Microphones

There are a number of different microphones that are used by YSTV. This page lists the several models and makes used, along with rough usage guides.

All of these mics (except the Zoom H2N) have XLR connectors - if you want to use them with our camera's have a look at Microphone Cables

AKG D130

Some old handheld that seems to be quite good actually

Audio Technica AT835b

Also known as a shotgun mic, the AT835b is a very directional condenser microphone primarily used at the end of a boom pole. Due to it's extreme directionality, it can be used to pick up sounds at a reasonable distance without picking up background noise. This does mean however, that the mic must be pointed directly at the source - it won't pick up anything if it's not.

Panasonic WM-665

Looks a bit like a rifle mic. Need to check what it's actually like

Samson PM6 Lavalier

These are our primary lavalier microphones. As with all lavaliers, mic placement is crucial when using them - too far from the subjects mouth and nothing will be picked up. Care has to also be taken to ensure the mic isn't touching the subjects throat or in a location that will cause hair or clothing to rub against it.

Sennheiser E825S

These are the hand-held mics with on-off switches.

Zoom H2N Recorder

Zoom H2N, with features labeled

The Zoom H2N is a microphone/recorder purchased in Summer 2013. YSTV had previously borrowed a H2N for Campus: A Tale of Terrors, which was filmed solely using D-SLR cameras, as external microphones recorded directly to the D-SLRs result in noise. Film review show Front Row is also filmed using D-SLRs, as the Sony HVR-HD1000Es struggle to record in the low-light conditions of the cinema. Prior to the purchase of the H2N, a Sony HVR had to be brought along solely to record the rifle mic.

The H2N runs on AA batteries, and records to an SD card. Recordings made to the card can be transferred to the edit PCs either by using an SD card reader, or by connecting a Mini-B type USB cable to the H2N. When using the H2N, be sure to keep an eye on the LCD display - as this will tell you when the card is full, or when the batteries are flat. It is a good idea to check both of these before shooting.

The H2N has a number of significant advantages over the rifle mic. As it is independent of the camera, the lack of cable between the microphone and camera mean the boom operator has a lot more flexibility over where they stand - allowing better sound recording on wide or long shots. (Of course, one can use an extra XLR cable with the rifle mic to achieve the same result, but this is normally impractical.) Also, unlike the rifle mic, which is mono, the H2N is capable of recording sound in stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel surround.

Be careful when using headphones to monitor recording - if the cable becomes too taut, the line out can be damaged.

The manual can be read here.