Mics, mixers, etc. for small time DV

[trevlac]

This is a more focused continuation of the info from the following thread:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=708308#post708308

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I don't know squat about mics and sound ... (maybe a little, but not much practical usage) ....

Info to share
There are loads of comments and advice "out there" regarding mics and sound. But the following link(s) and related articles I found to be very clear and direct. 1st is about shotgun mics, 2nd list of other articles about production sound.

http://www.equipmentemporium.com/selectshotgun.htm
http://www.equipmentemporium.com/Articles/Articles%20about%20Prod%20Sound.htm

Something I found interesting about my recent research into sound was that theReal mentioned the Sennheiser MKH416, the article link brings it up, and I also went to a production equipment rental place around here and that mic came up. It's really beyond what I want to spend (~$1000 i think), but really interesting that just a few makes/moddels get mentioned.

Having said that, there are other mics that are cheaper and also considered decent ... for their intended use. Read the articles.

Here is a comparison (with audio for your own listening) of the MKH416 vs the ME66. theReal mentioned the ME66 electric condensors. Its' probably $500.

http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/audio/tanaka2.php


Some Questions
1) Why would I trouble myself with a "field mixer"? I'd guess I want to check audio levels, and probably use headphones ... but I really don't need a mixer for that do I?

2) XLR - Let's be honest. Reduces noise, hum, interference, .... but my entire equipment chain is not going to be XLR. So we are really talking a converter for the mic and maybe cables ... my recorder will never be $XLR$. Should I worry about it? Should I suffer over cables?

3) Shock mounts, windsocks, blimps, boom polls, mic stands ... these just scream homemade to me ... even quick made and throw away for each shoot ... gym socks, duct tape, broom polls, spare chair, a tree ....


All comments welcome ....

[mic]

If it helps give a few directions to look...

My personal opinion & experience is that if a device helps, & you can't afford or justify top models/brands, something cheaper carefully bought is better then nothing. :) RE: Audio: There are a lot of knockoffs out there that are not as sturdy, and don't have the same quality components, but their price more directly reflects the cost of manufacture. :p While it is not the same as using the real thing, there are also soft & hardware modelers that try to make one mic sound like your choice of higher end models.

RE: XLR, check out the writings of Jay Rose. Personally use XLR mic to preamp/mixer with short, reg. cable to record.

RE: Field mixer, Jay Rose has some reviews that illustrate use. Depending on your recording device, physical setting etc., may indeed find it overkill -- or might instead play with a small, regular mixer adapted to field use with batteries, or even an invertor from your car. Wouldn't cost much really, would help you decide if you want one, and worse case you have something you can use in other situations like with your PC.

As far as making your own, there really is a lot of info on the web... A LOT of pro gear started off as do-it-yourself stuff that turned out to be extremely handy, and reusable. :) But don't get carried away. Musicians are often broke, and so often the places that sell them equip. like mic stands sell them for less then it would cost you to make. Not a bad source for a lot of audio gear really, though you need to watch for quiet electronics -- don't want to introduce too much noise...:)

[hope that came out halfway legible -- not feeling great:(]