Omni versus cardioid handheld mic for reporting?

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Omni versus cardioid handheld mic for reporting? was created by Fred Ginsburg

:dry: I teach a class in video production and am thinking about purchasing some handheld mics for the reporters. Do you recommend omni mics, such as the ElectroVoice RE50 or Audio Technica AT8004, or directional (cardioid) mics?

Stand up interviews....
if there are two or more bodies involved (reporter and subject) sharing the same mic (passing it back and forth), then stick to the omni pattern. That way, if the reporter fails to angle the mic correctly, it does not matter. A directional mic gives you more reach and less background noise, but has to be aimed correctly at the mouth. An omni is totally forgiving about the angle, just so long as you move it slightly closer to the subject.

Generally, I prefer cardioid for single person on camera or narration and voice-over, since it is more selective.

But for multiple bodies, the omni is much safer.
12 years 6 months ago #24

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