#1
James Mulligan New Boot Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 8	Interview setup for £300... Hi guys, this is very similar to the thread regarding concert audio, but budget's may differ... Im using a VX2100 and i need to capture decent interview audio at a live music event. I hadnt planned on using anything other than the built in mic for the crowd and such, but the interview audio has to be as decent as possible. Now i was going to rent a sennheiser G2 wireless setup for the event, but im worried about interference, and im wondering whether i should invest in a wired system as a back up. I dont particualrly want to have to add a phantom power beachtek to my camera if i dont have to, but if its absolutely necessary then i guess ill have to. Any suggestions? The people im working with have an abundance of SM58s, but im aware theyll need phantom power, which the VX2100 cannot give alone. So, whats the best wired solution for a VX2100 in an interview situation with an abundance of background noise (ill be shooting alone, no sound man). All for under £300... or close! Cheers guys! (Hope that was specific enough!)

May 29th, 2008, 06:21 AM	#2
Mark Willey Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 34	James. This has been a frequent question here lately and it's interesting to see the variety of answers. My recommendation would be to pick up an Electro Voice 635 A/B. It's a dynamic, omnidirectional mic. The handling noise is low and the quality for interview work is very good. This is an industry standard microphone for ENG work. I did a recording job a couple of weeks ago down in DC and there were a couple of old, grizzled broadcasters. When I pulled out my 635s they gave me the nod like we were compatriots. The mics are very durable and even have the nickname "The Hammer" because if you need to pound a nail between interviews the mic will be non the worse for it. This could come in handy in case your interviewee happens to drop the mic. Finally, I think they would look decent on camera. It's a pretty small mic. The best news? The mic is about $120 and will last forever. Don't know how much that is in british these days. Good luck.

May 29th, 2008, 06:27 AM	#3
James Mulligan New Boot Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 8	Thanks for the quick reply Mark! Much appreciated! I just did a quick google on the electro-voice and looks like it needs phantom power? What would be the best solution for this? Seeing as the VX2100 doesnt supply phantom power.... (plus doesnt have an XLR port) EDIT! Just read on BH that it doesnt require power?? How does that work??

May 29th, 2008, 06:52 AM	#4
Mark Willey Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 34	James, It doesn't require phantom power because it's a dynamic microphone, not a condenser. There are a bunch of sites out on the web explaining the difference. Here's one: http://homerecording.about.com/od/mi.../mic_types.htm All the many options can seem confusing but the good news is that you wouldn't need 48v phantom for the EV 635. I don't know your camera that well but I think I remember that it has a 1/8 stereo mini-plug for audio? You'll need a cable to go from XLR female to 1/8 mini. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Mini_Male.html I think you'd be very happy with the EV 635. The latest version of the mic looks very slick and would show well on camera I think. Cheers.

May 29th, 2008, 06:55 AM	#5
James Mulligan New Boot Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 8	Thanks Mark! Ive been squirming over this issue for weeks now, and youve provioded me with a perfect solution (i hope!). My next event is on June 13th, ill try and report back my findings after then!

May 29th, 2008, 02:57 PM	#7
James Mulligan New Boot Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 8	Ok i bought the Electro Voice 635N/DB and an XLR to mini-jack adaptor. Will be using it all on the 13th of June, so will let you all know my findings! Out of interest, does anyone have any experience with how long standard shipping typically takes from BHPhoto to the UK? Well psyched about testing this stuff out! :)