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JTVG · Backstage Pass Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 433

I noticed in the video that Bruce Miles posted about The Lorax movie that the actors were using a double mic setup. Looks like a U87 in front of another microphone. What does this type of setup achieve?

Watch 1:50 - 1:54.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJAbokTVOC0
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Frank F · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 11:32 pm Post subject:

Stereo.

It also allows the producer to choose from a mic which can handle higher SPL's better when the VOist gets too loud for the U87.

I usually use two mics when doing "audio drama" one a near-field and the second a pencil mic about five feet away.

Frank F
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Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

georgethetech · Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 9:37 am Post subject:

There are numerous reasons why they would do this.
1- Mics at different distances to match on-camera better. A mic further away makes sense when the actor is further from the "camera". Gives the dialogue mixer more options.
2- If the actor clips one mic, the 2nd mic preamp might be set to a lower gain setting to "CYA". With celebs who have narrow time windows, "let's take that again because it was distorted" may not be acceptable.
3- Simply a backup (but less likely), like the President's dual-SM57 rig.
4- Stereo effects possible in post.
5- Two different mics (as used here) for two different tonal options in post.
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JTVG · Backstage Pass Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 433

Interesting. Thanks guys. I'm always learning something.
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Ed Gambill · Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 1:50 pm Post subject:

Can't get you tube to run, but sounds like a typical ADR (Additional Dialogue Recording ) set up.

By virtue of the distance from mic 1 closest to talent and mic2 furthest, there will be a gain difference. The reason is (inverse the square of the distance)

When played back these two microphones can be adjusted (provided there is no strong reverb in the room) to obtain a sound that will match the original placement of the microphone on the set.

Now given that this is animation an all audio is recorded in studio the need for two mic may not be that important. Better to have two microphone at the same distance from talent so in case of a problem aka drop out then each microphone would have very similar audio and a direct cut one to the other would not be as noticeable. Cutting front to back will show up for sure.

Then I may be mistaken, can't see the video.
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kgenus · Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 3:16 pm Post subject:

The second mic is there to record the entire session from start to finish, capturing everything, like the real unscripted performances when they're not rolling on the actual takes. It doesn't hinder workflow, as a second producer manages the logging for that recording.

Kevin
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sounddguy · Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 6:49 pm Post subject:

Ed Gambill · Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 7:42 am Post subject:

kgenus · Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 11:48 am Post subject:

"... the order of importance for a VO sound is in this order : 1. VO talent (this is by far the biggest influence); 2. The room; 3. Engineering technique; .... Again, this done with many years experience under our belts." -- Tom Hambleton, CAS

While I can not speak for that particular session (which we should also note was a marketing piece for the film and for all we know could be a marketing piece for a certain studio or microphone manufacture) I am certain given the room and mics present, any engineer worth his/her salt could match those tracks so well the audio differences in the mix would be moot. It happens every day.

I posted Tom's statement from an email because you reminded me these questions are easily answered by the right person. I'm not the right person. I do not believe M&S would be used in a booth, but there's really no reason I can think of why one wouldn't -- in a creative sense. If you want specific details, many of the people and teams working on these sessions participate in the Gearslutz's Post Production forum and are accessible, within reason.
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