HV20 audio setup

[James Prods.]

Hey guys,

I'm going to be purchasing a HV20, and am wondering what I need to get the audio setup for it.

I want to run a Rode NTG-2 (since I'll need to use batteries I believe).

I already have the boom, headphones, etc. planned out, I just need to know how to set it up for the HV20.

Thanks, sorry if its confusing.

 

[TheDingo]

You will probably want to add a BeachTek DXA-2s unit, and a good field mixer like the Sound Devices MixPre or 302.

The pre-amps in the Sound Devices mixer are a huge step-up from what is built-in to the Canon HV20.

Mics ---> Mixer ---> BeachTek ---> HV20

The BeachTek unit is set to LINE-IN levels, and you set the HV20's manual sound level to -12 dB using the 1 Khz test tone from the Sound Devices mixer.

 

[James Prods.]

K so here's what I'm thinking, tell me if this sounds ok (no pun intended):

- Beachtek Unit
- Rode NTG-2 Mic (comes with shockmount)
- Rode Boompole (compatible with shockmount)
- And how's this for my XLR cable?

 

[TheDingo]

...You might want to consider a better quality cable. Canare StarQuad is one of the more popular brands for professional audio. It's light-weight, very flexible, and heavily-sheilded. You can buy it in a variety of colours.

Canare Star-Quad (L-4E6S) Red Microphone Cable with 3-pin XLR Male to 3-pin XLR Female Neutrik Black/Gold Connectors - 25 ft
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/394033-REG/Canare_CXLRP_XLRJ_25RED_G_Star_Quad_L_4E6S_Red_Microphone.html

 

[TheDingo]

Also, you might want to consider getting a Gitzo carbon-fiber boom over the Rode boom pole. It's lighter, the sections don't rotate when you adjust the length, and carbon fiber will remain straighter when extended. It's about $70 more than the heavier Rode pole.

Gitzo GB0540 - Three-Section Carbon Fiber Boompole with G-Lock - Measures: 33.9 to 109.4"
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475912-REG/Gitzo_GB1540_GB0540_Three_Section_Carbon.html

 

[James Prods.]

Thanks for the advice,

The Gitzo is a little out of my budget at the moment, but here's what I have so far:
- Beachtek Unit
- Rode NTG-1 Mic w/ Shockmount
- Rode Boompole
- Canare 25' XLR Cable

Sound good?

Total comes to about 600 $.

 

[HBlack]

I'd say unless you are doing critical work which would be disastrous if you screw up, go without the beachtek at first if you're short for money. I don't use one, and the only problems I encounter are occasional buzzing when I'm plugged into an AC adapter. As long as you monitor with headphones to make sure that's not happening, you should be fine.