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The 5 microphone pickup patterns every video producer should know
The 5 microphone pickup patterns every video producer should know
Let’s face it – a film is only as good as its audio. Although it may be easy to be captivated by the visual aspect of a film, quality audio needs to be high on the creators’ priority list. Substandard audio will quickly distract and turn off an audience, so it’s extremely important to choose the right mic for the job at hand. Let’s take a look at 5 microphone pickup patterns every video producer should know about.
1. Omnidirectional
This pickup pattern makes it possible to “pickup” sounds from every direction. With omni microphones, regardless of how you rotate or twist them, it’ll all still sound the same. While, omnidirectional microphones can also in theory deliver a more natural sound, they do pick up everything, necessary and not, their use is typically limited to specific scenarios
2. Bidirectional
The bidirectional pickup pattern has a transparent natural sound, comparable to that of the omnidirectional pickup pattern, however, it’s only sensitive to the sounds that come from the front and rear ends of the mic. The sounds from the sides are rejected. Another primary difference from others is that the bidirectional pickup pattern offers the strongest proximity effect. Almost all the ribbon microphones use this pattern, which is also prevalent with high end condensers as well.
3. Unidirectional
The majority of shotgun microphones are highly directional and only records audio in the direction its barrel is pointed in. They’re usually attached to extended boom poles, then held above the head of the individual, outside of the visible area of the frame. The narrow, long, pickup pattern of the unidirectional makes them the microphone of choice for producers making shows and films that are built around actors giving dialogue. Unis offer excellent range and rejects unwanted ambient audio too.
4. Cardioid
Cardioid microphones have a pickup pattern that’s heart shaped and they pick up the majority of the audio from the front side, within a degree range. Cardioid mics are typically utilized for studio recordings and provide good sound quality. They also benefit from the noise cancellation, making them an invaluable recording device.
5. Lobar/Super Cardioid
The lobar pattern provides the narrowest picking angle. With this angle, the pattern can be twisted further, picking up a small amount of sounds emanating from the sides. The majority of shotgun microphones have the lobar pickup pattern, especially longer shotguns, however the pattern can still vary significantly. From a technical perspective, lobar pickup patterns can also be labeled as other varieties, including hyper-cardioid and super-cardioid, but in the end, what matters most is the microphones unique polar diagram.
If you take the time to understand the varying attributes of the 5 microphone pickup patterns mentioned here, you won’t have any trouble choosing the right model for your specific needs.
The boom mic, or shotgun mic is the most popular with filmmaking. It captures an excellent sound quality avoiding the annoying background noise. It is your best option for really professional sound.
5 Editors that Broke the Hollywood Studio System
In the late 1960s, the United States’ Hollywood studio system found itself in a transitional period. The younger generation began to make a significant connection to music, film and art. This connection led to the growth of young, innovative filmmakers that were different than any that came before them. Talented filmmakers/directors like Lucas, Spielberg and Scorsese grew up watching movies and were so passionate about the industry that they diligently studied them. By the time the 70’s hit, these young directors were smashing box office records due in part to the help of incredible editors.
The following 5 editors transformed the film industry and help turn a new generation of inspired young filmmakers into household names.
Anne Coates
Anne Coates started to fulfill her dream of being a film editor with the Religious Film Company that in time led to a position at Pinewood, on the cutting room floor, where J. Arthur Rank, her Uncle, was a founding member. She worked on several projects prior to attaining her first screen credit for « The Pickwick Papers ». In 1962, Anne worked with director David Lean, editing the legendary film Lawrence of Arabia, a life changing opportunity. In 2015 Anne edited popular « Fifty Shades of Grey » which has been nominated for 5 Oscars.
Thelma Schoonmaker
Thelma began her career in the biz at the New York Times as an assistant film editor. While taking a film editing course she met a young Martin Scorsese and went on to edit Scorsese’s first feature film in 1967, « Who’s That Knocking at My Door ». In 1980, Scorsese had her edit his film « Raging Bull ». Schoonmaker went on to earn 7 Academy Award nominations for « Best Film Editing » for Gangs of New York.
