It is observed that the beginner independent filmmakers in India don't really concentrate on the Audio. They make short films with handycams and they use a cheap 150 rupees computer microphones for dubbing. Shooting with handycam is not a problem. Once the viewers get involved in the story and if the screenplay is gripping they don't really care the clarrity or quality of the picture. But if the audio is not clear and if the voice of the actors is not audible they stop watching your movie. It is a painful experience for the viewer.
So, how to fix it. Do we need to spend thousands of rupees to pay rentals for those dubbing theatres? Or do we need to buy expensive Microphones and Preamps? Yes. If money is not a concern and your film is a big budget film and you don't want to compromise even a little on the audio quality then you must use a dubbing theatre. But If you are beginner or student film maker and you have little money and you don't want to go to dubbing theatres and don't want to pay the sound engineer each time you make a 5 minutes short film then there is a simple solution. Samson C03U.
Samson C03U is a USB Microphone that you can just plug into your computer and start recording. It gives you very good quality audio that can be compared to studio quality recording. It is a condenser microphone with multipattern recording options. You don't have to have a separate preamp.
So, that's it? I buy this Mic and my problems are solved? Nope. The mic is really great and gives you great output. But you should know how to use it. You should create a studio-like environment. You need a room where no outside noise can be heared and acoustic enough to not to get resounds. Microphone placement also plays a big role. Just experiment with it and you will become expert in no time.
Where to buy in India and how much it costs?
There are two options.
One option is.. Buying it in India. It is available in Chennai from Pro Musicals. You can contact promusic@vsnl.com. I purchased it an year ago and the price was Rs.8,225 and the shipping charges were Rs.250. It was shipped to Hyderabad where I live.
Another option is.. If you know someone returning from US, you can ask them to get it from there. It will save you atleast Rs.3,000 to Rs.4,000 But there is a risk involved. By any chance if you get a damaged piece, I don't think anyone here can repair it. I got a damaged mic from pro musicals and I returned it. Then they sent me another working piece. I had to pay Rs.250 more for the shipping charges. It may not happen in each case though.
So, Deside youself either to go for the dubbing studios or to have own setup. Either to buy it from US or to buy it in India. I hope I helped you in taking right decision.
hi nice info u hav given m in a big confusion of buying a micro phone for dubbing... m a short film maker nd m a student and i cant afford that much of money.. . i can spend 1000... any other micro phones like this below 1000.. plzzzzzzz let me knw...
Sriram
March 12, 2010 - 04:32
Subject: Video picture quality
Hi Ravi,
Really nice to see the film making information in this site. Also, the guidelines you are giving to an aspiring film makers, actors etc. Simply superbbbb.... I wannebe a film director and planning to short some short films soon. Just shooted some couple of documentaries on nature.Need your advice on the Video picture quality. How can we transfer normal audio/video to digital format? so that the film looks digital look.
Also, the video lighting aspect, Is it fine that we can use a normal video light to shoot indoor locations(Apartment)?
I have already ordered Samson C03U based on your suggestion for voice over microphone.
Sorry for such a long question
Thanks in advance for your inputs.
Vikram R. Singh Parihar – Chandrapur
February 28, 2010 - 08:18
Subject: Independent Film Making
Hello Sir
Happy Holly....
I m frm just 350 km far from Hyderabad and probably I am going to make Indie fILM...
Sir I need to hear sound output of Samson C03U recorded by you plz...
Thanking you
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