Recommendations for stereo microphone for the AF100

A

astro21

Member
As I am preparing to purchase an AF100, I was wondering about adding a stereo mic to the package. It is my understanding that shotgun mics are mono, is that correct? In which case I would need to rule those out of my list, as I would like to have stereo sound.

And does one single XLR input on the AF100 provide stereo recording, or do both XLR inputs need to be used for left and right?

Many thanks in advance for any recommendation you may have.
 
Strange request to be honest...you can always just change the mono to stereo in post quite easily....Normally the XLR input represents one channel and you can assign it to either left or right.


I normally set my shotgun mic to left, and my wireless lav to right -- I then take a listen in post and see which one sounds better...then I just assign the better track to both left and right.

Why, exactly, do you HAVE to record in stereo?
 
I do a lot of nature shooting and feel that the image benefits a lot from having stereo sound. Mono just sounds too plain to me to record ambient sounds. I am not sure how changing a mono signal to stereo in post would be useful for what I do, but I would be happy to be convinced if you can explain. Do most people then record mono sound wheb using a mic on their AF100?Thank you.
 
I use a Sennheiser 418-S stereo mic. For connections, the mic has a 5 pin XLR and comes with a 5 pin to dual 3 pin XLR splitter for connection to the two inputs on the camera (or recorder).
 
Thanks all for your replies. After quite a bit of research online I have decided to go for the Audio-Technica BP4029 stereo microphone. I received it today and plan to run a few tests in the field during the weekend.
 
astro21 said:
Thanks all for your replies. After quite a bit of research online I have decided to go for the Audio-Technica BP4029 stereo microphone. I received it today and plan to run a few tests in the field during the weekend.
Click to expand...

if you could, please share your results. very interested to see & hear your actual results.

thanks!
 
astro21 said:
I do a lot of nature shooting and feel that the image benefits a lot from having stereo sound. Mono just sounds too plain to me to record ambient sounds. I am not sure how changing a mono signal to stereo in post would be useful for what I do, but I would be happy to be convinced if you can explain. Do most people then record mono sound wheb using a mic on their AF100?Thank you.
Click to expand...

You hit the nail right on the head. I'm just starting a study of a river system in Oregon and the blog from Vincent LaForet reminded me of the beauty and power of stereo sound imaging. Surprised that Jeff Markham hasn't weighed in here on the subject.

Thanks, Jeff. Always an interesting perspective on audio.
 
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I use an Audio Technica AT 835ST from my HPX2000 which has the 5 pin connect, also have the 5 pin to 4pin cable.stero1.jpg

Mule Ferguspn:happy:
 
Audio-Technica BP4029 stereo microphone.
I looked at BH website. its the newer version of the 835. and the price has come down. my AT835($999) is 4 years old and used on my HPX2000. and now the AF100. I love it.
Mule
 
dustylense said:
get the 3d mic from these guys. Not cheap.
http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2011/08/03/3d-mic-pro-and-immersive-audio/
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Stereo can be a very powerful ... Surround can be even more so if you've got a good post person.

The Mitra is a fantastic, compact Hyper Binaural mic. Not quite as immersive as compared
to a true surround sound mic like the Holophones. If you're really going for the full ambient experience,
then you may way to check out the holophone portamic pro .. which comes with a built in Dolby encoder
that you can run to any stereo recorder (including the camera) and not have to have a 6 channel device. You'll need a
decoder for post ..

The Mitra does (initially) what you need by moving the mics out sufficiently distant to get a reasonable
image. Most on camera mics have the capsules very close to together . and it's OK .. but not nearly
as spatially distinct as if you move them out bit ( kind of like the "One - Thirty Rule" in 3D).

In any case, make sure you get deadcat (wind cover) for either of these solutions for any outdoor
usage.

BTW, the above VIMEO link didn't work for me ..

Here's the one from Mitra's web (with others).

http://www.3dmicpro.com/info/3D_Mic_in_action


If you haven't done surround audio, you may want someone with surround recording experience to
take you through some of the pitfalls if you go the holophone route.

Best wishes on your stereo work,
jeff
ps: With the audio technica, check with your post person to see if they prefer the unmatrixed M/S stereo.
Most do...
 
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