Re: Need Advice On a Cheap Setup

I see what you mean. But if you are just capturing the event as it happens, you still need to get your mike close to the source or you just get atmosphere sound. You can use this with a voice over and perhaps you'll get some clean enough voice clips within the scene. You'll need to get your cam real close for the attached mike to pick up dialog. I have shot footage in crowded events using a G2 with plug transmitter and an ENG mike. It works but it’s not an “interview” other than some quick off camera questions perhaps. And the G2 will fail in certain environments. Once you start setting up the body transmitter and lav it’s no longer true run and gun.

A lot depends on whether the subject is moving. And the whole style of the shoot. If you really want to capture subjects where they are not “in on” the production, then you need an assistant to get your cordless close to the subjects. You can’t zoom a mike.

If we are talking about recording voices on public transportation, the mike needs to be very very close to the subject’s mouth or the audience will be listening to loud background noise. This is fine for a few seconds in an action pic where the noise contributes to the sense of danger and the subject is shouting over the din. But for documentary interviews???

Good xlr cords are pretty easy to manage. Measure off how much slack you need from floor to cam. Put a piece of gaffers tape at that point. Disconnect cord from cam run your length to subject. Gaffer tape the cord down to avoid tripping hazards. Leave plenty of slack for talent. Reconnect xlr to cam. Use a Velcro tie or more tape to secure cord to cam or tripod to prevent it being tugged and straining connection (particularly if you are plugging into a miniplug).


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