Audio Set Up
- Thread starter Twisty52
- Start date
kenackr
Well-known member
First, make sure you set the mic/line switch in front of the XLR connectors to "mic" for the corresponding input you are plugged into (1 or 2).
Second, set the the CH 1 or 2 selector switch behind the LCD panel, to take the mic output and put it on the channel you want (1 or 2).
Third, go into menu (if you're using a DVX), under recording setup, and set "MIC ALC" to on. This acts as an automatic limiter to help keep you from distorting the signal (going to 0 db).
Fourth, rehearse the shot without rolling tape and watch the audio level meters and set the audio gain level (round dials beneath the LCD) so that "average" sound level is about -12db (right where the meter turns to red). This is called a sound check. It's OK to have some red - BUT- the meter should NOT be allowed to go to 0db and clip (it will distort). If you have to turn the dial beyond the 2 o'clock position you have to get the mic closer to the source. If you don't or go past 2 o'clock, you'll hear more noise in that channel.
Remember that microphones need to be close to peoples faces (within 3 feet or less) regardless of what type of mic they are to get "good" dialog that is relatively free of background noise. That includes shotguns too. Most regular dynamic (unpowered) vocal mics are meant to be used within a few inchs of the mouth. "Eating the mic" is the generally accepted term.
Condenser (powered mics) generally have better sensitivity than dynamic mics so they can be a little further away than dynamic mics. Shotgun mics are designed to reject more extraneous background sound than the place they are pointed at, so they have become a favorite in video operations. They can be placed just outside the picture frame and aimed at a mouth to capture dialog while reducing other ambient sounds.
Hope that helps.
Ken :smile:
Second, set the the CH 1 or 2 selector switch behind the LCD panel, to take the mic output and put it on the channel you want (1 or 2).
Third, go into menu (if you're using a DVX), under recording setup, and set "MIC ALC" to on. This acts as an automatic limiter to help keep you from distorting the signal (going to 0 db).
Fourth, rehearse the shot without rolling tape and watch the audio level meters and set the audio gain level (round dials beneath the LCD) so that "average" sound level is about -12db (right where the meter turns to red). This is called a sound check. It's OK to have some red - BUT- the meter should NOT be allowed to go to 0db and clip (it will distort). If you have to turn the dial beyond the 2 o'clock position you have to get the mic closer to the source. If you don't or go past 2 o'clock, you'll hear more noise in that channel.
Remember that microphones need to be close to peoples faces (within 3 feet or less) regardless of what type of mic they are to get "good" dialog that is relatively free of background noise. That includes shotguns too. Most regular dynamic (unpowered) vocal mics are meant to be used within a few inchs of the mouth. "Eating the mic" is the generally accepted term.
Condenser (powered mics) generally have better sensitivity than dynamic mics so they can be a little further away than dynamic mics. Shotgun mics are designed to reject more extraneous background sound than the place they are pointed at, so they have become a favorite in video operations. They can be placed just outside the picture frame and aimed at a mouth to capture dialog while reducing other ambient sounds.
Hope that helps.
Ken :smile: