On camera hypercardioid at DVinfo.net

Bob Kerner · November 15th, 2008, 10:54 AM

I've seen a lot of posts about on camera shotgun mics but haven't seen much about putting a hyper on camera. Is this possible and/or worthwhile?

I do a lot of shooting indoors but don't have the luxury of a boom operator or even a stationary stand. I'm currently using either a standard shotgun (but get all the nasty reflections) or a lav. I'm wondering if I can or should mount a hyper onto the camera.

Thanks

Matthias Krause · November 15th, 2008, 11:12 AM

I´m using the AKG 93 on-camera most of the time (even outdoors) and I think it works great. You need to get as close as possible, of course, but that´s the only way of getting decent sound with an on-camera mic anyway. I sometimes use a short boom with my left hand while I have the camera on a monopod or a tripod for the best sound possible in such situations and the AKG 93 does a very good job there too.

Michael Wisniewski · November 15th, 2008, 11:19 AM

I'm contemplating selling my AT4073 shotgun, because it seems like my AT4053 hyper never comes off the camera.

Bob Kerner · November 15th, 2008, 11:26 AM

Are you happy with the performance?
How close do you need to get the camera to the subject? I'm usually within 3-4 feet for impromptu headshot interviews.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Wisniewski

I'm contemplating selling my AT4073 shotgun, because it seems like my AT4053 hyper never comes off the camera.

Steve House · November 15th, 2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Kerner

Are you happy with the performance?
How close do you need to get the camera to the subject? I'm usually within 3-4 feet for impromptu headshot interviews.

That far is too far IMHO. Ideally a hyper needs to be about 18 - 24 inches from the speaker if you're looking for that rich "Hollywood" sound. Closer and the proximity effect starts to come into play; farther and the level drops off requiring more gain to sustain it, letting the ambience intrude more. Of course the environment is a major factor - a quiet soundstage lets you work the mic farther away than would a busy factory floor.

If you can't work with a boom op or mic stand, how about an "organic" mic holder in the form of an interviewer standing next to the subject with a wireless handheld reporter's mic?

November 15th, 2008, 10:54 AM	#1
Bob Kerner Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 388	On camera hypercardioid I've seen a lot of posts about on camera shotgun mics but haven't seen much about putting a hyper on camera. Is this possible and/or worthwhile? I do a lot of shooting indoors but don't have the luxury of a boom operator or even a stationary stand. I'm currently using either a standard shotgun (but get all the nasty reflections) or a lav. I'm wondering if I can or should mount a hyper onto the camera. Thanks

November 15th, 2008, 11:19 AM	#3
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	I'm contemplating selling my AT4073 shotgun, because it seems like my AT4053 hyper never comes off the camera. __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

November 15th, 2008, 11:12 AM	#2
Matthias Krause Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 203	I´m using the AKG 93 on-camera most of the time (even outdoors) and I think it works great. You need to get as close as possible, of course, but that´s the only way of getting decent sound with an on-camera mic anyway. I sometimes use a short boom with my left hand while I have the camera on a monopod or a tripod for the best sound possible in such situations and the AKG 93 does a very good job there too.