Channel 2

[BitterJester]

DVX100B noob question. If you're using a shotgun mic on channel 1, what do you prefer to do with Channel 2:

1) Keep it set to the in-camera mic, anticipating that you can delete that channel in editing if it's too noisy

2) Switch ch2 to line or mic and/or dial the level way down, guaranteeing that only channel 1 is recorded

Probably the same thing, but I just wanted to double-check before getting into any bad habits.

 

[Petrus]

Feed ch2 the same signal as ch1, but at 10-12 dB lower level. THE ONLY WISE THING TO DO.

If ch1 clips, ch2 saves your ass.

 

[adamr316]

I second Petrus on this one. Doing it this way has saved me headaches/apologies to producers/clients.

A college professor of mine used a DV camera that either didn't support duplicating Channel 1 onto channel 2 or they didn't use the feature. Their documentary subjects digitally distorted the audio signal A LOT and they spent a whole week redrawing waveforms within Pro Tools. NOT FUN and NOT CHEAP!

In the editing bay change your stereo track to two mono signals, centered panned in stereo. Only use channel 2 if channel one distorts/goes over the red bar. This tends to happen when there are scenes with quiet moments and then YELLING!