how to mic someone like a pro

[@who2999]

As someone who went to film school and learned how to properly lav people some 20 years ago but who works at a news station and has to mic people twenty times a day I can't tell you how much I both love and hate this. Because yes, you're right this is exactly the right way to do thing, but in practice it's almost never going to happen, half the time it's a struggle to get people to understand why I need to clip a mic to their shirt or get them to carry the pack in their pocket, let alone to get them to tape something to their chest/under their clothing. I've tried to explain it about a million times, but typically the cost of getting it there is losing the comfort/space/time you need your subject to have to tell the story. In a situation where you'll be working with someone over an extended period of time, what you're saying makes total sense and is completely right, but when you're meeting someone for the first time about thirty second before and interview where you're lucky if you've got five minutes of your time and patience, it just doesn't happen.

[@robinprobyn1971]

Yeah right , and on corporate shoots , you try asking the boss of some bank , to unbutton their shirt and you're going to stick this thing on their skin , ain't ever going to happen . The skin thing can work on some doc,s and shooting with the bros , but corp work , thats a no .

[@rsmith02]

If you are doing news why would you hide a mic?

[@petercofrancesco9812]

I agree 100%. I've done ballet interview you're not putting a lav on female dancer wearing skin tight leotard. I've done audience reactions in the lobby again you're not going under the shirt. Education docs with kids, etc. more often than not it isn't feasible. It's still good to know how when you do need to hide it. I do think it's good to invest in a small capsule mic, they can be hide easier under cloth and when they're on the outside they're not distracting.

[@pedroz3891]

Yeah, true. Sometimes I just throw a mic wherever I can clip it just before they start talking and that's the only chance I'll get. Then It's always "good enough" cenario. But also I'm trying to get out of this comfort zone when I have time, and make an extra effort to have better sound, so great tips, thanks!

[@hwcentertainment]

Absoluetly correct. Imagine telling a well-dressed female guest if she can allow you clip lav on her chest, absolutely inappropriate and "pervy"

[@johnrohdejensen1218]

Finally someone who puts the LAV in the right spot. Just below the bump on the sternum. It's my go-to trick for good audio when filming. It's also why I hate subjects in t-shirts with a passion and have bought vampire tabs for my lavs.

[@sushi_donut]

Can people start posting how to properly EQ lavs please? Placement first, sure, but they always sound so mehhhhh out the gate 😭😭🎤

[@danielvidalesyt]

That’s what I need! Someone helps us haha

[@PeterDiBussolo]

Yes to this

[@bohusdavid6707]

Agree

[@davidsklubal]

Most lavs are quite flat so do a wide ice cream Scoop 500hz by 3-6 db depending on how much bass is coming from your subject, then do a wide ice cream scoop 1k-1800k again depending on how much bass is coming from your subject, then boost your high end 18k-20k 1-3 db, but use a de-esser to reduce shrill high end and unwanted sibilance. Then boost 100hz by 1-3 db but cut anything under 50hz cause that will be just rumble. Hope the helps!

[@PeterDiBussolo]

@@davidsklubal I want ice cream now

[@quantumimagesQC]

Don't cheap out on your mic! Few years ago I decided to get the Sennheiser MKH50 P48 mic. Best. Move. Ever. No more room sound, no more hissing or humming noise, just pure high quality audio 🎤

[@markbone]

💯

[@xlrsecurity]

Brooooo, I just tested the Countryman B3 lav mic in the chest position like you said. What a game changer - it makes a huge difference to the tone of my voice compared with the collar position. Thank you!

[@benjamin.kelley]

Sanken Cos11D with bubblebee mic concealers mounted to a subject's chest is ideal. The neck area is a dead zone. As primarily a wedding filmmaker, I do this mic technique EVERY TIME I mic someone.

[@Xboxers]

Wondering will using such a mic make sense on the Sony / DJI / Rode wireless transmitters? I'm very curious :)

[@markbone]

Yes! It will work great. You just have to make sure to buy the proper connector on the Cos-11 for correct mic pack.

