Camcorder & Accessories for Cattle Show

[chooks]

I am going to film a special feature breed cattle show, and need to up the anti a bit. The majority of filming will be done during judging (which goes all day), and I really want to improve on audio. Basically the animals are paraded, lined up, judged, and then the judge comments on the animals.

I am thinking of using a cordless microphone, something like:
http://www.thenerds.net/AUDIO_TECHNICA. ... 40587459-2

and trying to convince the judge to wear it I imagine I will need to be a fair distance away due to the size and number of cattle on parade for each section.

I also plan to upgrade my Camcorder to something like the canon HV30, or sony HDRHC9.

http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/review/ ... v30/218119
http://www.ozdirect.com/product_info.ph ... s_id=47986

Would love feedback and some thoughts if I am on the right track?.

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

I use a Sony lavalier wireless mic similar in design to the one shown in the link. Can't comment on that specific one that you have identified but the Sony works very well. Things to look out for are good sound quality (obviously) and a decent range. Wouldn't be without it . Sennheiser also have a similar model.

[Paul LS]

Not sure of the range of those wireless mics but a good shotgun mic may be an alternative.

[jackfalbey]

Not sure if it applies in Oz, but here in the States the government recently changed the frequencies available for "white space" devices like wireless microphones, so many of our existing lavs are now operating in an illegal frequency range. Just something to be aware of before investing in a wireless...

[chooks]

thanks for the feedback,

I have also had a look for good shotgun microphones, and thinking the Sennheiser MKE 400 Compact Video Camera Shotgun Microphone could work well:
http://www.videoguys.com.au/shop/audio- ... mke400.asp

was also looking at the Sennheiser wireless microphones. Does anyone know the difference between "ME2 Lavalier Microphone" and "ME4 Lavalier Microphone" in laymans terms?. The Sony look to be a bit more in my price range.

[Bob]

The ME-2 is an omnidirectional microphone. Omnidirectional microphones are not directional and pick up sound from all directions. The ME-4 is a cardioid microphone. cardioid means heart shape, Cardioid microphones are directional -- sound is not picked up equally from all directions but mainly from one preferred direction.

[chooks]

Thanks bob,
that makes sense

[chooks]

I have found out that judging of the cattle will be indoors, and using a speaker system. I am thinking of recording this onto my laptop using something like soundforge. Then it should just be a matter of dropping the judges comments on the timeline in PE when editing the footage.

Is it as easy as turning up with a speaker plug thats like a double adapter, and plugging my laptop into the microphone port, or have I missed something?

[Chuck Engels]

Is it as easy as turning up with a speaker plug thats like a double adapter, and plugging my laptop into the microphone port, or have I missed something?

I think that what you are saying is correct but not sure I really understand what your plan is for the microphone. Especially where you say 'plugging my laptop into the microphone port'.

You might check and see if they will be taping and if you can get a copy. Also it may be possible for you to plug right into the audio board at the show, never hurts to ask

[chooks]

I would be great if it turned out that they have an audio board available to plug into

I was thinking of tapping into one of the lines to a speaker, but the audio board is much better idea. Its not for a few months away yet. My last post didn't read too well, I was trying to say plugging from the microphone setup already at the show into the microphone port on my laptop. I doubt that it would be taped, as its mainly to announce the winners and comments to the audience.

[Chuck Engels]

If you do get to connect to something be sure to test the audio first. The feed from the board might be way to hot for the mic input on your laptop, then all you will get is some really bad audio. You might be best off just connecting a decent mic to your laptop and sitting close to one of the speakers.

[jackfalbey]

Since you still have a few months, you might want to look at one of these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3 ... o_USB.html. I use it with my laptop to capture feeds straight from the mixing board.

[chooks]

I agree chuck, if all else fails, putting a microphone in front of one of the speakers sounds like a good fool proof idea What brand/model microphones would you recommend to be of reasonable quality?

thanks jackfalbey, it makes sense that plugging straight into the line would be juiced up to different levels. Do you think the following device would do pretty much the same? Seems a lot cheaper.

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-AudioMIDI ... roduct_top

it also comes in a box with a microphone also that is available in Oz:
http://www.streetwise.com.au/pinnacle-s ... -5886.html
Might be a way of hitting two birds with one stone (assuming the mic is a gooden?)

The Art tube USB model is also available at about the same price as cheaper M-Audio, and looks to have more features?
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=180647

Another item which seems to be able to switch between line and mic feed is:
Griffin iMic 2 USB Mac/PC Sound Card Audio Recorder

I also found a great little article on some basics ideas to help capture better audio (wikihow):
How to Record Quality Audio when Videotaping a Presentation

thanks again

[jackfalbey]

I looked at the M-Audio MIDI when I was doing my research, and it had a lot of negative user reviews.I doubt if the package deal is worth the price in the long run. I decided on the Fast Track Pro based on a lot of positive user reviews and it has worked perfectly every time I've used it.

I'm not familiar with the Art Tube, so I have no comment.

The Griffin doesn't have XLR inputs so it won't work for what you need.