AC90: Best setting to record an indoor music event

G

gaddster

Active member
Hi guys

been asked at the last minute to record a charity music event tonight. I realise the ac90 is not the best in low light environments but hopefully the stage will be well lit.

I am still trying to crossover from using the auto function to manual. Any advice for covering this event, problem areas etc would be appreciated

ps using an AC90, shotgun mic, zoom h4n ( going to try and get a direct feed from the desk) and a panty TM900 (static) for some close up stage shots..
 
Have the shotgun mic XLR cable going into the AC90 Input 2. Switch CH1 and CH2 to Input 2. This will have the effect of putting the mono shotgun audio onto both the left and right tracks (though you can also do that in post). Have Input 1 and Input 2 on Mic rather than Line. Have phantom power off on both. Adjust the dials on CH1 and CH2 to make sure you are not getting clipping during recording - by looking at the bars at the bottom of the screen. You lose auto levels if you have an XLR shotgun attached so you will have to watch that carefully during recording and also ensure that you don't accidentally jog the wheels.

Alternatively set CH1 to Int(L) and CH2 to Input2. That way you'll have the shotgun recording to the right channel and the onboard mic recording to the left channel. And consider setting the levels to different values so that you have fallback if there are unexpected loud or quiet moments.

The H4n is your best bet for audio though. You will probably have to turn the levels down very low if using the 3.5mm plug - 30 or lower to avoid clipping from the desk feed. If you have a pad cable use that to lower the feed level to more usable. If using XLR you'll need to enable 4 channel. XLR also would enable you to record two separate versions - one via the XLR and another using the H4n's own onboard mics, set at different levels if you wish. Don't be tempted to use auto-levels with the H4n as it resets the max after each loud event making the remaining far too low. If you have a 2nd mic consider adding that to the H4n so you've got a possible 3 versions. If you have a mic connected to the H4n by XLR enable 48v phantom power in the H4n. Have plenty of spare batteries for the H4n or run it off the mains.

If you cannot get a feed from the board look at setting up the H4n on its own a few feet away from a speaker and recording direct into it by its onboard mics. That can be surprisingly effective.

Leave the TM900 on auto-levels as an emergency backup. You will need its track to sync it in post.

Pete
 
thanks pete, I have setup the AC90 as suggested, thanks for posting such a detailed response on audio :-)
 
Oh, I should add that if you set up the AC90 for shotgun and then remove the shotgun don't forget to switch CH1 and CH2 back to Internal otherwise you won't have any audio at all :- )

Pete
 
I have an AC160A do about 30 music events a year. I have never used the internal mics.

My setup is

a) Rode on-camera mic into channel 1

b) XLR sound board feed (line) on channel 2 and

3) a Tascam DR100 MK II on a tripod just off mid stage and no higher than the stage floor level. If that is not allowed then I put it wherever I can.

I steer clear of loudspeakers. I always run one channel a bit below the other and fix this up post event. During the sound test, I get the band to play the loudest number they plan to play and make sure the pips do not go more than 2 steps beyond the marker.

The auto audio on the 160A clips the top of the signal so results trying this out have been poor.

All in all, I seem to have to watch the sound levels and boost the meters when announcements are being made or during very quiet numbers.

So, sound, for me, is an ongoing preoccupation throughout any performance.

I am hoping to get a copy of Plural Eyes but will first ask around what member experience has been with this.

I have a PDB from Applied Research and Technology that I have had to use from time to time.

Good luck with your recording.
 
Karl, I've been a heavy user of Pluraleyes for the past couple of years. Its ridiculously easy and quick and copes with just about anything. Typically I'll have 3 to 5 cams and 3 to 4 separate audio devices before starting a multicam edit. I think its free with one of the Rode mics.

The reason for having the channels allocated as I described with the AC90 is so that you get audio into both left and right from the mono shotgun. It doesn't work like that the other way round.

presumably you are using wireless to get your audio from the deck into your 160 rather than hardwired. In any event with the AC90 if you don't need the shotgun contribution to go into both channels it wouldn't matter which XLR socket you put it in.

another bit of software worth its weight in gold is the standalone Mercalli V3 video stabiliser. That version can batch process clips plus its automated analysis tool can allow for intentional zooms and pans midclip without any input from you - though you can go manual if you wish. It makes handheld and monopod shooting much more acceptable - great for concerts.

pete
 
Don't forget to take a quality set of cans (headphones) and use them at all times during tests and recording.

Al
 
Al . . . The 160A audio channel switches work the same way. Ch 1 has selectable Int, 1 or 2 whereas Ch 2 only has Int or 2. So, as you say, if you have only one input you have to plug into Ch 2.



I will definitely look into Plural Eyes now that they have a PC version. They did not have a PC version until quite recently.

Sony Vegas seems to have in V12 an earlier (v1) of Mercalli V3 that they got from ProDAD. It seems to work OK.
 
I have found the AC90 white balance needs to be set for any stage event. I always set it to 3200k tungsten setting. Auto focus with this camera is very good but if they turn the lights on and off quickly it may get confused if you are zoomed in a lot. The other thing worth it's weight in gold is a lanc controller. I use a libec with a setting for Panasonic cameras. It works very efficiently and saves your arm a lot of extra work. And one last thing ... I always set up a Lilliput 7 inch monitor via HDMI ... this saves my eyes from the constant strain common to these events. Hope that's helpful.
 
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