Portable Sound mixer

Limitedoffer

Limitedoffer

Well-known member
I'm really lost I know the basics of the whole idea,Just wondering which one to get?
How it works,How does it connect with my camera?So the boom pole operator will have the freedom to record anywhere?I have a boompole with a Ntg-2 on the end.With a 50ft long XLR cord connected to one of my channels on my XH-A1.I just need help a little bit on how it records and how when it comes done to editing how I export the audio onto the computer and it being sync with my video.I'm lost guys HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Limitedoffer said:
I'm really lost I know the basics of the whole idea,Just wondering which one to get?
How it works,How does it connect with my camera?So the boom pole operator will have the freedom to record anywhere?I have a boompole with a Ntg-2 on the end.With a 50ft long XLR cord connected to one of my channels on my XH-A1.I just need help a little bit on how it records and how when it comes done to editing how I export the audio onto the computer and it being sync with my video.I'm lost guys HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

A mixer controls the audio sent to the recording device, either the camera or an external recorder - by itself it doesn't record anything. In ENG style shoots the sound person will often do double duty, operating both the boom and the mixer. S/he'll wear the mixer in a bag on a harness. The boom mic connects to the mixer with a short jumper. The mixer connects to the camera with a long cable arrangment called a snake or a betacam breakaway (from the cameras where they were first used). The snake is a multiconductor cable carrying both left and right stereo output from the mixer to the camera's audio inputs plus a stereo return taking the camera headphone out back to the mixer for monitoring. There are no special sync issues to worry about because the audio is still recorded on tape single system alongside the video.
 
Last edited:
And to give your boom op some flexibility, you might look into something like the Sound Devices MM-1. It's a single-channel mic pre-amp with headphone monitoring... allows the boom op to hear and control the mic, and allows for some distance from the mixer.
 
Limitedoffer said:
Do do you think about recording audio on the
Marantz PMD660 Handheld CompactFlash Recorder?
Click to expand...

Why do you want to record on a seperate recorder. Then you will have to sync it up in post. Either stay cabled or get a decent wireless microphone or two to use as a wireless camera link.
 
marstaton4 said:
Why do you want to record on a seperate recorder. Then you will have to sync it up in post. Either stay cabled or get a decent wireless microphone or two to use as a wireless camera link.
Click to expand...

Double-system sound is common in film-making of all levels, and can actually provide much better audio results, but it is not something to be taken lightly. Yes, it has to be synced in post, but that's not such a big deal if done properly.

For successful double-system, you must:

- Have a dedicated recordist/mixer who is responsible for operation of the machine and logging of each new file.
- Be diligent about slating, every time the camera stops and starts. Clapper/slates are available on the cheap and are extremely important to this process.
- Keep detailed notes of each take, including camera reel and time code, and audio recorder file number.
- Dump the files at the end of each shoot day and back them up at least twice over.

If you know how to do it right, it can be fantastic. But if you are on a skeleton crew, or are runnin'-and-gunnin', forget about it. This system works much better if the recorder is fed from a field mixer. For added security, go redundant and send from mixer to camera and recorder at the same time.
 
XH-A1 is supposed to have really good audio when feeding it from a mixer. I remember a test that showed about 90db dynamic range though I remember neither the settings this was achieved with nor the noise level.

You can google xh-a1 90db and you will find the results.
 
Alright great thanks alot
I know i only have volunteers to help me with this.
It's horrible I have to be on everyone all the time.
I have a film in the future to make so it's going to be a challenge.
Thats why I love animation more sometimes.LOL
I will think about it maybe It's not as bad with the xlr cord maybe can get around it I really cant invest anymore money have done enough.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top