Limiter on audio chn of HVX

B

Berk

Well-known member
Hi
we just realized that the audio channels on HVX have a limiting function which is really harsh. it's triggered once the signal pass -6dB.
it is not visible while monitoring the signal. once you import the files, you could see/hear the impact.

it there any way to disable this function?

best
 
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hmmm then it *shouldnt* be doing that, at least mine doesnt seem to - anyone else? What are you importing the files into? Or does p2 viewer show them clipping/limited at -6?
 
Hi JDAJDA

i record rignt into the firestore as quicktime file format. then import them in FCP.

here is my test
i recorded some music at the level of -3/2 dB and was peaking at 0db(distorted signal) while the ALC was off
and the picture below shows how i ended up at -6dB in FCP
my.php



thanks for the reply
 
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it occurs only on p2 mode:(
could you tell me your firmware if it would't much trouble.
we havent upgraded ours yet.

best
 
Sometimes when working with the HVX200, I have a soundman with me. With older analog gear, they would set the camera levels (while generating a 1K tone from their mixer) to 0db on one channel and -3db on the second channel. You only get a mono signal this way but you get two different sound levels - one a little lower as a "safety" tack. (If you need to record two different sounds, well, this trick is not going to work...)

Today, the soundmen set the levels for the HVX200 (again, while sending the camera a 1k tone) at -20db. They use that level - I think that is the first bar on the audio meter in the viewfinder - as 0db. I'm told that when you peak in digital, you are starting to get into distortion. So, coming from what I've learned for these soundmen, keep well away the 0db and you should be fine.

Hope this helps.

My two cents...

Michael
 
You have a problem with the ALC kicking in when it's not supposed to, my problem is that when the ALC is on it doesn't really work as well. Usually, when you set the audio to "auto" then it won't clip (auto-compressor/limiter). With the DVX and HVX the auto mode really doesn't seem to do anything because you can still manually control the levels and you can still get massive clipping.
This is a major problem with the DVX/HVX camcorders, the audio can't be well automated for eng purposes (other camcorders like the DXC D30/35/50 have a near to perfect auto-mode).

Today, the soundmen set the levels for the HVX200 (again, while sending the camera a 1k tone) at -20db. They use that level - I think that is the first bar on the audio meter in the viewfinder - as 0db
Click to expand...
In Europe we use -9dB full scale (=digital) as 0dB peak (=analog), that makes -18dB FS = -9dB peak. As far as I know the older SQN mixers send a -8dB peak tone which would be -17dB FS. The first bar on a DVX 100 is, as far as I know, -12dB FS (equalling -3dB analog).
However, I always try to use both channels on the DVX/HVX, one set to the first bar (or a little above) and the other one set to at least 9dB less for safety because the auto limiter/compressor just doesn't work...

Sorry for the OT, but the non-functioning ALC in the DVX/HVX is a major nuisance and I had to talk about it ;)
 
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