As most videographers learn quickly enough, on board camcorder microphones are very limited in terms of their audio quality and capabilities. There is no single microphone that is perfect for all occasions, yet getting good audio is crucial to any video production. Most viewers can tolerate less than stellar visuals, however tolerance for poor audio is slight.

The best way to get good sound is to get the microphone as close to the talent as possible. I recall many times watching old movies and seeing the boom microphone drop momentarily into the frame or see the shadow on the opposite wall. Guess the editors didn't catch quite all the gaffs or hoped no one would notice. Actually, this doesn't happen all that often on shoots and if it does, 'take 32'. The use of boom mics is very common on sets and is one great way to achieve the goal of audio closeness and directionality. However, not everyone can be sure of having someone who knows how to hold and position his or her boom microphones and its use is not always feasible or appropriate. This is where the use of a good lavaliere microphone enters the picture.

We've all watched newscasters on television, viewed various stars being interviewed for their thoughts and opinions and have seen numerous reality shows. We've also all noticed the little lavaliere microphone pinned to their collars, blouses and wherever is most convenient and inconspicuous. Wireless microphones have been around for a very long time, however, what used to look like Castro's Cuban cigars have, today, been so greatly reduced in size that they have become relatively easy to hide on your talent.  read more...