STATIONARY MICROPHONES

In addition to the mobile microphone group, you will become familiar with the following four stationary microphones:

l Desk

l Stand

Figure 14-23. - Dual redundancy lavaliere microphone.

l Hanging

s Hidden

Figure 14-24. - Wireless microphone receiver and transmitter.

Figure 14-25. - Desk microphone.

Desk

Desk microphones (fig. 14-25) are widely used at

public hearings, panel discussions and other productions where the talent is working from behind a desk or lectern. Any microphone can be used as a desk microphone, as long as you attach it to a suitable stand.

Since the talent is heard and seen in television, the placement of the desk microphone is influenced by the camera. If the microphone is placed directly in front of the talent, it may obstruct his face. Further, sound pickup will be influenced when the talent turns his head.

A good starting point for placing the desk microphone is about one and one-half feet from the talent and pointed at his collarbone, as shown in figure 14-26. If the talent turns his head to look at the television monitor or another talent, try to locate the microphone somewhat to that side.

The actual number of desk microphones needed and their placement depends on the quality of the sound produced. If one desk microphone will suiffice, then use just one.

You should conceal the cables of desk microphones.

If a particular desk or table is used almost exclusively

Figure 14-26. - Desk microphone placement.

with a desk microphone, you can drill a hole into its top and drop the cable to the floor.

Stand

Stand microphones are used when the sound source is immobile and the microphone maybe seen on camera.

For instance, you can use several stand microphones to pickup the sound of a vocal or instrumental group. You may also use a stand microphone for the master of ceremonies (MC).

The placement of stand microphones is determined by sound quality, rather than by picture factors. However, stand microphones should be placed so that they do not impede camera movement or picture quality.

Hanging

Hanging microphones are often used when a boom microphone is impractical because of lack of space or when a large set will not permit rapid boom movement. It is simply a microphone hung from the ceiling or overhead by its cable, placing it out of normal camera range.

The sound source should be fairly stationary when you use a single hanging microphone. You can use a hanging microphone for panel discussions and other types of productions where the talent remains immobile at the time of sound pickup. Several microphones located about the set can accommodate moving talents, but the talents must position themselves near the microphone before speaking.

Most hanging microphones do not produce good audio. If placed too close to walls or overheads, an echo or distorted audio is likely to occur.

Hidden

The sound quality of hidden microphones is mediocre at best, and frequently the object they are hidden in or behind distorts the sound. For this reason, you should use hidden microphones sparingly.

One type of hidden microphone is called a contact microphone, because it is in direct contact with the object producing the desired sound effect. An example is a microphone attached to a quick-acting watertight door to pickup the sound of the handwheel and dogs.