Wireless interview microphone is commonly used in different types of interviews. Besides it handheld one is also popular. When talking about wireless reporter microphone, what are their differences?
Definition: Hands free or not is the biggest difference
A wireless microphone for interviews comes without a physical cable which connects it to the recording or amplifying equipment. It transmits its audio feeds via radio frequencies directly to a receiver. They are in the type of lavalier in most cases, which means you can attach it to body or clothing.
As the name suggests, handheld microphone is designed to be held in the hand. If necessary, they can also be mounted onto a stand.
Characteristics: Three differences between handheld and wireless interview microphone
Directionality
Basically, directionality explains just how sensitive the wireless interview microphone for iPhone or camera is to any incoming sound waves delivering from varied directions. It refers to from which direction it records its sound. They are different in pickup directions, some pick up sound from one direction while others can pick up sound from all around it. When you see words like polar pattern or pickup range, be aware that they also refer to directionality.
Wireless mic for a walking interview is typically omnidirectional. It captures sound from all directions. No matter which direction you are to the mic, it records the signal with equal strength. Since it get sounds regardless of the directions, there is no need to line it up with the mouth.
In most cases, handheld microphone is usually cardioid, which is named for the fact that it picks up sounds in naturally heart shape. It picks up sounds with high gain from the front and sides but poorly from the rear, which leads to less background noise pickup.
Flexibility
By using wireless interview microphone for DSLR, interviewers can get flexibility with the rigging, mounting to a collar, shoulder straps, hats, eyeglass frames, etc, according to different aims. You don’t need to take the angle into consideration. The only limitation is distance.
Handheld interview microphone is flexible in another aspect. Because it is in your hand and controlled by you, the distance to mouth can be physically altered at will and with ease, meanwhile the volume and fidelity can also change. Hence, you are able to give a higher emphasis on certain key words. And other special audio effects can be achieved as you like.
Portability
In most cases, wireless interview microphone is small and light. The great thing is that they allow you to record hands-free. While for handheld one, you are supposed to hold it all the time, which causes trouble in long-time interview.
If you want to get your interview microphone, just check the article How to choose your interview microphone?
Uses: They are suitable for different interviews
There are various ways of conducting interview: outdoors or indoors, video or audio, and more to satisfying different aims. So which can be the best wireless interview microphone for you?
Wireless - Number of users tops the listing
From the above we know that wireless video interview microphone is omnidirectional, flexible to mount and hand-free. It needs time to set up the connection between transmitter and receiver, which would take time when having multiple connection. In addition, the transmission signal may be affected when there are several kits being used at the same time. As a result, it is ideal for interviews like this:
- The sofa interview
- Live versus pre-recorded interviews
- TV green screen
- Radio studio
Handheld - Good choice when directional pickup is necessary
As for directional handheld microphone, it is good at recording without background noise, and flexible since it records exact audio as you like. But it should be still in your hand or mounted on the mic stand. Therefore, following types of interviews are in need of it:
- The doorstep interview
- Outdoor broadcast interviews
- Sound bite interviews
- Multi-guest interviews
If you have interviews beyond the above types, just consult to the table to choose the suitable microphone.
Table: Factors to consider when deciding between handheld and wireless interview microphone
|
Types of microphone |
Formality |
The number of interviewee |
Is interviewee fixed? |
Need for background sound |
Requirement for hand free |
|
Wireless |
Informal |
<3 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Handheld |
Formal |
≥3 |
No |
No |
No |
Conclusion
Wireless interview microphone offers much convenience to interview conducting. But interviews can go under various situations, be planned or sudden, done indoors or outdoors, and the list goes on and on. Each scenario requires one specific microphone to get the best effects of the interview.