Gh1 audio

what if you used the audio out from the composite cables to check the audio? someone with the camera try that? wondering if it will feed live audio out until you start to record or maybe it won't cause it's not sending a video signal.
 
H4N has a headhone jack. Hotshoe on the camera with the h4n will be good with wire headsets. I'm searching for a decent pair of wireless headphones that have small transmitter and built in reciever.

Only thing is I don't know if the headset jack is a continuous feed.
 
I find this discussion a little funny. If you are a serious enough videographer to frequent this forum, a videographer who appreciates the difference between the GH1 and high end consumer (and low end prosumer) camcorders, it is hard to see how the on board sound would be acceptable.

Then the question becomes do you require 48v phantom power and how big a unit do you want. The Zoom H4n claims to have fixed the mic amp quality issue that existed in early models (reported in this thread). The Tascam DR100 is about the same price with similar features. Next step up is a Fostex FR2 LE, Marantz 661, the Tascam HD-P2, Marantz 671, Editrol R44, Korg MR-1000. If you don't need XLR and phantom power support or will use an external device to provide it, there are an assortment of Sony and other recorders that can be used. If your budget is higher there are is another selection. The more expensive units are configured for use from a bad by a field recording person. The smaller ones aren't.

All of the recorders have a headphone jack. They vary on how you adjust the audio and what filters and adjustments they contain. Virtually all support 24-bit@96khz. The more expensive units support 24-bit@192khz. All uncompressed PCM. Most camcorders with XLR input support 24bit@48khz uncompressed PCM. Panasonic doesn't appear to specify the audio for the GH1 but AVCHD uses a lossy Dolby Digital compression. That is probably used on the GH1.

The H4n is about $350. The Korg MR-1000, Editrol R44, Tascam HD-P2 are $900-1000. There are others that are in the $2000-3000 range.

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Some of these recorders offer multiple low cut filters and even graphic equalizers. However, since I think they are applied digitally applying them in post with higher end audio software would probably provide a better result.

Do any of these units provide analog audio enhancements before A/D conversion?
 
what if you used the audio out from the composite cables to check the audio? someone with the camera try that? wondering if it will feed live audio out until you start to record or maybe it won't cause it's not sending a video signal.

I was wondering this too. If the composite video is output, is the audio as well. You could get a converter, and hook headphones to that.

Kholi, does the audio come out live on the audio output?
 
I was wondering this too. If the composite video is output, is the audio as well. You could get a converter, and hook headphones to that. Kholi, does the audio come out live on the audio output?

Yeah, Kholi (and Hunter & Phil, etc.), some of us have been asking you to confirm this for days now ... how much are we paying you again?! :)

Um, yeah, I'd like to know, too! :happy:
 
Sorry guys! My camera is gone until tomorrow morning, and I haven't bothered with the video out simply because it didn't stay up anyway.

I'll see if the audio comes out but I already doubt it once the camera is recording.

I guess because I've already resigned myself to the H4N as my audio recorder may be the reason I haven't bothered messing with the audio.
 
I'm with David. Look at the size of the GH1. where are you gonna fit XLRs, decent converters, manual controls, and metering. And recorders like the H4n have features you won't get in a 10k camera. Not to mention the precious bits the audio would steal from the picture.
 
I'm with David. Look at the size of the GH1. where are you gonna fit XLRs, decent converters, manual controls, and metering. And recorders like the H4n have features you won't get in a 10k camera. Not to mention the precious bits the audio would steal from the picture.


My Canon HV20 is about the same size as the GH1 and has manual level controls (in a menu) and metering (on screen). Size is not a valid excuse.

-- Xavier
 
My Canon HV20 is about the same size as the GH1 and has manual level controls (in a menu) and metering (on screen). Size is not a valid excuse
.

So my wife keeps telling me. Really though, having XLR, external level meters and controls does make working with audio a lot quicker and reliable, than having to fumble around with mini jacks and internal settings. The small amount of extra time you have to spend in post, is pretty negligible IMO considering the benefits gained in sound quality.

