Senn 416, Senn K6, Boom Operating, Radio Mics - Sony Z1 User Manual

If you are only using one mic, plug it into the top port (Input 1). Only use Input 2 when Input 1 is already
in use.
Make sure the XLR cables are pushed in firmly- it's not always easy to tell so give it a controlled push
and make sure it's in as far as it can go.
Some need 'phantom power' from the camera, while some run on their own batteries. You need to
Sennheiser 416
This is a really good quality shotgun microphone. It is very uni-directional or cardioid, so whatever you
point the tip at will give you the clearest signal.
It requires phantom power from the camera.
It plugs in using an XLR cable.
You can attach it to the camera using an offset bracket screwed to the base of the existing mic holder, or
a Rode mic support with a cylinder grip that slots into the existing mic holder. The offset bracket takes
the mic further from the noise of the camera and may be more stable, but requires unscrewing the existing
holder.
If you are filming outside at all, you will need to protect it from wind noise. This currently means you
will need a Rycote cover with a shotgun grip and/or a boom pole attached. With the kit we have, you
cannot yet have a wind-protected mic mounted on the camera. *
*(Keep checking, as there may soon be Rycote Softie wind covers that can be camera mounted.)
Unless you are filming somewhere completely static and can leave it on a mic stand, this means you will
need a boom operator in your team.
Check that the Rycote cover you have fits the mic. On some of them the supporting hoops are too big for
the 416. Also check that all the rubber bands are in place and the mic doesn't wobble or knock against the
cover.
You can open the Rycote cover by twisting one end, it should come loose. Then you can loosen the
screws underneath by the handle and slide the supporting structure out of the tube to snap the mic into it.
Make sure the XLR cable slots into the gap at the back of the tube so you can close it again.
Sennheiser K6 System
This is another good mic, this time with interchangeable attachments. The cardioid shotgun attachment
ME66 is very similar to the 416. There is also an omnidirectional mic attachment ME62 which is better
at picking up atmospheric sound.
It is self-powered by a battery, so check that your batteries are in and charged and turn off the camera
phantom power.
It is slightly wider than the 416, so it fits the Rycote covers with wider support hoops. Otherwise the
mounting and boom mic instructions are the same.
Boom operating/ Sound people
For both the above mics, a boom operator will be useful- even inside. You can mount the mic on the
camera, but it may pick up the noise of the tape mechanism. You may also want the mic pointed in a
different direction to the camera lens.
The boom operator will need a boom pole, a Rycote, a long XLR cable, plus headphones and a few
extender cables for the headphones. If they have a few mics to deal with they will probably also use a
mixer and become the sound person.
know which is which, because there is a switch by the XLR ports to
provide or shut off phantom power, and if it is on the wrong setting your
mic will not work.
Also, some need particular equipment to attach them to the camera or
otherwise support them.
In order to use an external microphone, you will need to set it up in the
camera menus.
First I will go through each mic individually, assuming that it will be
attached straight to the camera. Then I will deal with setting up the camera,
using more than one mic and/or working with a sound operator using a
mixer.
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