Sound

DIY Shotgun Microphone (with in-built shock mount)

Matt — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 08:42:58 +0000

Hi everyone! :) A while ago I made my own shotgun microphone for my camcorder. It's VERY cheap to build (mine cost £12), and sounds way better than you'd think for the price.

Several people have asked me to make a video of how it was done, so I've finally got around to making it. I thought I'd post it here because some of you might find it interesting. Anyway, I'd like to know what you think.

Sennheiser HD-600

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:22:23 +0000

You can make yourself a present, HD600 for $208 :-)

http://www.dakmart.com/p4509/Sennheiser-HD600-HD-600-bstock-Hi-Fi-Professional-Headphones/product_info.html

They are refurbished, but are absolutely as new. I see no difference.

Lav Mic: Audio Technica ATR35s - noisy on GH2?

AfricaGH2 — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 23:56:49 +0000

I connected my audio technica atr35s to my hacked Gh2 - 3.5 stereo to 2.5mm stereo adaptor, but the audio is terrible. Very low and lots of hiss. I've boosted the gain via the camera but still no joy. This mic is powered by a button cell battery with a new battery. It's only a $30 mic but I've used it with good results on other cameras before - works better on my HS700 panny.

Any ideas and can you suggest a cheapish lav mic that will work on the GH2 (hacked) that sound OK and can be directly plugged into the 2.5mm mic jack.

Will my sennheiser G2 EW100 work in the uk after digital switchover?

Jon2323 — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 15:25:31 +0000

Hi, I'm under the impression that some frequencies are going to be used for different things past December 31st 2012 in the uk.

Will my Sennheiser G2 ew100 wireless radio mic (Freq range 830-866 mhz) be affected? And if so what can I do about it.

Thanks a lot Jon

Samson Airline wireless

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:29:20 +0000

Information and specs:

http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/wireless-systems/airline-micro/

Available at:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=Samson+Airline&_sacat=0

Any thoughts about it?

I see quite important shortcomings like one frequency. So, in case of interference you'll have big trouble.

Sony DWZ digital wireless systems

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:28:43 +0000

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-proaudiosite/resource.latest.bbsccms-assets-micro-proaudio-general-SummerNam.shtml

Not much about lavalier set. But they have one.

Alesis Pro Track

Craig_R — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:37:04 +0000

Just Wanted to know if anyone has had any experence with the Alesis Pro Track with an Ipod Touch or Iphone attached. I want an external recorder and saw that the Alesis Pro Track has XLR inputs with phantom power. I have seen these for sale in the uk for £78.

http://www.alesis.com/protrack

Raspberry Pi for recording?

Preetam — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 10:02:13 +0000

Do you guys think it's a good idea to use a Raspberry Pi as a recording interface?

Basically, you should be able to hook up a 9V battery, USB audio interfaces (if necessary), and at least 1 microphone.

Since it's only about $25, I don't see why someone shouldn't give it a try.

DR-100 recording issues need help

No_SuRReNDeR — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:18:43 +0000

I just did a short the previous weekend and the audio was recorded on a Tascam DR-100...I was the DP but Im taking flak. I dont know what the heck happened but the recorded audio its a frickn' mess... the levels are barely there except the slates...the noise in the signal is really bad and I know it wasnt the expensive Seinheisser I have been using for years... which on all my own stuff always comes out really clean and nice.

Too me it almost sounds like it was recording both the boom and the on-recorder mics... but the levels of the signal are barely there in Audition or Soundtrack except the slate claps. One thing that is weird is that it was eating batteries for breakfast must have went through 20 batteries in 3 hours or so...

ANYWAYS...I need help not sure what to do the whole movie is ruined.

NOTE Oh and yeah I caught the mp3 thing after the 1st card dump- scolded the sound guy- even the 24 bit WAVS are the same state...

Roland R-26 - need help for limiter set up

peaceonearth — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 10:56:26 +0000

sorry if this may sound a little sheepish. I sold my H4n and switch to Roland R-26. All fine so far.

I need an assistant for sound recording and I have no expert available no budget either. A student without experience is going to assist me. So I thought best would be to switch on the limiter. I was reading every page of the manual and I was checking all setting of the recorder several times but I found nothing about limiter preferences. At which input level will limiter come into action and is this changeable? Thanks in advance for help.

