KXAN Reporter Robert MaxwellHi!
NEWS 1. Are there different microphones that are better for different jobs? If so, what are they, and why are they better for those jobs? At KXAN, we use a few different types of microphones depending on where we are recording our audio for our news stories. In the field away from the TV station, mostly outside where it can be windy or noisy, we can use a hand held microphone which is connected by a cable to the photographer’s camera. See the photo of our anchor Robert Hadlock and political reporter Josh Hinkle. Mr. Hadlock is holding a KXAN microphone with a big ‘wind sock’ on it.
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Sometimes, in a quieter setting we will use a much smaller ‘Lavalier’ microphone which we pin to the collar of the person we are interviewing. It is less visible. See the photo of our photographer/ cameraman Chris setting up an interview – Notice the tiny black ‘bug’ microphone clipped to the lady’s shirt collar.
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2. What's your favorite type of microphone, and why?
I like a third kind of microphone called a shotgun microphone which is attached to the photographer’s camera. It is very sensitive and picks up audio from the environment we are in, for example kids playing in a playground. (See the fourth photo of that!)
I like a third kind of microphone called a shotgun microphone which is attached to the photographer’s camera. It is very sensitive and picks up audio from the environment we are in, for example kids playing in a playground. (See the fourth photo of that!)
3. Are there any rules for using microphones well?
It sounds obvious but make sure the microphone is plugged in or turned on – some also use batteries. Also, make sure nothing is rubbing on the microphone such as clothing which will interfere with so-called ‘clean’ audio.
4. Has there ever been a time when a microphone hasn't worked for you? If so, what happened?
I can think of one time where a microphone cable was so worn out from being used often, the audio kept cutting in and out which ruined our interview! The solution was to replace the old cable and make sure it was discarded so no one else used it.
It sounds obvious but make sure the microphone is plugged in or turned on – some also use batteries. Also, make sure nothing is rubbing on the microphone such as clothing which will interfere with so-called ‘clean’ audio.
4. Has there ever been a time when a microphone hasn't worked for you? If so, what happened?
I can think of one time where a microphone cable was so worn out from being used often, the audio kept cutting in and out which ruined our interview! The solution was to replace the old cable and make sure it was discarded so no one else used it.