Dede Allen
Dede Allen began her career in the film industry at Columbia Pictures during the 1940s, starting out as a production runner. One of her first assignments as an editor was the 1959 film « Odds Against Tomorrow ». In 1967, Dede Allen became the first film editor to receive a solitary opening credit on the film “Bonnie and Clyde”. Additional films Allen worked on include « The Breakfast Club » and the « Addams Family » in 1991. It is said that Dede’s work broken from traditional Hollywood editing practices.
Verna Fields
Photo credit: cherrycadaver.wordpress.com
In 1968, Verna Fields made her directorial debut with « Journey to the Pacific » the documentary, hiring two editors to help her with it, George Lucas and Marcia Griffin (who later married). Verna also worked with Peter Bogdanovich, editing his films « Paper Moon » and « What’s Up, Doc?”. George Lucas had Verna Fields and Marcia edit his film American Graffiti. Later Fields edited for Steven Spielberg’s films « The Sugarland Express and later, « Jaws », for which she won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing.
Marcia Lucas
Photo credit: denofgeek.us
Marcia worked as an assistant editor on « The Candidate » and « THX 1138 » and worked with Verna Fields on American Graffiti, which earned her first Oscar nomination. In the 1970s, Lucas edited « Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore » and worked as Scorsese’s supervisory editor for « New York, New York » and Taxi Driver. In 1977, the world was introduced to what became legendary, « Star Wars », directed by George Lucas. Marcia edited the film and even helped rewrite it and also edited several additional films in the Star Wars saga.
5 Editors that Broke the Hollywood Studio System
These remarkably talents women were the editors of the « New Hollywood », paving the way for today’s talents and turning a new era of young filmmakers into world renown household names.
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The 5 Best Cameras of 2016
The 5 Best Cameras of 2016
What new photo/video equipment can we expect to see in the months ahead? With the 2015 release of outstanding cameras like the Canon C300 MkII and Sony a7SII , the bar has been set high again for new, innovative options. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or investing in a camera for the first time, you’ll definitely have some great ones to choose from this year.
Whet your appetite with this roundup of the juiciest camera rumors of 2016.
1. Canon EOS Cameras
These cameras have a pixel count that easily equals medium format cameras yet has a body that’s conveniently portable, with their 5DS model pushing the “performance to size” proportions which is why it was so popular. The EOS 5DS was designed to use in scenarios where detail is critical, including landscape shots, commercial photography, fashion photography and more. There are also several new Canon EOS cameras expected out in 2016.
2. GoPro
While the GoPro Hero4 Black is a tough act to follow, the increasing competition from competing action cam manufacturers is bound to inspire GoPro into introducing the Hero5. It’s also expected that they’ll take another step forward with video processing power. GoPro has revealed its Karma drone, sparking new rumors of a possible GoPro Hero 5.
3. Sony A6100
Sony’s A6100 camera has confirmed that it will be shipping out in March this year, featuring an impressive 36 megapixel sensor. New speculation also suggests that the Sony a7000 or a6100 or will also feature a new 4D focus, along with additional features that include 4K video recording.
4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 Successor
When it comes to compact cameras, the Lumix DMC-LX100 really stands out. The Panasonic LX100 produces excellent video and photo quality, includes a fantastic set of features, as well as top notch performance. The good news is that a successor to the LX100 is expected out this fall.
5. Nikon D5 DSLR
Without a doubt, the biggest news when it comes to the best cameras of 2016 is Nikon’s new DSLR. It features a new 20.8, megapixel sensor, a completely redesigned AF system along with 12 fps shooting, 153 AF points 0 99 that are cross typed, an impressive new touchscreen display and dual CF and XQD selections. This DSLR monster is just a few months away from being released.
Contrary to what you’ll hear some smartphone users say, digital cameras are far from obsolete. Even with the rapid innovation in smartphone cameras, there really isn’t any comparison. Even better, quality camera manufacturers have taken nor and continue to evolve their own technology, so not only image quality but the cameras themselves never have looked better than they do today. Sensor size and megapixels continue to increase and camera bodies continue to get sleeker, all while adding more manual controls and easier learner curves. We can’t wait to see what’s coming next in the digital camera world.