DUAL SOUND
Just because you might not own one of the latest dual-input systems, doesn’t mean you can’t wirelessly record two talking heads at once, as professional filmmakers have been doing exactly this for years. And this waywill often give more flexibility and ultimate control. Of course, you will need two trustywireless systems which you can save to separate channels on a recorder, then mix in post. Or, alternatively, some way of combining the two input signals before they are stored in the camera or recording device. One way to do this is with an accessory like the Beachtek DXA-Micro Pro+, which connects anymic to any camera. It’s especially useful for mirrorless and DSLRs that don’t have XLR inputs or adjustable, multi-channel audio. For just £264/$229, it allows you to connect wireless systems, camera-mounted mics, and handheld or boom XLR mics to a camera. It features a built-in XLR connector with 48V phantom power for pro XLR mics, and one 3.5mm stereo and two 3.5mmmono mini-jacks with plug-in power, ideal for DSLR-specific mics. The DXA-Micro Pro+ has a built-in battery that works for up to ten hours, plus micro USB jack for charging or externally powering the adapter. There’s a removable cheese plate to accept various accessories, and Beachtek offers an optional baseplate for use on a rod-based rig. With different input options, one mic may be plugged into one input and a second – a wireless system, for example - into another. Two distinct channels can be recorded, with each adjusted separately using knobs on the unit’s back. Level indicator lights notify you about any peaking, too. If you use a mic recording to both channels, one can be set as a safety channel at a lower gain level, in case of sudden loud noise. A big bonus is Beachtek’s powerful, low- noise pre-amps, which have dual gain settings. They are leagues better than the in-camera ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO RECORD TWO SOURCES
amps. Drop the in-camera gain very low, to reduce hiss and give a far cleaner signal. For pro quality, Sennheiser’s range of wireless systems is one of the biggest: from small and compact, to fully featured for the biggest projects. The XSWireless Digital series is affordable, yet offers top-quality audio in a plug- and-play kit. The £249/$269 XSW-D ENG set has small, cylindrical wireless and transmitter packs. Just plug your mic into the stereo input jack on the transmitter. The receiver comes with a clip-on hotshoe mount that sits on a camera, plugging into the mic socket with the coiled lead. They automatically link, and you’re ready to record. Its range is 75m/250ft in ideal conditions. Even more affordable is the Saramonic SR- WM4C wireless kit, at around £99/$93, which has a lavalier mic and transmitter unit that sends its signal up to 60m/197ft. Amore advanced type is the £395/$449 Audio-Technica ATW-1701/P1. This has a cardioid condenser lavmic and compact receiver. It can control audio levels and there is an independent volume control and headphone jack. The Sennheiser Memory Mic is a very different option, at £179/$200. This clip-on box can fit to a lapel or pocket, and features an omnidirectional mic. The unit communicates with a smartphone via Bluetooth, but can internally store up to four hours of audio. When paired with the phone, the Memory Mic downloads its high-quality audio. This can easily be combined with video footage in post.
“For pro quality, Sennheiser’s range of wireless systems is one of the biggest: from small and compact, to fully featured”
ALTERNATIVE AUDIO The Beachtek mixer (top) lets you combine any wireless audio systems, such as the Sennheiser XS kit (below); the Memory Mic (above) offers a very different, app-based solution
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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