What microphones should be in a field researcher's A/V kit?

Will R (admin)
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What microphones should be in a field researcher's A/V kit? Jan 18, 2014 4:10:06 GMT

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Post by Will R (admin) on Jan 18, 2014 4:10:06 GMT

Here's my take on a complete microphone starter kit:

microphone	configuration	polar pattern	dyn/condenser	price
1x mmpsm pro	headset	omnidirectional	condenser	$140
1x Rode M3	cigar/stick	cardioid	condenser	$150
1x Rode NTG2	shotgun	line + gradient	condenser	$270
1x Shure SM58	ice-cream cone	cardioid	dynamic	$100

For the best data, one typically desires to keep the recording environment as natural as possible; don't let your gear detract.
That being said, here's my thinking on this kit:

The mmpsm pro is the best tool for transducing the human voice, and once
it is in place, the performer generally forgets it is there; very
natural. If possible, use it.
If not possible, and you can get the M3 within half a meter of the performer, use it.
If not, get the NTG2 as close as you can (2-3 yards?), yet unobtrusively.

.
The SM58 is a backup. If the kit goes in the drink, the SM58 will be the one that still works.

Last Edit: Jan 18, 2014 5:44:18 GMT by Will R (admin)

Matt M
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Posts: 6

What microphones should be in a field researcher's A/V kit? Jan 29, 2014 2:18:27 GMT

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Post by Matt M on Jan 29, 2014 2:18:27 GMT

One addition from me - I have found my stereo mic (AT825) incredibly useful. I have:

-mounted it on top of my video camera to get better quality audio in situations where my shotgun mic was not appropriate
-via adapters, plugged it into my field recorder to get the mic closer to the performers in situations where a complicated multi-mic setup was not possible

Will R (admin) Administrator Hiring a site-wizard. Extremely poor pay, great learning opportunity. Must have truck... Posts: 39	What microphones should be in a field researcher's A/V kit? Jul 21, 2014 18:48:40 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Will R (admin) on Jul 21, 2014 18:48:40 GMT as to the MMPSM-Pro (high sens. capsule), here's the post in another thread on how to order: x-cult-media.boards.net/post/27/thread

Will R (admin) Administrator Hiring a site-wizard. Extremely poor pay, great learning opportunity. Must have truck... Posts: 39	What microphones should be in a field researcher's A/V kit? Jul 21, 2014 19:02:59 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Will R (admin) on Jul 21, 2014 19:02:59 GMT Matt M, the AT825 is discontinued and I cannot easily find a pricepoint. Care to say more about it, or recommend another make/model?

Matt M
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Posts: 6

What microphones should be in a field researcher's A/V kit? Jul 21, 2014 22:16:28 GMT

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Post by Matt M on Jul 21, 2014 22:16:28 GMT

Jul 21, 2014 19:02:59 GMT Will R (admin) said:

Matt M, the AT825 is discontinued and I cannot easily find a pricepoint. Care to say more about it, or recommend another make/model?

Well, not much else to add about it - I've found it to be a good all-around stereo mic but if you can't find it these days that doesn't help much.

I gues my main recommendation would be to add a stereo mic to your kit, or if you are on a limited budget consider getting one as a good all-around solution. Mount it on a video camera, plug it into a field recorder, etc. I considered the Rode N-2 also - is that still available? I haven't done much research on these in the past few years.

Will R (admin)
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Hiring a site-wizard. Extremely poor pay, great learning opportunity. Must have truck...

Posts: 39

What microphones should be in a field researcher's A/V kit? Aug 8, 2014 14:57:35 GMT

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