More Microphone Questions?

G

Goldenplates

Member
I have read extensively about the HMC150 (and other camcorders), but haven't researched mics at all. I am buying the HMC150 to record school performances, wedding receptions for friends, etc. I am totally convinced I'm buying the HMC, but for the mic:

1) is the on-board mic not adequate for these purposes? Just read the string about all of the popping noises -- this concerns me (I'm not doing paid/professional work, but I want it to sound clear)

2) If the on-board mic is not adequate, does anyone have a $200-$250 recommendation?

3) Why do most of the posts mention "shot gun" mics? If I'm recording a school band performance or a play, won't I lose sound as I pan from one side of the orchestra to the next? Would a cardiod mic be one that I should be looking for?
 
I believe these topics have already been discussed on here in the audio forum if you wish to search for answers to your questions from other dvxuser members. That said, I'll put up my 2 cents to save you some time.

1) is the on-board mic not adequate for these purposes?
in my experience, on-board mics are ok, at best. Most times, they will sound "thin" and/or "distant" by comparison.

2) If the on-board mic is not adequate, does anyone have a $200-$250 recommendation?
Audio Technica makes a great short shotgun called AT875R:
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/cae8c23cfe000574/index.html

3) Why do most of the posts mention "shot gun" mics? If I'm recording a school band performance or a play, won't I lose sound as I pan from one side of the orchestra to the next? Would a cardiod mic be one that I should be looking for?[/quote]
It's the nature of a shotgun mic to reject off-axis response so as to focus on what's in the camera shot. Typically, the longer the mic, the better the off-axis rejection will be. If you are in a loud ambient environment, and you wish to focus in on only a specific area within that environment, then that's when you need a shotgun. However, you will indeed lose the off-axis sound as you pan from one side to the other. If you wish to retain a stereo image so as to simulate the listening experience as if someone was in the room listening, you may want to consider getting a stereo mic. I'd be happy to discuss options in further detail if you wish to email me.
 
The on board mic is going to be just as good as most of what you would find in the $200 range. I don't use this camera, but Panasonic is usually great about the built in audio systems.

The biggest advantage of an off camera set up, besides being able to get a better and more fitting for the project microphone, is that you can have it in the place you want it, not attached to the camera. That is why I recommend getting a microphone stand. This way you will not be suffering from camera noise, movement noise or disruption due to panning. If you're going to leave the microphone on the camera anyway you might as well stick with what you already have.
 
B&H has a kit that comes with an azden mic and many other items....that's what I picked up. For the price of the cam and the kit with what it comes with, you should be set to shoot what ever you want and be satisfied. Especially if your not pro but just a hobbyist!
 
It's not an omni. "This high-performance microphone offers a narrow acceptance angle of line + gradient design." :) So pretty directional as far as shorter mics go.
 
Does the videomic terminate to XLR? I thought it was 1/8" mini jack. If so it would not work with the HMC150 without an XLR to minijack adapter. I would go the route of the NTG series for use with the 150.
 
matt s. said:
Does the videomic terminate to XLR? I thought it was 1/8" mini jack. If so it would not work with the HMC150 without an XLR to minijack adapter. I would go the route of the NTG series for use with the 150.
Click to expand...
Oh ok, I assumed the HMC had a stereo mini jack
 
XLRs and thank goodness. Happy to not have to deal with connectors and such. I do miss the 4 channels of audio though as that saved my butt a few times...
 
Yeah the Rode NTG-1 is a phantom +48 mic that is XLR, I have a 1 foot XLR cable, but I would recommend a 18'' so it can have a little slack and go in the cable holder.

With my Sony PD170, I had problems monitoring and recording from a XLR to Mini converter. The monitored volume was very high, then the recorded volume was low and distorted. And ya I messed with all the settings.

Check out the new rigg...

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