microphones Questions - Social Sound Design

Physically small omni condensers?

2012-01-26T19:51:44Z

As I find myself wanting to put microphones in various places where space is tight (yes, cars), I'm on the lookout for small omni condensers, like for example the Schoeps CCM 2 series.

The price of these things make me hesitant of putting them inside hot engine bays and under the car at high speeds. I'm afraid lavs are too fragile, but maybe I'm wrong about this?

The mini XLR plug and thin cable of the Schoeps is a plus, though not absolutely necessary.

Does anyone have some experiences to share about mics that are a bit cheaper than the schoeps but similar in size?

(you might wonder: why don't you ask your colleagues, surely you're not the first that wants to put a mic under the car? The thing is, measurement microphones require special preamps and they are designed for producing nice graphs and measurement data, not nice sound)

What is the future of recording technologies?

2012-01-23T08:36:05Z

Great strides have been made in the field of sound recording over the last couple of decades. We've seen (in no particular order):

Digital recording (both tape and disk based)
Multichannel recording
Multichannel mics (think Holophone or any other mic that captures more than a stereo image)
improved contact mics
improved hydrophones
sub- and super-sonic mics (think miss that can capture below 20Hz or above 50kHz)

…and many more.

But, what's next? What's that next big tech that will be a true innovation? I'm thinking something akin to what 3-D capture has done for the visual medium (think Avatar).

And let's keep this thread clear of any reproduction systems, ie. 5.1, 7.1, etc. I'm interested in the future of HOW we capture sound, not how it is played back.

Your favourite MS mic setup?

2012-01-17T15:11:09Z

Hey everyone,

I usually record stereo using XY but I've seen some hardcore support for M/S on here. I know how it works but I'm just looking for advice on what mics to use to test it out.

My university has a huge mic catalogue at their disposal so pretty much anything goes.

Tips on Recording Gunshots

2010-05-07T03:07:52Z

I'm headed down to Pennsylvania to help on a shoot this weekend, and I'm really excited because I'll be recording gunfire courtesy of a local Civil War reenactment group. I've never tried recording gunshots before, so I'd like some tips. The max number of tracks that I can record are 4, as I'll be working on a 744T, so my current plan is to use a dynamic mic to grab the impact, and a m/s mic to grab the decay. What setups have you folks used? Placements? Thanks for your replies.

~Cheers

Miles

UPDATE -- Thanks for the advice! The shoot was postponed 'til last month, so I had some more time to prepare. I went down with a 744T, 702 and a Nagra. The gunshot samples came out really nice. The Nagra's recordings weren't very clean, but they have a nice "Western" quality, so I'll pocket those for later.

Portable Mic Preamp... Suggestions?

2010-05-04T14:48:15Z

I am in the market for a portable, battery-powered microphone preamp for my shotgun. My Zoom H4n portable recorder does not seem to be driving my Rode NT2-A well enough, I would like to give it more juice through an external pre.

The main one I have found is a Sound Devices MM-1. Anyone have any experience with this pre? I know a lot of people record straight into their Sound Devices recorders, so I am thinking this would be a solid option.

I am also open to exploring DIY options. Are there any kits available for this sort of thing?

Any suggestions?

Recording City Ambiance

2011-12-14T11:51:03Z

Hi everyone. Just wondering if anyone had any tips on recording city and town ambiances?

I have access to a few different kinds of microphone so is there any specific type I should record with? Stereo, Omni etc.

Also im not too sure on what the best levels would be for recording fairly quiet parts. I need to get some clean recordings so dont want to go trigger happy with cranking the levels up and getting noisy recordings.. If it helps im using a Zoom H4n and a PSC mixer.

If anyone has any other tips that would be great!

Thanks Sam

Thoughts on 3D Mic Pro by Mitra?

2011-06-03T15:33:23Z

I was watching Terminus by Phillip Bloom on Vimeo. He recorded it as a showpiece for the Arri Alexa and the Mitra 3D Mic Pro, and I was really impressed by both. The sound was really great on headphones - it had a cool "3D" feel to it.

My first impression was that it looked a little odd. Not that it would keep me from buying one, but that trunk that it's on looks really uncomfortable to hold for recording.

Has anybody played with one? It seems like it's just a binaural mic, but without the creepy ears.

