VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Drew · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 6:45 am Post subject: When all else fails...

Use a condom. I was on a location shoot yesterday for a popular network...can't say just yet as there was an NDA involved.

I was on a Sennheiser 614----sweet VO mic---I'm getting one.

But that ain't my point. Despite a shockmount, boom zeppelin, and fuzzy windjammer, still too much wind being picked up.

So, the audo guru reaches into his kit and yanks out a Trojan.

I look at him and say, "Hey, I know that PA over there is a looker, but in these parts we get their name first".

He says, "Yeah she is. I'm from New York; we get their names later. But this is for the mic."

So there we were, in the middle of a Texas pasture slippin' a condom over a shotgun mic.

Did the trick.
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imaginator · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 7:18 am Post subject:

good to know you were safe and protected.

...didn't that muffle the sound?

absolute weirdest equipment story i've heard in 40 years of audio work.
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Drew · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 7:24 am Post subject:

I thought it would, too. The sound was brilliant. This guy is tops in EFP audio and in high demand. His gear bag was a beauty to behold. Really nice assortment of Lectrosonic Trams, transmitters and receivers that scan for stray RF and avialble freqs, and a gun rack of shotguns. Not to mention a top end Sound Designs field mixer.
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glenspot · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 7:32 am Post subject:

I don't remember where I saw it... but recently on TV there was a segment where the host was talking about using condoms in mics when reporting from incliment weather locations.

I figured it would muffle the sound, also.
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Moe Egan · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 7:58 am Post subject:

Practicing safe Vox is important! Rolls Eyes

That is an odd thing to know...and i'm sure an odder thing to see done.
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imaginator · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 8:00 am Post subject:

i sent your story to a friend of mine who specializes in mics and voice talent (dan friedman should have called his new book "of mics and men", but that's already been done). evidently, it IS an old trick for the real pro. here's what he added:

"Yes, this is an old trick. It also works for outdoor situations when it rains, or if you need to submerge a microphone in water (still not recommended for powered mics)"

-------
part of my next incoming check is going toward getting dan's new book,
Sound Advice: Voiceover from an Audio Engineer's Perspective -- rg
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bobsouer · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 8:51 am Post subject:

Drew,

Great story. Thanks for sharing this tidbit.
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Deirdre · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:25 am Post subject:

I am amazed this worked so well. Wow!
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Donna · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 10:00 am Post subject:

Would it be out of line to request pics? Or re enactments?
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Lizden · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 11:21 am Post subject:

HA!
This is so funny! This was brought up on Tuesday at out MCA-INJ meeting too when one of the sound guys from Project Runway was talking about their shoots!
BUT it must be a NON-lubricated condom.

DB, seriously, not being snarky.
It's an old trick apparently, but you need to make sure you get the right type!
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todd ellis · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:11 pm Post subject:

Drew · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:26 pm Post subject:

Paul, the audio guy did mention condoms are used in bad weather as well. No lube for sure. Wish I had pics. A couple of guys fitting a condom over a mic would certainly make a great "Add a caption here" picture.

Interestingly, it's a pretty well known technique. I had to be in Dallas today for another gig, so the net paid me to take a bunch of rental gear back. They forgot to take the condom off. So during check-in the rental tech asked, "Did it rain up there yesterday? 'Cause we always supply 'em if we know mics are going for hurricane and other storm coverage."
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Although I have a full head of hair, I'm quite ribald.

Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:54 pm Post subject:

what else was in the audio guy's kit?
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Drew · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 2:16 pm Post subject:

Several packages of pantyhose cut in half at the crotch for pop filtering and wind jam. I really didn't want to look any further. What a guy keeps in his fanny pack is his own business.
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Although I have a full head of hair, I'm quite ribald.

Lee Gordon · Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 3:29 pm Post subject:

This reminds me of the time I was in a nightclub mens room, where in order to pander to the wishful thinking of the clientele, the management had mounted a coin-operated condom vending machine. Somebody adorned it with graffiti: "Don't buy this gum. It's terrible."
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