The key to this mic, is the "Throw", or the distance from the mic to the subject. This particular mic, the Sennheiser ME 80 has a "Long" throw, which means it picks up from almost nine feet away, and sounds good.

The only way you can get this microphone is to buy a used one on Ebay. The Sennheiser ME 80 mic is no longer being made, but they are always on Ebay. The good news is that they still make the replacement parts for the older ME 80. "Location Sound Corp" in North Hollywood, California (see link at bottom) can replace your mic's "Capsule", and you end up with a fantastic re-built microphone.

You may ask, is this worth it? Why not buy that Audio Technica or Azden Mic? The answer is that a rebuilt ME80 will allow you to CLEARLY hear your subjects, better then any other mic in the $200-500 dollar range. The second choice is the new version of the ME 80, the Sennheiser k6 series. It sounds great, but you have to be fairly close to your subject to get good sound. Me80's on Ebay cost $100-350 If you find a "Black coated" mic (like the one in the above photo), buy that..it is the last of the ME 80 series, thus they newer then the Silver coated ME 80. They both are fine, and you are going to get the capsule replaced anyways, but try and find a Black one.

Finally a real mic and transmitter/receiver package for under $500 I have seen it as low as $400 The Sennheiser G2 Series is the best quality for this price range. It can broadcast on multiple frequencies and sound quality is better than the Samson, Azden, Audio Technica or AKG series in that price range. In the $1,600 range the Lectrosonic 200 Series, or the older 187 series are both units that professionals use with great results. Most pros purchase a "Tram" or "Countryman" Lavalier ( clip-on) mic to use with these advanced systems. The mics cost approx $250-300 each. Even if you don't purchase a wireless system, you must use a lavalier mic for all important interviews. The Sony ECM 44A or ECM 44B are great "wired" mics that run around $150 The only difference between the two is the plug for your camera. The 44B has a XLR connector, and the 44A has a mini plug. B & H photo in NYC has info on both mics. Give them a call at 1-800-606-6969. They are very helpful.

Every digital Video camera has the potential to record two completely separate audio tracks. You can scream into track one, whisper in track two, then completly separate them in the editing process.

Pictured above is a "BeachTek" audio adapter that allows you to plug two mics or sources into a camera single input camera. This BeachTek also features professional XLR connectors that will not fall out and provide great blanced sound.

Click on the above photo for a link to B and H Photo's page that sells the BeachTek DXA-2s which is the lightest and best BeachTek. The other models that have "phantom power" are too big for most camcorders. All you need is a fresh battery in your mic and you do NOT need to purchase a "phantompower" BeachTek.

Look above the Audio volume knobs on the BeachTek to the right. You will see a switch and above it "LIN/MIC". Before you begin shooting make sure this switch is correctly set. Most of the time you will be using a regular mic attached to the BeachTek via an XLR cable, the correct selection for this is the "MIC" setting. Any time you have a mic attached, make sure the switch is set in the "mic" positon, or else your sound will come out high, tinny and distorted. The "Line" Selection is for plugging directly into a Public Address system or Audio Sound board at a club or event. This is achieved by directly plugging in a XLR cable from the sound board into the BeachTek and selecting the "LINE" setting on it. Sound board operators can send you either a "LINE" or "MIC" signal output, be sure to ask any sound board person you are working with, "Are you sending me a Line or Mic signal?". Then select the right setting on your camera or BeachTek.

If you have bad audio, check your camera's audio settings to make sure you have not switched it to the wrong setting. Always check and double check your Audio imput to make sure it is on "Mic" if you are feeding a raw, unamplified mic into your camera.

The Movie spent more then Fifty Grande to provide a fake snow scene for "The Darwin Awards", Winona Ryder and Joseph Feinnes' new film directed by Finn Taylor. DVworkshops instructor Aron Ranen was hired to shoot, interview and film behind the scenes as the movie was being made. Look for the material on the DVD release of this film. In festival news, Ranen's newest feature documentary screened at the recent 2005 San Francisco Independent Film festival. His newest documentary, BLACK HAIR, about the Korean takeover of the Black beauty Supply Industry has received support from the NAACP. View an "Instant" loading 3 ninute "Trailer" from Black hair by clicking on link below