Boom
A boom is an auxiliary tool for sound assistants to attach a microphone .
Appearance
It is an extendable rod (in the three length classes 1–2, 2–3½ and 4–6 meters), to the tip of which the microphone can be attached. This has the advantage that a smaller distance from the microphone to the actor leads to better audio recording quality .
Additional equipment
In order to filter out air flow noises, which can generate rumbling noises like the wind in the open air, the microphone is provided with a wind protection (basket with and without fur cover - "Dead cat"). There is a risk of such air flow noises when the fishing rod is swiveled / moved quickly.
In addition, the microphone is fixed in an elastic holder ("spider"; microphone spider ) in order to prevent the operator from making gripping noises.
commitment
The art of the sound assistant lies in handling the boom in such a way that it neither appears in the picture nor obstructs the actor . It is usually carried over the head with outstretched arms. A line leads from the microphone through or on the boom to the recording device or a radio module that feeds the sound to a recording device.
The boom is used in almost all fictional and documentary film productions and is also occasionally used by amateur filmmakers . It is also popular when many journalists gather around a speaker so as not to get in each other's way. It is also used at sporting events, for example when choosing sides in football or when taking breaks in volleyball and handball, in order to record the athletes' conversations for the television viewer.
literature
- Tom Ang: Digitales Video , ISBN 3-8310-0765-9
