Planning to use HVX200 and Tascam HD-P2

B

BockVB

New member
Hello all,

We have already shot one weekend for our short film and it went well, but we used a simple XLR to boom from the HVX for dialog sound. It just wasn't as good as we'd hoped. We have access to a Tascam HD-P2.

Has anyone used this combination of equipment for a video for dialog? If so, I see the tascam only has a timecode-in, so what needs to be done if we want to sync them up? Can we? Can we do it through XLR or firewire? What were the on-set steps to ensure a successful sync?

If syncing is not an option, is it worth it to spend lots of time and use a simple slate and match everything up in post?

We are student filmmakers and everything is looking pretty professional in our film so far...except for the sound, we just want to make sure we are doing it right from here on out!

Thanks!
 
The HVX doesn't output a timecode signal, nor does it input one, so you won't be able to sync electronically. You'd have to do it old-school, with a clapper slate.
 
I used to own the Tascam and I believe (like Barry said) your simplest/cheapest/best route with the HVX is using a slate and keeping a report. If you don't run audio out of the Tascam to the camera, use the camera's onboard mic for reference.
 
Not to question your methods but the HVX has a great set of pre-amps and shouldnt stop you from producing professional quality sound. I use the HDP2 (like Barry said, no sync) and the performance difference while definitely audible isnt night and day either. What kind of mic are you using and how experienced is your boom op?

The only reason I use the HDP2 is for run and gun work where its easier to not have sound tethered to the camera. We just sync it manually in post - really doesnt add that much time to editing. Also am starting to use it with the D90 which just doesnt have a mic input.

My concern is that you are expecting the audio on the HDp2 to sound miraculously better than the HVX and it wont. Getting your mic as close as possible while paying attention to getting the correct perspective for the shot will help alot. So will choosing the right mic for the right situation.
 
Jeff is right the closer you get to the subject the better. Also what mic are you using? That could also effect why you are not getting the sound that you prefer.
 
Also just to state the obvious,
Any piece of gear is just a TOOL...
there is slightly more to getting good sound than just having a usable mic, and a usable mic pre.

Tell us what the actual problem with your sound is.
Might be a little easier to tell you whats wrong.
 
wow, I regret not being a part of dvxuser sooner, thanks for the responses!

Jeff, you cleared up alot for me and put things in perspective.

I am the editor for the short and I also ran the boom on our first shoot. I am not sure what type of mic we used, but the issue is not as bad as what I made it out to be in the initial post, sorry for the confusion. The main point was to really see your opinions on there being a huge advantage to using the tascam for the dialog, and I believe I got my answer. The sound we recording IS usable...the levels could have been tweaked on the HVX, the boom closer to the subject, and not to mention there were un-pluggable soda machines nearby. So I know the mic we are using is good, its just these things could have been payed closer attention to on set, and we should know how to fix them for our next shoot.

thanks again for getting my 'must be answered' questions answered!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top