Speaking of creepy...

An alternative to a blimp? (...a small pistol grip for example?)

2010-07-30T12:18:16Z

Hello.

I'm looking into getting a Rode NT4 stereo microphone for sound collection very soon. Due to me saving for my next purchase (a Tascam HDP2 I'm thinking) I'm looking to get the proper gear to record outside. This will no doubt include a blimp for this mic and a shotgun mic I want to eventually get too. I do realise blimps are great for eliminating so much wind and handling noise. I will probably be getting one either from Rycote or Rode.

But I'm curious... Is there an alternative to a blimp? I realise there is pistol grips out there, but on my searching I'm not sure they're the right thing? I've looked at Rycote who do mini wind jammers for the Rode NT4 and I'm wanting to hold the mic, without a boom or stand.

Another thing is that some sounds I want to record will be in public places (pubs, schools, churches) where I'm not wanting to stand out too much with a massive blimp etc. I like the idea of something more handheld (which still eliminates handling noise) for situations like that. Also for when I can't travel with my blimp.

Any ideas on something like a pistol grip or a similar hand held solution for my Rode NT4? ...most I've seen only seem to fit shotgun microphones.

Thank you.

Really weird DIY shotgun mic (old, yes, but I just found it again...)

2010-03-11T05:05:57Z

Anyone ever seen one of these or played with one before? Its been floating around for quite some time now. I found it a few years ago and just stumbled upon it a few days ago. I'd imagine if you took one of these in a public area you'd probably get some funny looks and perhaps a bit of trouble...

The physics behind how it works is awesome.

The PDF gives cross sections and rough instructions on how to build one. I'd love to hear one sometime, but it looks like quite the project to build one.

Download the pdf here

Production mics used during the 60's and 70's?

2011-11-25T03:41:52Z

Does any one have any information on the types of mics that were used on film sets during the 60's and 70's? Here's a screen shot from Bergman's Persona...Anyone know what kind of mic this is?

http://tinypic.com/r/2bd6c2/5

Has anybody used Earthworks microphones for sound effects

2010-05-12T08:30:14Z

I think some of you may find this video interesting for the sound recording link text

My question is, does anybody use Earthworks microphones on here as I am thinking of investing in a pair. On this video they can apparently pic up the sounds of ants walking on foil and squeaking. Also I am told they have zero handling noise which would be very useful. The ones I am interested in are the QTC30 and M30 models. Thanks

Mic pops with movement, consonants

2011-11-14T21:43:39Z

So I'm working on a musical and about three out of 10 face mics continue to produce pops when the actors move quickly or over-enunciate consonants. Yes I have added wind guards, yes I have lowered the gain, fine tuned the eq, and changed the taping/placement. I'm running into a wall with the show opening this Thursday, and any help getting rid of these unwanted pops would be much appreciated. Has this happened to anyone? Does anyone know how to get rid of it?

Which way do you mount your 416 in the zep?

2011-05-17T20:13:17Z

I was wondering. When mounting the MKH416 in a rycote suspension, do you place the opening (grill) area of the mic "top and bottom" so that it is not blocked by the plastic tabs that hold it in place on the Rycote suspension or do you place it "sideways" so that the plastic is covering part of the slotted grill area of the mic?

Hope I explained this question properly! Thanks! If need be I can take pics.

Has switching batteries ever affected your sound?'

2011-11-01T14:32:52Z

My director was wondering if changing batteries (such as switching from regular double A to rechargeable batteries) in a microphone could possibly affect the sound quality. I don't think this would be an issue, but if it could be, or if there is an explanation for why this is a possibility, please share.

Jecklin Stereo with Lavs?

2011-10-25T23:58:00Z

Has anyone ever set up a semi-Jecklin-Disc-style stereo rig with two omni lavalieres with sound-absorbing material in between?

I suspect that a lot of us are perfectly aware of binaural recording with two lavs, often worn in or near the ears, or with a Neumann Fritz head. But I'm mulling a semi-stealth rig for stereo ambiences that captures stereo, not binaural, via a Jecklin-Disc-style baffle between the omni lavs, housed in a Rycote windjammer or even baby ball gag, if the Jecklin-esque absorber would fit. (Not unlike many remote-capsule-mic rigs set up in windjammers or blimps, but those are cardioid small-condenser mics set up for ORTF, not omni lavs.)

