During the pre-production stage, it will become necessary to think and deal in terms of basic equipment packages. When defining equipment and budgeting in terms of these packages, bear in mind that these are simply terms of convenience. The specific contents of each package type will vary from studio to studio, rental house to rental house, and even from sound mixer to sound mixer.
Members of the industry use these terms for generality only. When it becomes time to actually order equipment, forget the terms and get down to specifics: one of these, two of those, this adapter, etc.
Note that the use of the term “channel” is synonymous with “equipment package.” It does not, in this instance, refer to broadcast frequency.
One-Mic Channel
The One-Mic Channel is the most basic of the generic sound recording packages (channels). It consists of a portable digital recorder, headphones, one condenser “shotgun” microphone, a short mic cable, and a short fishpole.
The One-Mic Channel is the most simple, one-man band type of set-up. Picture one person with a recorder pouch strapped over the shoulder and a shotgun mic in hand. Applications would include sound effects gathering, wild lines, and documentary.
For documentary production, the sound mixer might want to add a couple of lavaliers, or radio mics, for interviews.
Daily rental is maybe $75 to $100 per day, excluding radio mics (around $50 each).
ENG Mic Channel
This is the video equivalent of the (film) one-mic channel. Since audio in video is recorded on the camcorder instead of a stand-alone audio recorder, the package does not always include a recorder. However, since most camcorders do not offer adequate mic mixing (input control) and the fact that camcorders are carried by the cameraman -- a small mixing panel is absolutely necessary.
Contents of a typical ENG Mic Channel would include an ENG-style mixer (such as the Shure FP-33,Sign Video ENG-44 or Sound Devices 302); headphones; one shotgun mic; cable; short fishpole; and 2 lavaliers.
Video folk seem to be enamored with the use of electret condenser shotgun microphones, such as the Sennheiser K6/ME66 and the Audio-Technica AT897. Many video rental houses will supply these automatically, in lieu of the higher quality condensers such as the Sennheiser MKH60 or Audio Technica 4073.
Daily rental is approximately $75 to $100 per day, excluding radio mics, excluding a digital recorder for backup.
Reality Mic Channel
Continuing in this same vein, there is the Reality Package. Very similar to what was described above, but kicking it up a level.
At least a four input mixer. Two to three radio mics. A short boompole with a condenser shotgun mic (short or long shotgun). A two or four track digital recorder, with timecode. And a nifty chest harness to carry it all in. Maybe even another wireless or two to transmit the mixed audio back to the camera (referred to as a wireless hop).
Prices vary so much, depending on the final selection of contents, that I will not attempt to ballpark the numbers.