Boom Microphone question...... at DVinfo.net

Kevin Galliford · June 21st, 2004, 06:22 AM

Hey Everyone,
I recently, purchased a Audiotechnica Unidirectional condenser shotgun microphone, to use on top of my GL2, instead of the one that came with the camcorder, is that a good move so far?

Also the microphones the audio people use when they have them on a microphone boom pole....what type are they usually? Could I use my shotgun I have and purchase a Boom Pole for about 60 bucks...and attach it to the pole? Is that the right kind of microphone for the job? Because if I have a group of people I'm interviewing, I can direct the microphone over their heads to whomever is talking...

Also How would I extend the cable? Could I buy an extended cable at radioshack and run it down the pole? Just because the one that is on the microphone now is not that long at all 6 inches or so.

Please help me out ill take any advice thanks so much!

Brian Miller · June 21st, 2004, 06:34 PM

I am not familiar with the shotgun microphone you have. Is there a model number?

You can certainly use a shotgun mike on a boom. Does the microphone have a 1/8" plug coming out of it? Buying a cable extension may or may not work for you, as such an extension is "unbalanced," and may pick up significant hum. Some shotgun microphones have "balanced" XLR connectors. You can extend the reach of those microphones a whole lot, but when you get to the camera, you need a converter to plug it into the jack on the camera. Such converters have been discussed at length previously on this forum. The following thread was helpful to me...

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22353

I have an XLR type shotgun (an Azden SGM-1X), and a Canon MA-300 XLR adapter that fits in the hot shoe on top of my GL2. The mic works great at the end of a 25 foot cable.

Shure makes an XLR to 1/8" converter that does the trick very nicely, and frees up the hotshoe on top of the camera for other purposes. Its model number is A96F. I don't have one yet, but its on my shopping list.

Again, I don't know if your microphone is an XLR or 1/8" type. That is probably the key question regarding whether it will work well on a boom or not.

If you are interviewing a group of people, you will need to be careful about making sure they wait until the boom microphone is in position before they start speaking, or you will have audio problems.

Aaron Koolen · June 21st, 2004, 08:21 PM

As Brian said, you can most definately use a shotgun on a boom. In fact booming is what you want to do in most cases.

Audio people would use all manner of mics on booms I'm sure, but Shotguns, Cardioids and HyperCardoiods are probably the most common I'd suspect.

A shotgun might be preferred outside so that it can reject more of the off axis sound coming from, well, outside things like cars, birds etc. Using one inside can cause problems cause of reverb as the colouration of the sound that comes from off axis (Bouncing off the ceiling and walls etc - try recording in a bathroom!) affects the final audio and can make is sound "tinny". I've heard people suggest cardioids or such inside, so that while you may still have echo, it won't sound as crap. I only have a shotgun so haven't been able to try a cardioid etc.

Aaron

Kevin Galliford · June 22nd, 2004, 08:11 AM

Hey,
Its' a Audiotechnica ATR-55 Shotgun. I can get a cheap boom pole at B&H for like 60$. I can use that....Should I get a windscreen to put on it espically if im outside in the wind, and give it a more professional look. Where can I get one that is inexpensive that wont block out alot of sound?

And I run the wire straight to the camcorder right?

June 21st, 2004, 06:22 AM	#1
Kevin Galliford Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 139	Boom Microphone question...... Hey Everyone, I recently, purchased a Audiotechnica Unidirectional condenser shotgun microphone, to use on top of my GL2, instead of the one that came with the camcorder, is that a good move so far? Also the microphones the audio people use when they have them on a microphone boom pole....what type are they usually? Could I use my shotgun I have and purchase a Boom Pole for about 60 bucks...and attach it to the pole? Is that the right kind of microphone for the job? Because if I have a group of people I'm interviewing, I can direct the microphone over their heads to whomever is talking... Also How would I extend the cable? Could I buy an extended cable at radioshack and run it down the pole? Just because the one that is on the microphone now is not that long at all 6 inches or so. Please help me out ill take any advice thanks so much!

June 21st, 2004, 08:21 PM	#3
Aaron Koolen Trustee Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 1,727	As Brian said, you can most definately use a shotgun on a boom. In fact booming is what you want to do in most cases. Audio people would use all manner of mics on booms I'm sure, but Shotguns, Cardioids and HyperCardoiods are probably the most common I'd suspect. A shotgun might be preferred outside so that it can reject more of the off axis sound coming from, well, outside things like cars, birds etc. Using one inside can cause problems cause of reverb as the colouration of the sound that comes from off axis (Bouncing off the ceiling and walls etc - try recording in a bathroom!) affects the final audio and can make is sound "tinny". I've heard people suggest cardioids or such inside, so that while you may still have echo, it won't sound as crap. I only have a shotgun so haven't been able to try a cardioid etc. Aaron __________________ My Website Meat Free Media

June 21st, 2004, 06:34 PM	#2
Brian Miller Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lafayette, CO Posts: 46	I am not familiar with the shotgun microphone you have. Is there a model number? You can certainly use a shotgun mike on a boom. Does the microphone have a 1/8" plug coming out of it? Buying a cable extension may or may not work for you, as such an extension is "unbalanced," and may pick up significant hum. Some shotgun microphones have "balanced" XLR connectors. You can extend the reach of those microphones a whole lot, but when you get to the camera, you need a converter to plug it into the jack on the camera. Such converters have been discussed at length previously on this forum. The following thread was helpful to me... http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22353 I have an XLR type shotgun (an Azden SGM-1X), and a Canon MA-300 XLR adapter that fits in the hot shoe on top of my GL2. The mic works great at the end of a 25 foot cable. Shure makes an XLR to 1/8" converter that does the trick very nicely, and frees up the hotshoe on top of the camera for other purposes. Its model number is A96F. I don't have one yet, but its on my shopping list. Again, I don't know if your microphone is an XLR or 1/8" type. That is probably the key question regarding whether it will work well on a boom or not. If you are interviewing a group of people, you will need to be careful about making sure they wait until the boom microphone is in position before they start speaking, or you will have audio problems.

June 22nd, 2004, 08:11 AM	#4
Kevin Galliford Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 139	Hey, Its' a Audiotechnica ATR-55 Shotgun. I can get a cheap boom pole at B&H for like 60$. I can use that....Should I get a windscreen to put on it espically if im outside in the wind, and give it a more professional look. Where can I get one that is inexpensive that wont block out alot of sound? And I run the wire straight to the camcorder right?