Zacuto Micro-Boom and MicroMixer - Audio Accessories (not only) for Mobile Filmmaking
[16:11 Sat,15.April 2023 by blip]
Zacuto continues to increasingly target smartphone filmmakers. Audio accessories have now been developed for them - a new area for the manufacturer - but they can of course also be used with "normal" cameras. On the one hand, a sound boom appears, which is to be clamped to the camera, on the other hand, a small microphone mixer.
MicroMixer
The on-board audio MicroMixer is, according to Zacuto, the first two-channel microphone mixer designed primarily for cell phone video. It allows two microphones to be connected so that stereo mic setups can be created, two people can be miked, individual voices can be isolated, and/or custom mixes can be created for live streaming. With mix-minus capabilities, it lends itself to video production, interviews, or podcasts.
Zacuto Micro Mixer on the Smart Z-Finder Rig.
The Micro Mixer weighs just over 30g, measures about 55 x 48 x 13mm, and has a few physical switches and knobs for easy adjustment of levels and the like. There is no mention of a visual level meter in the description. Microphones are attached via two 1/8" connectors it seems, and two headphone outputs are also provided. The power supply is external, for example via the smartphone. The Micro Mixer is supposed to appear in the 3rd quarter of 2023 (no pricing).
Micro-Boom
The Micro-Boom, the aforementioned sound boom, is also intended to enable one-person teams to use the advantages of a boom-mounted sound during run-and-gun interviews, for example, or to dispense with a lavalier microphone. For this purpose, the small and lightweight fishing rod - the length can be adjusted between 35.5 and just under 90cm with a weight of approx. 140g - is attached directly to the camera.
Zacuto Micro-Boom
Thanks to a variety of mounting options such as Cold Shoe, NATO Rail or ENG Plate, the MicroBoom should be compatible with various types of cameras, in addition to the Smart Z-Finder Rig for smartphones so also with DSLRs or mirrorless, ENG cameras, etc.. Cable routing is internal.
The Micro Boom should be available from the end of Q2 - then we'll see how practical this idea really is. There is a reason why boom guiding is an art in itself, and while with this fixed construction the mic itself will rather not protrude into the picture, shadows, for example, will probably become a problem depending on the lighting situation. After all, the angle of the boom can't be changed without the image section moving along with it.
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