PZM-boundary mics for outdoor theatrical production

Ben Lawrence

Ben Lawrence

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Mar 2, 2011
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Hello,
I have a inquiry for services looking for a little boost in audio. They are running an outdoor production and do not have the budget to go with a complete wireless setup at this point. I have some crown PZM 160 that I can use at the front of the stage. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the effectiveness of this. I have used them on some indoor stages and although they worked to reinforce dialogue a little they really picked up a lot of shuffling and footsteps.
 
Re: PZM-boundary mics for outdoor theatrical production

Putting a towel doubled over under the PZM will reduce some of the mechanically transmitted noise, but as usual, loudest sound at the mic wins.
Generally, a pair of cardioid mics on a tall boom will be closer to the part of the performers you probably want amplified (unless it's Riverdance, in which case you just use tracks anyway ;^). Use a stereo rail, put the mic capsules directly over each other (use extra foam wind screens), and widen the pattern up to around 90 degrees between mics.
 
Re: PZM-boundary mics for outdoor theatrical production

Im not sure a boom stand in front of the stage would be acceptable. Im just trying to get a feeling if I will be able to get acceptable results with PZM mics. I think I can get the speakers away from the mics a bit to minimize any feedback issues.
 
Re: PZM-boundary mics for outdoor theatrical production

If a stand is unacceptable, you could probably rig the mics from a string stretched between the speakers and anchored to the ground each side, if a roof is not available to suspend the mics from.
 
Re: PZM-boundary mics for outdoor theatrical production

Art is correct...yet again. The only way ANY mics will work is if the actors project like professionals. They MUST be louder than the PA onstage.

Good luck with that...
 
Re: PZM-boundary mics for outdoor theatrical production

I am fairly certain the actors will be projecting well. I think they are looking for a little coverage to the rear of the space. I just would rather not have the expectations higher than they should be. Thanks for all the feedback thus far by the way.
 
Re: PZM-boundary mics for outdoor theatrical production

Ben Lawrence said:
I am fairly certain the actors will be projecting well. I think they are looking for a little coverage to the rear of the space. I just would rather not have the expectations higher than they should be. Thanks for all the feedback thus far by the way.
Click to expand...

Don't know what your layout is like, but delay speakers will help out in a big way for this. you can pump the stage mics through the delays without fear of feedback, and then the signal through the mains doesn't have to be loud enough to reach the back so you don't have to work them as hard (again, giving you a better feedback margin)

Jason
 
Re: PZM-boundary mics for outdoor theatrical production

Great suggestion Jason!
I recently heard of this technique for the first time when I stumbled across Nathan Lively's podcast.
I'm looking forward to giving it a shot when my fall season fires up again.



Jason Lavoie said:
Don't know what your layout is like, but delay speakers will help out in a big way for this. you can pump the stage mics through the delays without fear of feedback, and then the signal through the mains doesn't have to be loud enough to reach the back so you don't have to work them as hard (again, giving you a better feedback margin)

Jason
Click to expand...
 
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