When you watch a movie or Television show, have you ever noticed the glossy microphone that often peeks into the scene? It’s not difficult to spot – with its long arm curving out in an arch, it’s hard to miss.
This microphone is what’s known as a boom mic, an essential tool for capturing sound and dialogue in a film production. Have you ever wondered why it has such a peculiar name? In this article, we’ll tell you the answer!
We’ll break down the history of the boom mic and explain exactly how it gained its strange name. So let’s get started, buckle in and find out why is it called a boom mic!
Overview
A boom microphone is a type of microphone that is typically suspended over a sound source using a boom pole, also known as an ‘extension pole’. Boom microphones are preferably used for recording in high-noise environments such as film or television production sets or even musical performances. But have you ever wondered why it is called a ‘boom’ microphone?This article explores boom microphones and why it is called a ‘boom’ microphone in the first place.
What is a Boom Microphone?
A boom microphone is a directional microphone that is typically suspended at the end of a boom pole. The microphone body is designed to be as close to the sound source as possible, while the rest of the microphone is mechanically isolated from the sound source in order to maintain an optimum signal-to-noise ratio.
A boom microphone can be either a hand-held device or a mounted one. A hand-held boom microphone requires the user to hold it throughout the recording session while a mounted one is usually suspended by a metal arm or mounted to the ceiling or wall.
Why is it Called a Boom Microphone?
The term ‘boom’ is derived from the movable support boom that holds the microphone at the optimum distance from the sound source. The boom pole also enables the microphone to be positioned in such a way that it gets the desired sound. Boom microphones are often called ‘shotgun’ microphones, but their design and purpose are quite different from a shotgun microphone.
A shotgun microphone is a unidirectional microphone that is typically used for interviews or outdoor recordings, whereas a boom microphone is designed for recording in high-noise environments.
Advantages of a Boom Microphone
Boom microphones offer a few advantages over conventional microphones.These advantages include:
- Greater directionality: The boom pole allows the microphone to be positioned as close to the sound source as possible, resulting in a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
- Reduced background noise: By positioning the microphone close to the sound source and away from the background noise, boom microphones can provide superior sound quality.
- Increased flexibility: The boom pole enables the microphone to be easily adjusted and repositioned, resulting in better sound control.
Conclusion
A boom microphone is an essential piece of equipment for many audio engineers and sound professionals. It is an invaluable tool for capturing sound in high-noise environments such as television or film production. The boom pole allows the microphone to be positioned close to the sound source for superior sound quality and great directional control. Boom microphones have many advantages over conventional microphones. The term ‘boom’ is derived from the boom pole that allows the microphone to be positioned in such a way so that it captures the sound from the desired source. Citation URL:- https://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Boom_microphone
- https://www. bhphotovideo. com/explora/audio/buying-guide/audio-recording-simplified-microphones-what-are-they