AUDIO SPECIAL
DUAL WIRELESS SYSTEM: HOLLYLAND LARK M1
technology and has a 200m/650ft line-of-sight range. Each transmitter includes an omnidirectional microphone that can record 48kHz/16-bit sound. Noise cancellation filters ambient sounds, but can be turned off. The M1 has no 3.5mm input, so there’s no way to use a wired lav mic – for that you need more expensive kit. hollyland-tech.com
For recording two interviewees, you need a dual-channel recorder such as Hollyland’s Lark M1. It’s easy to use, compact and costs £90/$99, undercutting most rivals. This wireless lavalier mic system has a tiny body and charging case which takes 90 minutes to charge, with an eight-hour runtime. The Lark employs Hollyland’s Hearclear noise cancellation
XLR MIC: RODE NTG5
Rode’s NTG5 is relatively short compared to its rivals, but don’t think you’re compromising on sound quality. This lightweight XLR shotgun has circular acoustic ports instead of slots, so it can be shorter than its rivals. Yet it’s ideal for getting rid of background noise, giving a very natural sound. For £459/$499, it comes in a kit with a pistol grip shock mount, mic clip, cable and everything needed on an XLR mount, camera or boom. It has a standard foam windshield and Rode’s pro- level WS10 furry windshield, which is a perfect fit and does a much better job of reducing wind noise than a generic furry cover. It’s specifically designed for the NTG5 with top-quality open-cell foam covered with synthetic fur. rode.com
WIND PROTECTION: RYCOTE SOFTIES
Lots of mics come with foam windshields and a dead cat muff to cut down wind noise. Rycote offers all sorts, with speciality mic covers that use high-tech fabrics and construction technology. Standard furry covers will stretch over the mic, but two better options are Rycote’s Classic Softie and Short Fur Softie windshields. Available in different sizes and typically costing around £78/$89, both have synthetic fur covers on acoustic foam, cutting up to 25dB without cutting high-frequency audio. rycote.com
LAV MIC: SHURE UNIPLEX
Many filmmakers use the lav mic that came bundled with their wireless kit. By investing in a professional-quality lav, you can get even better audio and potentially something more discreet. Shure’s Uniplex is a tiny, 5mm sub-miniature cardioid lav mic for vocal use. The mic comes in four colours and three connector types to fit most transmitters, and uses a 1.6mm Shure cable to ensure long-lasting durability and comfort for the wearer. The cable was developed over four years and is built to eliminate kinks or memory effects, and can be painted for disguise on the wearer. Each mic comes with a case, snap-fit windscreen and tie clip, with a choice of TA4F, Shure Lemo and XLR fittings equipped with an RPM400TQG preamplifier. It will cost £322/$319. shure.com
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