[Greg Parrish]

I also videotape various events, some where I cannot check in advance what will be available. Here are my two cents. Bring your own (xlr) cable, approach the person operating the audio mixer with a warm sincere smile and ask nicely for their help. Put together a set of connector adapters so you can convert from what ever the mixer may have for output to what you need for input. Be aware of the issue of ground loops. When ever you plug into AC, someone else plugs into AC, and you connect your equipment together, you have the potential for a ground loop. This can insert a “hum” into your audio. I generally operate from batteries so it is usually not an issue for me. I do carry a cheap hum eliminator (ground lift) in my kit.

I did have one event where several news groups were all plugged into the same mixer. Someone had a ground loop and I think we all got the hum 🙂

Hope this helps.
-Greg

[Greg Parrish]

When I think of handing things off to be done, I think of managing expectations. For editing, some expectations to consider might be:

What will you get (tape, disk, memory card)
What format or codec
When will you get it (little at a time, all at once, drop dead date)

After you get it, what is expected?
Video edits, audio sweetening, compositing?
What process is expected for review (examine that night, all day sessions with director, review after rough cut, who decides its done)
When do they want it back
What format do they expect

Generally, the less surprises, the better.

Sounds like fun though 🙂

Cheers,
-Greg

[Greg Parrish]

So it sounds like what you really want is some audio peak type meter and a multi channel (more than 2) recorder. Leave the mixing in post.

[Greg Parrish]

Thanks Ty for the nice welcome and the excellent answer. It all makes sense.

The cameras we have to work with at the college (sony pd150) appears to have two audio record channels. Is that typical for cameras? Do you usually mix all your various audio sources down to two channels (for field work)?

Thanks again for everyone’s help 🙂

Cheers,
-Greg

[Greg Parrish]

I am also a newcomer to the video field and would like to share what I have found (so far). I was an engineer for many years, and while that was fun and all, I really wanted to try something different. So in my late 40’s, I decided to go back to school. I am fortunate to live (relatively) near a community college that offers Film and TV production courses. I have to say that I really like it, and would recommend CC as a path to explore. They have equipment and classes where you get to use it (cameras, switchers, lighting, and so on). The cost is very inexpensive. The teachers understand the difference between the typical 19 yr old and the “older” professional, and help you fit in.

A couple unexpected bonuses. They have an Career and Intern office that assists with getting you internships in the local industry. I was like you and wondering if I would be able to get an internship at my age. The staff there thought I would fit right in. So I am applying for one this Jan. The student ID gives you discounts to city transit, computer hardware (including macs), and video production software (as Nick pointed out). The software licenses are “educational” however, and some have restrictions on “use for profit” and on upgrading.

Cheers.