Adrian
 
It's not uncommon on cheaper phantom-powered mic inputs, even on much more expensive recorders like the Tascam P2. I gather it's been improved on the newer model, but haven't got one to test.

If the hiss is consistent, it's relatively easy to remove it in post, using noise fingerprint reduction in a tool like Adobe Audition. Be careful not to overdo it though, or you'll get something that sounds like it was recorded inside a bathtub.

Eddy, the problem I have with the H2 I think is related to the way I connect the mics. When I'm using a battery powered condenser, I'll plug the XLR into an XLR to 3.5 cable and I think this might be the week point in the chain. The noise is vary variable, which I can treat in Digital Performer, but it still is a bit of a pain. I suppose a mixer might work, but then that justs defeats the object of having a small recorder.
 
One of the main reasons I chose the H4N was its ability to be used as a USB sound device. That is a huge advantage if you ever need to record narration or if you're a musician. Similar sound devices cost nearly the same amount without a microphone or the ability to be a stand alone recorder.
 
One of the main reasons I chose the H4N was its ability to be used as a USB sound device. That is a huge advantage if you ever need to record narration or if you're a musician. Similar sound devices cost nearly the same amount without a microphone or the ability to be a stand alone recorder.


E-Mu Tracker Pre: http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&product=17511

USB powered, Phantom Power, 2 XLR or 5v stereo mic input. $150 list. I got mine for $130 with free shipping. Note, now owned by Creative, support is only by e-mail and the software was last updated in 2007.

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I have an 0404 USB and I love it.

A nice unit. The Tracker Pre is USB powered, which lets it run off the laptop. I also like the the 48v switch rather than button. However, the 48v LEDs and the additional level LEDs are nice.
 
How about a mic? What do you guys use and recommend? I love the looks of this BH kit I found however the $800 tag is really steep for my budget. Anybody know of a kit that has all this (mount/grip, softie, boompole) and is good? I'm basically getting the GH1, Macbook Pro, and the audio recording equipment all at the same time. I'm thinking the H4N but the Tascam DR-100 looks good too for the phantom power. I gotta watch my spending after the camera and the macbook.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/421933-REG/Sennheiser_ME66BK_ME66_K6_Shotgun_Microphone.html
 
I thought we weren't going to have religious discussions here. :)

The Rode blimp pretty much renders the Rycote softie obsolete.

K-tek stuff is very good...

I have an ME66. The big advantage is the battery power. In practice, I use(d) the ME64 more often. Right now this former dealer is selling these Peluso's on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/PELUSO-CEMC6-STUDIO-MICROPHONE_W0QQitemZ270383340242QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ef41a5ad2&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50 for $210. You could add a hyper cardioid capsule.

An Audix shock mount for $25 from Musician's Friend is nice when you aren't using the blimp.

I got my last cables made by Lava Cable. He make them to order, good prices, wide selection. http://www.lavacable.com/mic_gepco.html. There are other sources also.

Either of the recorders should be fine.

Are you taking the Macbook into the field? If not, doesn't using a laptop come at a premium in price while offering lower performance, more limited display and storage options?

And what about editing software, lights, grip equipment, tripod, etc.? My rule of thumb is that the camera is about 20% of the total expense.
 
I have the lights, grip equipment, and software already. Mobility is my reason for the new Macbook. As far as the tripod... well... I have a bad excuse for one but I have my eye on a Miller. I plan on upgrading my tripod at a later time and doing most run-n-gun til then. The tripod I have my sights on is ... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407387-REG/Miller_1643_1643_Miller_Solo_DV.html

I will look into the audio equipment now and see what is working for you.
 
My Canon HV20 is about the same size as the GH1 and has manual level controls (in a menu) and metering (on screen). Size is not a valid excuse.

-- Xavier

As does my HV30 - but also crappy preamps, monitoring lacks stereo split, terrible limit and ground loop noise.

So I just got a Zoom H4n (improved preamps and other better features than earlier models).
 
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