-
On Set Dialogue Mics
Hello All,
I’m normally an post-video guy, but I have a couple questions about on set dialogue recording. I was led to believe that the norm for getting good rich dialogue in narrative film/tv was a combination of a boom/shotgun mic, and lavs. But after looking at the attached picture from a behind-the-scenes photo of breaking bad, it doesn’t look like this is the case, and this mic setup is consistent in other photos I’ve seen. Wondering if anyone can give any insight into this.
-
11 Replies
-
Shotguns are for outdoor use because they don’t play well with interior spaces and reflections of sound from walls, floors, etc.
The mic in the picture looks like a Scheops CMC 641 or a Sennheiser MKH 50 both are hypercardioid pattern mics. They are the two top dialog mics for almost every feature film.
Eric
-
Awesome, thank you Eric. Am I correct in assuming features don’t bother with lavs then?
-
Hello Brendan and welcome to the Cow Audio Forum.
As Eric says, boom mics for interiors should be hypercardioids like the Schoeps cmc641 or Sennheiser MKH50.
Sometimes a lav is the only way to get the shot. The boom mic will sound better if it’s close enough.
Regards,
Ty Ford
Audio Forum Leader
Want better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide -
If you listen closely to Breaking Bad (and I happen to listen on headphones), you’ll hear when they are using lavs. A slight clothes rustle is the give away, but the sound is different, too.
-
Mark makes a good point.
Soundies hear that sort of thing much more than “normal” people and even directors, shooters and producers.
Someone once said to me, “It’s sort of cool you ended up doing sound because you can hear all these things other people can’t.”
My response was, “I didn’t choose the career. It chose me.”
Also, don’t think you’re necessarily pigeon-holed as “a soundie.” I’ve been shooting and editing for about 5 years now and that has increased my ability to make a living. Stretch yourself. Grow. Thrive.
Regards,
Ty Ford
Want better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide -
Something to keep in mind is that the actors may be wearing hidden lav mics in this scene, as well.
It’s common practice to use boom and lav mics at the same time. If the sound guy’s doing his job right, you’ll never see a hint of the lavs.
(If you watch closely, though, in action scenes you can sometimes see the outline of a wireless transmitter in the small of an actor’s back. Occasionally a jacket or shirt/blouse gets pulled tight across a concealed transmitter.)
Stephen H
Stephen Hall
Location Sound Mixer / Recordist
No ADR if I can help it !
-
Since we’re on the topic of shotgun mics, I’m going to be in the market for a decent one soon. I don’t want to break the bank, but do want to get something good. What would be recommended in the $1,000 ish price range? I’m using an AT 897 now.
Thanks!
Lee
-
Lee,
Sure you want a shotgun and not a hypercardioid?
Regards,
Ty Ford
Audio Forum Leader
Want better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide -
Thanks for the reply Ty. Let me tell you what I’m doing and then I’d love some input from you. Unfortunately I know it’s going to be, “your going to need more mics.” LOL I’m a video producer and do mostly documentary type work. The mic will be used for some on camera run & gun shooting, and also on a stand/boom recording talking head interviews. The interviews are about 50/50 indoors and outdoors. I also have a couple of Tram lav mics. Do you think a shotgun is best for this type of work?
Thanks!
Lee
-
Lee,
I don’t play golf, but I know it’s easier to play with a putter, iron and a driver than to go a whole round with only one of those. So yes, a hypercardioid for most of the boom work. You can use it outside as well. I like a Schoeps cmc641 ($1900) for that. A Sennheiser MKH 50 is also a good call.
There’s another contender a Sanken CS-3 for about $1500.
Regards,
Ty Ford
Audio Forum Leader
Want better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up