Which mic for recording a mime?
 

I would assume it has to be really sensitive. Any suggestions would be helpful. :)

At first I thought you were joking.

But, depending on what the performer is doing, you could always bolt something directly to the floor of the stage. This would act as a super sensitive pickup of all the foot movements. This in turn could add some artistic highlighting to the otherwise usually silent performance.

Perhaps another mic or two for the audience?

Andrew

If a mime falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does he make a sound?

Seriously though. I don't know what model would be best but I would think omnis would be a good choice. If he's on a stage find out how far he'll be going to each side and put one mic on each side angled in at 45 degrees. I've seen guys do split stage recordings with live music and it usually works well.

OK - I'll bite. Er.... what noises would a mime artiste make that need to be recorded? Most of the ones I have seen either work in total silence, or have music. Other than that, there seems little point in trying to capture what isn't actually there. I guess you could record their breathing, or their clothes rustling, but they are generally doing their best to be quiet - or have I lost something here?

Sorry guys, I was kidding. I thought that was clear, but I appreciate the attempts at trying to help. I wonder if Marcel Marceau ever sneezed during his act?

Actually, if you ever watched Mel Brook's "Silent Movie", the only word spoken in the movie is Marcel Marceau saying "No!". =)

Clearly, the microphone should be invisible. I think handheld is best. The mime can hold a an invisible SM58 and interview people on the street with it. :)

Invisible people in invisible boxes!

Clearly, you'd want to use the most "transparent" mic and preamp you have at your disposal!

You'd probably need a phantom mic. Not phantom-powered. Just phantom. Get a non-existent furry for it in case you have to record-against-the-wind.

I find phantom mics to be especially good for live theatre and opera productions.

Andrew

As Nakamichi used to advertise, "what is the sound of one hand clapping?"

Dan