Portable Audio Recorder...

D

DVX100Shooter

Veteran
To anyone that has used a portable audio recorder for recording bands or whatever like the one posted in the link below, how hard is it to match or sync of the audio to the video in post? I have a shoot coming up next month and I am looking at possibly getting an audio recorder and plug it into the audio board at the venue I am going to be shooting. Once I import the footage into FCP, I want to be able to sync of the clean audio.

Any thoughts?


A Sample of what I am talking about:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...andy_Mobile_4_TrackBI=2674&KW=&KBID=3570.html
 
It's not terribly difficult, as long as you have a clearly-defined sync point. If at all possible, try to get a sync clap/tone burst to both recorder and camera(s) when you start rolling so that you can line the Zoom's audio up with camera audio using the waveforms.

If a sync mark isn't possible, try to find some other reliable point from the show (drum hit, or something else that is sudden, quick, and loud).

Make sure the recorder is set to 16-bit/48k, but know that you will have some drift. You'll need to time-compress the recorder's audio to about 99%.
 
Here are a couple of relevant links, I think. In the first, Philip Bloom talks about pluraleyes (which I have not used myself), software for syncing double system audio to the camera's audio automatically, and includes a discount coupon for purchasing it. The second is a Pro Video Coalition article testing various external audio options, including the H4n, for use with video DSLRs. Although you may or may not be using a DSLR, the article contains information on double system sound.

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/10/18...-also-sony-vegas-free-beta-now-out/#more-5708

http://provideocoalition.com/index....ons_for_hybrid_cameras_a_study_by_p2pictures/

Kevin
 
Just to be clear, when I show up to my shoot, I can tell the audio guys to send me a mixed signal out of their board to the portable recorder and then I can match it up later. Will this work. I mean it should since it has xlr inputs on it but just thought I'd ask. I am hearing good things about the H4N but want to make sure I am getting the best bang for my buck in that price range of audio recorders.


thanks!
 
To access the line inputs of the H4n you'll need to go in the 1/4" inputs, not the xlr's, which are mic level. Even then, unless they can attenuate the output from the board, you might have trouble getting down to the right levels.
 
Hmmmmm do you suggest another kind of recorder then? If so, what are a couple options that might be better suited for what I need it for (close to the same price range) that will get me down to the best levels?

Thanks for your help.
 
The best would be sound devices 702t- built in timecode and everything. That's pro. I also have good luck with an Olympus LS-10.

Noah
 
things like 'pluraleyes' only might make sense when one has to sync lots of files. if shooting long takes, like a concert, and you want to sync 2 different audio recordings like one from an onboard mike and the other from the board, just put them on the timeline and adjust until you hear no more phasing.
Sync sound exists since many years now ;-) TimeCode is sometimes good to have but one can perfectly live without.
 
Well now I have another issue and im not sure if i should ask it here or go to the Audio forum but I just spoke to the audio engineer for this event I am shooting next week and he told me to reconsider using a portable recorder to capture the audio. He didn't know what board he was going to be using that night and said he will be mixing for the house (event is in a big arena) So might not be as clean or good sounding as I would want it so for now I have to come up with a plan b. If push comes to a shove, I will just run a shotgun to a field mixer and then run that to the camera. It won't be perfect but the audio guy said he couldn't guarantee how the audio would come out of the board. This is high paying gig and I need to have this issue solved within the next few days.

Sorry for getting off topic as most of this had nothing to do with FCP except how to sync up the audio!!
 
Audio for live music performance

Audio for live music performance

If you can't access the board, I'd just go with a good recorder, preferably with stereo mics, positioned near the sound booth (in front, to the side, is usually good), since it's generally located for the best balanced sound in the room. Put the mics up high on a solid stand, which will reduce the amount of ambient crowd noise. Also, put someone in charge of standing right by the mics to ensure some drunken audience member doesn't stumble into your setup.

Relying solely on an on-camera mic is ok too, but only if you're shooting from a fixed position back from the PA. If you're set very close, your sound will be over-modulated and distorted even if you ride your levels carefully, and full bass coming out of a PA pushes a lot of db! (never use the camera's audio attenuator setting, if it has one, as it will give you weird clipping on loud music). Also, if you're shooting off sticks and moving around, your audio levels will change as you move and it will be difficult to get them consistent. At crowd level, you'll also pick up a lot of screaming (!) and talking.

If you're shooting on-stage, you'll get bad audio from an on-camera mic, as you'll be picking up from the band's stage monitors, which generally all have different mixes geared to the particular musicians requirements so they can hear themselves (more vocals for the singer, more bass for the bassist, etc.).

Hope this helps, and good luck.
 
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