Em320e Microphone and Gh1

simurg — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 09:59:30 +0000

What is the solution most appropriate for the this microphone by GH13VK?

6.25mm female mono >> 2.5mm male stereo or mono ?

Recording Lav mics directly on person's body, but monitoring remotely

kronstadt — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:41:01 +0000

I've just had an idea that I wanted to share with you and ask if it would work.

The setup that I want to achieve is: Lav mic plugged directly into Zoom H1, which remains on persons body (hidden under clothes), and records clean sound directly - no wireless intervention. The problem with such a setup is that there's no monitoring. So for monitoring alone I'm thinking of getting dirt cheap wireless transmission system (for under $50, I don't even know what options are out there) that would plug into the headphone jack of the Zoom H1 and transmit to the receiver that is plugged into a cheap field mixer. From there I should be able to monitor the dialogue between several actors with lavs on their bodies. I don't know if it would work? Any expert advice?

Low Noise DIY preamp for shotgun mic

spacewig — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:19:47 +0000

Don't have enough time to make a thorough post but following is the design I am currently working on to be powered by a 9V battery. In terms of sound the performance is on the level of a sound devices without the metering, limiter, monitoring and various output options. I'll add more info tomorrow.

Included is also a picture of a prototype board I made. I am using an input transformer I pulled from a yamaha console I modified last year but any audio input transformer in the 1:3 to 1:6 region will work fine with slight modifications of the zobel/loading at the input.

For all who are interested I think we can make something really great in the $100 neighborhood if we put our minds together. Some good suggestions made already.

GH2 + RODE VideoMic, high-pitched noise with levels 2-4.

fetzu — Sun, 27 May 2012 14:06:08 +0000

While doing some test shoots with the GH2 + VideoMic the other week, I realized (when reviewing the files in the NLE) that the camera had pickup up a really annoying high-pitched (constant) noise. I blamed it on the connections, so I tried to reproduce the noise at home and the noise was still there. Then I blamed it on the 3.5 -> 2.5 adapter (which is a short cable), and decided to purchase another (a right angle adapter from hosa, the GMP-467) and the noise still persists.

When I set the audio input level to the lowest setting ("level 1" if I am not mistaken), the noise is inaudible.. but then again the camera is barely picking up any sound. And, quite logically, increasing the input level adds its share of noise. The noise is very noticeable at 2 and unbearable at 4.

I'm using driftwood's Sedna A (which has an audio hack included, as I understand). I tried using the VideoMic with another sound device (a zoom h1), and couldn't reproduce that high pitched noise..

Has anyone experienced anything similar? Is this supposed to be the camera's default behavior? Am I missing something?

Please advise: Which Chinese mics HTDZ HT-81 or HT-81A ?

kronstadt — Sun, 27 May 2012 10:51:02 +0000

I wanted to buy those HTDZ HT-81 cheap Chinese microphones on eBay (for £25) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170514849437, but then I came across this listing http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400291825801 for HT-81A (notice the new "A"), which is supposed to be a "Professional upgraded version of the HT-81", and it seems to have slightly different Frequency Response: 80Hz - 20KHz (as opposed to 100Hz-16KHz), and comes with different cables then the HT-81. Price is double... £50.

So my question is: is it worth getting this "upgraded" version for extra £25? Is it worth the extra cash? All I want to do is to plug it into my Zoom H1 and get a clean dialogue sound.
So which one should I get? HT-81 or HT-81A ? Also any tips about good and cheap cables for the boom pole, would be greatly appreciated.

Beachtek vs. Tascam DR100 (Line-out into camera)?

Sangye — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:25:18 +0000

Is there any real benefit to using a Beachtek type audio adapter, over using something like the Tascam DR-100 feeding audio into the GH2 via the line-out jack? Since the DR-100 has dedicated line-out and headphone jacks, one wouldn't need to use a splitter or anything. And the added recording feature / built-in microphones of the DR-100 seem to put it well ahead of Beachtek audio adapters, while costing less.

The only possible drawback I can think of is that it eats through batteries a bit faster, but I'd just be powering it off of a high-mAh battery pack on my rig, anyway.

It seems like it's an easy decision, but am I missing something here?

