Mic bleed in dialog

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

I'm using two consdensor mics with pop screens and compressors to
record dialog for a podcast, and some guests don't want to get too
close to the mic. So when I crank the gain the guest mic picks up bleed
from the host in an echo-y room. I can't separate the two persons
because the videographer wants them sitting close (face-to-face), and I
tried a noise gate with no success.

Would a lav solve my problem? If so, any recommendations for a cardiod
wired lav for $200 street? Will a lav in that price range get a warm,
clean sound? I like the condensors because it's warm and clean (and I
don't have to buy anything) if the speaker speaks closely. Should I be
diligent or get a lav?

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

In article <1119770322.452889.8610@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com> bayareamusician@hotmail.com writes:

> I'm using two consdensor mics with pop screens and compressors to
> record dialog for a podcast, and some guests don't want to get too
> close to the mic. So when I crank the gain the guest mic picks up bleed
> from the host in an echo-y room. I can't separate the two persons
> because the videographer wants them sitting close (face-to-face), and I
> tried a noise gate with no success.

Why not use one mic for both? Try a bi-directional mic if you want to
try to reduce the reflection from the walls and ceiling, but an omni
will probably work just fine.

> Would a lav solve my problem?

Maybe, but not if you're still pretty close to the guest. What's the
problem with bleed anyway?


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Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

>On Sun, 26 Jun 2005 03:18:42 -0400, bayareamusician@hotmail.com wrote
>(in article <1119770322.452889.8610@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com> ):
>
>> I'm using two consdensor mics with pop screens and compressors to
>> record dialog for a podcast, and some guests don't want to get too
>> close to the mic. So when I crank the gain the guest mic picks up bleed
>> from the host in an echo-y room. I can't separate the two persons
>> because the videographer wants them sitting close (face-to-face), and I
>> tried a noise gate with no success.

One way to get around this this is to have them sit side by side on a
sofa or chairs. They will still face each other to talk.

Frank /~ http://newmex.com/f10
@/

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

bayareamusician@hotmail.com wrote:
> I'm using two consdensor mics with pop screens and compressors to
> record dialog for a podcast, and some guests don't want to get too
> close to the mic. So when I crank the gain the guest mic picks up bleed
> from the host in an echo-y room. I can't separate the two persons
> because the videographer wants them sitting close (face-to-face), and I
> tried a noise gate with no success.

Put their mics in their headphones loud. That helps with people who
actually listen, they will back off if the are speaking too loud and
move in if they are quieter, somewhat naturally if they are good.

But learning to balance two mics in a room and not have it sound
hollow will pay off in music recording. Just not as well financially
as recording voices.... <g> You have to watch your gain very closely,
use eq very judiciously, and add compression last and very carefully.
Even a db or two of gain or eq can be the difference between sounds
good and sounds bad.

> Would a lav solve my problem? If so, any recommendations for a cardiod
> wired lav for $200 street? Will a lav in that price range get a warm,
> clean sound? I like the condensors because it's warm and clean (and I
> don't have to buy anything) if the speaker speaks closely. Should I be
> diligent or get a lav?

You'll have to deal with the same kind of problems I think. But
even omni pattern mics can work great, IF you get the rest right.

Will Miho
NY Music and TV Audio Guy
Staff Audio/Fox News Channel/M-AES
"The large print giveth and small print taketh away..." Tom Waits