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HVX audio issue
I have had my HVX for close to three months now. The picture is stunning but I am disappointed with the audio quality. I have done some critical comparison test of the audio quality between by new HVX and my old trusty DVX, both at 16 bit 48 K with a couple of high quality external microphones. The DVX sounds much better hands down. My unscientific description is that the HVX audio sounds a bit “thin” lacking in low end and sharpness at the same time. The HVX is also much more prone to distortion if the sound level peaks suddenly. Is it possible that the audio portion of the HVX head is misalign? Should I send the camera in for warranty service to have the audio checked out? Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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8 Replies
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Hi,
this is very odd as it is bsically the same circuit. So let me ask the following. Which Microphones are you using? Where do you have the settings set? Looking for anything here that is different from your DVX settings. If nothing then spell out what you were using and we can try and recreate in the lab.
Thanks,
Jan
Jan Crittenden Livingston
Product Manager, DVCPRO, DVCPRO50, AG-DVX100
Panasonic Broadcast & TV Systems -
Thanks Jan.
I have been using a Sony ECM-77B Condenser lav mic for interviews. I have been very happy with the sound of this mic in the past with my DVX. I tried to match the audio level on both cameras in my comparison test. I know audio quality is quite subjective but to my ear there is a very noticeable difference in quality between the two cameras.
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The two circuits are virtually identical, are you making your judgment on the same speakers? Try again but use the same subject and the same room and same mics on the two cameras. Then import into FCP or Avid, or Canopus, whichever system is yours and then judge.
Best,
Jan
Jan Crittenden Livingston
Product Manager, DVCPRO, DVCPRO50, AG-DVX100
Panasonic Broadcast & TV Systems -
Jan,
My test was just as you suggest, same room for recording test, same mic and mic placement, imported into FCP. and played back on same Bose speaker system. Is it possible that the audio board in my HVX is defective? Do you recommend sending the camera in for Panasonic Professional service? Thanks for your advice. -
If you have to send it in, rather than take it in, you should send in your test along with an explanation of your findings. Make sure your document is easy to follow and read and call first to talk to them about what you are going to send. Frankly it does not sound right to me that you have such different results.
Best,
Jan
Jan Crittenden Livingston
Product Manager, DVCPRO, DVCPRO50, AG-DVX100
Panasonic Broadcast & TV Systems -
Before sending the camera for service I plan to repeat the same test with a completely different type of profession mic, a Sennheiser ME66 short shotgun. I am extremely critical of audio quality and was so pleased with the performance of the DVX in this regard. I would like to get the bottom of this problem with my HVX.
Jan thanks so much for keeping up with this forum and your professional advice.
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Pete,
I think the only way to get a true indication of the difference is to have the test done at the same time. The way you explained it, sounds like you had the talent speak while rolling the DVX and then again when rolling the HVX. Excuse me if this is not correct.
What I would suggest is to set up a small mixer. Have the mic panned center. Send the left channel to one camera and the right channel to the other. Switch the camera to line input and prior to recording any voice, send a 1kz tone into the mixer and make sure the gain structure is set correctly so as to output a 0db signal (if it’s an analog mixer). While playing the tone set the input level on both cameras to be identical at -20db. Then record your subject to both cameras at the same time. -
Thanks Frank. Good idea and good way to compare apples and apples. I’ll give it a try.
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