Audio at Wedding Reception

M

Michael Terri Studios

Member
I am thinking of using the Rode NTG-1. To catch ambient audio at the reception will I have distortion problems considering how loud reception music is... if so I will purchase a pad.

Thanks
 
I am about to purchase this camera. I have heard others who have had problems with distortion. I do know I want a short shotgun mic and am wondering if I will have overload problems. If so, then I will purchase a pad.
 
We record one channel using an NTG-2 (NTG-1 with battery option) and one channel built in. Keep an eye on the levels and you should be fine.
 
How do you find the sound quality using the built-in? Does the 150 have a limiter to prevent overload like the DVX series?
 
where should the levels be peaking on screen? On the white notch a few bars before the red, or should it be clipping at the first red line?

i have a nightmare with audio on the HMc150, I wish it had an auto setting for when you're in a pinch
 
Auto setting is not good at all. I used it on old broadcast cameras. It pick up noise when the ambiance sound is low and can peak when a loud sound pop in.

The 150 has the same limiter as the DVX100, but it is less strong and can easily peak if the sound is strong.

About shooting weddings, I always use a Rode NTG-2 on a channel and a Seinnheiser ENG 100 G2 (it's now the G3 series) wireless transmitter on the other channel to use the output from the DJ's mixer.

If you want a professional audio, invest in a wireless transmitter. It will improve dramatically the final result.
 
SPrimeau said:
Auto setting is not good at all. I used it on old broadcast cameras. It pick up noise when the ambiance sound is low and can peak when a loud sound pop in.

The 150 has the same limiter as the DVX100, but it is less strong and can easily peak if the sound is strong.

About shooting weddings, I always use a Rode NTG-2 on a channel and a Seinnheiser ENG 100 G2 (it's now the G3 series) wireless transmitter on the other channel to use the output from the DJ's mixer.

If you want a professional audio, invest in a wireless transmitter. It will improve dramatically the final result.
Click to expand...

Good advice.

Keep in mind I have only a few hours logged on the HMC150, so take what I say here in that context. However my primary sourse of income is doing location audio, so consider that as well.

A wireless handheld plugged into a channel is great for guest interviews and for those wishing the bride and groom well. As far as the "auto" mode is concerned, remember the 150 does NOT have an auto gain circuit like the DXV100, it only has a "limiter" (ALC - automatic limiter control). Generally speaking it's best to let the levels peak around the -12dB mark. this allows you some "headroom" just in case something gets suddenly louder, but the limiter "should" catch most of surprises anyway with the exception of sudden transients. I'd strongly recommend you use the limiter most if not all of the time, but still watch your levels. Keep in mind, the limiter will begin kicking in at about -6dB

Generally speaking, it really doesn't matter how high the levels go provided they do not clip! Additionally an occasional clip or peak on a sudden transient like a single hand clap, or any other very short sustained non- repetitive sound, will not really be a problem (a repetitive sound like a kick drum however is a different matter). While the transient will in fact be clipped, it's duration is that of only a millisecond or two and will not likely be noticeable.

Tom
 
Good stuff guys,

Keep those levels peaking where the | marks are and you will be good.

I find mic'ing the speaker with a wireless lav like the G2 worked well and the other channel I used a rode NTG1. This way I have both what the camera is looking at, and whats coming out of the DJ speakers (especially for toasts/speeches). I kinda mix them together or use one or the other.

And for backup, I also have used the h4 (now h4n) to record right from Dj board or set it on the speaker with he built in mics.
 
A shotgun mic is a must and the NTG-2/NTG-1 is an excellent choice! For speeches and toasts it's perfect but beware, it will distort during certain stages of a reception , like applause and live music if you are too close, even if turned down to the lowest notch.

Thats where the cameras built in comes in. It's far less sensitive and therefore is prone to far less distortion, but still pretty darn good. It's also is far more responsive to adjustment from the volume knobs. Both mics are ideal when used in tandem once one (preferably the built in) is running lower. Of course I recommend a feed from the mixer as a second channel over the onboard mic anyday.

BTW, what's a pad!
 
ive only just read that the FIRST red line is still -12dB! Wish I'd have known this before recording an entire wedding ceremony at -12dB-14dB!
 
best thing i ever did was buy a Tascam DR7 digital recorder, plug it into the desk for wedding speeches and at conferences, then sync up the audio in post
 
tikigod19 said:
ive only just read that the FIRST red line is still -12dB! Wish I'd have known this before recording an entire wedding ceremony at -12dB-14dB!
Click to expand...
The first line "|" is a white line and is always showed. It indicates -12 db. The second one is a "red" line and indicates 0 db and the peak level.
 
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