Micromuff Skinny - Deadcat for the GH2

tvpglabs — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:01:37 +0000

Micromuff has come up with a product specifically designed for the GH2: The Skinny. I reviewed it on my blog: http://tvpglabs.com/?p=469 and made the following video review:

My takeaway: it's not perfect, but it's good enough to insure a sync track on a multiple camera shoot. What do you guys think?

Tascam iXZ - cheap alternative to preamps/audio recorders

GOODEMPIRE — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:37:40 +0000

Mic-In
Connector XLR
Input Level -42dBu to +2.0dBu
Maximum Input Level +2.0dBu
Input Impedance 2.4k Ohms

General
Phones/Line Out 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo mini jack
Connection Plug 1/8" (3.5 mm) 4 Pole Plug, 5.9" (150 mm) for iPod touch, iPhone, iPad
Power Requirements AA batteries x 2 (when using microphone input)
Power Consumption 0.33 W (Phantom Power 5.0mA)
Battery Life (approx.) 15 hrs (Phantom Power 5.0mA)
Dimensions (WxHxD) 4.2 x 1.6 x 1.8" (10.6 x 4.0 x 4.5 cm)
Weight 3.7 oz (87 g)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&A=ShowProduct&sku=822394&is=REG&Q=

Headphone amplifiers, on location use

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 21 May 2012 06:58:28 +0000

Superlux HA3D

Headphone amplified made for teams requiring monitoring on up to three headphones in parallel.

Very sturdy case, similar to Sound Devices. Locking connectors. Thing thing is made to take serious beating.
Works either from AA batteries or 5-17VDC external power (so, almost any external solution will do).

See small review at: http://www.headfonia.com/superlux-ha3d-amplifier/
User guide: http://www.superlux.com.tw/upload/function.product.info/65ccd6f5-cbc1-4b85-a0aa-3aef01daf3ab/resource/um_HA3D_web_en.pdf

Price: $159

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=Superlux+HA3D

Good and Cheap solution for microphone preamp?

sfbay_jon — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:04:37 +0000

I'm helping on an indy shoot here in SF and the sound guy has all the gear including Sennheiser mics and wireless, and a pre-amp, mixer and multi-track recorder, so now I'm inspired to do my cheap version of an audio setup.

All of the mics that I'm interested in are self-powered 3.5mm (LAV: ATR3350 and SHOTGUN: Sanhe or AT), I am looking for some cheap way to combine two mono mics into one stereo input for my digital recorder (Tascam DR07mkii) that has a single TRS 3.5mm input. @Stonebat mentioned (in another thread) the ART USB Dual Pre, so I looked at that and the Beachtek.

Thanks to Vitaly:-) I also bought a pair of the Superlux headphones! In reading and reading the reviews, I learned about a cMoy: cool "DIY" headphone amps that are built into small tins, like Altoid mints come in. (http://tangentsoft.net/audio/cmoy-tutorial/). Lots of people, like me, know better than to pick up a soldering iron, so hobbyists sell these pocket amps on eBay as kits or assembled for about $35! Sometimes we do get good and cheap!

All of which leads to what I'd like to see--a cMoy version of a mic preamp. I've googled and seen other people asking the question, but haven't found a good answer. Who knows if this exists? Or, is even possible? OR, perhaps more important, would like to have one, if it existed?

Powering shotgun mic with phantom power

flyguy — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:56:02 +0000

I have 2 shotgun mic from China. It works very well. HTDZ. Only problem if i power my mic with phantom power, normal mode dont work, only tele. There is no sound in normal mode. But if i power it with battery, it works. Tried on mixer and my af100. Same result. Any ideas? Thanx

ADR Recommendations

zcream — Sun, 06 May 2012 04:18:47 +0000

I have tried hard to get usable sound for my film, but all my attempts have failed. Since I have spent so much time trying to clean up my audio, I will now give up and try ADR.

EDIT:- I found an option for using my ipod for ADR Looping.

Nice!

What do people use for ADR Looping ? And for syncing it later.

I have heard mention of SynchroArts Vocalign Project. Apparently it modifies the audio to match the one you have recorded. And Sony Vegas, Adobe Audition for looping.

Specialized software are ADRStudio, VoiceQ ADR, Dialog ADR Any freeware options ?

Need wireless lav / general audio recommendations

Oedipax — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:18:45 +0000

Has anyone used the Lectrosonics LMa transmitter with the UCR100 or UCR401 receivers?

