I'll cut to the chase. I have a DSLR and am seeking better audio. I've already read the threads about audio in Clubsnap, but I'd like something that's more catered to my needs. I have a Nikon D5300, the on-board mic is crap. (as usual) So I'm looking to spend around S$500 to get better audio. Yes, I know audio cannot be overlooked. I've read up on the different types of mics like lav mics, shotguns and their polar patterns and I understand that there's no one size fit all mic. It would be great if I could go the juicedlink road but it seems better expensive. Suggestions?
Audio
- Thread starter rainduet
- Start date
What are your needs exactly? That'll help others with their suggestions.
I prefer something that can to mounted to the camera, not so obtrusive. I am looking for something that can be used for run-and-gun situations and while travelling. By better audio I mean there will be as little hiss as possible, so plugging a Rode VMP directly into camera is not a choice.
I think many of us have gone up this route before and are still seeking perfection.
As of now, i think budget = solution.
I am using the Sony ECM-CG50 plugged in to the camera (Sony a7 series) and it provides a good-enough sound collection. I have a Zoom H1 on the side just to be safe (Plugging the ECM-CG50 into the Zoom H1 before plugging in to the camera has minimum effect in my opinion). For interviews, i have a Sennheiser G3 Lavelier Mic.
As of now, i think budget = solution.
I am using the Sony ECM-CG50 plugged in to the camera (Sony a7 series) and it provides a good-enough sound collection. I have a Zoom H1 on the side just to be safe (Plugging the ECM-CG50 into the Zoom H1 before plugging in to the camera has minimum effect in my opinion). For interviews, i have a Sennheiser G3 Lavelier Mic.
Yeah, it doesn't. From your reply, it does sound like the vmp meets your needs for something:
1) camera mounted and compact
2) for run-n-gun & travel.
I'm not sure about the quality of the preamp in the d5300. From your posts, assume you already own a rode VMP? What's your recording level? Have you tried pushing the recording levels all the way down and depending mostly on the preamp in the rode vmp?
This is where the MCC-2 might come in handy. Set the levels lowest on the d5300, set the vmp to max (boost +20), use the mcc-2 to control levels.
If the underlying hissing issue is the poor preamp in the d5300, then the other way to skip that is to record to an external recorder. You'll have to sync in post.
The shure vp83f is pretty compact with a built-in recorder, you can still feed in the audio to your d5300 but you'll have a internal recording as well.
http://www.shure.com/americas/products/microphones/vp/vp83f
Once you go with external preamp box type solutions, will be bulkier already, tascam dr60dmkii, dr70d, etc.
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Is this Sony ECM-CG50 an old model or new model ?
Hi Ryan, its an older model.
Btw, this is the link that Rodney prepared previously on audio. A good read for those starting on audio journey: http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1306382&highlight=beachtek
I see... I'll say that paired with a GH3/GH4 (with mic levels on the camera set to lowest), it's been a fairly decent product for me, good value considering what it costs, and also if used appropriately. I can't help wonder if the complaints of hissing are more due to 1) poor camera preamp 2) not optimized camera level settings 3) unrealistic expectations? There will always be limits to what an on camera mic can capture. It's convenient, better than nothing, but sometimes it's just not the right tool for the job.
If you have a chance to borrow one, or pick up a 2nd hand one for a decent price, I'd say give it a shot yourself to find out how it performs with your d5300. It's the easiest step up from using the camera mic, before you start fiddling with ext preamp boxes/recorders.
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Edit: Cancel all that. Just did a quick check of the d5300 specs, think the biggest issue is that it has no headphone jack. If you can't monitor the actual audio being recorded, you won't be able to know if your settings are working well until you review your footage, which might be a bit late. Perhaps an external recorder might be better, since you can actually monitor what is being recorded.
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hamanoshun
Senior Member
I have a juicedlink RM333 to let go if you're interested. Can PM me for details.
hamanoshun
Senior Member
i'm sorry. I meant RA333.
Bamboopictures
Senior Member
There is just one simple but cardinal rule to recording audio. Seriously.
