Choosing Mic's for PD170 at DVinfo.net

Tyler Smith · June 21st, 2006, 12:07 AM

Hi,

I'm currently shooting a project with a PD170 for a commercial client. This is my first video job and I'm very aware that my audio is probably going to be average because of my ignorance.

I'm using the standard mic that came with the camera. As I read more I understand that I'd be better off with a better mic. Luckily I haven't done any interviews and just shot some B-roll at the moment.

However, I will be doing some interviews, in both office environments as well as outside on location. I would also like the ability to record voice-over.

Any suggestions on reasonably priced mics (i.e. under 1000 Australian dollars)?

Cheers,

Tyler

Gareth Watkins · June 21st, 2006, 12:21 AM

Hi Tyler

For interviews I use a Sennheiser G2 radio lav mic set up... works nicely is reasonalbly priced and robust.

Second mic is an Audio Technica 897...but others from Sennheiser or Rode may be worth looking at...

Check out this webpage for a Mic shoot out and a tutorial on the G2...

http://dvestore.com/theatre/index.html#

Just scroll down the page...

Regards
Gareth

Jack D. Hubbard · June 21st, 2006, 12:41 AM

G2's would be very good for the interviews. Sennheiser ME66 shotgun is a good all around mic; at least it has been for me. Used it on a 170 and a Z1. Good mic for the price...About 470 US at B & H.

Tom Hardwick · June 21st, 2006, 12:44 AM

Thing to remember Tyler is that the mic supplied with the PD170 is designed to be used up close, and invariably this means that having it on camera is an absolute no-no.

Gareth's reasoning that a tie-clip is good is simply that it gets the mic up close to the noise, and that's what your aim must be. Remember that a cheap mic up close beats an expensive mic used far away each and every time.

Remember too that shotguns (Senheisser K6/ME66, say) are also close-up mics. The term 'shotgun' simply describes the shape of the thing, and doesn't mean that it's designed to work metres away from the noise.

So the simple answer is to get a long (4 metre, say) lead. Plug it into the PD and the other end into the Sony mic and place the mic as close to the speaker as you can. If you do this you'll be very pleasantly surprised at how good it can sound.

tom.

June 21st, 2006, 12:07 AM	#1
Tyler Smith New Boot Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney, NSW Australia Posts: 24	Choosing Mic's for PD170 Hi, I'm currently shooting a project with a PD170 for a commercial client. This is my first video job and I'm very aware that my audio is probably going to be average because of my ignorance. I'm using the standard mic that came with the camera. As I read more I understand that I'd be better off with a better mic. Luckily I haven't done any interviews and just shot some B-roll at the moment. However, I will be doing some interviews, in both office environments as well as outside on location. I would also like the ability to record voice-over. Any suggestions on reasonably priced mics (i.e. under 1000 Australian dollars)? Cheers, Tyler __________________ www.free-range.tv

June 21st, 2006, 12:41 AM	#3
Jack D. Hubbard Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Menlo Park, CA Posts: 342	Budget issues... G2's would be very good for the interviews. Sennheiser ME66 shotgun is a good all around mic; at least it has been for me. Used it on a 170 and a Z1. Good mic for the price...About 470 US at B & H.

June 21st, 2006, 12:21 AM	#2
Gareth Watkins Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: France Posts: 578	Hi Tyler For interviews I use a Sennheiser G2 radio lav mic set up... works nicely is reasonalbly priced and robust. Second mic is an Audio Technica 897...but others from Sennheiser or Rode may be worth looking at... Check out this webpage for a Mic shoot out and a tutorial on the G2... http://dvestore.com/theatre/index.html# Just scroll down the page... Regards Gareth

June 21st, 2006, 12:44 AM	#4
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Thing to remember Tyler is that the mic supplied with the PD170 is designed to be used up close, and invariably this means that having it on camera is an absolute no-no. Gareth's reasoning that a tie-clip is good is simply that it gets the mic up close to the noise, and that's what your aim must be. Remember that a cheap mic up close beats an expensive mic used far away each and every time. Remember too that shotguns (Senheisser K6/ME66, say) are also close-up mics. The term 'shotgun' simply describes the shape of the thing, and doesn't mean that it's designed to work metres away from the noise. So the simple answer is to get a long (4 metre, say) lead. Plug it into the PD and the other end into the Sony mic and place the mic as close to the speaker as you can. If you do this you'll be very pleasantly surprised at how good it can sound. tom.