FS7: FS7 Mic Preamps

jaypass

jaypass

Well-known member
Been working with an FS7II a lot lately, and I'm really struggling with getting clean audio on it. I'm using Sony UWP-D16 wireless mic packs with a Sanken COS-11D and a Rode NTG4+ boom mic...I'm getting a digital gain noise/hiss any time I try to get adequate levels. I can still hear the hiss when I unplug my mics, so I think I've eliminated them as a source...It definitely has to do with the gain the FS7 is applying to the signal.

I'm using "Side" on the Audio Input settings, Input Reference at -50, and the pots at 7-8ish. Playing with the Side+level or Audio Input Level doesn't seem to help, I still get noise when I boost them to get decent levels. I've also tinkered with Input Reference...-40 brings it down a bit but my levels end up pretty low, even with the pots at 10. Am I better off recording it like this and boosting in post?

This hiss only occurs when using Mic or Mic +48 settings on the inputs, line level is clean. I haven't had this issue on my Varicam LT, I get an incredibly clean signal on the same mics.

Are the preamps on the FS7 just no good? Could the ones on this unit somehow be damaged?
 
I should add, I've been doing research on this, and GPS is off. I know that can cause some weirdness, it actually happened to me the first time I rented an FS7 and it irked me so much that it's the reason I chose not to get an FS7 a few years back. It's the first thing I did when my new employer gave me the camera, turn that nonsense off before it caused me any problems.
 
I sometimes have noise problems when the camera ventilator starts to work. I also use uwp transmitter/reciever and Sanken, also had rode ntg3. Do you use the sony reciever with the hot shoe?
 
No, ditched the hot shoe a while back as well, I had assumed that was part of the hiss but I still can't get rid of it.
 
My settings FS7 MK1 are:
input 1 mic -50 (AT875)
input 2 mic -40 (internal mice) windfilter on
Input Level ch side pot =5
Input lever ch3 95
input lever ch4 95

Audio Output monitor volume 7

And I use the shoe, like it a lot
 
Settings on the MKII I'm using are:

Input 1 Mic Level, -50 Input reference, Side pot ~7 (Sony UWP Receiver, Sanken COS11D taped under subject's shirt)
Input 2 Mic + 48V, -50 Input reference, side pot ~8 (Rode NTG4, mounted above subject)

Wind filter off on both, AGC off, Channels 3&4 completely disabled. Hiss occurs on both channels, with Phantom power on and off. Becomes really noticeable when going past 5 or 6 on pots, but anything lower than that and I my subject's levels are way too low.

I ditched the hot shoe a while back when trying to figure out the hiss problem. Maybe I'll give it another try...
 
Can you set input reference to -36 or -42? If that is setting mic preamp gain - 50 is very hot and typically internal camera mic preamps at best produce -65dB signal to noise. -36 is usually good for powered condenser mics.
 
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