Need The Best External Mic for this Camera, Help!!!

O

omiemac

Active member
I have the ME66 Mic, attached on top of the HVX200 and the DVX100, the problem is the mic is to long, you can see the tip of the mic on the video. And when ever I add the windscreen protector it only gets worse! You can see it all over the place.

Is there a shorter mic maybe specifically "custom made" for these cameras. I want a professional mic for out and indoors when shooting for a movie or TV Station "SOUND AS YOU ALL KNOW HAS TO BE PERFECT", no cheap MICS. I was also looking for a great mic for Events, loud music and large crowds, this would be use for NYC Clubs and large events. Is there a mic that can cover all of this? Thanks!

Is there also a way to set the camera volume to automatic? where it will adjust it self if I ever forget while shooting? when ever I shoot at clubs I am adjusting the volume and shooting, this is a little distracting but not impossible, just wanted to know if there is another option.

Thank you very much!
 
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Give a look to the Sanken CMS-10[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] http://www.sanken-mic.com/english/condenser/cms-10.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]and the [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sanken CS1[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] http://www.sanken-mic.com/english/condenser/cs-1.html[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I believe you are lookin' for the firstone....but I am not sure if you like the price:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
 
There is some setting in the camera that limits the audio --- can't remember what they call it. I've heard nothing but bad things about it though --- lot's of compression pumping from what I understand. Can anyone help us out here?
 
Everything on your list so far is counter productive to getting good sound:

On-Camera mic = bad.
Shotgun mic for live music = bad.
Automatic Levels = bad.

You should really consider getting some hypercardioid mics instead of a shotgun. Some examples include the AKG Blue Line CK93 and Schoeps MK41. Schoeps is the premier microphone for live concert recording. Many "tapers" use a pair of Schoeps going into portable recorders for live shows with GREAT results! They cost about $1500 each, so may be a little more than you had in mind... AKG CK93's are about $400 each. Plus, you'll need some kind of shock mount for any mics you use. Hope this helps.. Oh, and check out archive.org for TONS of concert recordings done with the Schoeps MK41. Like I said, it is the number #1 for that application. Also, look no further than micsupply.com for info on recording live shows. Cheers.
 
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There is also the option of getting some kind of Digital Audio Recorder and hooking it up directly to the sound board for concerts and the like. You'd have to do some kind of syncing and you'd still have to get your crowd noise with an "on-camera" mic, but that would give you great sound for a club or concert setting. Otherwise, I don't think there's a single mic that gonna get you everything you're looking for.
 
How good or bad is the AG MC100G from Panasonic? As it was included with my HVX. I still hear the "klack" when hitting the tele or wide end while zooming manually on the record, but this is normal for an on camera microphone, right? And all those mics, are they mono or stereo? Or do you need two of them to get real stereo?
 
omiemac said:
I have the ME66 Mic, attached on top of the HVX200 and the DVX100, the problem is the mic is to long, you can see the tip of the mic on the video. And when ever I add the windscreen protector it only gets worse! You can see it all over the place.

Is there a shorter mic maybe specifically "custom made" for these cameras. I want a professional mic for out and indoors when shooting for a movie or TV Station "SOUND AS YOU ALL KNOW HAS TO BE PERFECT", no cheap MICS. I was also looking for a great mic for Events, loud music and large crowds, this would be use for NYC Clubs and large events. Is there a mic that can cover all of this? Thanks!

Is there also a way to set the camera volume to automatic? where it will adjust it self if I ever forget while shooting? when ever I shoot at clubs I am adjusting the volume and shooting, this is a little distracting but not impossible, just wanted to know if there is another option.

Thank you very much!
Click to expand...

Hi omiemac - I'm somewhat surprised reading your comment. I'm frequently using a ME66 including windscreen on my HVX200E (standard microphone holder) and never had any problems. But as thisiswells mentioned a shootgun mic is certainly not the best for live music.
 
omiemac said:
Is there a shorter mic maybe specifically "custom made" for these cameras. I want a professional mic for out and indoors when shooting for a movie or TV Station "SOUND AS YOU ALL KNOW HAS TO BE PERFECT", no cheap MICS.

Thank you very much!
Click to expand...

Sound perfect for an on camera mic??? I don't care if you put a Schoeps CMIT 5U on there, you will never get perfect or even good sound. There are so many limitations to on camera mics, it makes no sense having an on camera mic as the main production track. Get a sound guy to assist if you can.

If it's a one man show, at least go through a mixer first and use the mixer's preamps and limiters and go line in through the hvx200. Sound Devices 302 is perfect. Small and very compact.

You kind of defeat the purpose of putting a good mic on top of a camera. Performance will be very similar. I say go with the MKH416, but you might as well save money and go with the AT4073. Performance wise, I'm not talking about sound quality, it will be the same.
 
I tried out the 4073a at NAB 05', missed out on the audio section for NAB 06' :lipsrseal and compared it to the ME66, I couldn't believe how much of a difference there was. Plus, there's been plenty of downloadable audio tests from users on DVInfo.net and DVXUser.com and it's clear to see that both mics are in two seperate leagues, the 4073a coming out on top every time.

But I'm no audio guy by any means, but even I know a single on-camera mic isn't a good choice for recording music. If you'll notice in music videos and behind the scenes and even at concerts, they've got microphones all over the place!

At the least, all I can think of is to have a two microphone setup on either side of the band or something like that, just so you'll get something similar to the full effect of the music. Also, a mic like that wouldn't be too good in a crowd situation, who knows what conversations you'll absent mindedly point the mic to:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) !
 
