I've read all the sticky's and my question is still not answered. I want to know if it is considered un-profressional to shoot a broadcast quality documentary recording sound directly to a DVX. Basically, do I need to get an external sound recording device, and if so any recomendations? i will be traveling a lot, the more durable the better.
external audio?
- Thread starter 3cities
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Noiz2
Sound Ninja
"Broadcast quality" is a moving target. News uses lots of stuff that most would not consider "broadcast quality" as do documentaries. As has been pointed out many times (sometimes to me) the DVX has very decent sound. If your a one man band there is probably not much sense in adding more things to go wrong. If you have a sound person then I would recommend an external mixer or preamp so they can have better control over what's going to tape. Personally it always makes me nervous if there isn't a backup that isn't at the mercies of the camera settings but that has a lot to do with what you are trying to shoot and where it is going after you shoot it.
Agree with the above - you really need a mixer at a minimum. You cannot shoot and adjust sound levels on the DVX without some measure of jitter/bumpage to the camera (yes, I know, there are many DVX stars out there that swear they can adjust audio levels, pull focus and zoom all with one hand tied behind their back, so please don't write me).
As far as external recorders go, you can spend anywhere from $500 to $15,000 or so, depending on your needs, requirements and type of work you do. Personally, if money were no object, I would go with the Cantar. The Deva is probably a bit more capable for the price, but darn, that Cantar just looks cool, where the Deva is a little boxy for my taste. Hey, if I'm going to dream, I'm going to dream BIG! (And, it's easy to criticize something you can't afford... ;-)
There are lots of threads on the various plusses and minuses of each of the lower cost recorders (Marantz 671, 660/Tascam HD-P2/Fostex FR2/and all of the lower end toy recorders like M-audio, R-9, etc.)
Phil
As far as external recorders go, you can spend anywhere from $500 to $15,000 or so, depending on your needs, requirements and type of work you do. Personally, if money were no object, I would go with the Cantar. The Deva is probably a bit more capable for the price, but darn, that Cantar just looks cool, where the Deva is a little boxy for my taste. Hey, if I'm going to dream, I'm going to dream BIG! (And, it's easy to criticize something you can't afford... ;-)
There are lots of threads on the various plusses and minuses of each of the lower cost recorders (Marantz 671, 660/Tascam HD-P2/Fostex FR2/and all of the lower end toy recorders like M-audio, R-9, etc.)
Phil
ullanta
Veteran
3Cities -
I think the consensus here and in countless other threads is that you get the biggest improvement in sound by bypassing the DVX's preamps - that is, using an external mixer/preamp. Compared to that, improvements using an external device are minor (unless you're talking about something like recording multi-track instead of 2-channel). The external mixer also has workflow/process benefits. So:
1) You can get passable sound in many situations using the DVX with external mics
2) You can get a significant improvement over this using an external mixer/preamp
3) You can get subtle improvements over this with pricey outboard gear
The sweet spot for your situation would seem to be #2.
I think the consensus here and in countless other threads is that you get the biggest improvement in sound by bypassing the DVX's preamps - that is, using an external mixer/preamp. Compared to that, improvements using an external device are minor (unless you're talking about something like recording multi-track instead of 2-channel). The external mixer also has workflow/process benefits. So:
1) You can get passable sound in many situations using the DVX with external mics
2) You can get a significant improvement over this using an external mixer/preamp
3) You can get subtle improvements over this with pricey outboard gear
The sweet spot for your situation would seem to be #2.
