Tech-Setup

[lickthestar]

Hey,

I'm working on the concept to get some funding for my documentary, which deals with the city I live in.
Was thinking about a little setup, which can also be used on the run.

Canon XM2
(+ tripod, bag, etc)

Zoom H4n

(I would prefer the zoom r-16, but recording quality is only 44.1khz)

Beyerdynamic MC86 S II Cam

3-4 clip on microphones


I would use the H4n as a recording device.
If any of you could suggest a suitable portable mixer, that would be quite nice.

for these things and the little things you would need in a setup like that, on the condition that i buy some used stuff, I calculated about 5000$ Maximum.

do you think it's a reasonable setup?
What else should I consider?

 

[Alcove Audio]

Rather than purchasing the audio gear you should rent; in fact, hiring a production sound mixer would be your best bet.

You also have to consider whether you will be doing lots of run and gun. It may be better to use a camera with adequate audio implementation and recording the audio direct to camera ENG style. Then you would not need the audio recorder.

If you insist on purchasing... Instead of the Beyer shotgun you should consider the Rode NTG-3; a little more expensive but a much nicer sounding mic. You should also think about a cardioid for indoors; the Audio Technica AT4053b is a popular low/mid budget choice.

For the lavs... are you doing sit down interviews, and do you care if they will be seen? That will have a very large influence on your choices. If you're doing sit-downs the lavs can be hard-wired, saving you a lot on wireless systems. If the lavs can be seen that provides you with quite a few nice choices.

I know that everyone is hot on the H4n and the DR-100, but more and more issue are creeping into the light; problems with power - the batteries drain very quickly when supplying phantom power, and even mildly drained batteries show the unit recording and audio is heard in the headphones yet nothing is recorded to the card. Problems with file transfers (corrupted data). The list goes on. Since you are considering adding a mixer to the package anyway I would seriously consider the Edirol R-44. It's less than US$1,000, records four discreet channels and has real physical knobs for quick adjustments. The four discreet channels will allow for three lavs and a boomed mic.

You'll also need cases, cables, data cards, power adapters/chargers, a boom pole, a shock mount and wind protection.

 

[directorik]

It seems like a reasonable set up to me.

You might want to drop two of the four wireless mic's - unless
you know you will be interviewing four people at a time often
it seems like overkill to me.

You might also consider a few lights for when you aren't on the
run. Lighting an interview will make it look more professional.

Other than that you have an fine set up.