[David C jones]

Hi Adam-

In terms of using a [shotgun] mic on the EX1, I would set the trim at -41dB which is the factory setting anyway. But since you’re not using a mixer, you’ll need to put the mic/line-in switch to auto. Unfortunately, this is a AGC which is the only way to employ some sort of limiting in order to prevent distortion from happening.

Regards,
Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi David-

It sounds like interference from something like a Nextel or Blackberry, or some other kind of rouge freqency; esp. if it’s just showing up for a few seconds on a couple of clips. I’ve had similar issues like this with other devices interfering with the video signial.

But, it could be something else, too. Could you post the clip?

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi John-

After briefly looking at the manual, I believe your problem has to do with having the “direct menu” set to “ALL” or “PART” (check out pg. 19 & 107 of the manual).

Hope this helps,

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi Cecil-

As far as the shotguns, you have three options:

1. The Duck, made by Rycote – probably the most expensive, but will probably work the best.
2. The Rainman available at Trew Audio – I believe it’s around $100. It’s one size so, it may not fit your mic. Check it out at their website before ordering.
3. The Hogs Hair rain diffuser – made by (and available at) Location Sound. Probably the least expensive but it doesn’t protect the mic/windscreen from getting wet. I think this one has been used on the show “Lost”, though.

Regards,
Dave

[David C jones]

Hi Wing-

I’ve travelled with cameras on planes; security WILL make you take the camera out and turn it on. They may do other things to it as well, like check it for explosive material. You can only have a certain amount of lithium batteries, too. The rest of the stuff I wouldn’t worry about (in regard to security).

Happy travels,

Dave

[David C jones]

Using the lav mic is not your problem, and neither is using the Sennheiser wireless; it’s the fact that you don’t have any way to really control the peaks (or the levels for that matter). This, too, would be the case if you were using a boom mic.

Any field mixer will have limiters. If is doesn’t, don’t buy it :o) I would recommend the Sound Devices 302 or 442.

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi Matt-

I don’t mean to be “that guy” but that’s why you need a mixer :o)

Basically, you need a limiter to prevent the loud peaks in your audio, which are causing distortion. The only other thing you can do is switch the audio setting on the camera from manual to auto. This is really an AGC or auto gain setting which will help in loud peaks, but it also increases the noise floor when no sound is present.

Dave J

[David C jones]

Hi John-

Everytime you change batteries or turn the camera(s) off, you will need to re-jam. PLEASE READ THE MANUAL (pg. 134 and 135). It’s more than just plugging in two BNC’s and putting the TC’s on free-run. The cameras have to be set up the same.

If you are going to be doing a lot of shooting with two or more cameras, you really should get something called a “Lockit” box made by Ambient (one for each camera). These boxes boast less than one frame of drift per-day. Mount them on the cameras and keep them plugged in. Of course, you should still re-jam every few hours or so, anyway…just to be safe.

Regards,
Dave

[David C jones]

Hi Ben-

I agree with Ty on the equipment he listed.

Looking at your list, I don’t believe any of the shotgun mics you listed will sound much better than the one built into the camera; they’re really made for ambient sound. You need a “true” condenser mic. If you can afford it, I recommend the Schoeps 641. As far as a mixer, the Sound Devices 302 or 442. Lav mics: Countryman B6, Sankin COS11x, or Sonotrims.

If you can’t afford new, look at used gear on websites like http://www.trewaudio.com, http://www.locationsound.com or even ebay. You would be better off buying good used gear than cheap new stuff.

Regards,
Dave

[David C jones]

Hi Stan-

Are you planning on using it ON a boom pole? If so, I would recommend ether the Sennheiser MKH-416 or the MKH-60. You will also need a windscreen like the Rycote Softie and shockmount. If you’re planning on shooting mostly indoors, you might want to go with the Schoeps CMC641.

Of course, this all depends on your budget, too.

Regards,
Dave J