[@cinemabryce]

Congrats on 300k subs Mark! Well deserved. Thank you for all the helpful information throughout the years.

[@joeumali7375]

i've been rockin the 416 for over 10 years now and will continue to do so for another x number of years

[@kevincencio]

This is gold, I've always thought that the way people use the wireless mic packs was weird. This confirms.

[@YoungBlaze]

my issue is that i buy all these 32bit float recording systems, but the real issue is that the actual LAV at the capsule distorts, so a lot of lavs cant handle high yelling etc, so when i try to recover the distorted vocal, its burned into the lav,

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Short and to the point!!! I feel like I’ll watch this over and over

[@ChrisPalmerAviator]

Been doing videos of many years and had no idea this was the proper way to do lav mics. Quick question, could I replace the mic itself, but still use my Rode Wireless Go II as the Tx/Rx?

[@timothychepurny]

Yes you can

[@GeorgeHolden]

Maaaaaan, most helpful reminder I've had on lav placement, been too fooled by the convenience of the internal DJI mics

[@BelindaFarage]

Always always ALWAYS love your tips on audio. Absolutely the best advice whether you're on set or on location. Chef's kiss. 🎙🎤

[@nickgoogle4525]

Great video and examples! But why a shotgun (indoors)? A cardoid will not get reflections from the back and you can get it a bit closer to the person, because there is no (long!) interference tube. Am I missing something? I use an Austrian Audio CC8 single or as a pair for almost everything (voice, guitar, singing, ambient, stereo recording ...) and am very happy with it. Does also not cost an arm and a leg.

[@le_tang]

Super helpful, thanks Mark! This video came just in time for me to film the a-roll for my chef short film this Saturday. Can you do a tutorial on how to adjust all the audio levels in Premiere Pro? After I export my videos and upload to KZbin, the soundtrack is always way quieter than I intended while editing :/

[@JakubChlouba]

Always great to get reminded of audio basics!! I started using Reycotes last year and loving them. Also my Rode Wireless Pro mics got stolen yesterday so time to get something better😂😂😂

[@Milan-cf1xe]

Which better mic did you get?

[@JakubChlouba]

@@Milan-cf1xe so far I haven't got a new one but I managed to get my Rode Wireless Pro stolen :D:D

[@Milan-cf1xe]

@@JakubChlouba but the Rode Wireless Pro is decent? I just bought it for one man band docs and videos

[@NickMirro]

Such a great topic! I personally prefer the sound of either a boom or headset mic. Not too crazy about the boomi chest sound of a lav, but no getting around it. For lavs, precut moleskin is my old reliable. One trick to make it comfortable is have the person who the talent is with put it on for them. Very easy to point to the spot on the chest and say angle it toward the mouth. They're always happy to help and everyone's comfortable 😁

[@MaineMountainMedia]

All great info, nice one Mark. Can't have too many reminders to pay attention to audio. Also, the Goldeneye menu song will never get old! 🎵🎤

[@WhySteve]

🎤 I agree with the placement and levels. Geat vid! Personally I feel like on KZbin we push up the volume too much in post. From -12dB it ends up being -2dB and that's LOUD 😂. Lately I've been keeping my dialogue around -10 and I'm loving it! But again, my older videos are TOO LOUD😅

[@XVIIsionsProductions]

I started aiming for the KZbin audio requirements -14 lufs with a -2 ceiling and I feel like the audio is at a great loudness now even for insta and facebook (I think theirs are the same or pretty close to -14 lufs)

[@WhySteve]

Yeah, that's a great spot to be in. Sometimes I click on my old YT vids and almost get a heart attack when my dialogue is at 0dB 😅

[@BrandonGoodyear]

Just bought 4 Cos 11’s for a presidential campaign I’m working on. Also a huge fan of the DPA 4060’s now.

[@juliancolavito5887]

Nice! I see there are many versions of this mic on B&H. Which one do you recommend? Its just diff connectors correct?

