Hissing sound with Audio Technica 897 (AT897)

H

HenryMurdoch

Member
I've had the mic for a while now and have shot some stuff with it. But I get a bad hissing sound that you don't hear in regular movies on television. Does anyone know what I can do about it?

I'm guessing I just need to buy a better microphone.
 
I think we need to hear it. In all probablity it may be the preamp in the camera - which one is it?

This is an excellent mic, so almost certainly won't be the problem. I assume you've tried phantom power from the camera and via an internal battery?
 
Have you tried an external mixer and plugged the mixer into the audio inputs of the camera? This bypasses the mic pre-amps of the camera. Just keep in mind that a budget mixer may not be an improvement over your camera.

All consumer and most prosumer - even some pro level cameras - have substandard software and hardware audio implementation. Their focus (pardon the pun) is to capture great picture; the sound capabilities are an afterthought. Pro audio mixers, recorders and mics each can cost as much as your camera. For instance, the Sennheiser MKH-416 shotgun is $1,200, the Sound Devices 442 mixer is $2,500, and the Sound Devices 722 field recorder is $2,500; all "standard" gear used on professional shoots. That's over $6k for audio gear, and does not include all of the accessories needed to use it (boom, blimp, dead cat cables - at least another $2k), nor does it includes the expertise of a professional sound mixer and boom-op which is even more valuable. You mentioned that your sound doesn't sound like it does on television; most of those rigs go for $50k or more.
 
unclebob6958 said:
Have you tried an external mixer and plugged the mixer into the audio inputs of the camera? This bypasses the mic pre-amps of the camera. Just keep in mind that a budget mixer may not be an improvement over your camera.

All consumer and most prosumer - even some pro level cameras - have substandard software and hardware audio implementation. Their focus (pardon the pun) is to capture great picture; the sound capabilities are an afterthought. Pro audio mixers, recorders and mics each can cost as much as your camera. For instance, the Sennheiser MKH-416 shotgun is $1,200, the Sound Devices 442 mixer is $2,500, and the Sound Devices 722 field recorder is $2,500; all "standard" gear used on professional shoots. That's over $6k for audio gear, and does not include all of the accessories needed to use it (boom, blimp, dead cat cables - at least another $2k), nor does it includes the expertise of a professional sound mixer and boom-op which is even more valuable. You mentioned that your sound doesn't sound like it does on television; most of those rigs go for $50k or more.
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Thanks Bob. I've been doing some searches on the forum in regards to audio and keep coming across your informative posts. Really appreciate the time you take out to answer these types of questions in detail. You rock man, seriously thanks! I'm going to look into renting and upgrading some stuff soon. :thumbsup:
 
The most important people on your crew are the DP, 1st AC, 1st AD and the sound crew; a line producer is a tremendous help as well. That way you can say "this is what I want" and leave the details to them. Then you can concentrate on actually directing the talent and not worry about the technical aspects of your project.

I've said it many times, I can't understand the obsession with trying to own all the gear. Work with professionals - or ambitious, talented up-and-comers - and rent quality gear. The cost is the same in the long run and you'll end up with a better product. C'mon, do you think Spielberg owns all his own gear???
 
unclebob6958 said:
I've said it many times, I can't understand the obsession with trying to own all the gear. Work with professionals - or ambitious, talented up-and-comers - and rent quality gear. The cost is the same in the long run and you'll end up with a better product.
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That should be in around 100pt font and flashing at the top of every page here.
 
your mic and the camera preamps are probably fine. Do you hear the hiss on tape? It could be the headphone amp. Try monitoring out of the audio outs
 
HenryMurdoch said:
I've had the mic for a while now and have shot some stuff with it. But I get a bad hissing sound that you don't hear in regular movies on television. Does anyone know what I can do about it?

I'm guessing I just need to buy a better microphone.
Click to expand...

How far is the mic from the talent? If it is riding the frame and you can keep the levels down then there is a problem. If it is mounted on the camera or more than a few feet away and you have to crank the level you will get that noise no matter what mic you use.

Also, where are you hearing the noise? Live while recording, playback on set, or in post? If you are relying on either of the 1st two the hiss could just be the DVX's headphone output. I hear it in mine to a certain degree even in controlled environments on set but it is not as bad when I hear it from my timeline.

Cole
 
excellent! yeah turn down the gain!
The problem with alot of these camera is the lack of a dedicated headphone output and people get fooled that those knobs are headphone gains.

Also, I want to address the entire camera preamp bull. Why are all these people so quick to advice that the preamps are the problem. Is it the Sony pd150/vx2000 debacle?
From using panasonic, sony and canon equipment, I know the preamps on these 3chip camera are not noisy ( no scope on them but going from ear, but I can and they will reaffirm my beliefs). Really, anyone who took op amps in college know its easy to squash noise. Better components have lower noise qualities but anyone can build a preamp for a few dollars that has very low noise. A Sound Devices mixer is not needed to replace the cameras preamps, SD mixer should be purchased for the reason that it was meant, it makes life for the sound guy/gal so much easier. Really you can't have a sound person without the mixer.

And. the noise that you do hear when the gain is high probably comes from your mic, even the priciest mic will produce more noise than the average preamp circuit.
 
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