AC90: NTG-4 too sensitive for AC90 ?

[carlo70]

Hi Guys,

i have bought the new NTG-4 Shotgun camera for the AC90.
first mount it on the microphone clamp of the camera. But than noticed handling noises after filming.
so ordered the rode SM3 shockmount, the noises decreases but still some noticeable.

what is Your experience with the NTG-4. Or is this one too sensitive and should I go to the NTG-1 ?


other question, best way for input the Shotgun is to mount it to input 2 and channel 1 and 2 both to input 2.
this creates a duel mono sound. For filming simple music events, is this monosound a probleem wrt the on board mic. which is stereo but worse sound. What can be smarter solution for simple music events with Shotgun mic.?

Manu thanks for the feedback.

Carlo

 

[Alex H.]

Hi, Carlo.

The bigger issue is that any camera-mounted mic is subject not only to handling noise but also to other sounds created by camera operation. It's simply too close, being attached to the camera, to avoid these issues entirely.

I have not gotten any firsthand experience with the NTG-4 yet, so I cannot comment on its handling noise sensitivity, but if you have a proper shockmount and still have major issues, perhaps the mic isn't well isolated within itself. Though, how high are your record levels metering when you shoot?

You are correct in patching the mic to record to both channels. It does create dual mono, but you might want to set one of the channels to record a few dB lower as a safety track in case of sudden, loud sounds that distort the promary record channel. Depending on how noisy your shooting environment can be, you'll want to set your safety track to anywhere from -6dB to -12dB relative to the primary track. In post, you'll use only one of the recorded channels (the primary one), and use the safety track only when necessary.

When you're recording love music events, though, you might instead record the shotgun to one channel and, if you can arrange it, a feed from the sound board to the other. Mix the two in post to get a balance between the board feed and the room.

 

[Alchroma]

I use a Sennhieser MKE 600 and do not find a major issue with handling noise.
The standard mic mount is hopeless IMO and requires a retrofit.
I used some some spare solid rubber mounts and adapted those to suit the AC90.
After a few variations I hit the sweet spot.
Handling and camera noise is virtually eliminated but peripheral real noise is another thing, always wear quality earphones while recording.
Pretty happy with the result.

You can also try switching input levels and see which performs better with your setups:


Al

 

[carlo70]

Hi Alex,
thanks for answer. Using only one channel means that you should do in post copy the channel to both audiotracks in your montage to create sound for L and R. ??

 

[carlo70]

Hi Alchroma,

I think I stick with the SM3 shockmount. But maybe the combo with the NTG1 is better. But then I should order one ....

 

[Alex H.]

Hi Alex,
thanks for answer. Using only one channel means that you should do in post copy the channel to both audiotracks in your montage to create sound for L and R. ??

What are you using to edit? Copy and paste isn't the best idea because it can cause alignment issues. Your better bet is to delete the empty/unused track, then use your pan control to pan to center. Or, depending on your NLE, such as Adobe Premiere, use the Fill Left or Fill Right function in the audio clip editor.