Which mic for recording a mime? at DVinfo.net

Paul Cascio · July 6th, 2009, 05:39 AM

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

Andrew Smith · July 6th, 2009, 06:01 AM

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

Stan Harkleroad · July 6th, 2009, 07:00 AM

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.

Paul R Johnson · July 6th, 2009, 07:05 AM

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?

Paul Cascio · July 6th, 2009, 07:44 AM

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?

Michael Liebergot · July 6th, 2009, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Cascio

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!". =)

Jon Fairhurst · July 6th, 2009, 10:28 AM

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. :)

Steve House · July 6th, 2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Fairhurst

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!

Andy Balla · July 6th, 2009, 04:49 PM

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

Dean Sensui · July 6th, 2009, 05:01 PM

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.

Andrew Smith · July 7th, 2009, 07:31 PM

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

Andrew

Dan Brockett · July 7th, 2009, 08:09 PM

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

Dan

July 6th, 2009, 05:39 AM	#1
Paul Cascio Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bristol, CT (Home of EPSN) Posts: 1,192	Which mic for recording a mime? I would assume it has to be really sensitive. Any suggestions would be helpful. :) __________________ Paul Cascio www.pictureframingschool.com

July 6th, 2009, 07:44 AM	#5
Paul Cascio Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bristol, CT (Home of EPSN) Posts: 1,192	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? __________________ Paul Cascio www.pictureframingschool.com

July 6th, 2009, 10:28 AM	#7
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	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. :) __________________ Jon Fairhurst

July 6th, 2009, 05:01 PM	#10
Dean Sensui Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 2,054	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. __________________ Dean Sensui Exec Producer, Hawaii Goes Fishing

July 6th, 2009, 06:01 AM	#2
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,068	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

July 6th, 2009, 07:00 AM	#3
Stan Harkleroad Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Gautier, MS Posts: 175	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.

July 6th, 2009, 07:05 AM	#4
Paul R Johnson Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lowestoft - UK Posts: 4,045	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?

July 6th, 2009, 04:49 PM	#9
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Clearly, you'd want to use the most "transparent" mic and preamp you have at your disposal!

July 7th, 2009, 07:31 PM	#11
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,068	I find phantom mics to be especially good for live theatre and opera productions. Andrew

July 7th, 2009, 08:09 PM	#12
Dan Brockett Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,109	As Nakamichi used to advertise, "what is the sound of one hand clapping?" Dan