Holophone PortaMic 5.1 Surround Microphone Review (page 2)
Surround From Stereo?
If this were a normal stereo microphone, we would rate its sound quality as top-shelf. Individual sounds are well defined and clear without being harsh and there is very little self-noise. The output is strong, and with the sensitivity control and pad it should be a good match for most camcorders. But this isn't a run-of-the-mill stereo mic. The PortaMic 5.1 is made for surround sound and it delivers that in spades. Listening to our test recordings on a Dolby Pro Logic II equipped home theater, the surround spread was impressive for such a small microphone. Our walk-around test of the microphone revealed good separation between each of the five surround channels. By chance, we also had opportunity to record a thunderstorm, and the bottom end captured by the PortaMic 5.1 was impressive. Thunderclaps wrapped clearly across the front three channels with a nice echo in the rear speakers.
Our test unit was provided with two essential accessories: a custom foam windscreen and a Rycote Fuzzy windjammer. If you're recording indoors, a windscreen is unnecessary. However, if you plan to take the PortaMic 5.1 outdoors, you will fight wind noise like any other unprotected microphone. In fact, in a 10 mph breeze, the PortaMic 5.1 was almost unusable. The foam windscreen was useful to a point, and adding the Rycote Fuzzy eliminated all but the strongest gusts. Both windscreens are an excellent investment, but pricey. Plan on additional $300 for the pair.
Summing Up
Surround recording used to be reserved for major movie studios and television networks. The Holophone PortaMic 5.1 represents the first viable surround microphone aimed directly at consumers. It's built to professional grade standards and works as advertised. Just imagine concerts or weddings with full surround. The independent moviemaker also benefits with entry-level surround for micro-budget projects. If you've considered offering surround sound in your productions but couldn't handle the price or complexity, the Holophone PortaMic 5.1 surround microphone is the simplest solution available today.
Tech Specs
Power source: 9V battery
Audio encoding: Dolby Pro Logic II
Output: 1/8", XLR
Strengths
- Easy to use
- Self-contained
- Minimal Adjustments
- Post-Production is a snap
Weaknesses
- Expensive
- Pricey Accessories
- Discrete 5.1 channels requires additional hardware/software
Contributing Editor Hal Robertson is a digital media producer and technology consultant.
Holophone
14430 Highway 27, RR 1
Schomberg, ON L0G 1T0
Canada
www.holophone.com
$599
