About the Mic Basics Series
This is a series of video demonstrations that Fred originally made with his audio class at CSUN. These were live, off the cuff, lectures and demo's that were taped by his students.
Cameras utilized include a single chip Sony TRV8 palmcorder equipped with a Sign Video XLR-PRO audio adapter box; and a prosumer 3-chip Panasonic AG-DVC30 with XLR inputs.
Most of the time, except as noted in Part 1, the mics were ran through a Mackie mixing board and then fed as a line output to the cameras. The mics utilized include: Audio Technica AT897 electret condenser ENG short shotgun; Audio Technica AT804 dynamic omni handheld; Audio Technica ATM-29HE dynamic cardioid handheld; Audio Technica AT4073a condenser short shotgun; Audio Technica AT4071a condenser long shotgun; and the Audio Techncia AT4051 condenser cardioid dialogue mic.
Built-in Camera Mic vs. External Mic
In this clip, first we hear Fred as picked up by the built-in microphone on the camcorder at typical interview distances. Then we swtich to an Audio Technica AT897 short shotgun, mounted ENG style atop the camera. Finally, we move to the same AT897 microphone, but on a boompole above Fred’s head.
[video missing]
Audio Not Plugged In
In this real life example, we see what happens when the camera operator forgets to make sure that the external audio is plugged in to the camcorder. Fred shows how to insure against this happening, by the simple exercise of rubbing the windscreen of the boom mic before a take. The clip ends with a demonstration of selecting from two different ground settings on the audio adapter box.
[video missing]
Introduction to Mic Patterns
We compare the difference between omni versus cardioid. We also explore hypercardioid (short shotgun).
Mic Basics: Part 3 from Vince Ginsburg on Vimeo.
Shotgun Mic Comparision
In this clip, we listen to an AT897, BP4073, BP4071, and AT4051. The mics are deployed at various heights overhead, so as to demonstrate their effective reach and echo potential. The AT4051 and AT4071 are also shown in an exterior setting for comparison of their background noise characteristics.
Mic Basics: Part 4 from Vince Ginsburg on Vimeo.
Omni Vs. Cardioid for Interviews
In two tongue-in-cheek sketches, Fred and a student demonstrate why a directional interview mic can be disastrous in the hands of an enthusiastic reporter!
Mic Basics: Part 5 from Vince Ginsburg on Vimeo.
