Interview Mic Showdown

Forget the age-old debate about cats versus dogs – in the world of audio post-production, the real question is boom mics versus lavalier mics for interview setups.

The truth is, there's no single "correct" answer. Both microphone types have their strengths and weaknesses, and the optimal choice depends on various factors.

Let's delve into the pros and cons of each to guide you towards capturing pristine interview audio.

Boom Mics: The Natural Sound Specialists

Boom mics are the workhorses of professional interview setups. Here's what makes them shine:

• Superior Audio Quality: Boom mics deliver a more natural, clear, and pristine sound for dialogue. They capture the nuances of the voice more effectively, allowing for a richer listening experience.

• EQ Matching Made Easy: Since boom mics position closer to the speaker's mouth, they tend to pick up less low-end rumble or muddiness that can plague lavalier mics. This translates to easier EQ matching for different interview shoots or days.

But Boom Mics Aren't Without Their Challenges:

• Noise Reduction Woes: Boom mics can capture more background noise and room reverb. While noise reduction software can help, excessive processing can introduce an artificial sound.

• Mind the Shift: Interviews aren't always static. If the talent moves unexpectedly, the boom mic might miss crucial parts of the conversation/voice frequency.

• Comb Filtering: Improper boom placement in relation to the talent can lead to comb filtering, an unpleasant phasing effect. Careful mic positioning and awareness of the recording space are crucial, and sometimes the audio mixer onset did not account for it. 

• Distance Matters: Depending on the shot composition, the boom mic might be positioned too far away for optimal audio quality, either drenched in the reverb of the room, or no bottom end "oof" to the voice.

Lav Mics: The Discreet Powerhouses

Lavaliers microphones offer distinct advantages:

• Noise Ninja: By being closer to the source, lavalier mics naturally filter out more background noise and room reverb, requiring less post-production noise reduction.

• Voice with Body: Some find that lavalier mics capture more "body" in the voice, making it sound fuller.

However, Lav Mics Can Introduce Their Own Set of Issues:

• Boominess Blues: Depending on the voice characteristics, lavalier mics can be prone to capturing excessive low-end boominess.

• High-Frequency Roll-Off: Lavaliers tend to have a steeper roll-off in the high frequencies, potentially resulting in a slightly muffled sound. An high end EQ boost may solve this, if it weren't for...

• Internal Noise: Some lavalier mics have a higher internal noise floor, which becomes noticeable during quiet moments in the interview.

• Rustle Mania: Clothing rustle can be a major challenge with lavalier mics, demanding meticulous microphone placement and potentially additional noise reduction techniques, especially for more animated talent that move around quite a bit.

• Wireless Worries: Lavaliers are often used in wireless setups, introducing the possibility of signal dropouts if the connection is weak.

• The Compressed Sound: Due to their proximity to the source, lavalier mics can capture a slightly compressed sound compared to boom mics.

• Muffled Mumbling: If the mic is too buried under clothing or the talent slouches/leans forward, the lavalier mic can be blocked from capturing dialogue, resulting in a muffled sound.

• Nasal Nuances: Given the natural quality of lavalier microphones, I find that they tend to accentuate nasality in certain voices.

Choosing the Right Mic: It's All About Context

There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to boom mics versus lavalier mics. Just like being a dog person or a cat person, it all caters to your personal needs, lifestyle, and preference. Consider these factors to make an informed decision:

• The Interview Setting: Is it a controlled studio environment or a noisy/reverb-y location?

• Shot Composition: Does the camera work allow for close-up shots or require a discreet microphone placement?

• The Talent's Voice: Is the voice prone to boominess or nasality?

Me? I go for the Boom by default, however if I meet any of the "con" criteria, I'll switch to the lav. Whichever ends up winning for your different interview subjects, make sure tonally they match as much as possible. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each microphone type, you can confidently select the tool that best captures the essence of your interview.

Which do you prefer? Do you ever like doing the boom and lav combo approach? Would love to know (: