Videomaker - Boom Mics

This really is not a dead cat on a pole. It is actually a microphone. We will show you how to use it more on this episode of “tips & tricks” So this is a boom microphone. The primary component of this is the actual boom pole itself which is attached to the rest of the microphone. We will take off the wind screen here so we can see our different components. The technical term for this is a wind screen although it is sometimes referred to jokingly as a dead cat, dead muskrat, what have you? This one has kind of furry covering on it but there are others that are just foam. The actual structure is called the Zeppelin. What you do with this is attach a microphone right in the middle; we are using a shotgun here. This is the most typical type of microphone that gets used in a boom mic. They are shotguns because they are directional. They do not pick-up any sound from longer distances. They are simply very directional microphones and a good choice for using in a boom pole because you are trying to get the sound from a specific person or location. The idea is you would hold it over your head like so and be able to aim the microphone over your subjects. Components • Microphone (shotgun) • Boom pole • Shock Mount • Zeppelin • Wind Screen This one uses just a regular XLR connection and there is an XLR cable here at the bottom. We have strung this through already, ourselves. You could use a wireless mic too if you wanted. Inside the actual Zeppelin is shock mount which is where we have attached this particular microphone. So, as far as connecting this microphone to your camcorder or other audio recorder is basically just using an XLR connection or an adaptor. You can also use a field audio mixer but do not forget to use headphones particularly with an extension cable so you can make sure that whatever you are aiming the microphone at is what you are actually intended to record. Connection • Direct to Camera • Field Audio Mixer • Headphones The main way to support a boom pole is over you shoulders. This will give your arm muscles a break although after a while, even though the pole itself is light, the microphone does not weigh very much, it will feel heavy in a few minutes. The best way to use a boom pole is to get as close as you possibly can to your subject without actually getting the part of the boom into the scene. The best way to accomplish this is overhead. But then sometimes depending upon how the shot is composed, you might have a better look going from underneath. But then you probably want to crouch down a little bit so that your body weight is supported better. Another important point is that like any object that is subjected to light, a boom will catch shadows. So, it is really important to keep in touch with your camera operator to make sure that no shadows are being cast that will show up on your video. Usage All about getting close. • Shotgun mics do not pick up far away sounds, they are just directional. It is heavy. • Small microphone and light pole, still gets heavy. • Brace against your shoulders. Getting Clean Audio • Turn the microphone to whoever is talking. • Get as close as you can. • rophone to whoever is talking. • Get as close as you can. Getting Out of the Shot. • Boom pole dipping into frame. • Boom shadows. • Communication with the camera op. So, proper use of a boom pole will give you some of the best sound that you can acquire. It does require some of your bi-strength but the results are well worth it. Videomaker CAMCORDERS EDITING COMPUTER VIDEO AUDIO AND VIDEO PRODUCTION DVD www.videomaker.com