4 audio channels ?!?
- Thread starter ozan
- Start date
Loren Simons
DVXuser Sponsor
you could get a field mixer, than plug in its outs to the a1. thatll give u as many channels as the mixer allows (mine is 4)
The field mixer im using has 4 channel inputs/outs. Each channel is recording from 4 difference mics.
the XHA1 has 2 XLR inputs... how do i retain the other 2 channels? OR does the channels split on L and R on each input? each channel i guess will be mono?
Loren Simons
DVXuser Sponsor
yeah i think each channel out would be mono? im not really sure as my field mixer has a "left" and a "right" out and i just plug those into my A1 and walla, four channels. so id have to assume thats how yours would to?
SOo, kinda confusing... When u capture how would u extract the 2 mono signals the single L channel? So input 1 would be split into mono L and R. Doesnt each input show as single channel through like in premier or FCP?
http://www.ozan.ca/XHA1.JPG
?
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ullanta
Veteran
I don't know the XH-A1 well, but I assume it olnly records 2 channels.
Macaholic is confusing "mixing" with "recording". A mixer by definition takes a number of inputs and mixes them together into a (genrerally smaller) number of outputs. That is, four mics connected to the mixer are "mixed down" into two channels - left and right.
If you do this, the two mixed channels can then be recorded by a 2-channel recorder. What you lose id the ability to separate the sounds in post.
For example:
(Assume I1, I2, I3, I4 are inputs (say, mics) and LEFT and RIGHT are outputs)
If you pan I1 and I2 left and pan I3 and I4 right on the mixer, then LEFT will be a blend of I1 and I2, RIGHT will be a blend of I3 and I4. If I1 has good sound you like and I2 has noise you don't like, it'll be hard to impossible to separate them in post if they're mixed together.
So... basically you CAN'T separate mixed channels into their component parts (you can spend a lot of time with complex filters and editing and sometimes get a mediocre result. Sometimes, especially with dialogue, people don't speak at the same time so you can separate 'em. But, in general, no).
Except in rare non-standard cases, 3-pin XLR mic or line connections carry only 1 mono signal.
Macaholic is confusing "mixing" with "recording". A mixer by definition takes a number of inputs and mixes them together into a (genrerally smaller) number of outputs. That is, four mics connected to the mixer are "mixed down" into two channels - left and right.
If you do this, the two mixed channels can then be recorded by a 2-channel recorder. What you lose id the ability to separate the sounds in post.
For example:
(Assume I1, I2, I3, I4 are inputs (say, mics) and LEFT and RIGHT are outputs)
If you pan I1 and I2 left and pan I3 and I4 right on the mixer, then LEFT will be a blend of I1 and I2, RIGHT will be a blend of I3 and I4. If I1 has good sound you like and I2 has noise you don't like, it'll be hard to impossible to separate them in post if they're mixed together.
So... basically you CAN'T separate mixed channels into their component parts (you can spend a lot of time with complex filters and editing and sometimes get a mediocre result. Sometimes, especially with dialogue, people don't speak at the same time so you can separate 'em. But, in general, no).
Except in rare non-standard cases, 3-pin XLR mic or line connections carry only 1 mono signal.
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Hmmm,
My plan is to record engine and exhaust noise form a vehicle. My original plan was to take 4 mics and places them in 4 different spots in the car. I guess if i want to have total control over each channel and separate them... i have to keep it simple and record 2 channels at a time. Mic 1 into input 1 and mic 2 into input 2. I was trying to cut corners and record everything in one setup.
ullanta
Veteran
If they'll always be heard together in a blend, and if you can balance it live with your mixer, you should be fine mixing down to 2 channels. The only danger would be if, for example, one mic distorts, you won't be able to separate that from the others in post.
Do you have a need to separate the different sound "perspectives" in post?
Do you have a need to separate the different sound "perspectives" in post?
Ye, i do cause, Each mic will be placed in various spots around the vehicle iNterior and exterior. I want to beable to control each separate mic source so I can select, mix and enhace to my needs in post.
Maybe my XHA1 wont be best for this since it only does 2 channels.... Is there another type of recoding source i can use for multiable mics?
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Ozan is the engine noise consistent? If so I would just go with the 2 and do 2 tracks on each for post mix.
Loren Simons
DVXuser Sponsor
yes, i was confused, sorry bout that!=]