The Microphone Boom
Learn about the types and uses of boom poles, windscreens, shock mounts and techniques for monitoring audioThe Microphone Boom
Developed by Jason Tomaric, FilmSkillsABOUT THIS LESSON
The boom mic is one of the most common tools used to properly position the microphone on set to record the highest-quality audio In this lesson, you will learn how to choose the proper boom pole, the various types of shock mounts and wind reduction tools, how to combat wind noise, and how to get the best microphone boom pole for your money. Recording excellent audio begins with having the right tools.
- 19:09 video that walks you through the boom pole
- Learn from the audio masters behind Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Grey's Anatomy, Westworld, and Passengers
- Illustrated companion guide
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- The types of boom poles available
- The types of shock mounts and how they work
- How to mount a microphone in a shock mount
- The ideal microphone pick-up pattern to use on a boom pole
- The types of wind reduction tools and how to use them including
- Wind screens
- Fuzzies
- Zeppelins and dead cats
- Techniques for monitoring audio
ABOUT THE LESSON AUTHOR
Jason Tomaric
Director, Cinematographer Los Angeles, CaliforniaJason J. Tomaric is an Emmy, Telly, and CINE Award-winning director and cinematographer of four internationally-distributed feature films, dozens of national television commercials, music videos, and the largest film training content library in the world, published author of 8 books - used in many top universities, and creator of AccuSkills.com, an industry-changing learning management platform.
Jason has worked in Los Angeles and around the world in over 20 countries. His clients include Disney, NBC/Universal, National Geographic, McDonald’s, Toyota, Scion, Microsoft, and Paul Mitchell, with narrative work screened at Sundance, Slamdance, and South by Southwest film festivals as well as on Netflix and on all broadcast networks.
Jason has taught and/or guest lectured at some of the nation's most prestigious film schools including UCLA, Columbia College, John Carroll University, Kent State University, San Francisco State, University of Notre Dame, and numerous film festivals.
Jason has written eight industry-defining books, all sold in bookstores, and used in film schools around the world. The American Society of Cinematographers hails Jason's books - "There are no wasted words in Tomaric's tome, which concisely summarizes each facet of the director's craft. It's difficult to think of a step in the process that Tomaric fails to address."
Jason’s DVD training series on Hollywood film production have trained filmmakers in over 40 countries, with distributors in Europe, Hong Kong, New York and Australia.
In 2010, Jason launched FilmSkills, which combines the world’s largest film training video library with his proprietary learning management system. Adopted by 47 universities within the first year, FilmSkills is now the leading industry-standard training solution for motion picture and television production.
In 2015, Jason launched AccuSkills.com, an industry-changing learning management platform that bridges the gap between academia and industry.
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS LESSON
Robert Magness
Audio specialist with Express Video SupplyRobert Magness is an audio specialist with EVS in Glendale, CA.
Sara Evans
Production Sound Mixer, "Rush Hour 3," "Inland Empire," and "21 & Over"Sara Evans was born on August 24, 1975 in Los Angeles, California, USA as Sara Lorin Glaser. She is known for her work on Rush Hour 3 (2007), Inland Empire (2006) and 21 & Over (2013).
Steve Savanyu
Director of Education, Audio-TechnicaSteve Savanyu is a professional audio and video production engineer with the ability to teach highly technical topics to non-technical users. Experience with event, location and live sound production, studio recording, audio and video editing, script writing, camera, directing, and other aspects of production are among his many talents.
Mr. Savanyu has produced, directed and edited corporate / industrial multimedia programs. Steve uses his 30 years of sound and production experience as an adjunct professor at Kent State University’s school of Journalism and Mass Communication, teaching audio production, and as an accomplished public speaker.
Steve is also responsible for Audio-Technica’s educational and training programs for all market segments including studio, live sound, broadcast, installed sound, house of worship and theatre. He is also shares his expertise in sound by designing and installing systems.
Mr. Savanyu likes to provides technical support to end-users, contractors, consultants and reps. His previous positions include owner/operator of audio-video media production company Stonewood Studios and Director of Training/Product Market Manager at Dukane Corporation.
Tomlison Holman
Academy-Award winning inventor of THX, Director of Audio at AppleTomlinson Holman is an audio engineer whose Tom Holman eXperiment evolved into the THX sound certification system, which uses numerous criteria to ensure that sound mixed for motion pictures is faithfully reproduced in movie theaters. First introduced in 1983 and named for Holman's initials and his then-boss George Lucas's first film, THX 1138, THX technology is now used in major playhouses, sound mixing studios, and advanced home and auto sound systems. Holman is also the developer of the 10.2 surround sound system, and co-founder of TMH Corporation and Surround Professional magazine. He designed the technical infrastructure of Lucas's Skywalker Ranch and Skywalker Sound post-production facility.