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HVX200 field audio question
I’ve been shooting a lot of live music shows lately for a project. I’ve tried using just the camera’s built-in shotgun mic as well as a Sennheiser shotgun (used in conjunction). I keep the audio levels way down, and have the mic settings in the menu set to -60db?
My problem is…….there is a continuous popping of distortion (especially when I’m close to the stage/speakers). Is this just the way it is, even if the levels are way below clipping levels? Are there any other menu settings within the camera that I can try?
J O H N H U N T E R
Editor/DP
jo*********@****ie.comL U C K I E & C O M P A N Y
600 Luckie Drive
Birmingham, AL 35223
(o) 205.877.9871 -
10 Replies
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I get the audio signal directly from the mixer when I can, but if you are on the move and cables are not an option, you can place a wireless mic in front of the speakers.
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yeah, it’s definitely a run & gun type of project. Trying to capture guitarists from different bands playing a special guitar on stage. Never exactly sure which song during the set they’re going to play it, so I have to be waiting out front with the camera ready to shoot. It’s usually in amphitheater/concert hall settings. I’m also dealing with tight security because I’m usually only cleared to shoot during the song(s) they play the guitar in.
J O H N H U N T E R
Editor/DP
john.hunter@Luckie.comL U C K I E & C O M P A N Y
600 Luckie Drive
Birmingham, AL 35223
(o) 205.877.9871 -
If the sound is really important then you should get a sound guy. Maybe someone pointing a shotgun to the speakers and adjusting the levels in a pre before you get the signal to your cam.
Some handy-cams have an auto adjustable level for the sound. If you have one of those, get a friend to get the piece in a stable position while you record the main footage.
I know you were asking for a single button solution, but good sound almost always require a little extra investment both in hardware and personnel. Auto adjustable sound level doesn’t come but in cheap cameras and there’s a reason for that, it doesn’t always sound good. Convince of that to the people that hired you.
I hope this helps
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I would ask the bands sound guy to record the concert to a CD. Make sure you give the guy a little cash for his trouble.
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You can always attach an attenuator.
Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group -
yeah, the sound is not a make or break part of this (although I’m sure it sounds like it probably should be!), but it’s not really in the budget to hire someone. I was just wondering what preliminary steps i could take in the camera’s menu settings to minimize distortion. I may also need to have the mic checked to see if its been damaged at some point.
thanks for your suggestions!
J O H N H U N T E R
Editor/DP
john.hunter@Luckie.comL U C K I E & C O M P A N Y
600 Luckie Drive
Birmingham, AL 35223
(o) 205.877.9871 -
Yeah, that’s definitely the best option. I’ve contacted a few of the “tapers” as well for a good live recording.
J O H N H U N T E R
Editor/DP
john.hunter@Luckie.comL U C K I E & C O M P A N Y
600 Luckie Drive
Birmingham, AL 35223
(o) 205.877.9871 -
Interesting. I saw the AT8202 (Audio Technica) that provides -10dB, -20dB or -30dB attenuation. Is this at all what the -50dB and -60dB settings in the HVX menu are doing? I usually have mine set to -60dB. Would the attenuator simply be adding more?
J O H N H U N T E R
Editor/DP
john.hunter@Luckie.comL U C K I E & C O M P A N Y
600 Luckie Drive
Birmingham, AL 35223
(o) 205.877.9871 -
The camera has a limiter on the mic/line in, this will keep the audio from peaking into the camera, but it the mic.
One thing I always do when I’m only using a single external mic is to use channel 2. Set the camera so that mic channel 2 goes to record channel 1 and 2. Then I set 1 to where I think is best, then turn channel 2 down at least 6dB. This gives you a safety buffer. If you have extremes turn it down 12dB.
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If the sound is loud enough, it will overdrive the mic capsule. Then it doesn’t matter how low you turn it down. If you can’t connect a wireless mic to the soundboard the CD is the way to go. Come to think of it, I think I’d prefer it anyway so you get all the music whether you’re rolling camera or not.
HPX2000, HVX200
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