zoom h4n for stage performance at DVinfo.net

Jim Stamos · November 9th, 2014, 11:22 AM

Was Goin to put this mic on small stand on edge of the stage,will the quality be better than my boom mic on camera.fiming,dialogue,singing

Rick Reineke · November 9th, 2014, 11:44 AM

Try both, playback and determine which one sounds better to you.

Oren Arieli · November 9th, 2014, 06:27 PM

I do a few stage performances a year. When you don't have an option to tap into the sound board for a feed, you're well served with a few small digital recorders close to the stage, and the on-camera mic as a scratch track. I use 3 H1 recorders when possible. Center stage, stage left and stage right. Then I can mix between them depending on the action. Oftentimes, center stage is where most important dialog occurs. If you find places to hide them among the non-moveable props, that is also a bonus. I use iRivers and a matchstick lav. Taped under the furniture, it's nearly invisible. Be aware that stage props might disappear...so use this with extreme caution (talk to the stage manager in advance, ask where most of the action will take place and what scene changes take place).

Greg Miller · November 9th, 2014, 06:55 PM

There are too many variables to give a 100% definite answer.

In general, if both microphones are equal quality, if both sets of electronics are equal quality, if levels are set correctly (no clipping, no high noise floor), then the microphone that is closer to the sound source will probably sound more clear.

If you're recording a symphony orchestra, a mic on the floor behind (or next to) the conductor's podium will sound less natural than one that is roughly 20 feet back in the house and roughly 15 feet above the elevation of the stage floor. You want some distance to give you a better balance between the instruments, and you want a little reverberation from the hall.

OTOH that same mic (back 20 feet) will sound less clear for dialog from the stage. For dialog you want closer mic placement, less reverberation and noise from the hall.

No simple "one size fits all" answer. And the three "if" conditions in the second paragraph are extremely important, otherwise the results will be skewed.

So, since you leave all those questions unanswered, then as Mr. Reineke says, try it yourself and compare.

November 9th, 2014, 11:22 AM	#1
Jim Stamos Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 565	zoom h4n for stage performance Was Goin to put this mic on small stand on edge of the stage,will the quality be better than my boom mic on camera.fiming,dialogue,singing

November 9th, 2014, 11:44 AM	#2
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,039	Re: zoom h4n for stage performance Try both, playback and determine which one sounds better to you.

November 9th, 2014, 06:27 PM	#3
Oren Arieli Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 919	Re: zoom h4n for stage performance I do a few stage performances a year. When you don't have an option to tap into the sound board for a feed, you're well served with a few small digital recorders close to the stage, and the on-camera mic as a scratch track. I use 3 H1 recorders when possible. Center stage, stage left and stage right. Then I can mix between them depending on the action. Oftentimes, center stage is where most important dialog occurs. If you find places to hide them among the non-moveable props, that is also a bonus. I use iRivers and a matchstick lav. Taped under the furniture, it's nearly invisible. Be aware that stage props might disappear...so use this with extreme caution (talk to the stage manager in advance, ask where most of the action will take place and what scene changes take place).

November 9th, 2014, 06:55 PM	#4
Greg Miller Trustee Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,791	Re: zoom h4n for stage performance There are too many variables to give a 100% definite answer. In general, if both microphones are equal quality, if both sets of electronics are equal quality, if levels are set correctly (no clipping, no high noise floor), then the microphone that is closer to the sound source will probably sound more clear. If you're recording a symphony orchestra, a mic on the floor behind (or next to) the conductor's podium will sound less natural than one that is roughly 20 feet back in the house and roughly 15 feet above the elevation of the stage floor. You want some distance to give you a better balance between the instruments, and you want a little reverberation from the hall. OTOH that same mic (back 20 feet) will sound less clear for dialog from the stage. For dialog you want closer mic placement, less reverberation and noise from the hall. No simple "one size fits all" answer. And the three "if" conditions in the second paragraph are extremely important, otherwise the results will be skewed. So, since you leave all those questions unanswered, then as Mr. Reineke says, try it yourself and compare.