stereo microphone (camcorder) - *again*

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wes480

wes480

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I am thinking about trying to get a good mic solution to use with my MiniDV camcorder. What do you guys think of that AT8053 (i think thats it) - or other stereo mics? is the AT any good?

I was also thinking about the NT4 when it comes out.

But, my real question - I have the "external mic" jack on my camcorder...and..it doesn't just look like a stereo mini jack..its a little different, like it has a little slit on it. I have another Mini DV camera..and the jack on it is actually 2 plugs, not one.

Anyways, with one of those mics...I would need phantom power and such...and also I guess I would need a gain control. Maybe my best bet would be using an audio buddy preamp - (can that run on batteries?) and running out from that into the camcorder. Of course, then you get the problem that the Audio buddy level indicators arn't very reliable...and the last thing I want to do is have lots of clipping audio on videos of school plays/performances and such.

If anyone could tell me a reliable preamp that the level indicators could be trusted - and what kind of input that external mic jack is? That would be great...thanks! (and also how those mics are)
-wes
 
I don't know anything about the mics or Camcorders you mentioned. Since "Mini DV" is part of the description of several different brands and model # cameras, I got too many choices in my Google search to know which one you have.
For field production Shure makes the best battery operated mixers and preamps IMHO.

The FP23 may be what you are asking for.
http://www.shure.com/mixers/models/fp23.asp?V=MIXFIELD

Then again, since you are talking about stereo mics and needing acurate meters you may want to look at something like this:
http://www.shure.com/mixers/models/fp33.asp?V=MIXFIELD

I have used this mixer on several TV/Industrial video shoots. I do not own one, it has always been rented. They are very reliable.
 
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Okay I feel a little dumb. I replied to your first post without seeing this one. Maybe one of the moderators
can move it here. It sounds like your 1st camcorder accepts only proprietary accessories. As for the
second camcorder, I'm assuming they're mono L-R individual inputs. There are adapters available.
You might want to check your manual to see what type of microphones you can use with it. If you can be
more specific as to which brand of mini-DV camcorder, perhaps I can be of more help.

I'm not familiar with the 8053 perhaps you meant the 835S (stereo shotgun)? If that's the case you would
need phantom power. Audio Technica has another mic specifically suited toward video recording called the
ATR25. Then there is the AT822, which uses battery power exclusively. And then the AT825, which runs
on bat. or phantom.

The FP23 that FenderTL5 recommended is a reliable and well known field mixer, but it'll run you $340-420.
Not too many other field mixers out there with a signal meter at that price point. Some other known field
mixers are Sound Devices Mix Pre $855 ($700 street), cleaner and better noisefloor than the shure, from
what I hear. Another consideration would be the Denecke AD-20 (formerly ZeFiro Acoustics InBox) for $310-450.
Interestingly, the Denecke unit has an A/D converter with digital outs--SPDIF and TOSLINK--in addition to
it's analog XLR outs. Depending on what your needs and budget are, there are quite a few options available.
Something to consider for monitoring your levels, your camcorder might be able to display your audio levels
on the view finder or swivel screen. Check into that.

If this for professional use, then go with the FP23 or any of the others listed. If this is for personal use, then
go check out www.soundprofessionals.com. He has some decent custom made preamps and mics
(using shure and AT capsules); significantly cheaper than the AT single point stereo mics. Ask for
Chris Carfagno, he has an 800 number. Either way, ask for Chris, he would be more knowledgable than I,
and could answer your questions directly.

I'm pretty pleased with the mini stereo condensers I picked up. I use them for my portable MD recording rig.
I got the model based on the AT capsule with interchangeable elements.

As for your your Audio Buddy, as far as I know, it runs on 9V AC. Battery operation wouldn't be possible,
unless you McGuyver some type of battery box with converter. Soundprofessionals has some cheaper
alternatives for preamps for their stereo mics. If direct level monitoring on your pre-amp isn't an issue.

