Miking up a panel discussion

[Stratman]

Hi, this is my first post, so apologies if it's not done correctly. I'm looking for a mic that will be suitable for picking up speech from people sitting at a table. I've previously used a row of SM58s on table top stands, but it's a problem if the panellists sit back in their chairs (as they tend to do), and drift away from the mic. I really need a mic with a wider pick-up field, but not a boundary, as that will also get all the knocks and bangs on the table. The AKG CGN321 has been suggested - does anyone have any experience of this mic, or any other thoughts? Many thanks. Paul.

[Bryson]

All the conference companies I've ever seen use AKG SE300B with a CK91 or CK93 capsule fitted for that sort of thing. Sometimes with a little extension tube (although I can't seem to find the tubes I know I've used on AKG's website....) I've also used Sennheiser K6's with a ME64 in the same way.

 

If you're feeling flush, you could also use AKG C747s, but they seem to be more for lectern type use.

 

EDIT: The 321 also looks pretty suitable, but I've never come across it in real life.

http://bryson.albassamtheatre.com/321.jpg

Does that look like a Diplodocus to anyone else? :)

[dbuckley]

You may find something helpful in this recent thread.

[StevieR]

A condensor mic is definately the way to go in this case. The AKG SE300 with CK91 capsule is a good choice although you still get drop off if they sit back - although no where near as much as an SM58.

 

The other option is to use a miniature shotgun-style mic like this - Sennheiser ME36which will pick stronger from a distance. The disadvantage with this however, is that it is far less responsive off-axis and so you often need to use these in pairs to provide a decent left-to-right coverage.

 

Steve

[henny]

the option I often use is to place a couple of sennheiser 300 hand held radio mics on the table not on stands and make them pick them up and hold them. espeshiley if there is a buget/channle limitation on the job

ian

[StevieR]

The problem then is the participants knowing how to hold a handheld mic properly. You get the ones who hold it somewhere near their chest or stomach - nice and quiet. Then there are those that put it right up to their gob and boy does the level shoot up. You need someone on the desk for this setup.

 

Steve

[Shez]

You need someone on the desk for this setup.

 

If you want good quality sound, you need someone on the desk regardless of what the set up is.

[lightsource]

All the conference companies I've ever seen use AKG SE300B with a CK91 or CK93 capsule fitted for that sort of thing.

 

If you're looking to hire, rather than buy, Stage Electrics do the SE300B/CK93 combination.

 

We sometimes hire them for cymbal overheads. Really nice mic's.