|
|
Hey guys, I'm part of a production for a small time internet series called 'Life and Level' (check us out at http://www.lifeandlevel.com ) .. anyway, our budget is very very limited, and people have been criticizing the sound quality.
Currently, we use a Rode VideoMic attached to a 6 foot boom pole, which then leads from a gold plated 1/8' extender into a 1/8' female on our incredibly cheap Canon ZR800. Feel free to laugh now.
We use two cameras, one being the ZR800 and the other a Panasonic PVGS320.. both MiniDV format. The PVG320 has awesome quality for it's size, but lacks a 1/8' mic input.. so we're forced to use the piece of shit ZR800.
So, my question is.. are there any effective ways to improve our sound quality? Perhaps by using a recording device?.. I'm not sure how they do it in actual production (since you see the boom operator wearing a bag and headphones), but could anyone shoot out some tips to help us improve?
Obviously, we cant' move into XLR sound, so we're limited to 1/8..
any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
[last edit 3/22/2009 9:45 PM by Bryan - edited 1 times]
drive well sleep carefully
http://www.exboration.com/ | |
I was an audio retail salesperson for a while. What's your budget and your media preference for audio?
I'd be happy to help you. 
Audio Engineer for 14 years...
Going where others can't... | |
It could be as simple as how your pointing the mic while it's on the boom pole.
I'm not sure if your consumer camera has an audio output, but my tip would be (if your able) to monitor the audio being recorded using headphones.
Edit: After watching an episode, your audio isn't that bad. I think what's hurting you the most is the auto gain on the camera.
[last edit 3/23/2009 3:00 AM by TrAcK_rUnNeR - edited 1 times]
-TR | |
Ideally, our budget is minimal.. but if there's an investment we can make that would greatly increase our audio quality, then we'll take it into consideration.
Would it be plausible to buy like.. something portable that records audio? Like I said, we're working with 1/8', so no XLR. What do boom operators record audio into? I'd personally like an alternative to using the camera.
drive well sleep carefully
http://www.exboration.com/ | |
I personally use (and i'm sure some boom ops do also) a Tascam HD-P2 for recoding my audio. It's a nice light-weight unit that records great sound. Depending on the needs are, i may also use a portable mixer. That with a nice carbon-fiber boom pole and a good mic, i'm set. But i do this kinda stuff for a living and the money i invested may not necessarily be what you looking for.
-TR | |
why cant you use anything with xlr? I mean worse comes to worse you can get an adapter or impedance converter or something.
| |
I'd buy a direct box (DI) and convert from XLR to your 1/8" or whatever you have and get a good mic. The Audix D-5 or D-7 are good vocal mics and could pick up the sound if placed on a boom or likewise.
If you need a good directional mic (uni-directional), then Audix or Sennheiser have some really nice ones for a good (reasonable/affordable) price.
But if you insist on using non-XLR mics, then you'll just have to stick with Rat Shack stuff. However, if you do go with the upgrade, then it'll probably run you around $80-120 for a basic but nice mic setup (DI plus mic).
Go browse at Guitar Center for a few hours and harass the employees with questions. If they can't help you out, you can ask me. I worked in audio retail for two years, and can get you discounts on some items if needed.
Going where others can't... | |
Posted by RailGuy88
I'd buy a direct box (DI) and convert from XLR to your 1/8" or whatever you have and get a good mic. The Audix D-5 or D-7 are good vocal mics and could pick up the sound if placed on a boom or likewise.
If you need a good directional mic (uni-directional), then Audix or Sennheiser have some really nice ones for a good (reasonable/affordable) price.
But if you insist on using non-XLR mics, then you'll just have to stick with Rat Shack stuff. However, if you do go with the upgrade, then it'll probably run you around $80-120 for a basic but nice mic setup (DI plus mic).
Go browse at Guitar Center for a few hours and harass the employees with questions. If they can't help you out, you can ask me. I worked in audio retail for two years, and can get you discounts on some items if needed.
|
I have a couple of sennheisers, I mean I dont know for video.. but even sometimes you see people selling some shure 57/58s for cheap on craigslist.. be careful that they aren't beat up though.
|
Add a poll to this thread
This thread is one of your Favourites. Click to make normal.Click to make this thread a Favourite.
| This thread is in a public category, and can't be made private. |
Powered by AvBoard AvBoard version 1.5 alpha
Page Generated In: 46 ms
|
|
Ethics