[@djangokroon6108]

🎤 I must say, normally when an average content creator puts up a video about audio my inner nerd feels violated but this video is perfect! You are also not the average content creator of course. I studied Sound Design at filmschool more then 10 years ago (yes still paying that off and yes I am learning how to tell a story now in AOD) and been a sound recordist on set for as long and these tips are perfect for people that "have to deal" with audio. Very well done sir!

[@jennybarruol5814]

Hey! This is super useful! But could you do a video on how to set the levels and frequencies etc.. and how to monitor sound whilst self shooting? And speaking of, could you do a video on self-shooting all together? I struggle to get great sound and great cinematography whilst thinking about how to build a scene when I'm self shooting. Would be amazing to hear how you do it! Thankssss I love your channel!!!!

[@Hix-Design]

Curtis Judd has some really good audio info on his channel.

[@djsfilm]

Great video, learned so much from the AOD video and seeing this video on mic’ing, good refresher for sure. Also the Michael Scott that’s what she said kills me every time lol

[@Jason-mk3nn]

While I agree in much of what you are saying I think you missed the first step and that is listening to the talent. If someone is new to audio, don't be afraid to use a scope (AcoustiTools is a great and easy to use app). Everyone has a different voice. The voice characteristics can make a difference in the placement of the mic, whether it be in a lav, shotgun, headset or broadway placement. For those with accentuated upper tonal curves, it does make sense to use the chest. But, with those that are really deep voices that might not have good clarity or enunciation, the placement may need to be adjusted. It sounds like a simple step that might just be assumed, but it can make all the difference, as it has the greatest impact on the overall sound quality, regardless of mic type or brand. 🎤

[@ToldbyNick]

“Audio brings out……nerds.” 😂 had me dying

[@DrewProject]

Honestly, as a sound guy and boom operator, I tend to aim the boom at the talent’s forehead. There are literally two schools of thought on this, and both can sound good, but I prefer aiming at the forehead because I find it provides a more balanced sound. As for the 416, please get a 50 (or any other good hypercardioid) for interiors-shotguns don’t work well with reverberating ambience.

[@HealthyLensMedia]

Def learned a few things thanks!

Excellent advice, thank you!

[@moviesmadebymike]

I've been doing everything you did, except for 4:58 - what is the name of that little anti-rustle thing? I already own and use the rycote stickies all the time but I have had some shirt issues, so I'd love to try that out to make sure I don't get any future shirt rustle.

[@marsgizmo]

🎤great tips!

[@BobbyKanode]

This was great. Needed the hiding lavs help.

[@kylemcplaysgaming]

Thanks for the video Mark! Do you have any videos on exposing talking head/interviews?

[@miguelberns]

Super informative as always Mark 🎤

[@mellowmel2012]

Thanks, Mark!🎤🎬

[@flochfitness]

Would love to hear 1. The conversation you have when micing someone. It feels easier to just clip something to their neck and move on rather than wrestle under someone’s shirt, especially because of chest hair 2. Capturing audio on shotgun in the field. Thanks!!!

[@Shauny_D]

Just be confident and straight forward. “i’m going to put this mic right in the v of your shirt, tuck this cable in for me and pull it out at your hip. Now i’m going to pull your shirt out and tape it right here. ok great now turn your head and move a bit. Is is comfortable? Great!”

[@HeathClark]

Great advice Mark! 🎤

[@XVIIsionsProductions]

I absolutely hate when people use clip on trash mics, not only is it distracting but, yes it sounds like trash lol I don’t use special stickies but I literally just use cloth athletic tape and tape it to the persons chest under their shirt, 99% of the time the people tape it themselves, sometimes they ask me to do it. The tape holds it in place but, the tape also keeps the shirt from scratching against the mic, and it helps protect against the wind, and it sounds so much better.

[@ji.hime.69]

Point mic at the chest. Very useful, Thanks 👏👏

[@petercofrancesco9812]

One minor bone to pick with you. I have the Sony wireless lavs and the mics aren't that bad. Maybe when mounted under a shirt they might not have the highs of a COS-11d but they're not $500. Btw, equally important is the location, take an expensive mic and situate yourself in front computer desk, hard wood floors and untreated walls, that expensive mic won't sound too good. And yes this topic brings out the over opinionated audiophiles 😅

[@johnnyc62491]

some awesome haze in those dirtbike setups! whats your go to hazer?

