Sony Gun microphone ECM-CG50 with Sony VG30

[RyanKhoo]

Hi there,

I have this microphone that comes as a bundle when I purchased my VG30. Never used it before.

http://www.sony.com.sg/product/ecm-cg50

I intend to use this for better sound recording but I have the following doubt:

1) if i use this to connect to the mic input jack, how does the VG30 knows whether to record the sound via the CG50 attachment or the built in mic ?

2) I will be recording someone speaking maybe at some 6 or 7 meters away form the VG30 and I intend to use a boom pole but the length of the cable that the CG50 supplied with is only maybe 350mm so the cable is certainly not long enough. Any ideas on how to lengthen the cable ?

3)If I wanna connect to an XLR mic, how to connect to the VG30 ? Instead of using a beachtech link, is there an XLR to mic jack convertor so that I can convert the XLR to mic jack ?

Thanks

 

[flipfreak]

Hi there,

I have this microphone that comes as a bundle when I purchased my VG30. Never used it before.

http://www.sony.com.sg/product/ecm-cg50

I intend to use this for better sound recording but I have the following doubt:

1) if i use this to connect to the mic input jack, how does the VG30 knows whether to record the sound via the CG50 attachment or the built in mic ?

2) I will be recording someone speaking maybe at some 6 or 7 meters away form the VG30 and I intend to use a boom pole but the length of the cable that the CG50 supplied with is only maybe 350mm so the cable is certainly not long enough. Any ideas on how to lengthen the cable ?

3)If I wanna connect to an XLR mic, how to connect to the VG30 ? Instead of using a beachtech link, is there an XLR to mic jack convertor so that I can convert the XLR to mic jack ?

Thanks

cameras will normally override existing built in mics once u plug something into the mic port.

you can find extensions to use it on a boom but i won't recommend it. the 3.5 cables are not good if you extend it too much.

you can find the xlr to mini converter or use wooden camera a box adapter.

http://woodencamera.com/A-Box-EPIC-SCARLET.html

 

[Bamboopictures]

The CG50 is an unbalanced condenser mic and converting/connecting it via XLR does not make it a balanced connection. You also run the risk of frying the CG50 if your XLR connection carries phantom power.
You can convert the CG50 into a wireless mic by plugging it into a Sony ECM-AW4 bluetooth set.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX9IUC5rM-c
The ECM-AW4 will work with the GH4 or any camera with a 3.5mm input.
But if you are just using the VG30, the ECM W1M provides a more secure connection via the Multi-Interface Shoe
[video=youtube;bh1w5wtJS9w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh1w5wtJS9w[/video]

 

[RyanKhoo]

The CG50 is an unbalanced condenser mic and converting/connecting it via XLR does not make it a balanced connection. You also run the risk of frying the CG50 if your XLR connection carries phantom power.
You can convert the CG50 into a wireless mic by plugging it into a Sony ECM-AW4 bluetooth set.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX9IUC5rM-c
The ECM-AW4 will work with the GH4 or any camera with a 3.5mm input.
But if you are just using the VG30, the ECM W1M provides a more secure connection via the Multi-Interface Shoe
[video=youtube;bh1w5wtJS9w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh1w5wtJS9w[/video]

Thanks Rodney, does that mean i do not need a boom pole anymore ?

Since the ECM-AW4 will work with VG30 and GH4 too, is it better to get this rather than the ECM-W1M ?

Won't the ECM-W1M work on the GH4 ?

Thanks

 

[Bamboopictures]

You will still need a boompole if you are using the CG50. But you can also use the built-in mic in the transmitter as a lavaliere or as an extra option / replacement for the CG50.

The AW4 is a more versatile option if you own different cameras.
ECMW1M only works with Sony cameras equiped with MIS. Technically you can connect the headphone output to the GH4 input but the MIS shoe will require another adapter to fit the cold shoe on the GH4.

 

[RyanKhoo]

Thanks Rodney,

I just bought the ECM-AW4 since can used together with GH4.

But i think no need to connect to cg50 & boom pole oredi since AW4 wireless.

But the transmitter is a bit chunky if clipped to the shirt collar. Any small lavelier mic to recommend to connect to thw AW4's transmitter ?

Thanks

You will still need a boompole if you are using the CG50. But you can also use the built-in mic in the transmitter as a lavaliere or as an extra option / replacement for the CG50.

