Audio Capture.

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Domcsore

Hi,

As a bit of background, I am trying to get the best audio quality on a budget. I have a Panasonic Lumix G2, I know it's not brilliant but for a first camera it has been great to me... apart from the audio :(. As expected the built in mic is terrible, I had no issue with that but I have done some research and the standard mic for the camera is the DMW-MS1E. I have listened to tests of this mic... and to be honest, it is not much better. I then looked at the Rode Video Mic pro and that didn't sound much better. So I came to the conclusion that the inbuilt audio interface in the camera is just no good. I thought about using a portable recorder such as the Edirol, I used one in college and it was alright, but what I would really like is some sort of portable recorder with an XLR input so I can use almost any quality mic. I just do not know if this is the best way or if there is any such device... any ideas?

Thanks,

Dom
 
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I really like the Zaxcom Deva 5.8, and it's a bargain at $13,000. If that's out of your price range the Sound Devices 552 paired with the Sound Devices 744T (total about $7,500) is also terrific.

Now, back to reality... Please give us a budget plus a list of all the audio gear that you already own.

You may also want to use the search function here on IndieTalk as this has been discussed quite a few times, or you can just browse through all of my posts.
 
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BTW, I'm not being snotty. You'll find I am quite direct and sometimes a bit harsh in my responses. I'm always willing to help out but, please, you have to do your due diligence as well.
 
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Sound is something that must be mastered as much as ALL other aspects of film. You can get good sound with cheaper tools, but you must have skills. Great tools help, but in the hands of a master, they can get much better sound than a hack with the best tools out there. Welcome to the demented world of filmmaking ! Good Luck !
 
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Thanks for the responses guys. A bit of further information then, my budget is around £800. Im not looking for something too expensive just something with more dynamic range and less background noise. I have a lot of experience in sound, I studied in music technology and am currently working part time as a recording engineer's assistant. What I am not looking for is for people to give me mic's because I know I will be using different mic's depending on the situation. I am more looking for a high quality portable device with more control than the built in audio in my Lumix G2. By control I mean having more control over the pre amp, the levels, maybe a frequency filter... you get the idea?

Thanks,

Dom
 
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Sorry for double post but the Sound Devices 744T and Sound Devices 522 are: a) A bit far out of my price range; b) a little too large, this looks like something that would have to be carried in a backpack to use on the go, but I think you have the right idea.

Thanks,

Dom
 
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Okay.

In the low budget range is the Tascam DR-100 - approximately US$300. (Not one of my recommendations - there are problems such as low volume levels.)

For entry level "true" production sound recorders (US$600 - US$700) you can look at the Marantz PMD-661, the Fostex FR2 and the Tascam HD-P2. If you want more channels the Edirol/Roland R-44 is around US$1,000.

You may want to consider pairing one of the entry level recorders with a nice mixer like the Sound Devices MixPre-D (US$750) or the PSC DV PROMIX 3 (US$500). This will allow you a lot more control.


Don't forget that, besides a shotgun mic and a hypercardioid mic you'll need a boom-pole, a shock-mount and wind protection plus cables, cases and other accessories. And don't forget a pair of really nice headphones. You can add wireless lavs later on.

Yeah, it adds up fast...
 
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Alcove Audio said:
Okay.

In the low budget range is the Tascam DR-100 - approximately US$300. (Not one of my recommendations - there are problems such as low volume levels.)

For entry level "true" production sound recorders (US$600 - US$700) you can look at the Marantz PMD-661, the Fostex FR2 and the Tascam HD-P2. If you want more channels the Edirol/Roland R-44 is around US$1,000.

You may want to consider pairing one of the entry level recorders with a nice mixer like the Sound Devices MixPre-D (US$750) or the PSC DV PROMIX 3 (US$500). This will allow you a lot more control.


Don't forget that, besides a shotgun mic and a hypercardioid mic you'll need a boom-pole, a shock-mount and wind protection plus cables, cases and other accessories. And don't forget a pair of really nice headphones. You can add wireless lavs later on.

Yeah, it adds up fast...
Click to expand...

I had been looking at the Roland R-44 and the MixPre-D looks like a good deal too. Also, I will not have a person dedicated to recording therefor I need some sort of hot shoe shock mount... I do not know if this is even possible to be honest but it's worth asking. As far as headphones go I'm not too worried, I've got my AKG K 271 MK II's, recommend them to anyone on a budget.
 
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Domcsore said:
the Sound Devices 744T and Sound Devices 522 are a little too large, this looks like something that would have to be carried in a backpack to use on the go, but I think you have the right idea.
Click to expand...

That's a pretty standard "bag" kit despite the cost and the weight. Probably about the same as carrying around a shoulder rig for a camera, really.

Not the 744/552 combo, but similar, PLUS several wireless:

l.jpg


l.jpg
 
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