GH2 sound recording??

HeXman

HeXman

Active member
Hey guys, 2 questions.. I currently have a Sennheiser MKH-416 shotgun mic, and a sound devices 302 mixer, so I'm basically trying to see how to put everything together in the GH2.

Here are the questions:

1. What is the best method to record professional sound in the GH2? using an adapter to record sound directly into the camera? or using a field recorder and later synch the sound in post?

2. If using a XLR adaptor, which adaptor would you guys recommend and where to buy it?


Thanks
 
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I have used my Zoom H4n attached directly to the GH2 via the sescom line to mic cable. This way you can attach XLR mics to the H4n and control input from there. I just purchased a Juicedlink DS214 so that I can incorporate headphone monitoring as well. It will simply go between the H4n and the camera.

Now I'll have the option of using XLR mics, or even using just the Rode Video mic.

It turns out that the GH2 does in fact have AGC, but there are 4 levels of control with it. So, if you set the in camera AGC to the lowest setting, you can use a hotter signal from the outboard gear to creat a better signal to noise ratio... or at least that's what I'm hoping for.

Hope that helps.

Tony
 
+1

Undoubtedly dual recording will give u the best audio quality although it is more work. The simultaneous in-camera recording on GH2 makes easier to read audio meters.
 
Bananamana.com did a simple audio test with the GH2 using a few different sound sources, linked here:

Also this video by Eric Dennis on Vimeo was recorded straight to the GH2 using the original Videomic.
Apart from some bumps of the mic I would say the audio was pretty decent, much better than I thought it would be.

I know the OP wanted to know about XLR options for the GH2 but I would first recommend using the in-camera audio first
before investing in higher level XLR stuff. That way you can always upgrade if necessary without breaking the bank all at once.

I imagine the Rode VideoMic Pro with its 20dB function will be stellar with the GH2.
Here's Phillip Bloom's video with the GH2 and the VideoMic Pro. It can give you an idea of what that setup can sound like when mounted on-camera.
Add a boompole into the mix and you may not need an XLR option, unless you need to record multiple sources effectively.
Then I'd just go with a Juicelink :)
 
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I just ordered a Juicedlink DS214 today. I can't wait to try it out with the H4n I'll be ordering one of those next week.
 
With me66 you only need xlr to mini jock cable. The you also need 2.5 from 3.6 mini jock adapter. For the me66 have its own battry so need no phantom powder.
 
Boncrek said:
I imagine the Rode VideoMic Pro with its 20dB function will be stellar with the GH2.
Click to expand...

I recall that some GH2 users did some tests and determined that the +20dB function didn't improve the quality of the sound. I believe one of the problems was the GH2 doesn't disable the AGC (automatic gain control) when you lower the audio level, and the +20dB function just plain didn't sound as nice as the normal setting on the VideoMic Pro.

I have the VideoMic Pro, but I my pre-order Gh2 is still non-existent, so presently I cannot test and confirm.
 
Boncrek said:
Bananamana.com did a simple audio test with the GH2 using a few different sound sources, linked here:

Also this video by Eric Dennis on Vimeo was recorded straight to the GH2 using the original Videomic.
Apart from some bumps of the mic I would say the audio was pretty decent, much better than I thought it would be.

I know the OP wanted to know about XLR options for the GH2 but I would first recommend using the in-camera audio first
before investing in higher level XLR stuff. That way you can always upgrade if necessary without breaking the bank all at once.

I imagine the Rode VideoMic Pro with its 20dB function will be stellar with the GH2.
Here's Phillip Bloom's video with the GH2 and the VideoMic Pro. It can give you an idea of what that setup can sound like when mounted on-camera.
Add a boompole into the mix and you may not need an XLR option, unless you need to record multiple sources effectively.
Then I'd just go with a Juicelink :)
Click to expand...

I already have a Sennheiser MKH-416 shotgun mic and a sound devices 302 mixer, so I'm basically trying to see how to put everything together.

 
Sam Mallery said:
I recall that some GH2 users did some tests and determined that the +20dB function didn't improve the quality of the sound. I believe one of the problems was the GH2 doesn't disable the AGC (automatic gain control) when you lower the audio level, and the +20dB function just plain didn't sound as nice as the normal setting on the VideoMic Pro.

I have the VideoMic Pro, but I my pre-order Gh2 is still non-existent, so presently I cannot test and confirm.
Click to expand...

Oh I would love to see those tests...link please?
I was so hoping for this combo to be rockin tho!
Phillip Bloom's movember vid sounded decent enough but you're probably right...
Coming from a real videocamera I was so hoping to not have to do dual system sound or have to get any kind of preamp at all but then again the GH2 isnt a real videocamera :)
 
I also have a 416 shotgun...It needs phantom power to work. I don't see spending extra for a juicedlink. I might just buy the rode pro shotgun.

Does anyone have a 416 VS. Rode pro comparisons?
 
Sound mixer is my main profession and 302 is my second mixer. You have 2 easy ways:
1 sennheiser wireless g2 or g3.You can calibrate the signal with the TONE from the 302

The easiest way is to use the headphone output from the 302 --- 3.5 to 2.5 cable -- and adjust the levels from the headphone knob while running TONE.

I am not familiar with the sound on GH2 "I always record double system" but as far as I know you can monitor the signal from the camera.
Correct me if I am wrong about it cause I am not sure.

As a sound mixer it is offensive to think that people will record straight in to dslr and hybrids.
Recording for anything other then scratch/reference on any other camera out there including top of the line RED and CINEALTAS is highly unprofessional. :happy:
So if you need sound when you come to Las Vegas contact me!
 
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hazna said:
As a sound mixer it is offensive to think that people will record straight in to dslr and hybrids.
Recording for anything other then scratch/reference on any other camera out there including top of the line RED and CINEALTAS is highly unprofessional. :happy:
So if you need sound when you come to Las Vegas contact me!
Click to expand...

Bravo, agreed. Sound Devices 702T for me, and you'd be amazed how much better the same mics work with some real quality recording gear. My Neumann shotgun sounds like a brand new mic on the SD!
 
I use 744t. MKH416 is my backup mic. I use MKH60 as a main.
Not a big fan of neumann on the field. Too much problems with RF and humidity. Sound good but not reliable.
Sennheiser MKH is an industry standard. Works in rain and I have never experienced
 
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