Microphones Articles

• Microphones
• Placement

• The Right Mic for the Job
  March, 2012
  by Hal Robertson
  The audio side of video can be intimidating for the newcomer and microphone choice is certainly toward the top of the list.
• Can You Hear Me Now? A Microphone Buyer's Guide
  November, 2011
  by Ron Jones
  What makes great video? Simply put - great audio! As a videographer you can have great shooting and editing skills but if the audio stinks so will the video…
• Microphone Buyer's Guide 2010
  November, 2010
  by John McCabe
  Microphones are a very important part of our everyday lives- not just as video producers, but in everything we do. From cell phones to public address systems,…
• Lavalier Lessons
  October, 2010
  by Hal Robertson
  A terrific little audio accessory every videographer should have is a lavalier mic. They're good for many setups. Here are some lessons on using this versatile…
• Creating Sound Effects
  June, 2010
  by Hal Robertson
  The sound effects from the 1960s Star Trek TV show are the same as in the latest Trek movie. Why? Because you know them as well as the scent of grandma's…
• FCC Laws and Wireless Mics
  April, 2010
  by Hal Robertson
  How old is your wireless mic system? Are you aware it might be deemed inoperable, even illegal by new FCC rules? DTV is changing how we can use wireless…
• Filming Concerts
  March, 2010
  by John McCabe
  A Look at Filming Concert Footage. How to Prepare to Capture a Concert on Video. Includes Step-by-Step Instruction and Checklist.
• Hiding a Lavalier Mic
  November, 2009
  by Hal Robertson
  Hiding a lavalier mic is tricky business. You want the highest quality sound without actually seeing the microphone.
• Which Is Best? A Dynamic Microphone or A Condenser Microphone?
  October, 2009
  by Hal Robertson
  The basic differences between dynamic microphones and condenser microphones. Their strengths and weaknesses and where they work best in the video production…
• Automatic Gain Control a.k.a. The AGC Conspiracy
  July, 2009
  by Hal Robertson
  In 1983 Engineers, designers, and marketing people discuss an evil plot to take over consumer media with a hidden camera feature called Automatic Gain Control.
• Plosives and Sibilance
  May, 2009
  by Hal Robertson
  Using a combination of talent and recording techniques, along with some post-production tricks, you can create a clean, professional vocal recording.
• Videomaker's Microphone Guide
  May, 2009
  by Tom Benford
  Guide to finding the best microphones for video production. Learn about the many types of microphones. Includes list of manufacturer's websites.
• Make Your Own Mic Blimp
  February, 2009
  by Tom Benford
  Owning the latest state-of-the-art video equipment is very cool, but making your own gear can sometimes be a lot more fun. Let's DIY it this month with Audio…
• Choosing a Microphone
  January, 2009
  by Hal Robertson
  C'mon! Pick a mic.. any mic! Right!? Wrong! From pickup patterns to wired or wireless, there's a confusing array of mics to choose from. Let's narrow your…
• Microphone Buyer's Guide 2008
  November, 2008
  by Heath McKnight
  You go to great pains to collect the best video. You need to be just as diligent when capturing your audio. An external microphone, such as a shotgun or…
• Boom Op 101
  July, 2008
  by Hal Robertson
  The boom mic is the go-to microphone of choice for most television shows, documentaries and major motion pictures.
• Find the Best Microphones to Record Video Sound
  October, 2007
  by Randy Hansen
  Audio is one-half of your finished video, yet many people seem to forget that important element. It's time to sound off about microphones.
• Charity Video
  August, 2007
  by Brian Schaller
  For aspiring video producers, it's always hard to find some interesting subject matter. Are you looking for an audience?
• The Microphone of Choice
  July, 2007
  by Hal Robertson
  From handheld to boom, wired to wireless, and battery operated to phantom powered, there's a plethora of mics available, how do you know which mic is the…
• Stage It!
  March, 2007
  by Kyle Cassidy
  Look, Ma!! I'm famous! The stage exists for one reason:
• Recording Sound Effects
  March, 2007
  by Hal Robertson
  Movies with true organic sounds, imagined futuristic electronic audio, and even the everyday noises around us, aren't complete without good sound effects.
• Videotaping Conversations
  December, 2006
  by Hal Robertson
  Tips for to improve conversation audio in your video
• Announcing... You?
  August, 2006
  by Hal Robertson
  Commercials, movie trailers, product and training videos all have one thing in common -- they often need a voiceover.
• Dual-Role Directing
  June, 2006
  by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
  Multitasking when you are directing is not easy but sometimes necessary. Here are a few suggestions.
• Sound Track: Audio Dubbing
  November, 1996
  by Loren Alldrin
  Thanks to the modern miracle of audio dubbing, you can make changes or add new sound to your videotape.
• Sound Track: Miking Basics
  September, 1996
  by Loren Alldrin
  There's more to choosing and using microphones than meets the ear. Here are some basic principles of miking for video.
• Sound Reasoning: Lavalier Lessons
  January, 1996
  by Gary Pillon
  Lavalier Lessons
• Wired for Sound
  July, 1995
  by Mike Loehr
  This survey of external microphones will help you improve your audio in one easy step. Complete with our annual microphone buyer's guide.
• Sound Reasoning: Interview Audio
  February, 1995
  by Mike Loehr
  Interview Audio
• Camera Work: On with the Show!
  December, 1995
  by Jim Stinson
  On with the Show!