Need advice: A7s audio solution

E

Engelien

Member
Hi! I'm kinda stuck with finding a good audio solution for the Sony a7s. I don't want to sync audio and video in post, and I really don't want to spend 700$ on a XLR-K1M with a sony mic. Is there a cheaper solution out there that I have missed? XLR or non-xlr, as long as the audio is good enough for documentary interviews/ on the run kind of work. :thumbsup:
 
Have you tried the camera-top Rode Videomic or the little Sennheiser one? For a lav I bought a Rode wired lav and it works great. It requires no battery. I have also recorded audio through my zoom H4n, out the headphone jack and into the A7S. It's not bad. Way, way better than using the camera's internal mic. At the same time I record to the Zoom so I have a better quality file if needed.
 
What a timely thread, I'm looking for a solution too.

Last week I bought some directional microphone (generic brand) which mounts on top of my camera, didn't have enough time to test it fully but I don't like that it records some kind of white noise (around 800-1000Mhz frequency). Maybe it's normal and noise should be removed using software but I'd prefer a clean sound out of the box... Should I buy a better quality top mic or use external recorder (though it would involve post sync audio)?
 
You can try to record from an audio recorder headphone output. Like the zoom as mentioned above. It do make things bulkey. You can also try an other xlr adapter.
 
I have been using the Riggy Micro with a boom/wireless mic setup with no problems. Just got to find a way to mount it to your rig.
 
I feed the Zoom H6 into the camera, and it works quite well. The H6 is a tough deal to beat, ships with two mics, has 4 xlr inputs for wireless, will record backup, plus several other great features, much more bang for the buck at $300 less than the K1M.
 
When you say "feed the zoom h6 into the camera" will the H6 start to record sound when you push REC on the camera? Easy and fast to sync audio/video in post?
 
The H6 has a line out, and a cheapcable allows you to plug it directly into the A7s mic port. So you can do both - use the zoom just like a mic, no synching in post, and simultaneously record to the zoom for backup and unmixed versions if you are using multiple mics. Its got a 1/4-20 hole on the bottom, so it can be mounted to the camera with any cheap hotshoe adapter.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/827820-REG/pearstone_mmsa_103b_stereo_mini_male_to.html
 
Sounds like a great option, Stu! And the audio quality is ok even tho you feed it through 3.5mm audio cable to camera?
But a H6 will definitely make my docu-rig more bulky.. But that's what I have to pay for good audio I guess.
 
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There is no work around, why do you think it only cost 2500 bucks :) Seriously though, there are no solutions(other than the sony) that do not make the camera bulky and difficult to use. Best solution for mediocre sound would be a rode video mic, but would only be good for b-roll/scratch sound.

Any kind of professional level sound is going to require a good shotgun/lav mic(650), preamp(350), cables(50-100) and recording interface(350-2k). Making the $700 Sony interface a really good deal(and most of all convenient). Should you NEED audio with the a7s, I would say its a no-brainer to start saving for one.
 
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I haven't used the Sony unit, but I'm guessing that the quality is as good or better. It's good for web and doc-type stuff, but obviously, bigger productions will benefit from a pro audio solution. I only use it for sitdowns, for run & gun it would definitely be bulky.
 
What do you guys think about Tascam d-70d? The price is very reasonable and the formfactor is much better than their 60d.
 
I use Stu's exact suggestion; H6 (mounted on a cage) with the lineout going to the camera (and that part is actually optional, I have no problem with sync sound) with a shotgun and wireless lav going into the H6. For 99% of applications, the quality of this will suffice - the H6 has very quiet preamps.
 
Opposite of cheap solution, but could be applicable for some. Shogun has a Lemo with xlr dangles, outputs phantom power, and can output 3.5mm into a7s but at the same time burning it into prores with the video internally on shogun
 
timmytimetravel said:
Opposite of cheap solution, but could be applicable for some. Shogun has a Lemo with xlr dangles, outputs phantom power, and can output 3.5mm into a7s but at the same time burning it into prores with the video internally on shogun
Click to expand...

If I get a shogun, I'd probably do that, and sell the H6.
 
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