Have you ever tried this, or seen/read accounts of something similar?

Has anyone got experience with the Tascam DR-680?

2010-10-20T09:37:25Z

Hello.

I'm looking around for a solid state unit to do my location recordings with. Eventually I want to take it with me around travelling as a solid device to do all my recordings with.

I don't have the budget for a Sound Device unit, so the £700-ish mark is the most I could get together for something like this. I've even looked into a PortaBrace bags, and they do one for this unit.

http://tascam.com/product/dr-680/

My main aim now is to build up my own sound effects library. For my own use and for others to use. I'm curious that the preamps are clean and detailed on this unit, ready for all sorts of microphones to be plugged into it.

Would this be a good quality, flexible, solid device to do professional location sound recording with?

MicW i456 or similar, works on Android smartphone?

2011-09-01T15:18:49Z

Mmmm .. excuse my most awful English. Is just for fun, I don't expect professional results. I'm trying to find the best way to use my Xperia Neo smartphone as portable recorder conecting , for example, a battery powered microphone, or something like that. In internet there are many ways to do it in Iphone, but it seems to me that for android not

The smartphone's jack input is a TRRS conector, but i'm not sure of where the mic signal goes. I say that for make an adaptor, but i'm not sure.

Anyone has tried?

Thanks!!

What is a good place to rent mics from?

2011-10-15T20:24:26Z

Specifically I'm looking for eight wireless face mics that would be good for use in a musical. I'm located near Philadelphia if that helps.

about mics that have extended frequency range

2011-10-12T09:02:09Z

hello all,

excuse my noobiness again, but i was wondering, will i get more high frequency information when recording high sample rate audio using mic that has extended frequency range, and slowing it down? will i get similar results with mic that records up to 20khz?

maybe someone has some samples of the same sound recorded for example with 20khz mic and 35-40khz(or similar) mic in at least 96khz sample rate?

also whats the cheapest mic that has extended frequency range? (i saw some 1000$ mics, but that's out of my budget) :)

Has anyone tried the same Schoeps capsule on both a digital and analog amplifier?

2011-10-08T04:17:45Z

Were there any distinct differences in the quality of the audio or in practical application?

Stereo ambience - microphone selection

2011-10-05T09:58:56Z

Hey all. I Have a hard time deciding if i shall order the MKH 8040/MKH 30 MS rig or not. Today i record most of my stereo ambiences with NT4 in a blimp into my SD702. Actually i think this sounds really good. Sometimes the XY is a bit to narrow, but it works good simply to widen the tracks with different plugs in post. I also often crisp things up to get it to sound more like the Senns. I know it's noisier than the MKH series, but i rarelly have problems with this, and if i do, it's also possible to fix in the studio afterwords in most cases.

I use it for film, TV, CD releases, (music) and for various stage work like ballet and theatre. I have the money to buy it, but how much will the quality on my recordings improve? I know some of you have used both, so this goes to you guys. Is it worth the extra money, or can i get close enough with what i use now? How do you feel about the difference in clarity and details of sounds being picked up? Do you also find other useful uses for the mid mic, like foley, indoor dialogue etc? (MKH 40 or 8040)

Hope you're not fed up with questions about economic VS expensive gear :)

Can a shotgun microphone be used for indoor use too?

2011-10-01T10:31:56Z

I'm making some serious decisions about my beginner package for sound recording and looking to get a shotgun microphone.

I'm trying to stretch my budget as far as possible. It seems a decent shotgun microphone is possibly the best choice for me when my budget is for only one microphone, but it hit me that would a shotgun microphone still be ok for indoor use?

I know that getting something like a hyper cardioid condensor might be best for indoor use, but would a shotgun be so bad?

It's more about technique? Would a shotgun be expectable until I can afford more?

5 Pin DIN to XLR/Jack for Old Old Old Microphones?

2011-09-28T22:46:39Z

I'm off to bed in a moment so just a quick one...

