I have a job that requires specific Mic requirements with cost factors. I have a decent Video Editing background, currently an AVID user, but VERY limited sound recording knowledge.
Any input as to what MICs I should look at getting or other forums I should post to for answers would be very appreciated.
Here is the situation:
Currently Creating VHS tapes with fair video quality (not for reproduction, only to review an interview.) The VHS tapes will be viewed in an open room with 6 to 12 tables, each about 10 feet apart (each with its own setup).
The environment for recording is 6 to 12 tables in an open room, each about 10 feet apart, set up interview style (chair on each side of the table, call them person 'A' and 'B'). The camera is a basic Samsung SCL906 Hi8, which is only used to feed the video/audio signal to a VCR/TV combo unit. The camera is directed to only Person A, therefore in recording, Person B's voice is lost or very quiet due to the Mic on the camera being directed to Person A. A Mic can be set up on the table, as long as it picks up little to no noise beyond 5 feet.
During playback it is possible to turn up the volume very high and hear both Person A and B, but because these tapes are played back in an open room with 6 to 12 other tables doing the same thing, the sound can become overwhelming. By having decent balanced sound recorded from both Person A and B (not studio quality, just decent audible quality) without a lot of background conversation recording, the sound in the playback room can be reduced significantly.
Summary of Mic requirements: Low Cost (all of the existing equipment for each station is valued around $450, so buying expensive MICs doesn't make to much sense), Picks up balanced sound from both Person A and B on opposite sides of the table who are within 3-5 feet of MIC, Voids out noise beyond 5 feet (large room with many other conversations taking place). Can be plugged in directly to the camera or directly to the VCR/TV combo unit.
Many thanks in advance.
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Scoobie wrote: I would use Lavalier mic's. I think that would be
Scoobie wrote: I would use Lavalier mic's. I think that would be the best way. But I have never done what you asked about.
Check on renting something, just a idea...........
Peace.............Scoobie
Thanks Scoobie for the input. Thought of using the Lavalier mic's, but was hoping to avoid using a mixer. These are very basic recording devices with only a single mono audio input. Plus, the individuals switch every 5 minutes or so and it would be a little too difficult to manage that many sound devices that often. (2 Mics per table and at least 6 tables with 1 individual changing at each table every 5 minutes) That is why I was looking to see if there is a type of single Mic that we could set up on the table.
Also this is an event we do once per month, so I am trying to avoid renting and looking for a purchase.
Lav's are not out of the question, but I am not sure how much money, engineering and prep we would expect.
Scoobie wrote: I would use Lavalier mic's. I think that would be
Scoobie wrote: I would use Lavalier mic's. I think that would be the best way. But I have never done what you asked about.
Check on renting something, just a idea...........
Peace.............Scoobie
Thanks Scoobie for the input. Thought of using the Lavalier mic's, but was hoping to avoid using a mixer. These are very basic recording devices with only a single mono audio input. Plus, the individuals switch every 5 minutes or so and it would be a little too difficult to manage that many sound devices that often. (2 Mics per table and at least 6 tables with 1 individual changing at each table every 5 minutes) That is why I was looking to see if there is a type of single Mic that we could set up on the table.
Also this is an event we do once per month, so I am trying to avoid renting and looking for a purchase.
Lav's are not out of the question, but I am not sure how much money, engineering and prep we would expect.
The only other alternative to do what you stated: using a single
The only other alternative to do what you stated: using a single mic at each table, able to pick up opposite-faced speakers with minimal background pick-up, is to use a "figure-8" mic. This is definitely out of your price range and will not fit the criteria of being able to plug into the video camera. What you might cansider is a "boundary mic" on each table.
Are you familiar with these? They look kind of like a computer mouse, and there are models (I believe) that will plug into the camera's 1/8" mic input. Get to your computer, go to Crown Audio (you can Google "CrownPZM") and check out the PZM-185. This MIGHT be able to have a cable modded to work with the camera. Check with their tech support on this connectivity. A boundary mic is commonly used in just such an application (like teleconferencing). Also, Shure, Audio-Technica, and Beyer all make mics like this. If Crown says "No" to the camera, check with Shure and A-T. I'll bet someone out there has 1 for that.
Other than that, Rode makes a "shotgun" mic for video cameras that fits right on them. But this may be too narrow a pick-up pattern to cover both speakers. It sure would keep the "sound leakage" out.. Good luck!
That would have been my suggestion as well either a Crown PZM, w
That would have been my suggestion as well either a Crown PZM, who has just introduced a low-cost version that replaces the Radio Shaft version. Or, a boundary microphone, which are manufactured by companies like Audio Techniqa and numerous others. You simply place them in the middle of the table between the two parties. They are all a hemispherical pattern and work quite well for spoken word as there are no reflections because phasing artifacts are virtually nonexistent with the microphone sitting flat on the tabletop. Great intelligibility!
Regular conference PZM user
Ms. Remy Ann David
I would use Lavalier mic's. I think that would be the best way.
I would use Lavalier mic's. I think that would be the best way. But I have never done what you asked about.
Check on renting something, just a idea...........
Peace.............Scoobie