Audio Equipment: Microphones and Accessories

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Questions and Answers

What is the main advantage of using a shotgun microphone outdoors?

It has a tight pickup pattern to reject external noise. (correct)

It captures a wide range of sounds.

It is lightweight and easy to handle.

It performs better in reverb-rich environments.

Which characteristic of super cardioid microphones makes them suitable for indoor dialog?

They require minimal acoustic treatment.

They are less susceptible to wind noise.

They provide slightly narrower patterns for focused sound. (correct)

They have a very wide pickup pattern.

Why are shock mounts considered an essential part of a boom microphone kit?

They enhance the directionality of the microphone.

They reduce wind noise significantly.

They physically hold the microphone on the boom and isolate it from vibrations. (correct)

They transform the sound quality of any microphone.

What might be a consequence of using a shotgun microphone indoors with excess reverb?

Creation of undesired phasing and comb filtering artifacts. Signup and view all the answers

What type of wind protection is ideal for outdoor use in high wind conditions?

A full blimp with a dead cat fur covering. Signup and view all the answers

When selecting a microphone, which aspect is NOT a primary factor to consider?

The color of the microphone. Signup and view all the answers

What is one common disadvantage of using lavalier microphones?

They are prone to clothing rustle and muffling issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT typically associated with high-end wireless microphone systems?

Low sound quality Signup and view all the answers

For what purpose are plant mics primarily used in production?

To record sound without the limitations of boom placement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following brands is considered high-end for wireless microphone systems?

Sennheiser's higher-end products Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using wireless microphones in modern production workflows?

They allow for more flexibility and faster-paced shooting. Signup and view all the answers

Which microphone is known for its incredible sound quality and low profile size, making it ideal for discreet placements?

DPA 6060 Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature that differentiates entry-level wireless systems from high-end ones?

Superior sound quality Signup and view all the answers

What disadvantage do miniature microphone capsules, like those used in lavaliers, generally have compared to boom microphones?

Higher self-noise and lower sound quality. Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial for avoiding interference when using wireless transmitters?

Choosing clean channels and coordinating frequencies Signup and view all the answers

What is the best reason to check with the wardrobe department before micing talent?

To identify challenges based on talent's wardrobe Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical step to take before distributing equipment to other departments?

Ensuring all gear has fresh batteries Signup and view all the answers

During blocking rehearsals, what do sound crew members learn that is essential for filming?

Where the talent will be and key actions in the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is an important communication practice when micing talent?

Explain the micing process beforehand to gain comfort Signup and view all the answers

What is often a preference of talent regarding wireless transmitters?

They have specific preferred placements for transmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature that cart power solutions must have?

Multiple DC outputs for various devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which battery type is specifically mentioned as an option for powering gear?

NP1 lithium-ion batteries. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of safety on set, which precaution is recommended for stands?

Sandbagging them to prevent toppling. Signup and view all the answers

Which accessory is suggested for protecting equipment from inclement weather?

Insulated ice fishing tent. Signup and view all the answers

How should cable runs be handled to ensure crew safety?

They should be taped down to prevent tripping. Signup and view all the answers

What type of battery should cart power solutions seamlessly transition between?

AC and battery power. Signup and view all the answers

What is one purpose of keeping sound blankets in your kit?

To address reflective surfaces and footsteps on dialogue. Signup and view all the answers

What does a smart battery provide that standard batteries do not?

Battery telemetry. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a critical aspect of preparing for outdoor filming conditions?

Addressing potential weather obstacles. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as part of a recommended equipment kit for handling weather conditions?

Fire-resistant gear. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Choosing a Boom Microphone

Choosing the right microphone will depend on the environment.
Shotgun microphones with interference tubes are generally best for outdoors.
Super cardioid small diaphragm condenser microphones are good for indoors.
Wide cardioid to lobar shotguns can perform well, but familiarity with mics is key.

Shock Mounts

Shock mounts are important to isolate the microphone from handling vibrations.
Good options come from Rycote, Cinela, K-tek.
Ensure the suspension is optimized for the microphone's weight and size.

Wind Protection

Wind protection is crucial to prevent low-end rumble.
Light foam covers are good for indoors, while full blimps with dead cat fur covering are used outdoors.
High wind protection can result in high frequency loss, which can be compensated for by high boost switches on some mics.

Wireless

High-quality wireless systems offer features such as receiver diversity, tuning band, typical range, external antennas, and frequency scans.
High-end options are available from Lectrosonics, Wisycom, Zaxcom, Audio Limited, and Sennheiser's higher end product lines.

Lavaliers

Lav mics capture clean dialog when booms are impractical.
Challenges include preventing clothing rustle and muffling.
They are less high quality than boom capsules.
High-quality lavs come from DPA, Sanken, Countryman, Sennheiser, Shure, Sony, Deity.
The DPA 6060 is a good choice for its sound quality and low profile.

Plant Mics

Plant mics are hidden on set to capture dialog or sound where booms aren't suitable.
They avoid the issues of body worn lavs.
Battery options include NP1 lithium-ion batteries and smart batteries with telemetry.

Cart Power

Cart power should have multiple DC outputs and be able to plug into AC power.
It should have a high-capacity internal battery for seamless transition.
PSC and Remote Audio offer cart power solutions.
The Remote Audio Meon LiFe can power entire sound kits and monitors.

Other Equipment

Accessories to help with production include ice fishing tents, sound ponchos, trash bags, waterproof boots, and sound blankets.
Sandbags, taped down cables, and adequate working lights are important for safety.

Distribute Equipment

Sound department provides IFBs,, timecode boxes, and slates.
Batteries for these items need to be refreshed before distribution.
The utility or boom op can handle equipment distribution.

Blocking Rehearsals

Blocking rehearsals allow crew to see how a scene will play out.
The sound mixer and boom op should attend reheasals to understand talent movement and dialog placement.

Micing Talent

Check with the wardrobe department to know what talent will be wearing.
Talent may have preferences for wireless transmitter placement.
Communicate clearly about micing procedures.
Avoid the phrase "we’ll fix it in post," as it can lead to complications.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential aspects of choosing microphones and their accessories for various environments. Learn about the types of microphones suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the importance of shock mounts, and wind protection techniques. Test your knowledge on wireless systems and select the best audio equipment for your needs.