Unusual boundary mic placement question. at DVinfo.net

Denis Danatzko · March 25th, 2007, 09:29 AM

What results might I expect if I used an A-T 849 stereo boundary mic mounted upside-down to a thin piece of plywood, then used that plywood to replace a ceiling tile in a suspended ceiling approx. 9 ft high? Would thick or thin plywood work better?

The shoot will be a presentation of a play, and every member of the cast & crew is challenged by some physical problem, (very much like stroke victims), and almost all have difficulty walking and must use aids (cane, wheelchair, etc). Thus, I can have absolutely no wiring on the floor for fear of someone tripping/falling. My plan at present is to obtain at least 2 wireless mics, but that will not be enough for the size of the cast. I need better sound overall. At present, the only other mics I have are 5 wired lavs and 2 shotguns.

Suggestions/recommendations invited.

Jay Massengill · March 26th, 2007, 08:31 AM

If you don't already have the AT849, and are looking at purchasing something, I think I'd go with an AT hanging mic or two, like the U853R or RW (white). I think placement, coverage and safety would be much better all around with a hanging mic. I've done what you're asking before, but not with a boundary that large or with a cardioid pickup. Results were ok, but I think you could get better results with less setup effort with hanging mics.

March 25th, 2007, 09:29 AM	#1
Denis Danatzko Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NYC Metro area Posts: 579	Unusual boundary mic placement question. What results might I expect if I used an A-T 849 stereo boundary mic mounted upside-down to a thin piece of plywood, then used that plywood to replace a ceiling tile in a suspended ceiling approx. 9 ft high? Would thick or thin plywood work better? The shoot will be a presentation of a play, and every member of the cast & crew is challenged by some physical problem, (very much like stroke victims), and almost all have difficulty walking and must use aids (cane, wheelchair, etc). Thus, I can have absolutely no wiring on the floor for fear of someone tripping/falling. My plan at present is to obtain at least 2 wireless mics, but that will not be enough for the size of the cast. I need better sound overall. At present, the only other mics I have are 5 wired lavs and 2 shotguns. Suggestions/recommendations invited. __________________ Denis ------------ Our actions are based on our own experience and knowledge. Thus, no one is ever totally right, nor totally wrong. We simply act from what we "know" to be true, based on that experience and knowledge. Beyond that, we pose questions to others.

March 26th, 2007, 08:31 AM	#2
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	If you don't already have the AT849, and are looking at purchasing something, I think I'd go with an AT hanging mic or two, like the U853R or RW (white). I think placement, coverage and safety would be much better all around with a hanging mic. I've done what you're asking before, but not with a boundary that large or with a cardioid pickup. Results were ok, but I think you could get better results with less setup effort with hanging mics.