Sound

MICROPHONE TYPES:

Many types of microphones are available, but which ones are best for video production? Video microphones fall into three categories: Handheld, Lapel and Boom microphones. Each has its benefits and will be suitable in different applications.

HANDHELD MICROPHONES

The on-the-scene news reporter typifies how handheld microphones are used. A television reporter stands on-camera holding a microphone about chest high. If they are interviewing someone, the mic is passed back and forth between the two. This is probably the least professional way to gather sound but it is fast, easy and works every time. The disadvantage is that the microphone is clearly visible and susceptible to handling noise and wind noise. You must also rely on the talent to get the mic in the right position to pick up sound. However, if you need to provide a sense of urgency for your next video, a handheld microphone is just the ticket. It lends a certain "live" look and implies spontaneity.

LAPEL MICROPHONES

Also known as "lavaliere" mics, these miniature microphones are usually worn on clothing - clipped to a shirt, jacket or tie. They can also be worn under clothing or a tie, but that will almost certainly muffle the sound. Lapel mics are the workhorse of the news industry. Tune into any news program and, if you look long enough, you will see one or maybe two lapel mics clipped to the talent (networks are paranoid and can easily afford to use a backup mic). These microphones are typically very small (some are smaller than a pencil eraser) and are easily concealed in clothing. In theatrical applications they are often woven into hair or taped to the side of a face, with just enough sticking out to obtain good sound. As a rule, lapel microphones are non-directional and pick up sound from all directions. Although directional lapel mics are available, they are generally larger, more expensive and very prone to mechanical noise (brushing against clothing, etc.). The obvious advantage to a lapel mic is that it is always the same distance from the subject's mouth. The primary disadvantage is, being non-directional, they aren't always useful outdoors and are easily swamped by loud background noises (machinery, vehicles, wind, etc).

BOOM MICROPHONES

The name "boom" actually comes from the stand that holds these microphones. The microphones themselves are a highly directional type called a "shotgun mic". A boom is a special microphone stand that allows the mic to be hung over the subject(s) on camera. To keep the microphone out of the shot, these stands can be adjusted for height and angle. In addition, the microphone can be swiveled 300+ degrees to pick up sound from any subject. You can see these boom stands sometimes on "The Late Show" or "The Tonight Show" when they take a wide shot of the stage. The producers of "Home Improvement" have used a boom mic as a prop several times. The portable version of a boom stand is called a "fish pole". You can see these at news conferences and when reporters are chasing people down the street. In my opinion, the boom mic is the ultimate way to capture sound for video. Because they are highly directional, they pick up very little background noise - they are not held by or attached to the talent, so there is a minimum of mechanical noise plus, they sound great! The only disadvantages are that they must be carefully positioned just outside the video frame and, if movement is required, you will have to bring another helper to the shoot.

BOUNDARY MICROPHONES

One last type of microphone that falls outside convention - the boundary microphone. Originally manufactured by Crown under the trade name "PZM" (pressure zone microphone), now everybody makes one, including Radio Shack. The boundary mic is unconventional in that it lays on a table, floor or wall and effectively uses the entire surface for pickup. The larger the surface, the better the sound. By positioning the microphone element a fraction of an inch above the surface, the boundary mic eliminates phase cancellation and other strange things that happen to regular microphones. Boundary microphones excel at picking up large groups of people, background ambience and crowd noises (applause, laughter, etc.). On the other hand, they also excel at picking up air conditioning rumble, creaking doors and bystanders. While you can't use them in every situation, they are handy for corporate board meetings and video depositions. Just lay one or two microphones on the conference table and start recording. Just don't allow anyone to lay books or papers on your mics! You must experience this to believe it.