Rode VideoMic vs Senheisser MK300 for Football Video at DVinfo.net

Wayne S. Collamore · July 12th, 2005, 08:26 PM

I am purchasing a Sony VX 2100 and want to upgrade the onboard microphone for most general uses. I will be taking video from the sidelines of Pop Warner Football Games this fall and would like to know if either of these mics would improve the audio quality of the action on the field over what I would get using the Sony onboard mic. If not, what options do I have? Thanks.

Wayne

Ty Ford · July 13th, 2005, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne S. Collamore

I am purchasing a Sony VX 2100 and want to upgrade the onboard microphone for most general uses. I will be taking video from the sidelines of Pop Warner Football Games this fall and would like to know if either of these mics would improve the audio quality of the action on the field over what I would get using the Sony onboard mic. If not, what options do I have? Thanks.

Wayne

While the VideoMic will undoubtedly be better sounding than the built in mic, there's not much ANY mic can do from the sidelines.

Stick a wireless on the field official closest to the action. Maybe one on one of the players. Remember to ask permission.

The NFL uses a combination of wireless mics and parabolic reflector mics for field audio under very careful control. Then there are the mics they ring the stadium with. :)

Regards,

Ty Ford

Wayne S. Collamore · July 17th, 2005, 06:57 PM

Thank you for the reply. I have been studying more shotgun mics and am expanding my possibilities to maybe the AT897. Thanks again.

Wayne

Guy Bruner · July 18th, 2005, 05:11 AM

The AT897 won't improve over the Videomic for the reasons Ty has outlined. If you want to bring distant speakers closer and you don't want to use wireless mics, then you need to look into a parabolic reflector microphone.

Kevin Triplett · July 20th, 2005, 11:51 PM

The Audio Technica AT4071a is GREAT for capturing audio from the sidelines. But that's what it's mainly good for -- way narrow pickup pattern and surprisingly good rejection to the rear. I have a 4071a that gets rented for sporting events and isolating people outdoors in noisy environments. It's pricey compared to the 897 so maybe you can find someone who rents theirs.

Dave Perry · July 21st, 2005, 05:52 AM

The MKE300 is a surprisingly good mic for the money, especially if you can find one on eBay for a good price. I picked one up for $80. I use one on my Optura Xi. I actually used it for a short footbal doc and it worked well for picking up sideline dialogue and a fair job at getting on field sounds.

As kevin said, the AT4071a is an excellent mic for isolating people in crowds. We use one at work with our Beta cam for interviews and run and gun stuff.

July 12th, 2005, 08:26 PM	#1
Wayne S. Collamore New Boot Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 10	Rode VideoMic vs Senheisser MK300 for Football Video I am purchasing a Sony VX 2100 and want to upgrade the onboard microphone for most general uses. I will be taking video from the sidelines of Pop Warner Football Games this fall and would like to know if either of these mics would improve the audio quality of the action on the field over what I would get using the Sony onboard mic. If not, what options do I have? Thanks. Wayne

July 17th, 2005, 06:57 PM	#3
Wayne S. Collamore New Boot Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 10	Thank you Thank you for the reply. I have been studying more shotgun mics and am expanding my possibilities to maybe the AT897. Thanks again. Wayne

July 21st, 2005, 05:52 AM	#6
Dave Perry Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 796	The MKE300 is a surprisingly good mic for the money, especially if you can find one on eBay for a good price. I picked one up for $80. I use one on my Optura Xi. I actually used it for a short footbal doc and it worked well for picking up sideline dialogue and a fair job at getting on field sounds. As kevin said, the AT4071a is an excellent mic for isolating people in crowds. We use one at work with our Beta cam for interviews and run and gun stuff. __________________ Dave Perry Cinematographer LLC Director of Photography • Editor • Digital Film Production • 540.915.2752 • daveperry.net

July 18th, 2005, 05:11 AM	#4
Guy Bruner Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ashford, AL Posts: 937	The AT897 won't improve over the Videomic for the reasons Ty has outlined. If you want to bring distant speakers closer and you don't want to use wireless mics, then you need to look into a parabolic reflector microphone.

July 20th, 2005, 11:51 PM	#5
Kevin Triplett Mad Scientist Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 47	The Audio Technica AT4071a is GREAT for capturing audio from the sidelines. But that's what it's mainly good for -- way narrow pickup pattern and surprisingly good rejection to the rear. I have a 4071a that gets rented for sporting events and isolating people outdoors in noisy environments. It's pricey compared to the 897 so maybe you can find someone who rents theirs.