Audio Recording (amateur)

G

Gai

New member
Hi there


I am an amateur film maker, let's say I know almost nothing of film.


I am having a problem regarding audio at the moment.

My camera does not have audio jack input, it operates via its own built-in microphone. I do have external personal microphones but of course nowhere to plug it into. So I would be recording the audio separately.

In order to get decent quality audio, what do you recommend?


- a pre-amp connected to a pc that has audio recording software?

- a standaline digital audio recorder?


Please advise on the best and also cheapest method


Thanks
 
Hi Gai. Does the camera not even have a mini-jack mic input? If not, then I'd go with something like the Tascam DR-60D. It's portable, has two XLR inputs for high-quality mics, and is built well. Just make sure you have a way to easily sync sound (e.g. slating before each shot, or buying pluraleyes :)

If the camera does have a mini-jack input (but not XLR), get an XLR adapter like the BeachTek DXA-SLR Pro. It mounts right under your camera and records high quality audio straight to the camera, so you don't have to sync in post.
 
An audio interface into a computer will be fine, if one is available, just not as convenient as Ryan's suggestion of the Tascam. Separate audio recording is pretty common nowadays.
 
It's worth pointing out that a computer (even a laptop) is much less mobile than a small solid state recorder, like the Tascam mentioned above. If you already have the computer (who doesn't?), and you're in a "studio" setting, it may not matter, but walk your camera into the next room...
 
Gai said:
I am an amateur film maker [..] In order to get decent quality audio, what do you recommend?
Click to expand...
Depending what you're after, there's plenty of solution available...
I read this and I think that a simple portable recorder and a lavalier mix would be the best solution for now. Tascam DR-05 and an Azden EX-503 can be bought for less than 150$. For dialog, it's the best low-cost solution I've found.
 
I'm not a full-on audio expert and there's a far better area of this site to discuss recorders...

That said, I'd think spending ANYTHING less than $199 on the DR-60D is kind of throwing money away. Especially if it still comes with PluralEyes for free. The 60D MkII just hit with improved preamps, same price.

The little tascam may not be on every hollywood set, but it's pretty dynamite for the money.
 
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