microphone while walking at DVinfo.net

Rob deJong · June 1st, 2009, 10:08 PM

Hello,
I need to record an interview while walking with my Zoom H2. And I'ld be happy if I don't have to hold a mic in my hand. So something wireless on the collar of our blouses. Is this possible?
Rob

Mario Vermunt · June 2nd, 2009, 05:37 AM

The easiest (cheapest way) is to connect two wired lavalier microphones (via an Y adapter into the 3.5 mm microphone input. You have to stay close to the one interviewed, because of the length of te cable. You could also work with a wireless lavalier system, and connect the receiver(s) tot the line-input of the Zoom.

Jeffery Magat · June 2nd, 2009, 10:16 AM

That might just work.

Bill Davis · June 2nd, 2009, 02:57 PM

TEST THIS SCENARIO BEFORE YOU TRY IT ON A PAID GIG!

Splitting an already very low level mic signal mechanically might lower the result to the point where the mic inputs on the ZOOM don't have enough clean gain available to boost the resulting signal up to the level the recording system wants to see - at least without significant amplifier noise (hiss.)

Better would be to run each mic into a small battery powered portable mixer and run the output of this into the ZOOM. Yes, it costs more and is more complicated. It's also the technically correct way to feed two mics into one input without increasing noise.

Good luck.

Mario Vermunt · June 2nd, 2009, 10:46 PM

I see that I was not really clear. The Zoom has a stereo mic input. With a Y cable I mean a cable that has a 3,5 mm stereo jack on the one side and two mono plugs on the other side. This way you record the interviewer on the left channel and the interviewee on the right (or the other way around. Of course the use of a mixer would be possible and even advisable.

Rob deJong · July 11th, 2009, 02:06 AM

I was experimenting with the suggested setups: a stereo splitter as well as a mono splitter, as well as a single lavellier. The results in all cases were very disappointing on the Zoom H2. Signal to weak or noise to high, whatever setting.

I need something else and I don't want to work with a mixer. I decided to use two recorders, both with a lavalier and I synchronize in post. BUT what recorder of what brand will do what I hope: a loud enough signal and not too much noise. The H4 or H4n or another brand thing???

Who has experience with a (self powered) lavalier on any voice recorder?

June 1st, 2009, 10:08 PM	#1
Rob deJong Regular Crew Join Date: May 2009 Location: Saly Hungary Posts: 169	microphone while walking Hello, I need to record an interview while walking with my Zoom H2. And I'ld be happy if I don't have to hold a mic in my hand. So something wireless on the collar of our blouses. Is this possible? Rob

June 2nd, 2009, 05:37 AM	#2
Mario Vermunt Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rotterdam, the Netherlands Posts: 77	The easiest (cheapest way) is to connect two wired lavalier microphones (via an Y adapter into the 3.5 mm microphone input. You have to stay close to the one interviewed, because of the length of te cable. You could also work with a wireless lavalier system, and connect the receiver(s) tot the line-input of the Zoom.

June 2nd, 2009, 10:16 AM	#3
Jeffery Magat Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 186	That might just work.

June 2nd, 2009, 02:57 PM	#4
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	TEST THIS SCENARIO BEFORE YOU TRY IT ON A PAID GIG! Splitting an already very low level mic signal mechanically might lower the result to the point where the mic inputs on the ZOOM don't have enough clean gain available to boost the resulting signal up to the level the recording system wants to see - at least without significant amplifier noise (hiss.) Better would be to run each mic into a small battery powered portable mixer and run the output of this into the ZOOM. Yes, it costs more and is more complicated. It's also the technically correct way to feed two mics into one input without increasing noise. Good luck.

June 2nd, 2009, 10:46 PM	#5
Mario Vermunt Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rotterdam, the Netherlands Posts: 77	I see that I was not really clear. The Zoom has a stereo mic input. With a Y cable I mean a cable that has a 3,5 mm stereo jack on the one side and two mono plugs on the other side. This way you record the interviewer on the left channel and the interviewee on the right (or the other way around. Of course the use of a mixer would be possible and even advisable.

July 11th, 2009, 02:06 AM	#6
Rob deJong Regular Crew Join Date: May 2009 Location: Saly Hungary Posts: 169	I was experimenting with the suggested setups: a stereo splitter as well as a mono splitter, as well as a single lavellier. The results in all cases were very disappointing on the Zoom H2. Signal to weak or noise to high, whatever setting. I need something else and I don't want to work with a mixer. I decided to use two recorders, both with a lavalier and I synchronize in post. BUT what recorder of what brand will do what I hope: a loud enough signal and not too much noise. The H4 or H4n or another brand thing??? Who has experience with a (self powered) lavalier on any voice recorder?