Audio Query

kevtim

kevtim

Active member
I have been planning on buying a AT897 mic for my DVX. However I recently used a Zoom H4 recorder and I have to say I was really impressed with the results. I could just leave it in one position for the whole gig (or I could mount it to my camera if needed). I got a nice even sound and because it wasn't attached to the camera the sound wasn't fluctuating due to me shifting location. I am now thinking about investing in one for myself. before making such an investment however I thought I should run it past some of you DVX geniuses to get your opinion. The only problem I experienced whilst using the H4 was that the audio kept going out of sync with my video in my timeline in post?

Kind Regards
Kevin
 
The sync issue is normal. While various DV camera makers have no trouble making hardware that records at the exact same speed, and thus always sync up with each other, it seems that audio device manufacturers just can't get it right. Different devies will be off by different amounts. There's nothing wrong with the H4N, it's an industry-wide problem.

Go ahead and get one.
 
I was actually considering getting two H1's instead of a single H4n. That way I could set a microphone up on a tripod central to the action and also have one set up on my camera for portability. What do you think? Best to go with one H4n or two H1's?
 
Anything from weddings to gigs, documentaries. I realize the H4 has the XLR jacks at hand for gigs... Maybe it would be a good idea to get one of both. The H1 for on camera as it's light and small. Maybe get the H4n to either sit on a tripod or plug in? What do you think?
 
Jim Simon said:
The sync issue is normal. While various DV camera makers have no trouble making hardware that records at the exact same speed, and thus always sync up with each other, it seems that audio device manufacturers just can't get it right. Different devies will be off by different amounts. There's nothing wrong with the H4N, it's an industry-wide problem.
Click to expand...

I would not say that, as it's not true.

As for H4n, it's more for musicians and journalists and for casual or impromptu recording. Not suitable for pristine audio recording, due to its relatively high noise floor and relatively weak gain. H1 is one of the noisiest audio recorders, but it's very small. How to live with their limitations and make best use of them is totally up to you: what you want to record, what audio quality you need, how skillful you are in recording, as well as what post work you want to do with the recorded audio, etc. For weddings, you probably don't need pristine audio and can easily get away with H1 or an on-camera shotgun going straight into the camera.
 
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