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Boundary Microphones

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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
Anyone have any experience using boundary microphones to record audio? I've been looking into getting one of these pieces, think it could have some really sick applications with recording jib stuff. It seems like that is what they use at the x-games to record the box/rail noises.
Sep 26 2010 9:39PM
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1337
Posts: 31061 - Karma: 29,362
I've only heard a little bit on these, have a wiki page or more info? I'd love to learn more about them because they seem useful
Sep 26 2010 9:49PM
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
The wiki page info on boundary mic's is less than informational as far as their actual application. I learned about them in school a fair amount though. When I was shooting at X-Games last year they appeared to have a variety of different boundary mic's fastened to the various jib features around the course (such as the hitching post, canon box, rainbox rail, etc....). When you watch the X-games coverage obviously these features have exceptional audio. Between jumps they have people that use shotgun mics to follow action (starting at the landing, to the next take off zone).
Sep 26 2010 9:55PM
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1337
Posts: 31061 - Karma: 29,362
ahh, so basically a wireless lav-type mic attached to certain features. If you had a larger shot where you'd be shooting all day those would be great to have, or a baller shotgun mic positioned right onto it. I did notice the awesome audio during xgames, that makes the most sense. What were you thinking of using them for, anything specific?
Sep 26 2010 10:00PM
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
Similar. From my understanding, boundary mic's have a bit of a different pickup pattern than a traditional lav.

Any urban feature really, shoot w/boundary mic on one channel, shotgun on the other (maybe even have a lav on-rider for a third channel if you have an audio mixer). Some interesting effects could be achieved by panning between the boundary and shotgun. Could be a logistical nightmare at first but not too bad once you got it figured out.
Sep 26 2010 10:11PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8864 - Karma: 31,612
that sounds pretty cool

my threads for more info
Sep 26 2010 10:11PM
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1337
Posts: 31061 - Karma: 29,362
I'd think it would be better to mix in post versus in field if you were trying to do all three only to make sure you had a good balance, but I would love the outcome of that regardless. A sound friendly edit would be really cool to have, no music, just the sound of skis on rails and pavement!
Sep 26 2010 10:16PM
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Blandct
Posts: 1858 - Karma: 37
Most of them have cardioid polar patterns. I have seem them used on a podiums before but that is about it.
Sep 26 2010 10:28PM
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
What I'm saying is that, my camera only has 2 xlr inputs, an audio mixer would be necessary to record more than 2 channels unless you were recording with a multi-track system.
Sep 26 2010 10:38PM
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1337
Posts: 31061 - Karma: 29,362
yea, if you have the option try to record multi track or get a zoom h4n for track 3, and then balance all the levels in post to maximize the right balance of sounds. I feel like in the field it would be hard to get it right if you were using a mixer, and those blend everything into a single track
Sep 26 2010 10:48PM
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
ah yea, recording the third track externally would really be the best bet. Kinda just threw that part in at the end without thinking about it much.
Sep 26 2010 10:55PM
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