Ridiculously newb question here...

Blade Borge

Blade Borge

Well-known member
Say I'm connecting a camera to a big sound mixer, trying to get all the audio from the board to the camera. Which xlr output do I plug into? On the board I mean. Sorry, I'll think of a harder question next time :costumed-smiley-047
 
What's the mixer's make/model?

Which camera are you using?

Is the mixer also feeding a PA system, or is it dedicated just to the camera mix?
 
Blade Borge said:
Say I'm connecting a camera to a big sound mixer, trying to get all the audio from the board to the camera. Which xlr output do I plug into? On the board I mean. Sorry, I'll think of a harder question next time :costumed-smiley-047
Click to expand...



In addition to C2V's questions in response, you also have to know how the performers are going to be mic'ed if you want to get 'all the audio'. In some venues and types of music, only some of the group is mic'ed so the board feed doesn't even carry 'all' the audio the audience is hearing. Be aware that a FOH mix is often nothing at all like a recording mix.

You really need to meet with the FOH engineer well in advance of the day of the show to coordinate with him, find out what he can give you and what form it will take, what level it will be, and most importantly, what he needs from you. Be prepared to bring to the gig ALL the cables and adapters you might possibly need. Remember his job is to take care of what the show sounds like to the audience, not your recording.
 
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C2V said:
What's the mixer's make/model?

Which camera are you using?

Is the mixer also feeding a PA system, or is it dedicated just to the camera mix?
Click to expand...

1. Not sure, guess that would help wouldn't it

2. HMC-150

3. also feeding PA system.

Is there usually like a seperate xlr port that I would plug into, or would I plug into one of the rows?
 
Depending on the mixer, and if one is available (often these are already occupied by monitor feeds and effects loops), you'll take an AUX out. This may be XLR or 1/4", so you'll need to adapt accordingly. Further, it will probably be a line-level feed, so set your camera accordingly. The AUX feed will give you your own, custom mix from the console.

If no AUX feed is available, you may have to resort to a mains feed, which may be RCA line (tape out) or a 1/4" mono sum out. Work with the house engineer, ideally well ahead of time, to arrange your feed and mix if needed.

You may also want to make sure to rig a room mic, and record the board feed to one channel and the room mic to the other. This will give you some control in post to fill out the sound and make it feel a bit more "live."
 
As C2V hinted at, your best bet would be to make arrangements in advance with the venue audio person. At the very least plan on arriving as soon as you can get into the place and work with the sound crew.

Be aware that expecting those people to produce a decent recording mix for you is way beyond their job responsibility (and probably their resources/time even if they WANT to help you.)

Your question is actually very much "harder" than you realize. Do you have a specific program that you are asking about, or are you just looking for generic advice?

Suggest also reading the very similar discussion: "Recording a concert from the soundboard - Why does my audio suck?" including the reference to the discussion over on DVinfo.
 
If you're not the guy running the board (and if you're asking this question, I have to assume you're not) please do NOT plug anything into the board yourself. The last thing the venue people need is a random guy messing around anywhere near the board. Talk to the venue sound people (days) before the event and ask if they're able to accommodate you with some kind of feed.
 
Basically you need to talk to the sound guy and ask if you can get a board feed. Best if you can do it BEFORE the day of the gig. Ask what kind of output he has, then make sure you have the right cable to get from there to your camera. You should buy a couple RCA male to XLR male converter cables. Many mixers have RCA outs. A couple quarter inch male to xlr converter cables too, as most mixers have female quarter inch outs.

Also two in-line attenuators to pad overly loud sources are good to have handy if you're dealing with a loud rock band. You don't want to clip your inputs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=274503&is=REG



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68085-REG/Audio_Technica_AT8202_AT8202_In_Line_Attenuator.html
 
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