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Sidebar: Microphones in the Real World

Sometimes, the correct way to deploy microphones isn't the best way. Take theater for example. In a perfect world, everyone would have an invisibly installed wireless lapel microphone. Reality dictates this isn't practical and, often, impossible. One effective alternative is to fly multiple handheld microphones over the stage. This creates pockets of pickup that will cover most of the action with as few as three mikes. Another option is the use of several shotgun microphones at the front of the stage. Place the microphones on short stands and aim toward the furthest pickup points. This leverages the directional nature of the microphones. If your equipment budget is thin, one person can sit in the front row and point a single shotgun at the action, much like a boom in a conventional shoot. If you can use lapel microphones, but don't like see-ing exposed microphone elements, consider weaving a miniature lapel mike into the hair, bringing it out just under the hairline at the forehead or near the temple. This placement offers surprisingly natural sound and minimum visual impact.

Hal Robertson | August 2004

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