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How to Mic Two People for Video Interview?

by lerxtjr
5 replies
I have a Kodak Zi8 which works great for my small timer video efforts because it has a nice mic jack that allows me to use a wireless mic.

But, how do I wear my mic and then have a second mic to interview someone and get both audios into the one mic jack on the camera?

Is there some kind of hardware to buy for this? Thanks in advance.
#interview #mic #people #video
  • Profile picture of the author LiamElliott
    Yes, buy two good condenser microphones, stands and shock mounts for each. I recommend the Audio Technica at2020 for beginners, but make sure you get the studio version and not the usb version. Next, you'll need a usb or firewire mixing board with 48 volt phantom power, the focusrite saffire 6 usb is a good choice. It would also be wise of you to purchase a pop filter to protect against p's t's and other consonants.

    Keep in mind that this equipment is entry level semi-pro equipment. It will give you professional sounding results but you will need to dole out a bit of cash first. This is without a doubt one of the cheapest way to go if in fact you do want professional sounding results.

    PM me if you want some more recommendations, I've been doing lots of research on audio equipment lately.

    Good Luck
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    • Profile picture of the author donhx
      Originally Posted by LiamElliott View Post

      Yes, buy two good condenser microphones, stands and shock mounts for each. I recommend the Audio Technica at2020 for beginners, but make sure you get the studio version and not the usb version. Next, you'll need a usb or firewire mixing board with 48 volt phantom power, the focusrite saffire 6 usb is a good choice. It would also be wise of you to purchase a pop filter to protect against p's t's and other consonants.

      Keep in mind that this equipment is entry level semi-pro equipment. It will give you professional sounding results but you will need to dole out a bit of cash first. This is without a doubt one of the cheapest way to go if in fact you do want professional sounding results.

      PM me if you want some more recommendations, I've been doing lots of research on audio equipment lately.

      Good Luck

      What??? The OP is using a Kodak Zi8. Personally, I'd never dream of going to this kind of expense to use with a Zi8.

      Here is the cheap way to get good quality sound for less than $100. Go buy an easy to use Olympus digital recorder ($60 max). Then, go to Radio Shack and purchase a wire lapel mic set-up ($20). Attach the mic in the usual way, then put the recorder in the persons pocket or otherwise hide it and the wire.

      In video editing, just put both tracks up, and cut accordingly. You need to synchronize your sound to the picture, and that's what a Clapper is for. You don't need a regular Clapper however, just clap your hands on screen at the beginning of each scene as you video it and you'll find that you'll be able to match up audio and video just fine.

      I used to use this trick a lot when I was doing video documentaries overseas where wireless equipment wasn't allowed because of the frequency. But it is not that much of a trick. Big feature film cameras don't record sound--it is done independently as I have described, except with far more expensive equipment.

      You'll be amazed at how good the quality will be for such a low price. The quality is ideal for the web and most other normal kinds of video.
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  • Profile picture of the author lerxtjr
    These are actually both possible avenues for me. The condenser mic option will be a better fit for being indoors in someone's office or a conference room or something like that. The recording-audio-separate would be a great fit for recording outside or places where one needs a really quick setup. I'll consider both, and have some pieces and parts to make both happen if I just buy a little more. Thanks guys.
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  • Profile picture of the author Henry White
    Can't you use a 2:1 adaptor to feed the two wireless mics into one channel? Or there too much of a problem with signal loss or balancing the volume?
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    • Profile picture of the author Kevin AKA Hubcap
      Let me piggyback on Don's idea. I'm assuming you want portability. You owe it to yourself to check out the Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder on Amazon. It will give you great sound and can be had for under $150 at Amazon.

      If you need something a bit more robust you can upgrade to the Zoom H4.

      Your using a Zi8. If you decide to upgrade to a DSLR such as the Canon T2i the Zoom can go with you. Most DSLR cameras have lousy audio. Mics like the Zoom (and Edirols) are used extensively to bring in quality audio to these solutions.

      Check 'em out.

      I'm sure the Zoom(s) can fulfill your needs.
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