Taperssection.com

Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: taperssectionmatt on August 17, 2014, 02:56:01 AM

Title: Best Small Dual Recording Recorder and Best Zero Handling Lav Mic?
Post by: taperssectionmatt on August 17, 2014, 02:56:01 AM

I'm going to be working on a project where the actor will have a lav mic hard wired to a small recorder, and both recorder and lav will be hidden on actor. What I need is the best small dual recording recorder (by dual recording I mean the ability to record the lav to 2 separate channels, 1 at one level, and another one lower volume level, in case the actor yells and clips/blows out the sound). I also need the best lav mic that has the closest to zero handling noise as the actor may be moving vigorously with animated gestures. What would you recommend. (No wireless lavs here, I'm looking for hard wired.)

Thanks in advance, Matt

Title: Re: Best Small Dual Recording Recorder and Best Zero Handling Lav Mic?
Post by: Boomoperator on August 29, 2014, 07:41:49 AM

All lavs suffer from contact noise, period. The trick is to fixate it with some padding or moleskin.
And if possible sew the lav in clothes. There's not one way to fixate, it depends on cloth- & fabric type.

But you can't 'set & forget' such a fixture. On a typical day, I'll check & adjust lavs several times.
So I'm always listening, think that's a must - especially with 'vigorously' moving talents..
If you're not monitoring I really suggest you put the mic on clothes, not under. Or use a headworn mic or fixate your lav on the head, near the hairline.

If the mic should really be invisible, consider colour-replacing or retouching techniques with After Effects or the like.
That, or some vigorous dialogue editing & cleaning, up to re-dubbing parts of the vocal. 

Recorder: Zoom H-5, does a -12 dB backup recording, has Phantom power and XLR inputs.

Title: Re: Best Small Dual Recording Recorder and Best Zero Handling Lav Mic?
Post by: TSNéa on August 29, 2014, 08:54:34 PM

Quote from: taperssectionmatt on August 17, 2014, 02:56:01 AM

I also need the best lav mic that has the closest to zero handling noise as the actor may be moving vigorously with animated gestures. What would you recommend. (No wireless lavs here, I'm looking for hard wired.

You may want to check this site:
http://jwsoundgroup.net/
Micing actors is part of their job.

Unfortunately I can't direct you to a specific page, as I lost many of my bookmarks, but you'll find a LOT of very interesting tips and how-to, and useful accessories too.

Hope this helps.

Title: Re: Best Small Dual Recording Recorder and Best Zero Handling Lav Mic?
Post by: taperssectionmatt on October 20, 2014, 12:57:14 PM

@Boomoperator @TSNea Thanks guys for this info - really helpful.