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Microphones: Difference between revisions
D130 and Danger Mics
David.heaton (talk | contribs) (D130 and Danger Mics) |
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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. | 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. Unless marked as ''condenser'' type microphones (meaning either phantom power or an internal battery is required for use), all the listed mics are ''dynamic'' (no need to worry about power). | ||
All of these mics (except the | All of these mics (except the ZOOM H2n) have XLR connectors - if you want to use them with our cameras have a look at [[Microphone Cables]] | ||
== AKG D130 == | == AKG D130 == | ||
Number: 1 | Number: 1 | ||
An old omnidirectional(ish) mic that was apparently a favourite of the BBC for out-and-about TV and radio interviews back in its day. A good one for low handling noise and not missing the start of your interviewee's sentences. | |||
A demonstration of the D130 is available in the first three minutes of [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pQBxpqvHVU this video]. | |||
Some specs for the D130 are here: | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:AKG D130 Specs.gif|(Ignore the D125) | |||
</gallery> | |||
== Audio Technica AT835b == | == Audio Technica AT835b == | ||
Number: 1 | Number: 1 | ||
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 its 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 (within 30 degrees either side is preferable) - it won't pick up anything if it's not. The AT835b can run from phantom power off a [[Sound board|sound desk]], or from a single AA battery - be sure to check the power if it's not working! The mic has a foam cover (windshield/screen) to reduce the noise caused by moving air rapidly striking the diaphragm (the bit that picks up sound - ask a techie if you can try blowing down a mic to hear the result). In general the windshield should always be used (certainly outdoors) as the mic is quite sensitive, but it may sometimes be possible to go without when inside with no air-con or open windows - desirable because the windshield will cause a slight reduction in the mic's high frequency response. If in doubt, it's probably best to use it. | '''Condenser''' | ||
Also known as a shotgun or rifle mic, the AT835b is a very directional condenser microphone primarily used at the end of a boom pole. Due to its 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 (within 30 degrees either side is preferable) - it won't pick up anything if it's not. The AT835b can run from phantom power off a [[Sound board|sound desk]], or from a single AA battery - be sure to check the power if it's not working! The mic has a foam cover (windshield/screen) to reduce the noise caused by moving air rapidly striking the diaphragm (the bit that picks up sound - ask a techie if you can try blowing down a mic to hear the result). In general the windshield should always be used (certainly outdoors) as the mic is quite sensitive, but it may sometimes be possible to go without when inside with no air-con or open windows - desirable because the windshield will cause a slight reduction in the mic's high frequency response. If in doubt, it's probably best to use it. | |||
Some specs for the AT835b are [http://eu.audio-technica.com/en/resources/fa0daf433a257b03_at835b_english.pdf here]. | Some specs for the AT835b are [http://eu.audio-technica.com/en/resources/fa0daf433a257b03_at835b_english.pdf here]. | ||
== Danger Mics == | |||
Number: Unknown | |||
'''Condenser''' | |||
Similar to the unidentified lavaliers below, but with the voltage divider circuit from the grey box hastily crammed into the body of a male XLR connector to allow direct connection to phantom power. | |||
== Panasonic WM-665 == | == Panasonic WM-665 == | ||
Number: 1 | Number: 1 | ||
'''Condenser''' (believed) | |||
Looks a bit like a rifle mic. Need to check what it's actually like. | Looks a bit like a rifle mic. Need to check what it's actually like. | ||
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== Samson QL5/PM6 Lavalier == | == Samson QL5/PM6 Lavalier == | ||
Number: 5 | Number: 5 | ||
'''Condenser''' | |||
These are our primary lavalier/lapel/tie microphones. As with all lavaliers, mic placement is crucial when using them - too far from the subject's mouth and nothing will be picked up. Being cardioids, they should point up towards the wearer's face, and if it's expected that they'll only turn to one side they should if possible be placed on this side of the chest, to avoid big a big drop in volume when the wearer turns their head. Care has to also be taken to ensure the mic isn't touching the subject's throat or in a location that will cause hair or clothing to rub against it. Wearers must avoid touching it during broadcast/recording to prevent any nasty thumps <strike>from the sound op</strike>. To use one of these mics you'll need both a QL5 mic with clip and a PM6 adapter (silver canister) to convert the diddly mini XLR to normal sized XLR. | These are our primary lavalier/lapel/tie microphones. As with all lavaliers, mic placement is crucial when using them - too far from the subject's mouth and nothing will be picked up. Being cardioids, they should point up towards the wearer's face, and if it's expected that they'll only turn to one side they should if possible be placed on this side of the chest, to avoid big a big drop in volume when the wearer turns their head. Care has to also be taken to ensure the mic isn't touching the subject's throat or in a location that will cause hair or clothing to rub against it. Wearers must avoid touching it during broadcast/recording to prevent any nasty thumps <strike>from the sound op</strike>. To use one of these mics you'll need both a QL5 mic with clip and a PM6 adapter (silver canister) to convert the diddly mini XLR to normal sized XLR. | ||
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Number: 1 | Number: 1 | ||
The | The ZOOM H2n is a microphone/recorder purchased in Summer 2013. YSTV had previously borrowed an H2n for [[hist:Campus: A Tale of Terrors|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 [[hist:Front Row|Front Row]] was also filmed using D-SLRs, as the [[Sony HVR-HD1000E]]s 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. | ||
Due to numerous accidents and failures with the Sony cameras during 2013, they can no longer record to tape - hence making them unusable for pre-recorded content. This has led to increased use of D-SLRs in productions, meaning the H2n has rapidly become the de facto way of recording audio. | Due to numerous accidents and failures with the Sony cameras during 2013, they can no longer record to tape - hence making them unusable for pre-recorded content. This has led to increased use of D-SLRs in productions, meaning the H2n has rapidly become the de facto way of recording audio. | ||
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The manual can be read [http://www.zoom.co.jp/download/E_H2n.pdf here]. | The manual can be read [http://www.zoom.co.jp/download/E_H2n.pdf here]. | ||
== Unidentified | == Unidentified Lavaliers == | ||
There are several | Number: Unknown | ||
'''Condenser''' | |||
There are several 5 V lavalier microphones with 3.5mm TS jack connectors - these must be used with a certain big grey box that converts 48 V phantom power from the desk to the required 5 V. Any clips they once had are long gone, so they currently have mini bulldog clips taped them. | |||
== Further Interesting (?) Reading == | == Further Interesting (?) Reading == | ||