XLR question...

Rylan Zolinski

Rylan Zolinski

Well-known member
I am shooting a dance recital tomorrow and was planning on using my Rode NT2 to record the sound from the stage. As I was about to leave the arena, I noticed they have XLR inputs/outputs on some of the walls. This got me thinking. What if I attached the XLR cable into my camera and into the output on the wall? The audio technician can get the audio to work through the outputs and if so, this should play audio into my camera, correct? I figured if it could work, it would be the cleanest sound possible since it's directly from the source and not coming out of speakers from the stage.

I know there is a simple answer to this, but I wanted to make sure that it could work? I am going in tomorrow early to try it out.
 
Yes, completely possible, as long as the wiring is in good condition and the sound guy knows what he's doing. The output he will give you will probably be at line level so you'll have to set your gain on your camera accordingly.

I would also record with a mic into another channel because not everything in a performance always comes through the mix. For example, since it's a dance recital, the sound of tap dancing wouldn't be coming through the front of house but your video would look weird without it. Also, applause and loud guitar amps tend not to be mixed in.
 
It completely depends what they're running to those jacks, if anything. I wouldn't connect anything to them without talking to the house sound people beforehand.

They could be runs to/from the house board, they might be intercom, they might be snake lines for broadcasters to run to/from remote trucks, you just never know.
 
JordanBlock said:
It completely depends what they're running to those jacks, if anything. I wouldn't connect anything to them without talking to the house sound people beforehand.

They could be runs to/from the house board, they might be intercom, they might be snake lines for broadcasters to run to/from remote trucks, you just never know.
Click to expand...

I told him what I wanted to do and he said "no problem". My knowledge with audio is very limited and so I didn't know what else to ask. I am using a second camera for this shoot and will be recording audio through that one as well. My only concern is not capturing any atmospheric sounds (the sound of feet dancing around and the applause from the audience). I don't know if it'd be weird without it or not...
 
Several questions/issues not disclosed in your original question...

Is the music live? If so:
* Are all the instruments miced for recording?
(Or just for PA, or Not miced because they are acoustic?)
* Will the sound system operator give you a recording mix
(not simply a PA mix) from the board?

Is the music from recorded tracks? If so:
* Can you just get a copy (CD) of the tracks?
If so you can simply drop the tracks into the editor.
* Will the sound system operator give you a feed?
Do you have the proper cables, adapters attenuator(if needed?)

Does the dancing need to be miced?
* Is it flamenco, tap, or some sort that produces sound?
* Do the dancers make any other incidental sounds? (handclaps, etc.?)

Do you need to produce a "live" recording with audience reaction?
* Do you have microphone(s) to mic the house/audience?
 
First off, a shotgun is the wrong mic for recording indoors, let alone indoor music. Use anything but a shotgun! I've tried my NTG-2 on live music and it just ruins the sound.

Second, getting a board feed is a good idea because there is no benefit to hearing room echo on the music.

Third: The best solution would be to get a copy of the music CD BEFORE the shot happens. AND record the show live with a mic. Then blend in post. Having the CD will give you a nice stereo version of the music. You only need to blend in ambient sound if the dancers make noise integral to the show, and when the audience claps.

Talk to the person in charge and make sure you have that CD before the show. That's just to ensure you don't need to record a line-in from the board, because sometimes people will flake on you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top