Try to avoid attaching the microphone to the
shoe of the camcorder, it’ll pick up as much motor noise
as the onboard mike. Most camcorder microphones can fit onto the
accessory shoe as well as onto a tripod. Where possible try to
attach the mike to a separate tripod. This will reduce any irritating
noises caused by a boom pole operator’s movements. Unfortunately
this cannot always be done and a boom will be required. One can
easily create a boom pole if needed. A wooden rod, rubber grip,
tripod attachment, foam (for insulation of sound) and duct tape
is the easiest route, but there are many other DIY ways of creating
a boom pole:
Alternatively
you could just purchase one but they can become pricey…
Tips
on boom poles and tripods:
- Boom poles conduct sound so avoid any movements when recording
is in progress, especially if you are the boom operator.
- Make sure you don’t bump into anything as this could seriously
damage the microphone.
- Attach the wires to the boom and on walls (for tripods) etc.
so as to avoid them bumping or rubbing and making a noise.
- Hold the boom up with both hands, creating an “H”-like
figure (See the illustration).
- Don’t forget to continually monitor the sound with a headphone
set.
- When using extensions avoid any strong magnetic fields. Also
avoid bring the mike into close proximity to lights. Even overhead
fluorescent lights can cause a nasty hum.
- In most instances the tripod or boom should be placed above
and aimed down to the subject.
- Mounting the boom pole onto a tripod removes the need for a
boom operator (See the illustration).
One problem
with lower quality and less durable audio equipment is “noise”.
During recording and editing you will most probably notice a
slight static in the background. This is normal (unless it is
completely overwhelming) and will most likely increase with
extensions (especially un-shielded).
One may
remove the noise using a feature in the open-source free audio-editing
program “Audacity” which can be downloaded at: audacity.sourceforge.net
