--- Forwarded Message from Steven Doellefeld <[log in to unmask]> --- >From: Steven Doellefeld <[log in to unmask]> >To: "'Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum'" <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: RE: #7348 Video Production Light & Sound >Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 14:14:13 -0500 ------------------ David- I did sound support in the music industry for a few years before grad school. One of the things that I learned is that when it comes to microphones, there is a close correlation between quality and price - the more you spend, the better it will sound. Given that you are talking about $75 or so to buy a mic, I think you will be woefully disappointed with the results of anything you will find. You also need to consider the types of application you will use this for - for close up work you can use a dynamic mic, which will have a richer sound, but won't pick up distant voices. For further away (ie: the back of a lecture center, most work outside) you would need a cardiod condenser mic (often referred to as a "shotgun" mic). When I was selecting mics for our multimedia studios, we went with the Shure KSM57 - retail is around $550. It works ok, but there are still much better products out there that went beyond my budget allocation (Neumann is generally considered to be the top shelf brand). We played around with a few less expensive models, and were not at all happy with the results. The other thing to consider are the necessary accessories - you'll need a shock mount, stand or table stand, a power source (which can range widely in price), cabling, etc. You would also need to make or buy a custom cable to go from XLR to 1/8inch jack. It can get pretty pricey when you need to buy it all at once. One option that might work for you would be to purchase a higher end model used, from a local music store - I'd stay away from ebay for this type of stuff - it's very sensitive to being dropped, abused, etc. Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss this in greater detail. Cheers, Steven **************************************************************** Steven Doellefeld, Ph.D. Assistant Director Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning University at Albany 1400 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12203 (518) 437-3915 -----Original Message----- From: LLTI-Editor [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, November 21, 2003 1:54 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: #7348 Video Production Light & Sound --- Forwarded Message from "David Flores" <[log in to unmask]> --- >Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 14:38:35 -0500 >From: "David Flores" <[log in to unmask]> >To: <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Video Production Light & Sound Wow, running a Lanugage Learning Center does seem to make one a "Jack of all trades" deosn't it? One of our professors here has decided that she's unhappy with the quality of the videos that her students are producing in our Video Studia and wants to upgrade the lighting and sound. Given my limited budget (I'm hoping to get it all in for under $300.00) I've settled on the Smith-Victor KT900 light kit ($225 at B&H photo) which should allow for basic 3-point lighting (Key, Fill, Background). Now I'm looking at my sound options. Anyone got any suggestions for external micing solutions (for a DV camera with a standard 1/8" audio input) that would be relatively inexpensive and versatile? -Dave David Flores Director: Language Learning Center Loyola College in Maryland 4501 North Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21210 Ph: (410) 617-5230 Fax: (410) 617 2859