Mic Setup for Documentary

[novon]

Hi

I will be shooting a documentary - but have a limited budget. What's the best mic setup? Is stereo worth the extra money?

I was looking at the Canon DM-50 vs the Rode Stereo VidMic

Do I need a beacktek XLR adapter? What's the benefit over the ministereo mics?

also - what kind of wireless setup should I consider?

Thanks

[neolinski]

no, you should use mono to record interviews and etc for docu.
you don't need beacktek for either dm50 or rode.

[TheDingo]

From my message in this thread:

The HV20 External microphone thread
http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=88

...After spending some time researching different mics for the HV20, I took the plunge and bought the RØDE VideoMic. I bought the mono version after reading a great review of the mono and stereo versions at this site:

http://www.pana3ccduser.com/showthread.php?t=4667

http://www.pana3ccduser.com/article.php?filename=Review-of-the-R%C3%98DE-Stereo-Videomic

( I wanted a mic mainly for interviews )

...Keep in mind that you can use the Rode VideoMic off camera via an extension cable, which is very important when you consider that you will always record better sound the closer the mic is to the subject. ( which is why mic boom-poles are used for professional productions )

Camcorder Sound recording tips for indie movies ( 3 minute YouTube tutorial )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL2aQHI-J_s

Slightly Dated, But Good Location Sound Article
http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/location_sound.html


:hv20-smilie03:

[novon]

Thanks for the feedback.

Since I have access to XLR microphones, I was thinking of adapting them to fit the ministereo. But what's the advantage of the Beacktek to just a cord that adapts xlr to stereo?

[white_2kgt]

...After spending some time researching different mics for the HV20, I took the plunge and bought the RØDE VideoMic. I bought the mono version after reading a great review of the mono and stereo versions at this site:

I just ordered the stereo version yesterday from BHPhoto. Everyone says how good the mono is I hope the stereo is twice as good :). Nah, I got it b/c most of the stuff I shoot is just random scenes of the family/baby and not much one on one interviews type of things.

[Erik Bien]

Hi novon,

Most mics with XLR connectors require "phantom power," which the BeachTek provides. Unless your mics take batteries, you will probably need more than just an XLR-to-mini-stereo cable.

[bluegrass]

Hi novon,

Most mics with XLR connectors require "phantom power," which the BeachTek provides. Unless your mics take batteries, you will probably need more than just an XLR-to-mini-stereo cable.

Eric________ I haven't found that most XLR mics require phantom power. phantom power is required by condensor mics but not by dynamic mics, both of which frequently have XLR connectors. i think all professional mics you see mounted on mic stands such as for stage music performances have XLR connectors. the reason I use my XLR Pro (about the same as the BeachTek) is to adapt mixer outputs or line level outputs to a proper impedence and levels for inputing into the external mic input of my camcorders without overdriving the input. it also makes it convenient to plug in XLR mics to the camera via the adaptor. i believe you also get the balanced input capability which allows for longer cables without noise being induced into the audio.

[scsz]

I just ordered the stereo version yesterday from BHPhoto. Everyone says how good the mono is I hope the stereo is twice as good :). Nah, I got it b/c most of the stuff I shoot is just random scenes of the family/baby and not much one on one interviews type of things.

Was wondering if you could post a picture of the stereo version on the HV20? Thanks.

[spiffyman]

See pics here:

http://www.hv20.com/showpost.php?p=6356&postcount=60

Just got mine for $169 from Jacks Music Factory - http://www.jacksmusicfactory.com and it arrived in just 2 days (standard UPS ground CA to ID) with a piece of candy, a nice note from Jack, and a free pair of earplugs - seriously.

This is a great company and are fun to deal with.

[Lunchbox]

The steoreo mic is not a shotgun, right?

I am so jealous of the labels you have on your HV20 ..hehe

[veg]

Don't forget novon...
You can always go to your local Broadcast Hire company and get exactly what you need for this particular job, then return it,without having to purchase gear. I do this all the time, as my various clients sometimes want DV, Betacam, DVC PRO,Hi-Def etc. etc. (and you dont have maintenance costs!.)