Mic sound on HVX

[ProfessorU]

For the first time I'm running an external mic on my HVX, using DVCProHD. Is it possible to set up two channels to record the single mic, set at different levels, so I don't have to worry as much about distorting in case my amateur boom op doesn't have his eyes/ears open?

 

[Jeff Anderson]

plug the mic into input 2. set ch 1 to input 2, set ch 2 to input 2. Stagger the levels appropriately and you should have what you're looking for.

 

[ProfessorU]

Exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

 

[kyleb]

as with audio you would normally pan the channels left and right for the stereo effect. would you do the same for audio with video or would you correct this in the NLE ?

 

[Jeff Anderson]

I use premiere and just set each audio channel to come in as individual mono channels. Then theres no panning to deal with, everything is dead center.

 

[Jennyparis]

If you have to use your "low level" channel, (distorted main channel), it will have a low average level.

When you will import it in your editor, you will have to add some significative gain to reach a nominal (calibration) audio level (typical - 12dB - 0dB).
If so, you will add noise, too, decreasing the Signal/Noise ratio by the same value.

The dynamic range is similar to the Depth of (range of acceptable focus) Field, to reduce/control it, you need a comp/lim device, the same way you use an adapter for the DOF.

Audio is not often given the same care as we do for images!

 

[ProfessorU]

It's just a precaution on my part. I've got a trainee boom op on sound and I'm looking for something passable. I'm actually more worried about low levels than peaking, due to the nature of shotguns, and might have her watch and monitor the quieter channel. We're going to use the audio for the assembly and test screenings, and then ADR what needs it afterward, but as always, the less the better.

Is there a decent, cheap, battery-powered compressor/limiter?

 

[Jennyparis]

These little boxes by example, are reasonably priced:

atiaudio.com features the MX100C, with 3 mikes and 1 output, with limiter, all XLRs & Bal/Unbal Output.

www.behringer.com/COM800/ an ultra-compact stereo modeling compressor
This unit has 16 presets.

Not similar products, a small field mixer and a dynamic processor, but they can both address the dynamic control issue.

 

[ProfessorU]

The price is right on the Behringer, but it doesn't look like it will run on batteries. The last thing I need is to run a generator . It's TRS, too, not XLR.
The ATI Audio unit costs more than the mic we're using. I'd buy a comp/lim if I could run it on batts, it had phantom power, and was under $100.

 

[Jennyparis]

1) If you find the Behringer right, just plug XLR-Jack converters.



Your MIKE -> BEHRINGER -> HVX MIC-IN chain will be asymetrical (audio unbalanced) but except if you have hundreds of meters, it will be fine.

2) These products (less than $100 street) could avoid "a cable factory" and have balanced In/Out, to be inserted pefectly between a mike and the HVX200:

PRESONUS COMP16


ROLLS CL151

 

[ProfessorU]

Well it looks like the CL-151 fits the bill, I'll have to fit a battery pack for it, but it's a good match. Thanks!