Good Omni-directional mic? at DVinfo.net

Scott Silverman · January 26th, 2003, 07:57 PM

This is not a normal question as most people in the world of DV are using shotgun mics, but I need a good omni-directional mic for recording choral and live theather performances (as well as any other uses I find for it). What would any of you recomend? Two that I have been looking at are the Sennheiser ME62 and ME64 below:
ME62
http://www.sennheiserusa.com/pages/products/index.htm
ME64
http://www.sennheiserusa.com/pages/products/index.htm

Thanks for your input and help!

Don Palomaki · January 27th, 2003, 04:48 AM

For a wide sound field consider a cardoid (the ME64 of the two you mentioned) - it reduces sound from behind the mic (e.g., audience and air conditioning) but gives close to a 180 degree acceptance from in front. Are you limied to one mic? Need stereo (for a chroal group/music the can be important)?

I currently use the AT825 for single point stereo of staged concerts, e.g., concert bands. Have used the Sony ECM-MS957, but the AT825 has better frequency response. http://www.audiotechnica.com/prodpro/profiles/AT825.html

John Dimasi · February 1st, 2003, 06:50 PM

Don,
Is the Audiotechnica AT825 a lot better than the the mic that comes with the XL-1 when it comes to stereo sound for music? Do you think it would be a good mic for autoracing sound recording?

Johnathan

Don Palomaki · February 2nd, 2003, 06:38 AM

I believe that it is a better mic, but I've not done any critical tests. I use the AT825 off-camera where the provided mic does not go, and it has balanced output and a low frequency roll off switch.

I suspect it could work for racng, but I've not tried it in that sort of venue. There is an AT822 version with unbalancd (1/8" mini phone output connector) as well. No XLR adapter needed for use with a camcorder.

Ken Tanaka · February 2nd, 2003, 11:27 PM

I really like Audio-Technica's AT822. It's a stereo mic with a very pleasent sound. It can be hand-held or mounted and is moderately-priced. Very good for recording ambient sound tracks and multi-person interviews. It should also do well for choral recording.

January 26th, 2003, 07:57 PM	#1
Scott Silverman Major Player Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cupertino, California, USA Posts: 301	Good Omni-directional mic? This is not a normal question as most people in the world of DV are using shotgun mics, but I need a good omni-directional mic for recording choral and live theather performances (as well as any other uses I find for it). What would any of you recomend? Two that I have been looking at are the Sennheiser ME62 and ME64 below: ME62 http://www.sennheiserusa.com/pages/products/index.htm ME64 http://www.sennheiserusa.com/pages/products/index.htm Thanks for your input and help! __________________ Scott Silverman Shining Star Digital Video Productions Bay Area, CA

February 2nd, 2003, 11:27 PM	#5
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I really like Audio-Technica's AT822. It's a stereo mic with a very pleasent sound. It can be hand-held or mounted and is moderately-priced. Very good for recording ambient sound tracks and multi-person interviews. It should also do well for choral recording. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

January 27th, 2003, 04:48 AM	#2
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,488	For a wide sound field consider a cardoid (the ME64 of the two you mentioned) - it reduces sound from behind the mic (e.g., audience and air conditioning) but gives close to a 180 degree acceptance from in front. Are you limied to one mic? Need stereo (for a chroal group/music the can be important)? I currently use the AT825 for single point stereo of staged concerts, e.g., concert bands. Have used the Sony ECM-MS957, but the AT825 has better frequency response. http://www.audiotechnica.com/prodpro/profiles/AT825.html

February 1st, 2003, 06:50 PM	#3
John Dimasi Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 51	Don, Is the Audiotechnica AT825 a lot better than the the mic that comes with the XL-1 when it comes to stereo sound for music? Do you think it would be a good mic for autoracing sound recording? Johnathan

February 2nd, 2003, 06:38 AM	#4
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,488	I believe that it is a better mic, but I've not done any critical tests. I use the AT825 off-camera where the provided mic does not go, and it has balanced output and a low frequency roll off switch. I suspect it could work for racng, but I've not tried it in that sort of venue. There is an AT822 version with unbalancd (1/8" mini phone output connector) as well. No XLR adapter needed for use with a camcorder.