OVERVIEW:
This article will cover the KIT PLANS I use for budget filmmaking AUDIO. I'll go over what I use for each of my kit levels (Minimal, Basic, Advanced). The short version is, if I only need to record audio of one person, I use my Minimal Kit (a Zoom F2 32-bit float recorder #ad + LAV mic + Comica CVM-MF1 #ad (furry windscreen). If I need to capture audio from 2 sources, I use my Basic Kit and if I need to capture audio from 3, 4 or more sources, it's my Advanced Kit. Each kit uses a simple system I call the "Proximity" method, which uses custom (mic-specific) settings that are based on the distance from the sound source, to choose my settings. So, in this article I'll go over my KIT PLANS and then I plan to cover my METHODS in the future.
ABOVE: The Zoom F2 32-bit float recorder is at the center of my kit for dialog recording. Not only can it be used with LAV mics, but it can also be used with mini (3.5mm) shotgun mics.
IS BUDGET FILMMAKING AUDIO GEAR ANY GOOD?
There are some budget microphones and audio recorders that are good. Some have limitations though, and that's why I created an AUDIO SETTINGS database (to save my custom settings after finding the "sweet spot" of each microphone/audio recorder combo). Budget was the first consideration, but getting good quality from the budget gear has always been my main objective. At the same time, I always try to make everything as easy as possible, so I can maintain the quality, even when I'm stressed or running low on energy.
My AUDIO Kit:
MINIMAL KIT 1 LAV
I think the easiest way to get good audio for just one person, is to just use a Zoom F2 32-bit float recorder #ad + LAV mic + Comica CVM-MF1 #ad furry windscreen. Using this 32-bit float recorder means you don't have to set your levels. Then, adding that FURRY windscreen (otherwise known as a "deadcat") you can record either INDOORS or OUTDOORS with no worries about wind. The only thing you'll need to do is make sure you place the microphone at the correct recording distance (or proximity) from the person's mouth. (To do this, I simply use the "hang loose" hand sign to measure the distance from the mic to the persons mouth, which is about 7 inches or 17.78 cm.)
MINIMAL KIT: LAV
Zoom LMF-2 Lavalier (included)
Comica CVM-MF1 (Furry) #ad
BASIC KIT LAV, SHOTGUN
Then, for my Basic Kit I add a mini (3.5mm) shotgun mic, and another Zoom F2, but this time the Bluetooth version. This gives me the option of using either a LAV or a mini shotgun with the Zoom F2 32-bit float recorder (which works really well in my tests). It can be used on top of the camera, but I don't generally recommend doing that (even when vlogging) as using the LAV in that scenario is much more predictable. I use the shotgun mic (at my "CLOSE" proximity) for podcasting, as well as using it in the standard "BOOM" position (and sometimes even for recording ambient audio from "AFAR").
BASIC KIT: LAV
Zoom F2-BT #ad (w/LMF-2)
Comica CVM-MF1 (Furry) #ad
(x2) Eneloop Pro (AAA) #ad
(x2) SanDisk Extreme PRO® #ad
BASIC KIT: SHOTGUN
Comica VM20 #ad (Shotgun Mic)
ADVANCED KIT LAVS, SHOTGUNS, X/Y RECORDER
So, this is where the kit gets a little bit more complicated (though some items are just duplicated) yet when we talk about the METHOD, that's where there's going to be a lot more information to cover. I add another shotgun mic, but this time I go for the wireless version of the Comica (the VM30). I don't usually NEED the wireless option for the second shotgun mic, and I'd actually prefer to use it wired (plugged into a 32-bit float Zoom F2) but I'm open to testing the wireless version (especially since it can be a good tool for INDOOR shoots, etc.). When it comes to my "Advanced" recording method, I also like to add an X/Y (2-channel stereo or 4-channel surround) recorder to the mix, and that's why I've tested a number of budget X/Y audio recorder options as well. This allows me to add another layer of real, ambient audio to the scene.
ADVANCED KIT: LAVS
Zoom F2-BT #ad (w/LMF-2)
Comica CVM-MF1 #ad (Furry)
ADVANCED KIT: SHOTGUNS
Comica CVM-30 #ad (Wireless)
ADVANCED KIT: X/Y RECORDER
CONCLUSION:
So, we will get into each METHOD with additional articles (one for each kit level, etc.) but the audio KIT isn't too complicated in a lot of ways. It starts super simple, with a single 32-bit float LAV (for the Minimal Kit) and then adds a mini shotgun mic (and additional audio recorder) in the Basic Kit and then for the Advanced Kit you simply add another shotgun mic, then a stereo (X/Y) recorder.
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