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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Audio Kit for DSLRs
Brian Tietz, Photographer
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Fort Myers | FL | USA | Posted: 8:10 PM on 11.24.09 |
| ->> I'm putting together an audio kit and looking for some advice. I'm considering the Fostex FR2-LE with a shotgun mic, and a couple of Lavs. Anyone using a set-up like this or does anyone have advice for a piecing together a good kit? |
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Erik Markov, Photographer
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Kokomo | IN | | Posted: 11:40 PM on 11.24.09 |
->> Brian,
Don't know how and for what you plan to use this for, those answers might influence what kind of kit you want. I'll just tell you what I've got and my thoughts on how I've used it.
Marantz PMD 660 from Oade Bros and Sennheiser me66 mic, I've had it about a year I guess. I've thought about adding lav mics, they're just kinda expensive for how much I'd use them. If I start doing video I think I might then.
I went with the Marantz b/c it uses cf cards, guessing thats the reason you're going with the Fostex. I've used the smaller audio units, but just my preference I wanted something a little bigger, particularly b/c of the xlr inputs. The one thing I noticed between the Fostex and Marantz, the Fostex is a horizontal unit and the Marantz is a vertical unit. Don't know it makes a huge difference, but if you want a case for the unit, it might be more difficult. I was happy when Think Tank finally came out with the Big Audio bag. B/c the Fostex is laid out horizontally, it really wouldn't work with that bag. Think Tank has a couple other bags I think the Fostex would work in, and Porta Brace also has bags, altho theirs are a bit pricey at least last time I looked. Altho if you're using lavs you're prob talking about a wireless receiver anyway so you will need a bigger bag probably.
I like the Sennheiser. I think most people here are going to say it's the shotgun mic to get, at least starting out. I think it sounds pretty good, but I've not had a chance to compare it to more expensive mics. I got that from B&H for $325 used which is an amazing deal.
Other thing you might want if you get a shotgun mic is some sort of grip/handle to isolate any noise from holding it. I looked at shotgun isolation mounts, but thought they were ridiculously overpriced for rubberbands and plastic. I ended up making my own hobo grip from a mic clip, length of pvc tube and a rubber bicycle handle grip. It won't win me any style points or a design contest, but it works just fine.
I think that covers it, if I think of something else I'll post it. |
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Brian Tietz, Photographer
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Fort Myers | FL | USA | Posted: 10:32 AM on 11.25.09 |
->> Thanks Erik!
I am leaning towards the Fostex because it does take CF cards and a lot the reviews praise its build quality, apparently Nasa sent one into space.
I am also looking at the Rode NGT-2 shotgun mic and Rode makes a shoe mount shock mount for it, but I like your hobo grip idea!
Porta Brace makes a bag for the Fostex but I'll definately check out the Think Tank gear.
Thanks again |
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Jonathan Castner, Photographer, Assistant
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Longmont | CO | USA | Posted: 11:12 AM on 11.25.09 |
->> Brian are you putting together a recording kit for audio only or are you planning on using it while making photographs? If you are going to be recording audio while you are making photos here are a few things to think about:
Size of your recorder. Units like the PMD 660 and FR2-LE are about the size of a camera body that will be on your hip while you work. To me this is simply way too big to deal with as I lug around my cameras. I've opted for smaller units for the last few years starting with pro quality Minidisc recorders and not using the flash based Tascam DR-07. I try to keep the gear as small and simple as possible. The DR-07 sounds quite good and so long as you are not needing phantom power for your mics are are set.
Shotgun mics are mono and while they are excellent for field interviews you will want a stereo mic for ambient sound. Lavs are my preference for interviews because I want to be in a naturally quiet place for them so the wider pickup patter of the lav isn't a problem. They tend to be more natural sounding than shotguns and the person doesn't feel that this big stick is pointed at them which seems to help many subjects relax for the interview. I have two lavs and two wireless units to go with them. |
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Chris Salata, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Lake Clarke Shores | FL | USA | Posted: 11:43 AM on 11.25.09 |
->> Brian, look at Transom.org for some great reviews on audio recorders.
Most of the smaller recorders unfortunately don't have the best build quality but do actually hold up over time if you treat them with care. Since unlike a camera you are not (or should not) be swinging them around, they can comfortably sit in a padded case out of harms way.
I personally use the Marantz PMD 620 (the 660's little brother) which I got on a killer special at B&H back in March. Despite some high frequency harshness, the overall sound from the internal microphones is quite good--definitely suitable for broadcast. If you are going to be using an external microphone a lot though, you would be better off getting a recorder with XLR jacks. Nothing is more frustrating than having the microphone miniplug slip out during recording.
I also think the build quality on this and the rest of the Marantz units to be top notch (NPR uses them quite a bit). I looked at the newest Tascam models and liked their features but just could not get over the cheap feeling they had. (Jonathan, second opinion?)
I have also used the Sennhesier ME 66 which is THE standard for shotgun mics under $1k. However, I highly recommend you look at the Rode series of shot gun mics as well (NTG 1, 2 and 3). They are consistently highly praised for their sound and value. With a little bit of Googleing you should be able to come across a review with an a/b comparison with the Senn.
You should also look at getting good quality headphones. The Sony MDR 7509's are the almost universal reference. I have used them on multiple occasions and think they are tremendously overpriced. I personally use a good pair of in-ear headphones which at $50 are cheaper, more detailed and better isolated. I would recommend that regardless you get a second pair of headphones to edit with. Make sure they are of an open design (people can hear what you are listening to) because this tends to give a much more accurate representation of the high end. Look at Headphone.com for a great collection of headphones and pretty decent reviews. After Thanksgiving I will be ordering an AKG K702.
Eric, how do you like your 660? I am especially curious about the Oade Brother modification. |
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