 

[Bamboopictures]

I'm quite happy with the Oscar Soundtech's 801/802. Good price - performance ratio. Low noise floor, natural-sounding frequency response. You will have to order online as they don't have an agent in Singapore.
Another cheap and good is the $30 MicJ 044:
[http://www.amazon.com/MIC-J-044-Omn...IC-J+044&pebp=1422704925705&peasin=B00KMILKGS

[video=youtube;RBxOLnVxg3A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBxOLnVxg3A&src_vid=MUgsFG49vts&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_2105649357[/video]

 

[RyanKhoo]

Thanks Rodney,

But what you think of this :

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/334837-REG/Sony_ECMCS10_ECM_CS10_Stereo_Lavalier_Microphone.html/prm/alsVwDtl

and this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496661-REG/Olympus_145055_ME_52W_Noise_Cancellation_Microphone.html/prm/alsVwDtl

or this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/799471-REG/Sony_ECMCS3_ECM_CS3_Tie_Clip_Microphone.html/prm/alsVwDtl

Thanks

I'm quite happy with the Oscar Soundtech's 801/802. Good price - performance ratio. Low noise floor, natural-sounding frequency response. You will have to order online as they don't have an agent in Singapore.
Another cheap and good is the $30 MicJ 044:

[http://www.amazon.com/MIC-J-044-Omn...IC-J+044&pebp=1422704925705&peasin=B00KMILKGS

[video=youtube;RBxOLnVxg3A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBxOLnVxg3A&src_vid=MUgsFG49vts&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_2105649357[/video]

 

[RyanKhoo]

I made a boo-boo today. I recorded about 8 individuals talking something like an interview with 8 person individually. I asked the 8 person to wear the transmitter (microphone) but OMG when I came back the video from my GH4 has no sound !

But lucky the one on VG30 has sound but it was not perfect bcos it picked up the ambience noise !

I thought I tested at home before recording and the GH4 was ok. Not sure why it failed me though ... so I read the manual again and this is what the manual says:

Attaching the microphone to clothing etc.
Attach the microphone to a breast pocket, etc. with the clip.
Attach the microphone in a position that is suitable for the recording location.
To define the suitable position, connect an earphone to the receiver and
monitor the sound picked up by the microphone. You can also monitor sound
by connecting the receiver to the recording device with the recording cable
and an earphone to the recording device.

Q: I tried this but I cannot hear anything on my earphone leh ...when it says connect an earphone to the receiver and
monitor the sound picked up by the microphone., am i correct to say it means to connect a headphone to the red hole shown of the receiver at 1:29 of this video ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX9IUC5rM-c

OR does it mean that to monitor the sound that is to be picked up the receiver, we must buy an optional cable like this (the red and green cable - which is not included in the box) as shown in 3:55 of this video: ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16cB78Sl9kQ



Another thing I don't understand is this:
Using the wireless microphone as a transceiver
1 Connect the supplied earphones to the earphone jacks of the
microphone and receiver.
2 Set the power switches of the microphone and receiver to ON.

Q: what exactly is a transceiver ?

Thanks

 

[RyanKhoo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX9IUC5rM-c

At 1:29, it says if connect a headphone to the 2 red hole, the camera man and the subject can communicate with each other ... and again at 5:10, it says that whatever being communicated won't be recorded. How is this possible ? Does that mean when the receiver is being plug into the GH4 mic-in, the sound surrounding the the GH4 camera won't be recorded ? If you talk to another person at the camera, it also wont be recorded ? It will only record whatever is near the transmitter ? Did i understand it correctly ?

Thanks

 

[Bamboopictures]

The AW4 has 2 functions. It can be used as an intercom or as a wireless mic.
It is important to check you have connected the receiver/transceiver side to the camera and not the microphone side.
The cable to the camera must be plugged into the black port on the reciever.
(reciever can transmit instructions without passing the cameraman's voice into camera)

The microphone side has a red mic port and a black phone port. Make sure your external lav mic is plugged into the red port.
The internal mic automatically switches to the plugged-in lav.
The phone port on the mic portion can be used by the talent to listen in on the cameraman's instructions.

Finally, it is 100% essential you listen to the audio from the camera while it is recording. Plug your headphone directly into the headphone port of your camera.
To be confident about your audio, you must monitor from the recording device (cameras in your case) and not any other upstream sources. Failure points can occur in various in/out ports, connection cables,wireless linkages, volume settings on intermediary devices.

Note that the camera cable that comes with the AW4 is an attenuator cable. If you find the that the levels are too low/zero, you should use a normal 3.5mm cable instead and donate the attenuator to me.

Both the GH4 and the VG30 have headphone ports as well as visual levels indicators, so use both the audio and the visual feedback to ensure there is no peak distortion, drop-outs, hums etc that will mar your production.

 

[Bamboopictures]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX9IUC5rM-c

At 1:29, it says if connect a headphone to the 2 red hole, the camera man and the subject can communicate with each other ... and again at 5:10, it says that whatever being communicated won't be recorded. How is this possible ? Does that mean when the receiver is being plug into the GH4 mic-in, the sound surrounding the the GH4 camera won't be recorded ? If you talk to another person at the camera, it also wont be recorded ? It will only record whatever is near the transmitter ? Did i understand it correctly ?