[@joshwhitee]

I really want to get a set of those sony wireless lavs but i HATE that they have a different jack than sennheiser. just spent $1200 on COS-11s wired for sennheiser and then find Sony has their own proprietary locking collar 😭

[@markbone]

I agree this is SUPER annoying

[@lambertmaxime8500]

Hello Mark! Quick question: what do you do when people are wearing jumpers or jackets? If you leave them on their chest, I find that the sound is muffled.

[@chromaodyssey]

My question is, what lens do you use in your youtube vids cause it looks gorgeous. 24 or 35?

[@MrAlbertein]

🎤 🎙️ thanks Mark!

[@TimKour]

🎤 Well done! What level should you put on camera?

[@markbone]

-12

[@frodev728]

great video, and also great comment about Goldeneye! Could you do some more audio tips for youtubers and try to get more of them to watch/listen to your videos please! Some of the audio I’m hearing on otherwise great YT videos is really horrible.

[@TonyDonCraze]

God bless you for these hints

[@Mufasa_Shabazz]

Can you explain why you use these bulky Sony wireless transmitters oppose to the newer digital Rode or Dji made ones that have local recording on top of wireless transmission? Any particular reason?🎤

[@markbone]

They have two receivers built into one hotshoe adapter specifically designed to interface with Sony cameras so you can free up the XLR

[@Mufasa_Shabazz]

@@markbone Thanks, I thought maybe they were better. And thanks for the video. I needed this solution, whenever I tape under people's clothes I get a bunch of rustling.

[@darkerarts]

@@markbone What are you on about. The Rode receivers can be set up for two TX's by syncing them at the click of a button. It takes two seconds. I used to use the the Sony ones and the only plus is, they have a very slight advantage on distance.

[@neddanison9202]

Just a word about cheap lav mics and little clip on mic packs: much experience shows that the sound of the built-in mic on the mic pack (Rode Go-type) is way, way better than when you plug in a cheap, non-Sanken-level, lavalier. So carry on using the little clip on mic packs, everybody.

[@furqanpunjaniify]

I just bought rode go 2 today... Don't know if I should hate this video or accept my fault 😢

[@GregAsdourian]

Super helpful, thanks. 🎥🎤

[@jeremygouge]

🎙- great as always dude! Always happy for a refresher course on this.

[@flogdhooft]

THANK YOU

[@stephencorley]

Talk about nostalgia 🎵🎶 007 👏👏

[@stephencorley]

6:36

[@AndresArosemena]

Great tips! 🎤

[@ABugMansLife]

🎤 This is really well explained! Thank you so much!!

[@hopeforthefuturesg]

what do you think about the rode wireless go 2's? I bought them like a year ago as my 1st ever lav mics so I can't compare it to anything else as they are the only lavs I ever used. but in post I can get it to sound decent. but really wish I can try the ones you suggested. maybe ill invest soon

[@TheAFreeLife]

Thanks 🎤🎙️💪🏾

[@willemfendon2333]

Love this video!!! Great job on this!!!

[@beardedchristian]

Do these stickies that you are showing work with men with chest hair? This has to be over 80% if the men we will be interviewing and asking my talent/subject to go through such discomfort at the end of an interview for me to get better audio isn't feasible to me but would love to hear your experience on this? I have ALWAYS opted instead to stick the mic to the shirt and not on the skin - as much like some of the comments mentioned below, many of the subjects I have interviewed are just doing a favor, only met 30 seconds before doing the interview and it's my job to make the interview as seamless, comfortable and especially painless as possible. But maybe I am missing a trick here and I have been over thinking it.

[@yannispapanastasopoulos]

does anybody know where to find these lav mics in Europe? They seem to be available only in US.

[@markbone]

Does B&H ship internationally?

[@JaymieJones]

🎤Great vid, concise yet full of information, love it. Thanks.

