We'll be tackling quite a few different events and conferences this year, and mic handling is a very important skill for the interviewer otherwise sound can easily be lost. To help prevent those issues when the microphone is not pointing towards the subject properly, we thought we'd try out the Rode Reporter ENG Hand Held Microphone at our next events.
Quick Specs:
-Ergonomic die-cast body
-Anti-glare matte black finish appears discreet on camera
-Multi-layer wind protection
-Does not require phantom power, enabling the use of field recorders without the ability to supply it
-Extra long balanced handle allows for comfortable handling and allows you to get closer to a sound source
-Removable two-sided polycarbonate/ABS plastic microphone flag for display of your organization's logo
The Rode Reporter uses an Omnidirectional pickup pattern for fairly balanced sound levels whether the microphone is pointing towards the subject or slightly away. There are other microphones that offer an Omnidirectional pickup pattern, but need to be very close to the source. The Rode Reporter Microphone was designed to still perform quite well without being pushed into your subjects face. The uniquely designed mic flag can optionally be added for visibility to brand your company. If you work with an on-camera host or deal with event coverage, make sure to check out the Rode Reporter via B&H Photo Video (click here).
Rode Reporter Hand Held ENG Interview Microphone Omnidirectional
Sennheiser ew112-p G3 Wireless Lav Kit
TomorrowMars
Microphone tests are useless with background music! We all know background music is an easy fix for noise.
Test videos should be done with
1)clear into the mic voice
2)some silence.
3)if you do post on the audio, make sure to include a bit of non-fx audio for your audience to evaluate.
4)for bonus points, record mic in "normal" interview work einvironments like a supermarket or busy street.
Emm
Post author@Neil - I have a couple of the exact same ones (only in black). For those who don't know, the triangle flags fit standard business cards, so designing logos for them is easy. We just used thin double sided tape to adhere the business card sized images to each side.
Neil
I just picked up a handheld mic but I needed a wireless option so I grabbed the Sennheiser SKM100 to pair with the G3 wireless receiver I already have. So far so good - its an awesome mic.
Agree with the commenters above about the mic flag. Yikes! Fine if you're doing an RKO retro-style piece but for anything that's supposed to be contemporary? No way. I'd get laughed at using that awful thing.
I picked up this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-New-White-Microphone-Flag-Triangle-Cube-/180996039925?pt=US_Stands_Mounts_Holders&hash=item2a243464f5
Rob
OMG what is with that mic flag! Worst idea ever!
Angel Andres
Haha, I like the Bob Barker comment.
A staple reporter mic in the ENG industry is the Electro Voice RE50. I've used it over the last 13 years during my news career and it has never, ever, failed me. It's best uses are for high wind, large crowd and side of the road situations.
Plus, it's about $50 cheaper than the Rode on average. Here's an Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/Electro-Voice-Shock-Mounted-Interview-Omni-Directional-Microphone/dp/B000Z7JK72/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363761184&sr=8-1&keywords=re50
Rayden
It also looks like the old mic from the price is right that Bob Barker used to have. LOL.
Rayden
Being that this mic has a OD pattern, how will a noisy environment come into play with this? I use a set of Shure sm58 right now for a lot of my ENG work.(Cardiod) What I have noticed with OD patterns is that they may be good for single mic use for interviews, they also pick up unwanted room noise, much like the lav mic shown in this video. If most of your ENG work will be in a room with noise, IE music in the background, or loud party, how does this mic handle that?
Steven
Here's a link to a not so annoying mic flag:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/582572-REG/Pearstone_8091010_Square_Microphone_Flag_Black.html