Brand new to Audio....Microphone questions

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cabasner

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Hello All,

Not only am I brand new to this forum, I am brand new to recording of any kind. Let me give you some background.

First off, I am a semi-pro still photographer. I very recently purchased a Canon 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera, and besides its stunning resolution and image quality, one of the features I found appealing was the addition of video capability. However, along with the video comes not great audio. The camera does have a built in mono microphone, but it is not great by any measure, even to my uncultured ears. To attempt to rectify this situation, I have just gotten an Edirol R-09RH field recorder, which I intend to use to record audio to accompany my potential videos. I can use the files from the Edirol as clips to import into my video editing software (Final Cut Express), and use some crude synchronizing techniques to put the video and audio together for the final product. I also purchased a Rode Stereo Video Mic that can be used both as a direct input (as an external microphone) to the camera, as well as input to the Edirol (which has pretty decent built-in microphones, from what I have read, anyway).

Now, I am trying to look ahead, and anticipate future needs. I would like to give myself the best shot at really good quality audio. By this, I mean being able to record in stereo, using professional quality microphones. Being a guitarist and bassist, and given the decent audio quality of the Edirol, it would be nice to have microphones that can be used to record the following:

1. Audio (voice) to accompany the videos
2. Potential recording for audio only of electric and acoustic guitar and bass, recording amplifiers for the electric instruments to the Edirol

The Edirol does not have XLR inputs; all it has is a single stereo 1/8" miniplug for external microphone inputs. In order to use pro quality microphones, I would have to use an XLR audio adapter that would accept the XLR inputs, and output vie a 1/8" cable/connector. I've been talking with some knowledgeable video folks who are recommending some high end mixer/adapters such as a Sound Devices 302, which provides 48V phantom power, and which I think would work fine for my purposes (though expensive, around $1,300) or others such as Beachtek products.

Anyway, I have NO experience at all with microphones. I don't know if there exist microphones that would suit my needs, good for both voice and ambient sounds for the video, and for guitar and bass for the audio aspect only. I am certain that there would be better, more suitable equipment for an audio interface/mixer than the Sound Devices 302, if I am looking at the audio only part of recording. Obviously, I'd need to have 2 microphones for the stereo aspect of things, and wonder whether I should get 2 of the same type or should they be different? Wondering if anyone here would have a clue as to what I should be considering. I know it's complicated, given the diverse needs I'm looking to cover!

I'll be happy to answer any questions if I've not been clear in what I'm trying to accomplish. Thanks in advance for any ideas!

Curt Basner
 
Hy Curt:
I'll bet that if you can cut your question down to about 3 lines, you'll get lots of help.:)
 
Thanks for the advice, Jim!

Basically, what I'm looking for is advice regarding microphones. What would folks recommend for a pair of VERY HIGH QUALITY microphones to be used for the following:

1. Voice and ambient sounds to accompany video
2. Guitar and bass amps

I know that these are 2 very diverse requirements, but I'm just starting out, and need to maximize my options.
 
Yo Cabasner! Welcome to the board. My best first advice is to upgrade your field recorder to one that has XLR inputs with phantom power. Consider this:

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=32943&Category=Recorders

That will allow you to use whatever blessed mics you want, including your Rode. It does have a 1/8" stereo miniplug input, which disables the onboard stereo mics. It allows for recording at whatever bit depth and resolution your video software wants. Then we can begin to talk about appropriate mics for your various applications, in assorted price ranges, without requiring adapters or other bulky expensive stuff. What's not to love?-Richie
 
Hi Richard!

Thank you for the welcome. Actually, I did consider the Zoom recorder, but I had had some experience with the Edirol previously and was happy with it.

Regardless, I will find a way to use XLR microphones! I presume that capability is really what I need in order to get the best possible sounds, no? So, if we presume that an XLR input is a given, NOW what? LOL
 
Well, somebody may come up with a splution, but it will probably be more expensive and bulkier than mine, as well as requiring AC power. It may be a PIA, but I believe you have the wrong recorder for your stated purposes, and I don't know of anything that is going to change that.-Richie
 
Just an aside to add is the notion of '1/8" x XLR adaptor' and 'portable'.
At the very least I would presume physical support and isolation at the 1/8" end. Those things tend to be quite light duty and quickly very unforgiving of movement (or even any actual use' it seems to me. :)
 
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