Jack_Felis said:
I tried out the 4073a at NAB 05', missed out on the audio section for NAB 06' :lipsrseal and compared it to the ME66, I couldn't believe how much of a difference there was. Plus, there's been plenty of downloadable audio tests from users on DVInfo.net and DVXUser.com and it's clear to see that both mics are in two seperate leagues, the 4073a coming out on top every time.

But I'm no audio guy by any means, but even I know a single on-camera mic isn't a good choice for recording music. If you'll notice in music videos and behind the scenes and even at concerts, they've got microphones all over the place!

At the least, all I can think of is to have a two microphone setup on either side of the band or something like that, just so you'll get something similar to the full effect of the music. Also, a mic like that wouldn't be too good in a crowd situation, who knows what conversations you'll absent mindedly point the mic to:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) !
Click to expand...


Hello everyone,

I am now recording the audio from the external mic "ME66" and a wireless mic set "ew100engg2" attached to the DJ mixer, which for the most part does a good job. The only one thing I would like to change is the external mic "ME66" as it is too long and on the way of the picture when attached on top, but also not the best at recoding loud music and large crowds.
 
Jack_Felis said:
I tried out the 4073a at NAB 05', missed out on the audio section for NAB 06' :lipsrseal and compared it to the ME66, I couldn't believe how much of a difference there was. Plus, there's been plenty of downloadable audio tests from users on DVInfo.net and DVXUser.com and it's clear to see that both mics are in two seperate leagues, the 4073a coming out on top every time.

But I'm no audio guy by any means, but even I know a single on-camera mic isn't a good choice for recording music. If you'll notice in music videos and behind the scenes and even at concerts, they've got microphones all over the place!

At the least, all I can think of is to have a two microphone setup on either side of the band or something like that, just so you'll get something similar to the full effect of the music. Also, a mic like that wouldn't be too good in a crowd situation, who knows what conversations you'll absent mindedly point the mic to:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) !
Click to expand...


Hello everyone,

I am now recording the audio from the external mic "ME66" and a wireless mic set "ew100engg2" attached to the DJ mixer, which for the most part does a good job. The only one thing I would like to change is the external mic "ME66" as it is too long and on the way of the picture when attached on top, but also not the best at recording loud music and large crowds, I get lots of distortion.
 
Best microphone for HVX? Well how about the two best right now for filmmaking. My pick is the Schoeps MK41 for indoors and the Sanken CS-3 for outdoors. You won't regret it.
 
There was an AT4073a on Ebay yesterday with a buy now for $395. I deply regret falling sleep before hitting the buy now. If you ever see a deal like that, take it!
 
The hidden deal on mics is an Oktava MC012 which is a cheap Russian mic that as I understand is or was a staple of their film industry - usually described as a poor man's schoeps. You'll need a softie to put on it ( & maybe a high pass roll-off) as it will pick up wind noise but the audio is great. It won't be as long a shotgun as the the AT or some others though.
It is very cheap, probably less than $200 with a hypercardiod capsule and less than $300 with 2 others. Easily equiv to mics that cost over $1000. Only buy from Taylor at oktava.com, (the sound room) he checks them out thoroughly.
This is a good tip.
 
Lenilenapi said:
The hidden deal on mics is an Oktava MC012 which is a cheap Russian mic that as I understand is or was a staple of their film industry - usually described as a poor man's schoeps. You'll need a softie to put on it ( & maybe a high pass roll-off) as it will pick up wind noise but the audio is great. It won't be as long a shotgun as the the AT or some others though.
It is very cheap, probably less than $200 with a hypercardiod capsule and less than $300 with 2 others. Easily equiv to mics that cost over $1000. Only buy from Taylor at oktava.com, (the sound room) he checks them out thoroughly.
This is a good tip.
Click to expand...

Is this mic (Oktava MC012) good on a boom for dialog?
 
omiemac said:
I have the ME66 Mic, attached on top of the HVX200 and the DVX100, the problem is the mic is to long, you can see the tip of the mic on the video. And when ever I add the windscreen protector it only gets worse! You can see it all over the place.

Is there a shorter mic maybe specifically "custom made" for these cameras. I want a professional mic for out and indoors when shooting for a movie or TV Station "SOUND AS YOU ALL KNOW HAS TO BE PERFECT", no cheap MICS. I was also looking for a great mic for Events, loud music and large crowds, this would be use for NYC Clubs and large events. Is there a mic that can cover all of this? Thanks!

Is there also a way to set the camera volume to automatic? where it will adjust it self if I ever forget while shooting? when ever I shoot at clubs I am adjusting the volume and shooting, this is a little distracting but not impossible, just wanted to know if there is another option.

Thank you very much!
Click to expand...

Seems like you already received a number of responses -- nearly all of which are pretty good advice, but . . .

I have the same on-camera mike that you do and I have yet to run into the problem you describe. I am, however, using a Sennheiser MZQ6 Shotgun Camera Mount Adapter (available from B&H and elsewhere), Mfr# MZQ6 • B&H# SEMZQ6.

The reason I bring it up is you already have a pretty nice mic (although others will certainly tout different choices), so why go through the stress and expense of replacing it?

As some have pointed out, the on-camera mic setup can be less than optimum. When the situation warrants (or allows), a boom setup (with your Sennheiser, no less) or a wireless setup might be something to consider.

If you don't have a sound guy (or friend that can take directions) and have to do it all yourself you will just have to sweat it out working your sound or come up with another idea . . . automatic anything is a bad idea. If you use the camera's ALC a loud noise will basically turn the volume down to useless and it will remain there longer than you'd like before returning to normal.

good luck.
 
are shotgun style mics good on boom poles for dialogue like the 4037a? Like, will that go good mounted on the camera and on boom?

Also, phantom power--how does it work on cameras? Do I need something extra to make it work?
 
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