PZM or Boomed Condensers?
 

Hello,

I am trying to settle on a 4 mic setup for video work with small acoustic music ensembles.

I have a stereo pair but would like to add a closer mic sound to the mix.

So I have whittled it down to Crown PZM's (30's) or two small diaphragm condensers mounted on booms above the group. (like drum overheads)

The PZM's seems like the easiest to place and keep out of the video frame, but audio quality is important as well.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Hi Tim -- Hope this reply is timely...

I'm also curious about the Crown PZM mics. I love the technology but haven't had a chance to audition one yet. So I can't help you there.

Booming is the classical way to go and less expensive if you already have the condenser mics -- so here's a thought, and you've probably already considered this: Depending upon the look and feel of the videos you're producing, consider making the boom mics part of the environment on screen. Technology can look artsy if the stands are black, clean and identical and the cables are routed in an attractive (or non-distracting) manner.

This is of course depending on the scene -- if on stage, it might look simply like equipment and a distraction but if you're mostly close-up and fill the frame with the musicians, the mics would be mostly off-screen or near the top edge. Nowadays, people seem to accept the look of the technology.

Hope this helps.

Hi Kevin.

I spoke with a guy a sweetwater music today and he said to use the boomed condensers instead of the PZM's.

The PZM's work best for the spoken word and are not meant to represent music very well.

So I will go with two mics infront of the group and two over head.

This should cover all of the instruments well.

I am getting a Presonus Firepod 8 channel interface along with a laptop for the audio recording.