HPX 500: Low audio levels

P

Peter Richardson

Well-known member
Hey guys,

I'm getting ready to shoot my first interview with my HPX, and I was doing some testing last night and am having trouble getting an acceptable audio level from the camera. Here's how I have things set up:

I'm using a Sennheiser 416 mounted on-camera and plugged into "Front 2." I didn't plug into Front 1 because the cable gets in the way when operating.

On the audio switches, CH1 is on Front 2m CH2 is on Front, and Channels 3 and 4 are both also on Front.

In the menus, I have Phantom Power enabled, Low Pass enabled, and the Front audio control set to the Front mic.

On the pots, I have channels 1 and 2 up about 3/4 of the way, and the front control all the way up.

I am micing a source of normal speaking volume, at a distance of about 3 feet.

The levels I get are still fairly low. Am I missing something here? I use this mic on my HVX all the time and don't have to crank the levels. Curious to hear suggestions.

Thanks!

Peter
 
Hmmmm. Have you tried a different mic, or a different input channel?

Also, I would get that mic off of the camera if possible. Even at 3 feet you will pick up ambient room noise. Is it possible to stick it on an overhead boom?
 
Thanks for the reply Brad!

I tried the Front 1 input -- no difference.

Put my ME66/K6 on there and the levels were slightly higher (no phantom power enabled on the mic).

I changed the levels in the menu to -60db, and that really seems to have solved the problem. I'm pretty sure on my HVX the levels are set to -50db, though, which seems strange.

Any guesses?

Peter
 
Hi Peter. Seems odd. If i was at -60 dB I would most likely be a bit hot.

If I am running direct to the cam I usually have, channel limiter - on; -50dB. As Brad said, get the mic off the cam if you can. Depending on your room, but if its one with 0 ambience setting the control to auto works surpisingly well.
 
Shot the interview today with levels at -60db, which seemed to work fine. Unfortunately, the room was very live (wood floors) so not ideal. I'm shooting allthis week with the hvx but get back Friday and will review the footage then and report back.

Anyone else using or tried the 416 on the HPX? I need to try the rear inputs as well.

Peter
 
Its interesting that the rear inputs have -60db and -50db whilst the front also has -40db. Wonder why this option isnt on the back also?
 
You should try as hard as you can to get the mic closer to your talent. Especially in a live environment...
 
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