Digital Production – Microphone Tests

Today I decided to take out some different microphones to test which one would be best for the live show. 

The first test I did was placing a microphone on a boom pole and then recorded the sound whilst I held the boom pole. From listening back at the recording holding a boom pole does have it's advantages such having more control over where you move follow the actors while the show is going on. Also using a boom pole to follow the actors can give you good sound quality. A few disadvantages I've noticed is that someone holding the boom pole would need good holding strength to keep it up high which I have had experience trying and I failed completely. Also because lighting is involved you would have to be careful of boom pole shadows. If we used this I would have to discuss with the lighting designer to work ways around that problem.

TEST IS ON MOODLE

The second test I did was placing radio/lavelle microphones on my other digital crew members as I got them to do a few lines from the script. From listening back at the recording using radio/lavelle would be a good idea because they clip on to the actors there isn't any need for a boom operator which is one less crew member. Also because the microphone is so close to the actor there would be better sound then someone holding a boom operator. A disadvantage I've seen is that they could sow up on camera which means the microphone has to be well hidden. Another disadvantage is that the microphone could pick up other sounds such as moving clothing so placement of microphone s very important.

TEST IS ON MOODLE

The final test I did was placing a shotgun microphone on the roof by hanging it from the lighting rig. From listening back at the recording hanging a microphone from the roof would be the best idea because depending on how long the rope is to hang the microphone you can adjust the sound either being close or distant. As with th radio microphone ter would be no need for an extra crew member on the day as the microphone is just hanging from the roof. I found that because of this the quality of the sound was best using this method. One downside however is just like the boom pole there could be shadows which again  would have to talk with the lighting designer.

TEST IS ON MOODLE

After all the tests had been completed I presented my findings to the other crew members and said that hanging microphones from the lighting rig would be the best option. I will know work with the lighting designer to work on this method.

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