Best way to capture audio??

[McKay Olson]

I know Scarlet's video is going to be out of this world, especially in its price range, but what would be the best way to capture audio? Would you use a shotgun mic? If so, which ones? Thanks!

 

[Mark George]

I am not an expert, but we have used a Neumann KMR 81 shotgun for exterior narrative work. If it's powered by good preamps (like Sound Devices 302, etc) and if it's boomed properly then it produces great results. A lot of people will recommend the Sennheiser 416, which is the industry standard shotgun for narrative. For interiors, we have used the Schoeps CMC641, which is fantastic. These are all high-end mics, so be prepared for some sticker shock.

If you really want to geek out and research this, then I recommend the Audio section of REDUser as it will contain the insights of people with a lot of experience, including some pro soundies. Here is a sample thread that I found really helpful, but there are many others: http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?50073-One-or-Two-Audio-Kits-for-15k

In addition, check out Jeff Wexler's sound discussion group. http://web.me.com/jwsound/Site/discussion_group.html. I recommend searching the discussion board by searching the name of a manufacturer (e.g. "Schoeps") and then combing through the results. You will find tons of discussions where the sound pros debate the pluses and minuses of different pieces of equipment. Keep in mind the POV on Jeff's board is that of the working professional, so they are assuming the presence of a sound mixer and boom operator on set.

I hope this at least gets you started.

Mark

 

[D Fuller]

I know Scarlet's video is going to be out of this world, especially in its price range, but what would be the best way to capture audio? Would you use a shotgun mic? If so, which ones? Thanks!

I'd get an audio recordist. Typically they come with mics.

 

[Liam Hall]

Which microphone you choose depends on what you need it to do. You may as well ask what light to use with your Scarlet or what to have for lunch. That said, and in addition to Mark's very good advice I'll add, if you are on a budget take a look at the products made by Rode.

 

[Marcos Montenegro]

Get a Sound Devices MicPre-D, a Rode NTG3 as your main, and an external recorded as backup (like the Zoom H4N) and you're set.