graham howe with his sony camera and ecm-778 microphone

A Cameraman’s Microphone

Graham Howe

My name is Graham Howe and I work as a sports, location podcast and broadcast lighting cameraman who travels the world covering some of the biggest events/shows on the planet through video. Working predominantly as a solo operator I need easy audio solutions.

What’s the role of sound in your creative process?

Audio is as important as the visual side of my role when capturing content. If the pictures are of the standard I expect I need the Audio to be there at this level too. The industry has certainly changed the last 10-15 years where more and more the cameraman is also the soundman.

man adjusting a sony ecm-7789 microphone on a boom pole © Graham Howe

What kind of tools do you need to capture the right content?

I need a selection of mics from wireless radio, wired lapel and shotgun depending on the type of shoot and the requirements of production. In one day I could use all these different mics.

sony ecm-778 in its box © Graham Howe

What is your favourite mic in your setup and why is it so key to your content process?

For ease I love using my URX-P03D Dual Channel Radio mic Kit which allows me to shoot on either a gimbal or handheld/tripod full size camera without cables. Be the shoot a gimbal walk and talk, piece to camera or a sit down interview in a tricky area these mics are faultless. For a sit down “controlled interview setup” I always use a shotgun mic and the new ECM-778 has proved to be a fantastic addition to my sound kit. This mic is ideal for using on a boom pole, direct as a camera mic or even on a gimbal. This mic is both small, light and extremely portable.

© Graham Howe

What would you recommend to someone starting out looking for a simple high quality audio experience?

If you are working as a one-man band you need to have full confidence in your mic setup. You need a mic that performs and has versatility. I can honestly say the ECM-778 ticks these boxes and allows me to cover most situations whilst on location.

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