Thanks

The red holes are for external mics, not for phones. Only audio from the microphone side will be sent to camera. The audio picked up by the receiver side will be sent to the microphone side only but not passed into the camera. Of course, if the cameraman speaks so loudly that his voice is even picked up the microphone side's internal/external mic, then it will get recorded.

 

[kandinsky]

You can also monitor sound by connecting the receiver to the recording device with the recording cable and an earphone to the recording device.

Boss, just do exactly that. Plug in a pair of decent head/earphones (preferably with some isolation so you can monitor the audio better) to the GH4 headphone port. You'll hear what is (or is not) being recorded once you hit the record button and can rectify any issues immediately.

 

[RyanKhoo]

Boss, just do exactly that. Plug in a pair of decent head/earphones (preferably with some isolation so you can monitor the audio better) to the GH4 headphone port. You'll hear what is (or is not) being recorded once you hit the record button and can rectify any issues immediately.

Ok boss, I read wrongly. So I gotta buy a earphone to connect to the GH4 headphone port. Can recommend a decent head/earphones that have some isolation so that can monitor the audio better

what you think of this :

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/334837-REG/Sony_ECMCS10_ECM_CS10_Stereo_Lavalier_Microphone.html/prm/alsVwDtl

and this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496661-REG/Olympus_145055_ME_52W_Noise_Cancellation_Microphone.html/prm/alsVwDtl

or this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/799471-REG/Sony_ECMCS3_ECM_CS3_Tie_Clip_Microphone.html/prm/alsVwDtl

Thanks

 

[RyanKhoo]

The red holes are for external mics, not for phones. Only audio from the microphone side will be sent to camera. The audio picked up by the receiver side will be sent to the microphone side only but not passed into the camera. Of course, if the cameraman speaks so loudly that his voice is even picked up the microphone side's internal/external mic, then it will get recorded.

Ok very good explanation. Sony should engage you to write the manual ... :bsmilie:

 

[RyanKhoo]

Note that the camera cable that comes with the AW4 is an attenuator cable. If you find the that the levels are too low/zero, you should use a normal 3.5mm cable instead and donate the attenuator to me.

why is an attenuator cable better ? Thanks

 

[Bamboopictures]

Hi Ryan, I have no experience with the sony and Olympus lav mics but they are very atttactively priced! However they may look unconventionally eye catching on camera.
The attenuator cable is a must for some Canon DSLRs. Try it with your cameras and see if your input signal can get above 50% in normal talking volume. If not, replace it with a normal cable.
I run through several pairs of in-canal earphones a year cos I keep losing them. To save money, I use cheaper consumer brands like sonicgear. My requirements is very basic:
-changeable silicone earbuds for maximum isolation,
-flat tangle-free cable for quick setup
-brightly colored so I can spot it easily inside a spagetti ball of other cables
You can get reasonably usable ones from $20-$40 at Challenger.
But stay away from the $10 Dr Dre knock offs selling at the Pasar Malam.

 

[hamanoshun]

why is an attenuator cable better ? Thanks

It's not better. It serves a purpose.

To attenuate is to reduce, in this case, reduce the level of the outgoing/incoming signal. Some ports only accept Mic Level inputs which are lower levels signals, and when you put a Line Level signal into a Mic Level input, it's going to sound loud as hell and distorted. Go read up on Line Level and Mic Levels signals to learn more.

In a nutshell, Line Level signals are much hotter than Mic Level signals, so attenuator cables do the job of padding down your Line Level signals to be audible and acceptable in a Mic Level input.

 

[RyanKhoo]

Thanks hamanoshun

It's not better. It serves a purpose.

To attenuate is to reduce, in this case, reduce the level of the outgoing/incoming signal. Some ports only accept Mic Level inputs which are lower levels signals, and when you put a Line Level signal into a Mic Level input, it's going to sound loud as hell and distorted. Go read up on Line Level and Mic Levels signals to learn more.

In a nutshell, Line Level signals are much hotter than Mic Level signals, so attenuator cables do the job of padding down your Line Level signals to be audible and acceptable in a Mic Level input.

 

[RyanKhoo]

Went to Sony, wanna buy this CS10 lavelier mic ...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/334837-REG/Sony_ECMCS10_ECM_CS10_Stereo_Lavalier_Microphone.html/prm/alsVwDtl

Guess what, Sony Centre at Orchard, Sony at Sim Lim, all doesn't sell any lavelier mic !

Anyone knows where to buy Sony CS10 lavelier mic in Singapore ?

Thanks