[@andrewthomascliftonvisuals]

🎤 sounds great on the chest, thanks for this

[@DeadlySpoon12]

Are the rode wireless go mics really that bad? I’ve had them for a couple years now and I think they sound pretty good

[@joshwhitee]

not bad, but cos-11's are definitely a big step up in quality.

[@JamesClark1991]

No they're really not that bad. Don't believe everything you hear on KZbin. Just because someone has 300k subscribers doesn't mean they know everything.

[@CaseyPalmer]

🎤 Live in the east end and looking forward to checking Trew Audio out! Thanks, Mark!

[@ericnov]

🎙 nice one Mark, short and sweet!

[@UNCP]

So good.

[@sKorpGionTV]

Thanks a lot mate

[@markbone]

Most welcome e

[@layed_black]

Thanks for sharing videos like this! Keep on 🙏

[@abhranilchoudhury]

hey mark can you suggest me some good books to learn cinematography ? i have already read 5 c's of cinematography by joseph v. mascelli .

[@linda_lawson]

Spot on, Mark! TY 🎤

[@kereyvproductions5521]

In a pinch- I’ve had to always prioritize good audio over good imagery, even though it’s not ideal. But hey, if our voice sounds buttery enough to speak to your soul, I think that’s a start. 😂

[@TheOtherNolan]

🎤🎙️great video! We out here!

[@Nqrgaard]

I don’t have that money for 2 lab mics. Challenge for you: Can you get the Rode Lav Go hidden without scratching noises from clothes. I haven’t managed yet, is it just me? 😊 I have tried those DIY tape and also Rode Invisilav3.

[@dgillphotos]

🎤🎙 (NERDS!) - So good!

[@lallawmapachuau4708]

Bro which mic you suggest for begginer documentary mic?

[@thekeytoanything]

Thanks mate. Great episode.

[@rjackson5191]

Very helpful, thank you.🎤

[@iwanbossman]

Thank you😮

[@wittworks]

🎙️

[@koketsomalekutu7936]

🎤 because Mark said so.

[@alxzheng]

Was just watching the audio content in module 1 and this popped up hah!

[@rickbiessman6084]

I think the Rode Wireless Pro are alright. Not as good as professional mics, but the frequency response is really decent and noise is acceptable. But I agree with the general statement that those little matchbox style mics are crap. Most of them are a waste of money and garbage as soon as they leave the production line. 🎤

[@pedromarquez114]

I love every single advice you give on filming, but this time I have to say that you did say some crazy things about audio 😂. Moving a mic from the chest to the neck doesn't change the pitch, and pointing the mic to the chest doesn't sound better than pointing directly to the mouth. If that was the case we would point mics to the chest for singers too. Pointing a mic to the mouth is the best option if you know how to process audio. I hope i dont come off as arrogant or anything like that. I am a musician and i know a little bit about audio and sound design so i wanted to share my opinion

[@viniteles]

Thx mark 🎙🎤

[@TRASHKICKER09]

Much appreciated! ❤

[@KalamART-it2ik]

ty

[@theowlfromduolingo7982]

No the best way is to hold a Røde Mic Go in your hand even though it's designed to be clipped on your shirt.

[@lisamedla]

So it's a glorified dynamic microphone? Because the whole point of a lav mic is for it to be able to pick up low frequencies. If you have to bring it up to your mouth why not just go for a microphone made for that?

[@luciodanielo]

🎤 Thanks for the info

[@BryceDocherty]

Dude I love Goldeneye!! The soundtrack SLAPPS!!!! Do people still say that? I don't talk like that, I just wanted to try it out.....ummm.......I got to go.

[@giambrew]

🎤. Thank you

[@ju_chesneau]

great vidéo... again 🎤

[@asiimwesamuelcaleb]

🎤 thank you so much Mark Bone 🍗

[@LinasDirbaDarbus]

I thought MB in the intro stands for Mic Better 😉

[@DannyBatista]

Subscribed today 🤜🏾

[@stewartmunrovideo]

G'day Mark did you get my email fron the land down under?

[@stevenkralovec]

Good stuff! 🎤

[@Videofilealways]

🎤 Just in time for my upcoming video