Filmmakers rely on sound recording equipment to capture high-quality recordings of dialogue and other sounds for use during editing processes. Later these recordings will be synced up to visuals for synching purposes.
An essential tool for recording clean, clear audio is an effective microphone. While boom mics may work best for wider shots, lavalier mics may provide better close up audio recording.
Portable audio recorders
No matter if you’re an indie filmmaker making their first short film or an experienced professional with multiple feature films under their belts, portable audio recorders are an integral component of sound production equipment. But with so many models to choose from, it may be hard to know which is right for you. But this educational guide will help navigate the technical jargon and specifications associated with these handheld recorders to help find one that meets your budget, workflow needs and shooting requirements.
Portable audio recorders are digital handheld devices equipped with microphone and recording technology to capture and store sound both on the move and in studio environments. While handheld recorders can serve a variety of purposes, journalists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians often turn to them when recording interviews or field sounds for interviews and location sound effects.
Most handheld recorders feature built-in microphones, but some models also support external mics via XLR and TRS input jacks. These extra inputs allow you to attach shotgun and lavalier microphones for improved sound quality. Furthermore, some recorders support 48V phantom power which provides additional amplification to external mics.
Consider both your recorder’s sample rate and storage capacities before making your choice. A 24-bit sample rate is generally used in broadcast, though higher sample rates produce superior recordings. If video creation is on your agenda, look for models supporting SD cards to increase storage capacity.
Independent filmmakers can benefit greatly from making an investment in a dedicated field recorder, particularly one with onboard microphone capabilities. A small investment into such an investment will greatly enhance your audio quality for indie film shoots, so upgrade to something with advanced features – for instance the Sound Devices MixPre-6ii ($899) is one such model boasting four ultra-low noise Kashmir microphone preamps and adjustable limiters to give maximum flexibility and control during recording sessions; its modular design and integrated mounting options also make it a great choice for mounting beneath cameras or boom rigs.
Lavalier microphones
A lavalier microphone is one of the most valuable tools at a filmmaker or videographer’s disposal, thanks to its discreet size, portability, wired/wireless availability and clippability. They can be worn by actors, hosts, speakers and presenters – particularly when wider frames would obstruct its use – as well as serving as an effective replacement for boom mics when practicality dictates otherwise – especially when their movement requires frequent and complex shots.
When using a lavalier mic, positioning is key to producing high-quality audio. Aim for placement no further than six to eight inches away from the source of sound in order to avoid distortion and also ensure it doesn’t come into contact with anything that might create noise such as fabric rustling or sudden movements that might create buzzing sounds.
Lavalier microphones are versatile microphones used in live broadcasts or theatrical productions, as well as being essential tools in many video content creators’ kits. Available models range from budget-friendly to premium; one popular choice being Rode Lavalier II which combines superior quality with an attractive price point.
Sennheiser MKE Essential lavalier mic offers high quality without breaking your budget. Taking inspiration from premium models, this mic is scaled back without compromising performance or sound. Its moisture-proof design makes it suitable for outdoor shoots with sweaty actors and provides accurate and natural sound while its lightweight tandem membrane protects it from sweat or condensation damage. It features an omnidirectional microphone capsule for accurate reproduction while its moisture-proof construction protects it against damage due to sweat. The MKE Essential mic is an ideal choice for filmmakers and video content creators on a tight budget who wish to produce professional-quality videos on a tight timeline. Available both wired and wireless models, it is compatible with most recording devices including DSLR/mirrorless cameras, digital recorders, smartphones/tablets/PCs. Simply connect and go – works straight out of the box.
Shotgun microphones
Capturing crystal-clear audio is key to any successful film or video project, whether that means an explainer video, vlog, documentary, or anything in between. A great voice can tell just as much of the story than the visuals do, which is why investing in quality microphones when making your production is crucial. Shotgun mics – often known as rifle mics – have become standard on many film sets because of their effectiveness at picking up voices at distance or when used in an echoy environment. Shotgun microphones make great choices for films where their subjects speak from distance or when speaking from distance.
Shotgun mics are highly-directional microphones with narrow pickup patterns, defined by an interference tube which sits directly in front of its microphone capsule and creates a phase cancellation effect by cancelling out sounds from either side or rear, making it perfect for isolating sound sources.
Shotgun mics offer more than just their directional properties: they also allow users to reduce rumble and echo when recording dialogue in noisy environments, less wind-resistant vibration resistance makes them ideal for filming outdoors and are less susceptible to off-axis sources like blimps or dead cats (cuddly fabric covers). A windshield (such as a blimp or dead cat cover) should also be utilized to limit noise sources from off-axis sources as this microphone still is susceptible to off-axis sources that produce noise; therefore it should be utilized with care to minimize unwanted sounds from off-axis sources as the mic may pick up off-axis sources while simultaneously recording dialogue or vocals from off-axis sources while filming outdoors.
Shotgun mics differ from lavalier microphones in that they’re usually placed on a boom pole and operated by a boom operator, which allows the mic to be moved around freely within its confines without becoming visible in the shot. They’re often used for recording actors’ voices or music as well.
An essential component for operating a shotgun mic, a boom pole must be purchased separately from its counterpart. Professional boom poles usually cost equal to or more than their mic counterpart, so investing in high-quality one will ensure that your shots won’t be marred by shaky footage. Furthermore, having one gives you another way of storing audio files as well as making microphone adjustments without moving your camera itself.
Boom mics
Boom microphones are commonly employed during filmmaking as an effective means of getting sound recordings close enough for effective use without distracting from the frame. Attached to a pole, these mics extend over actors’ heads to pick up dialogue as well as footsteps or prop noise – often providing more realistic perspectives that seamlessly combine sound effects and dialogue.
Boom mics tend to be more costly than their lavaliers counterparts, yet can offer superior sound quality and greater versatility. Booms are particularly helpful on productions involving multiple cameras and actors since they can quickly switch locations when switching cameras or actors on set. Furthermore, boom mics can be combined with wireless transmitters and receivers that enable directors and other set personnel to hear the mix for reference while using boom mics as camera-mounted microphones.
Sound mixers and boom operators should take special care not to sneak the mic into shots as this may distract viewers and look unprofessional. Therefore, taking some test footage before shooting the actual scene can help determine how much of the boom can be seen, so adjustments can be made accordingly. In addition, boom operators must maintain a constant distance from subjects in order to prevent fluctuations in audio levels from changing quickly during shooting.
An audio dead cat blimp, made of sound-absorbing fuzzy fabric, can help shield a boom microphone from wind noise and other ambient sounds, thus protecting its integrity as part of film crew workflow. A dead cat is essential equipment for filmmakers who strive to record professional-grade audio.
Quality boom mics can cost several thousand dollars, but budget-minded amateurs still have options available to them. One such budget-friendly solution for amateurs is the Rode NT1, an inexpensive yet high-quality boom mic offering many features for its low cost. It features supercardioid pickup to isolate recordings where you are aiming, with off-axis rejection at 18dB to keep unwanted noise out. Plus it’s built to handle harsh environments while being compatible with DSLR cameras!