I don't mean to advertise for Soundprofessionals. I'm just speaking from my personal experience. They do
have decent prices and Chris helped me out alot--great customer service. I learned about these guys via a
minidisc discussion forum. Soundpro's, I feel, cater mostly to hobbysits and the prosumer. Another place
to check out is www.core-sound.com. They cater to the prosumer to professional level. And yet
another place to check out, that caters to mainly professionals, is www.sonicstudios.com BTW,
you can download samples recordings made using their gear (soundpro's and sonicstudios). I've
downloaded samples from both of these sites.

The samples provided on Soundprofessionals were submitted by customers, whereas the sonicstudio's
samples were made by people who knew what they were doing (probably their staff). The sonicstudio's
stuff is primo, but expect to pay primo dinero for their stuff :)

Just a quick mention, I came across these sites about a year ago when I was researching for my MD field
recording rig. Their products cater toward live show tapers and field recording professionals, but can be
easily adapted for video recording.

Regards,
--Haku
 
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Wes,

I just want to get my facts straight and point out quickly that the FP23's not stereo and doesn't have signal monitoring as Fender mentioned. The FP33 might be more than what you need. And, goes for like $1500 street.

Similar in features as to the Sound Devices Mix/Pre is the Shure FP24 ($680 street). Both have 2 channels and have LED metering. The Denecke AD-20 also has 2 channels, but no signal monitoring.
 
I am a gear junkie

FenderTL5 said:



$1500 street is exactly why I've always rented the FP33...
Click to expand...

LOL. Yeah those puppies aren't exactly cheap. FWIW, there's auction on eBay with a Buy It Now option for 1,145.00.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1348478765

It all on depends his needs. He wasn't specific as to what he'd actually be using it for--professional/personal, one-time or couple of times. I gave different options based on budget and needs.
I just wanted to show the gamut of options available.

If he's a gear junkie, like many of us here, maybe he'd want to buy a portable mixer to add to his arsenal :P I'm not discounting renting equipment to preview it's performance, or for one-time-usage type situations. I've done it many a time.

When I can afford to be, I AM A GEAR JUNKIE. Actually, I'm a junkie regardless of my financial situation. Anyone know any GJA (gear junkies anonymous) support groups? Maybe homerecording's bbs should start a new forum. Hi, I'm Haku....and I'm a gear junkie.
 
Samson Mixpad 4

I totally forgot about this one. It's got 4 channels--2 pre's and one stereo, 1 aux, and operates on battery or AC. Only thing is phantom power on battery is only 18V, and on AC 36V if I'm not mistaken. Also has peak overload LEDs on left and right main output. It's roughly the size of a small to medium sized notepad. Ooh and it comes with a shoulder strap.

I actually got one of these in case I wanted to use SD/LD condensers instead of my mini-condensers for my minidisc rig. The pre's are pretty clean. Most of the time I use my mini-condensers setup (easier to lug around, nice and compact). My mixpad 4 gets usually used as a submixer at my homestudio, or a submixer for live/stage application.

And it can be had for (drum roll please...) $169.95 at www.zzsounds.com . How's that for good bang for the buck?
 
Really depends on what the application is...

If your shooting short films , you will be surprised how much you can do in post production. the last film I produced, the director and editor chose to do the entire soundscape in post, and just had the actors come back in and say the lines several times, and managed to get a nomination for sound design... the Post dialogue was still recorded on the camera mic...

I've never seen the point in stereo mics in production. When we shoot, I'll try to capture only the actors voices. atmos will be picked up at the end. For everything except really wideshots, you can get away using a SD condenser (I use a NT3 on a boom pole, with a 9v battery) and just hold it out of shot. ofcourse for wides, its pretty hard to see the actors mouths moving, so you can use audio from a different take... for shotting a school play though, I can see the stereo mic being an advantage...

I've used the Senheiser K6 Package quite a bit, but to me the audio was a tad harsh. but its a good package, as you can change capsule and get different patterns, and has a battery built in...

-Dr_Sbiatso
 
interesting interesting....thanks guys...

yeah this put me in a good direction...not sure what I will end up with but...thanks a bunch.

Now I am thinking yeah...something will 2 inputs could be cool. Then i could setup stereo mics sometime if I wanted to., instead of just using a stereo mic. The stereo mic idea is just really for the "minidisc" effect....sitting in the crowd...but, capturing a great copy.

BTW - this is just for home use. Recording school functions and birthday parties.
 
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