I'm trying to budget for a pair of wireless lavs (including two mics, transmitters and receivers) and pretty much don't know what to look for. The budget for everything is about $3000. We want really good sounding mics that are reliable and won't give us problems with RF interference and the like.

Any audio people who can recommend something in that range? Thanks.

Line to Mic 25dB and filter cable

soundgh2 — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:41:44 +0000

http://www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk/pinknoise-25db-35mm-dslr-cable-p-459.html

Maybe handy for some of you guys recording into the camera from a line level source.

Rolls MX36

yachacha — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 23:35:13 +0000

I've been looking around at the options for an onboard 2 channel mixer with Preamps, and it seems the new Mix Pre-D is the king for under $1000. Next down the list are the Beachtek DXA-SLR and JuicedLink CX231. Now I came across the Rolls MX36 http://www.rolls.com/product.php?pid=MX36 for quite a bit less on B and H. I haven't been able to find many hands on reviews and was wondering if anyone had assessed this mixer.

My goal is to have a nice onboard audio system to go with my GH2, preamp sending audio to a DR-100 and the GH2. Obviously this isn't a Sound Devices, but are there any red flags which make this mixer crap? There don't appear to be any level meters which could be a big issue. I guess I am wondering more in terms of sound quality if this mixer will deliver quiet results.

ART DualPre 1st impression

brianluce — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:52:02 +0000

It's $69. What does $69 get you? So far, it seems like not much. Solid little thing. I put my DR100 at the end of the signal path. Since you are going through Line IN on DR100, no level bars will show on the Tascam, so all you get is the red clip light on the mixer. The mixer doesn't have full level readout, just a peak light. As far as I can tell, the phantom power doesn't work at all. And the upper end of the level dials seems to ramp things up really fast to distortion. Still testing, but early impulse is to return it to BH.

Anyone used a Lockit Buddy?

B3Guy — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:14:08 +0000

Hey, everyone! The rental house where I am interning just picked up a "Lockit Buddy", and I was just wondering if anyone else is using these or is aware of their capabilities. Its basically a small box that takes in timecode and sends that to your camera's audio track, essentially enabling proper dual-system timecode synched audio on DSLR type cameras that otherwise would not have timecode. OF course you must edit in a software that supports audio timecode, but the site lists Avid and FCP both as software that have this ability. I'll be testing this nifty little thing out in the near future, so I'll re port back when I've used it ia bit more, but I just thought it sounded like something very useful.

http://www.lockitbuddy.com/website/index.html

Recommended Sound recorder (dialogue) for the GH2

Donnie88 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:23:21 +0000

I've been awarded a $500 grant to shoot a small advert. I'm planning to use about $299 for an Edelkrone Pocket Rig - and to leave the rest for a sound recorder for the dialogue scenes.

What sound recorder would you guys recommend for around $200 to use with the GH2?

Cheers guys

Rode VideoMic HD

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:06:37 +0000

This is just announcment, it is not available yet.

http://www.rodemic.com/news/announcing-the-videomic-hd-the-worlds-first-digital-recorder-video-microphone

Line 6 wireless systems

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:59:17 +0000

This one had been announced at NAMM

But they have also good previous systems.

Sad thing is that they don't have models with mobile reciever.

Featuring 24-bit precision for a full frequency response of 10Hz to 20kHz and a wide dynamic range of up to 120dB (A weighted), the signal from an XD-V75 digital wireless system is so clear and strong that it sounds and performs as if you’re using a wired microphone.

Unlike analog wireless systems, XD-V75 digital wireless systems never use signal companding to compress and expand the signal, so you always have full dynamic range. XD-V wireless systems allow you to convey every nuance of your performance to the audience in the most natural way, with crystal clarity.

XD-V75 systems operate in the 2.4GHz ISM band, which is free from interference due to TV broadcasts, white space devices, cell phone towers and other transmitting devices.

Line 6 digital wireless systems use exclusive digital technologies to protect their signals from interference that can wreak havoc on analog wireless systems. Encoded DCL™ (Digital Channel Lock) technology distinguishes XD-V75 digital audio from any other third-party signal, including Wi-Fi, thus preventing reception of audio interference from other 2.4GHz devices.

More info: http://line6.com/xd-v75/features