Microphones

[az3456]

Hey there,

So I know there was some discussion about this on a previous thread, but it's been a couple of months, so...

I want to get a better microphone for my camera (Sony VX-2000). Any suggestions, and what else will I need to get (i.e., XLR adaptors, and what kind?)

Thanks,
Alex

[TerryJ]

Alex,

I bought a Sennheiser ME-66 (http://www.sennheiserusa.com/pages/products/micro/me66.htm) shotgun mic (w/ K6 power module) plus a Beachtek (http://www.beachtek.com/) XLR adapter box.

Seems to be a popular choice for a good shotgun mic to compliment DV cameras.

You'll need an XLR cable for that rig, of course. A mic boom pole would be good, too.

-Terry

[thrillkillkitty]

i'm just curious... do you find much advantage to using that beachtek box over just a regular f-xlr3 to 1/8" adaptor?

i'm not terribly familiar with sound recording for digital video, but i was under the impression that most semi-pro video cameras already have input gain control, negating the need for an external pre-amp. what else does the box do?

>^..^<

[TerryJ]

The Beachtek has two XLR inputs and gives you 'light' mixing capabilites for those two XLR microphones. Also, you can have it record onto both left and right tracks on the tape while only one microphone connected. Has an auxiliary 1/8" jack for a wireless mic. (Also, the XLR inputs can be switched from mic to line level, as well.)

Certainly, when you step up to a more expensive camera, it would probably have XLR inputs and other such features built-in.

I bet you could probably rig up something that functioned similarly to the Beachtek box with parts, although the Beachtek box is somewhat conveniently designed.

-Terry

[Ute Giddeon]

Alex,

I also own a Sennheiser ME-66. But I would reccommend that you buy Audio-Technica's comparable mic, the AT835b (http://www.audio-technica.com/prodpro/profiles/AT835b.html). You won't know the difference and you'll save about $140. The AT835 is a long-time staple of ENG. If you know anybody in the business, ask about it.

I get the most use out of my Beachtek box by using one channel for a lavalier and the other for a shotgun. On more than one occasion, it's helped me to have both tracks for mixing in post.

[Choo Choo Andee]

I just got the little Sony shotgun mic that plugs into the mic jack.....It's around $100 at B&H....I've never needed anything more, I've video taped people from across the street in the middle of traffic and it still picked up on their voices loud and clear.


Sony Shotgun (http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/office/accessories/camcordermicrophones/ecm-z37c.shtml)