Follow this rule, your audio quality will be unnoticeable, unremarkable, in other words, most layperson will not complain.
It doesn't matter what mic you use or how much you spend.
You will not win an oscar but i guarantee the audio will be usable.
Break this rule and you can buy a $10,000 mike but it will still sound bad.
The simple rule is: place your mic no more than 2ft from your subject.
Don't believe me? Hold your DSLR right under your nose and speak into the built-in mic
The audio sounds great now doesn't it?
Run-and-gun or not, a shotgun mic on your camera will run foul of this rule half the time.
Much better if you can quickly clip a recorder or a wireless mic on your subject.
Which brings me to the second derivative rule: the best microphone is the microphone you have with you.
Keep either of these devices in your pocket always and you can McGuyver your way out of most situations.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1029165-REG/sony_ecmaw4_wireless_micro_for_mic.html
http://www.amazon.com/Recorder-Activated-Recording-Battery-Extended/dp/B00ANU4P26 (avaiable from Farle Innovations Funan SGD140)
In the event you forget to bring either, use your handphone's audio recording app but keep it within 2 foot of your subject. Distance trumps EVERYTHING.
[video=youtube;sViS_fAjB5Q]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sViS_fAjB5Q[/video]
These items are far south of the $500 you have budgeted but I consider them emergency essentials. Sort of like the gaffer tape for audio. The ECM-AW4, for example
can be clipped to people, tied to podium mics, taped to ceiling speakers, plugged into headphone port of mixers, paired with rode videomic, used as wireless headphone transmitters, even as a 2 way intercom walkie talkie.
It is a wise start to your slowly growing audio solution kit because even if as you acquire better and more expensive equipment, you know it's always there in your pocket.
Follow this rule, your audio quality will be unnoticeable, unremarkable, in other words, most layperson will not complain.
It doesn't matter what mic you use or how much you spend.
You will not win an oscar but i guarantee the audio will be usable.
Break this rule and you can buy a $10,000 mike but it will still sound bad.
The simple rule is: place your mic no more than 2ft from your subject.
Don't believe me? Hold your DSLR right under your nose and speak into the built-in mic
The audio sounds great now doesn't it?
Run-and-gun or not, a shotgun mic on your camera will run foul of this rule half the time.
Much better if you can quickly clip a recorder or a wireless mic on your subject.
Which brings me to the second derivative rule: the best microphone is the microphone you have with you.
Keep either of these devices in your pocket always and you can McGuyver your way out of most situations.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1029165-REG/sony_ecmaw4_wireless_micro_for_mic.html
http://www.amazon.com/Recorder-Activated-Recording-Battery-Extended/dp/B00ANU4P26 (avaiable from Farle Innovations Funan SGD140)
In the event you forget to bring either, use your handphone's audio recording app but keep it within 2 foot of your subject. Distance trumps EVERYTHING.
[video=youtube;sViS_fAjB5Q]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sViS_fAjB5Q[/video]
These items are far south of the $500 you have budgeted but I consider them emergency essentials. Sort of like the gaffer tape for audio. The ECM-AW4, for example
can be clipped to people, tied to podium mics, taped to ceiling speakers, plugged into headphone port of mixers, paired with rode videomic, used as wireless headphone transmitters, even as a 2 way intercom walkie talkie.
It is a wise start to your slowly growing audio solution kit because even if as you acquire better and more expensive equipment, you know it's always there in your pocket.
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hamanoshun
Senior Member
On the other hand, I would suggest the Zoom H5 for your budget. It IS a external audio recorder but the good thing is you can line out from the recorder to your DSLR, effectively using the H5 as a preamp, plus you can record a 2nd source on the recorder itself effectively having a backup source. If you need help with what I'm suggesting just hit me a PM.
Bamboopictures
Senior Member
[video=youtube;m-9VCSLdD5w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-9VCSLdD5w[/video]
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/969843-REG/tether_tools_rs314_rock_solid_1_4_20_mighty.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/969843-REG/tether_tools_rs314_rock_solid_1_4_20_mighty.html
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