Real World Digital Video, Second Edition

Selecting Professional Microphones

The microphone is the sound technician's “camera.” If the mic's audio quality is poor, or if it's the wrong type for the job, someone will have a horrible time trying to repair your soundtrack in post. Often, no repair is possible. So choose both the operator and the equipment carefully.

Microphone Characteristics

Characteristics of professional mics, and considerations for choosing them, include the following.

• Pickup pattern

• In the shot or not

• Dynamic or condenser

• Connectors and cables

• Line level

Pickup Pattern

PICKUP PATTERN: Locus within which a microphone is most sensitive to sound.

AXIS: Imaginary line through mic defining the core of its pickup pattern.

OFF-AXIS SOUND: Weak audio signals emanating from outside ...