Which mic on your Scarlet?

[Luke Holwerda]

You might also consult the sound mixer on the project. He or she would probably like to help. Also, the sound mixer should probably also have input since you're talking about their department and responsibility. Imagine if a sound mixer posted to a sound forum about how they planned to shoot part of the doc as back up in case there was a problem with your camera!

Imagine someone thinking outside of their box? That only happens in the movies.

Actually, the last event I worked on, the house sound man said "Don't worry, I'll take care of you." Yeah... he forgot to hit record until a minute into the event. Luckily, I was thinking about him.

[Dave Blackham]

You might also consult the sound mixer on the project. He or she would probably like to help. Also, the sound mixer should probably also have input since you're talking about their department and responsibility. Imagine if a sound mixer posted to a sound forum about how they planned to shoot part of the doc as back up in case there was a problem with your camera!

I completely agree.

The last place you want to put a mic is on the camera, its quite simply in the wrong place for a mic.

Your sound mixer probably wont consider strapping a Scarlet to the end of his pole then he places the mic in the best position for audio and if he did youd be right to tell him the camera placement is wrong or unsuitable. So when you have one of the best cameras available I think your camera work deserves to be complimented with great audio too.

[Luke Holwerda]

I'll just respond with a part from my initial post... the parts in bold are the most interesting...

I'm looking for a "good"... fairly inexpensive mic to attach to a run-and-gun type of shoulder rig. We will be running lav mics and a boom pole, but I'm all for having more than we need in case something cuts out/fails. I'd like to have a shotgun mic attached to each of the 2 main cameras to capture their own sound. (Also, just good for sync)

[Marc Wielage]

The problem with strapping a mike to the camera is, a) you're going to be a long way from the people talking [or at least in a sub-optimum position], and b) you're going to risk picking up much more camera noise that way.

Ideally, the way to go is: hire somebody to place the boom mike very close to where the actors are talking. Lav mikes are an excellent backup, and sometimes more useful than a boom. (The King's Speech is an example of a movie with many wireless lav scenes in unexpected places, and it was nominated for an Oscar.) Camera-mikes to me are amateurville.

I have said many times, there are situations where camera-mounted mikes are warranted, especially in battle conditions, violent news situations, dangerous documentaries, B-roll situations with no dialog. But not many others, especially for scripted projects.

[AJ Aguirre]

Rode NTG-2 has been working great for me with either my ABox or RED XLR adaptor. ABox if I have two inputs, XLR Adaptor if I only have the shotgun. I mount the shotgun on the 1/4-20 hole on the RED Outrigger handle with a x hot shoe adaptor and a shock mount. It's been working well, but hopefully we'll be checking out (buying?) the Rode Video Mic HD with its integrated blimp and onboard recording at NAB. http://www.rodemic.com/vmhd

I have the NTG 2 also and am currently trying to get an audio feed into scarlet but I cannot. I have a XLR Adaptor but it is non red adaptor. Also has a fresh battery and works fine with my zoom. I feel like the problem lies somewhere within my settings. Any thoughts on what is going on?

[Michael Zeleny]

I have said many times, there are situations where camera-mounted mikes are warranted, especially in battle conditions, violent news situations, dangerous documentaries, B-roll situations with no dialog. But not many others, especially for scripted projects.

I've been following this thread for reasons of my own, which comport with at least three out of four listed above, wherefor I, too, would appreciate a plain-spoken response to the original question.

[Bob Gundu]

It's definitely the cable that's the problem. Which adapter are you using?

I have the NTG 2 also and am currently trying to get an audio feed into scarlet but I cannot. I have a XLR Adaptor but it is non red adaptor. Also has a fresh battery and works fine with my zoom. I feel like the problem lies somewhere within my settings. Any thoughts on what is going on?

[AJ Aguirre]

Not quite sure which cable, it was a rental. I have the red xlr adaptor on order and I'm confident it will work then.