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Best Mic for Lectures?

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retailgeek:
I realize this isn't the primary use-case for this forum, but I'm a podcaster that records his show on a Mix-Pre6, and get lots of good info from this forum.  And now I have a new application.  For some podcast, we're commented on a lecture/presentation given on stage, so we want to capture some of the audio of the presentation.

For podcasting, we usually use dynamic mics (we're not recording in ideal rooms, so trying to minimize background noise), like RE-20s, or SM58s (on the road).  Any suggestions on the best type of Mic (or specific MIC suggestions) to record a speakers voice coming through a PA system in a large room.  It doesn't have to be stealth but smaller size makes it easier to transport.

I'm guessing a condenser with a directional pattern, and point it at a speaker? 

kuba e:

--- Quote from: retailgeek on March 24, 2018, 02:21:18 PM ---For podcasting, we usually use dynamic mics (we're not recording in ideal rooms, so trying to minimize background noise), like RE-20s, or SM58s (on the road).

--- End quote ---

Dynamic mics don't reduce background noise. They capture sounds equal as capacitor mics. You may have mistaken because the dynamic mics has lower output signal (you need more preamp gain). But this does not mean that it records distant sounds differently. It records them exactly same as capacitor mics with same polar pattern. You can lower background noise only by to be closer to sound source or by mic directional pattern.

You can try to place a pair of condenser mics in the room and record speaker's mic too. Then you can find the ideal ratio by mixing the dry direct sound (SM58) and ambience sound (room mics). When placing room mics you should take in account whether you want to record audience reaction too. Use some sensitive condenser or electret mics for micing room, dynamic mics have very low output for this sound level.

retailgeek:

--- Quote from: kuba e on March 24, 2018, 04:18:46 PM ---Dynamic mics don't reduce background noise. They capture sounds equal as capacitor mics.
--- End quote ---

OK, but because dynamic mics are less sensitive, doesn't that allow for a shorter working distance, which has the effect of making the hosts volume louder relative to the room noise?  I'm an audio newby, so I'm not arguing, I'm honestly asking to try and learn.  It seems like I've read that most pro VO people use large diaphragm condenser mics (Neumann U 87) that capture the richest audio but that they mostly work in carefully treated booths.  Whereas most radio shows in noisy studios use dynamic mics (RE-20, SM7B, etc...). 

Since I'm mostly recording in Hotel rooms and/or the spare bedroom at home I assumed I'm best off with dynamics.  So we use RE-20's at home, and SM58 on the road.  Full disclosure, I've actually switch to a Beta 87A on the road (with is a condenser) but supposedly one that has similar sensitivity/working distance to a dynamic.  Note that when we record on the road were also most likely to have live guests, so often it's 4 mics around a table.  So one consideration is something that works best with inexperienced talent.

I'm recording into Mix-Pre3 (at home), and Mix-Pre6 on the road so have decent pre-amps.  At home I also have a CL-1 cloudlifter on the RE-20.

I'm totally open to considering different mics.

2manyrocks:
I am not clear on your situation.  if you are just recording off a pa speaker, you could put an sm58 in front of it.  if you cant get close enough to the pa, then maybe a hyper pattern mic would help cut down on room reflections.

if you could put lavalier mics on each person speaking and record them directly into a recorder, that would give you the cleanest audio signal.  if they are being micd into a soundboard, you might take a split off the board into your recorder.

again, i am not clear on what situation you have...

kuba e:

--- Quote from: retailgeek on March 25, 2018, 01:52:20 PM ---OK, but because dynamic mics are less sensitive, doesn't that allow for a shorter working distance, which has the effect of making the hosts volume louder relative to the room noise?  I'm an audio newby, so I'm not arguing, I'm honestly asking to try and learn.  It seems like I've read that most pro VO people use large diaphragm condenser mics (Neumann U 87) that capture the richest audio but that they mostly work in carefully treated booths.  Whereas most radio shows in noisy studios use dynamic mics (RE-20, SM7B, etc...). 

--- End quote ---

Me too, I am newby. I like the theory, but it is just hobby, everything may not be right. Dynamic mics are capable of handling high sound pressure level SPL (it is different property than sensitivity). It is the reason why you are able to put it close to the source.  But condenser microphones today can handle very high spl too. So this difference is erased. Advantages of dynamic mics are resistance against rough handling, moisture and are cheaper. Disadvantages are that they have less detailed sound - this may be sometimes advantage, and have lower sensitivity - are not good for recording from bigger distances.

I cannot help with practical advice, I have very little experience. I am recording lectures with cheap pair of lavalier primo EM172. I usually put it near the teacher, but not very close. And because they are omni, they also capture questions (and noise) from audience.

Edit:
An explanation of what the sensitivity and SPL are. The higher the sensitivity of the microphone, the higher the electric signal for the given sound level. When recording low level volume with low sensitivity microphone you get low electric signal.  And because all mics have some self noise, you have the ratio of noise/signal too high. It is why dynamic mics are not suitable for recording low volumes.
SPL - sound pressure limit is another property. It is saying how high volume is mic able to handle.

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