90 Day Fianc and DPA Microphones live happily ever after
Season 3 of the TLC Reality Series Recorded Using d:screet 4063 and 4098 Miniature Microphones and d:dicate 4017C Compact Shotgun Microphone.
TLC's 90 Day Fianc is a one-of-a-kind reality show, tackling the difficulties of international dating and matrimony. Now in its third season, the series follows as many as six couples, each comprising an American citizen and his or her love interest from abroad. Sound Engineer Jos Fr as uses DPA Microphones' d:screet 4063 Miniature Microphone and the d:dicate 4017C Compact Shotgun Microphone, as well as the SC4098 Podium Microphone to capture dialogue and ambient sound for a few of the show's newest pairs, based in locations such as Orwigsburg, PA and Rexburg, ID.
As 90 Day Fianc has multiple casts in various cities across the country, sometimes filming simultaneously, the show may employ a separate production team in each city. Though the main focus is on the couples, each cast typically includes as many as five or six participants at a time. This requires the sound engineer assigned to each production to wire and mic every key player, cover additional people using the boom microphone, in addition to using plant microphones for unique situations. DPA's line of world-renowned mics provide Frias and the Orwigsburg, PA/Rexburg, ID production team with the necessary adaptable tools to bring the audience through every real-moment of the couples' 90-day journey.
The d:screet 4063 Miniature Microphone is my go-to microphone for this show, says Fr as. As a sound mixer for a non-scripted show I'm required to mic all the main cast, which includes the couples and/or their family and friends. Additionally, the use of Zaxcom wireless allows me the adaptability and flexibility for this show, thanks to their wideband RF and backup recording features. The d:screet 4063 mics provide me a perfect match, with one of the most natural and transparent sounding frequency responses I've come across on any lavaliere mic, while being a fully functional pair to my Zaxcom wireless.
However, for obvious reasons, Fr as is unable to individually mic every single person that comes in front of the cameras. This is where the d:dicate 4017C fills the gap as my boom microphone. The 4017C is the lightest, smallest and best sounding short shotgun mic I've used. Its size and weight is ideal for non-scripted work where you may swing a boom pole for hours on end. Its polar pattern is forgiving enough to sound very good, even while slightly off axis, but provides enough reach to really dial in on the subject. Its frequency response is incredibly natural and transparent as well, making it a perfect match to use with my d:screet 4063 mics.
From a production standpoint, the scenes that take place during car trips are some of the biggest challenges for us, explains Fr as. This is where the DPA SC4098 Podium Microphones really come in handy. Since it's a fast-paced show, there is limited time to plan ahead. I have to be ready to set up and get going, and only have a couple of minutes to figure out what I want to do. The ease of operability of the SC4098s make that possible.
In order to capture the audio for these scenes, Fr as rigs the SC4098s to the car's visors with a mic clip. He plugs the gooseneck into a wireless transmitter, which is hidden inside the visor. He also created a custom-built dual-rig, which allows him to mount the microphones to the center stereo compartment of the car, with the mics pointed straight out, toward the driver and passenger.
For Fr as, the ultimate goal is always to provide the best sound possible, both technically and aesthetically. The frequency response of the SC4098 Podium Microphone is a little flatter and more transparent than competitor gooseneck mics, so the sound is more natural and flattering for dialogue, he says. Whether I'm using the SC4098, the d:dicate 4017C Compact Shotgun mic or the d:screet 4063 Miniature microphone, they all sound incredible. From a sound perspective, they're definitely my go-to solution.
Having become familiar with the company's products for classical and concert recording applications, Fr as was initially unaware of the microphones' production capabilities. I started using these mics for my shows merely from word-of-mouth recommendations, especially after having heard about the use of the d:screet 4061 and 4071 Miniature Microphones by production sound mixer Simon Hayes, who worked on the Academy Award-winning production Les Miserables, he explains. I decided to give the d:screet Miniature Microphones a try and have started to add to my collection with the d:dicate 4017C Shotgun Microphone, which is finding a place in all my current productions and will be used for all future productions as well. I'm also looking into the d:dicate 4018 capsule, with the supercardioid polar pattern, and the E pre-amplifier for stashing solutions. I'm a big fan of what DPA is doing.
A New York City-based sound engineer, Fr as has extensive experience working in the TV and film industries as a sound mixer and sound supervisor. With clients ranging from networks such as TLC, NBC, CBS, A+E, fyi, Discovery and Telemundo, to corporations such as Reebok, JP Morgan Chase and Mountain Dew, Fr as has worked on reality television shows, documentaries, narratives, commercials and live sound productions, among others.
For more information on TLC's 90 Day Fianc , visit: www.tlc.com/tv-shows/90-day-fiance.
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90 Day Fianc and DPA Microphones live happily ever after