Has anyone ever come across any old pre-1950/60s mics using the 5 Pin DIN (5/180°) connections? (Or MIDI cable connections if that jogs the memory better). I've seen a few going pretty cheap and would love to get something out of them but am unsure how to connect them to a female XLR input. I'm hoping someone is aware of a male 5 pin din to male XLR adapter/connecter (preferably on a UK site but that's just wishful thinking ;]) or any method by which I could connect it to an XLR or 1/4" Jack input. I've had a quick look tonight but with rather fruitless results so far.

So if anyone has any knowledge on the subject they'd like to share please do :]
If I get desperate I guess I could always take the wire apart and go from there...

Cheers and Goodnight!

Encoding LR to MS - which plug-in?

2011-09-09T08:25:07Z

I am trying to find a plug-in that encodes LR-signals to MS. I have two AT3032 that I want to use as a stereo pair, and this is what I need to do (as per instructions):

"Match the mic response with normal EQ (left/right channels) then using an LR to MS plugin (or mid/side encoder and decoder) or EQ that operates on the Side channel (right) only you can boost the lows. Then use stereo width enhancement plugins to adjust the overall stereo image. The basic shuffling of the lows should get you quite far."

Anyone have any ideas?

Microphones to capture and sample audience sounds?

2011-09-19T22:40:02Z

Hi,

Part of my performance includes recording and sampling sounds the audience makes during a break down (e.g. the audience singing / saying things together). This will be in indoor theatres with approximately 1500 people.

Could anyone suggest the mics and mic configuration to capture the audience?

I'll be using Ableton Live to take these and loop / replay the audience through the PA.

This other posting was relevant, but I wasn't sure which configuration may be the best for capturing audible / distinct words being said by the audience (as opposed to the sound being ambient / distant):

http://socialsounddesign.com/questions/7004/what-mic-set-up-would-you-use-to-capture-a-crowd

Thanks!

Anybody else waiting anxiously for the Sennheiser 8030?

2011-09-01T18:38:31Z

Last year I bought a Sennheiser 8050 hypercardiod to complement my mic collection, which is mostly Schoeps and DPA stuff. I love the extended frequency response of this mic, it's super quiet, small, and the super tight pickup pattern has really come in handy.

I'd like to turn this mic into an MS pair, and have considered matching it with an MKH-30. But I've heard unconfirmed rumors that Sennheiser is developing an 8030. Anybody else heard this? I asked a Sennheiser rep at AES and they were uncertain. I also contacted Sennheiser directly via email without a response. A Google search has provided me with folks confirming it's in development, and people saying this mic is not planned for release. If anyone can shed some light on this I'd be very grateful. In addition, has anybody matched this mic with another figure 8 in an MS pair?

Anyone using Naiant Gear?

2011-06-27T16:21:51Z

I'm thinking of getting the new Naiant Littlebox when it comes out and am considering picking up a mic or two of theirs. Has anyone here used any of the Naiant gear and what do you think about it?

http://www.naiant.com/naiant.html

Sontronics users?

2011-07-25T21:15:57Z

Hi y'all.

As many of you I'm trying to gather information on what mics to buy. I've spotted the Sontronics line of small condenser mics and they're insanely cheap. Too insane? Has anyone ever seen/read/heard any reviews on the STC-10 for recording dialogue or other things than acoustic guitar? Thanks in advance

Usefulness of "guerrilla" vs. "pro" recordings

2010-04-12T05:57:51Z

Many of the sounds used in feature films are recorded by professional recordists using professional gear, ie. expensive mics, multiple mic setups, multichannel recorders, and multiple days on location.

I believe that a well-recorded sound is a useful sound, no matter the mic or the medium. So much of the success depends on the context in which the sound is used. If money were no object I'm sure we would all be recording our stuff with the highest-end gear at the highest bit & sample rates. But when it comes down to the real world, most of that super-high detail is converted down to 24bit/48kHz and jammed into an already full soundtrack of music, dialog, foley and sound effects.

Which begs the question: How useful are your "guerrilla" recordings?

Rather than a discussion of the pros and cons of high-end or low-end gear, I'd love to hear success stories of your guerrilla recordings actually making it all the way through to the final mix of your film (or other project).

mic recommendation for microscopic recording

2011-07-12T23:15:31Z

which mic (or what type of mic) would you recommend for properly capturing microsound? e.g. recording really small tiny acoustic elements? i'm interested in capturing high resolution inner detail of some physical materials.