How to interpret EX1 LCD audio level indicator?

[lowep]

I got a very useful reply from Jema to a question I posted in the "audio gear" section and am now attempting to figure out how this applies to the LCD audio level display on the EX1 that I am thinking is better to ask about here than elsewhere. Here is the question and answer I am concerned about:

Q: First a very basic question: roughly what level should the sound bars on the LCD peak at for interview recording? Should the bars run all the way up to just below the red indicator or less?

A: I don't know how the metering on that camera is configured, but peaks should generally be somewhere between -10 and -6, which should put the average level between -20 and -12. Sometimes you want to go lower than that if there might be unexpected loud sounds, but you rarely want to go higher.

Any idea where the -20 to -6 range falls on the LCD audio level display on the EX1, close to the red section or halfway up the scale or...??

 

[Josh Bass]

I wouldnt worry about that average level stuff. I would sound check your subject before you start, and watching the numerical readout on the audio meters, get their regular peaks ( the regular louder parts of their speech that happen every few seconds) to hit that -10 mark. It shouldnt hit -6 unless its an accident; thats just cutting it to close. If you notice it hitting -6 or exceeding -10 with regularity after youve started, adjust again so that the loudest parts are at -10. Better to be too low than too high, within reason.

 

[lowep]

Thanks Josh!

After a fair bit of mucking around I found the display of the audio level numbers on page two of the status menu, so I can now see how they correspond to the dashes on the LCD audio level meter and apply the useful tips about optimal levels I have from you.

Checking out how this would work in an interview setting with my AT897 about 18 inches from the mouth of the talent I found that to get the levels just below the -10 mark was easy with auto settings, but to do the same using manual control of the levels I had to boost the trim up to -53 - -59. To me that seems quite high?

I also figure it is best to leave auto gain control off at all times since it is more likely to be a problem than a solution -- unless there happens to be a nuclear explosion or a mariachi convention, right?

 

[Josh Bass]

I'm no expert, please don't get me wrong. I BELIEVE the proper way to set trim is that if the audio dial is at 5 (midway), the trim is "correct" when you are getting the levels with peaks at -10. That is, given that whatever mic you're using is set properly (not too far away, doesn't have some attenuator setting activated, etc.). I don't know how everyone else does it, but with my regular client that uses the EX1 we generally leave the trim alone and just ride the audio pots if necessary. However, if you find you're having to turn the audio pot all the way up or down to get the right level, then the trim needs a readjustment. Also different mics (shotgun vs lav or something) may require different settings.

 

[lowep]

the proper way to set trim is that if the audio dial is at 5 (midway), the trim is "correct" when you are getting the levels with peaks at -10.

this rule of thumb works for me, which I am happy to have confirmation of from your experience, so I can concentrate more on what is going on in front of the camera...

 

[Lenilenapi]

the proper way to set trim is that if the audio dial is at 5 (midway), the trim is "correct" when you are getting the levels with peaks at -10.

this rule of thumb works for me, which I am happy to have confirmation of from your experience, so I can concentrate more on what is going on in front of the camera...

In general this is a fairly good rule of thumb, but my soundman has told me that you really need to listen to the mic . As you change the trim it will change the quality of the sound. I've noticed that sometimes a mic sounds better with a lower trim and the pot riding a little above 5. Of course you don't want to have to turn it all the way up.

 

[Josh Bass]

Why did the soundman say that was? Sounds like it would have to be an issue with the cam's preamps right? I.e due to preamp quality might sound better at certain settings?