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Re: Quality sound from digital video cameras

Subject: Re: Quality sound from digital video cameras
From: Marc Myers <>
Date: Wed, 01 Mar 2006 19:14:18 -0500
Hi Rob
When the Sony DV camcorders were evaluated by the BBC some years ago, 
the picture was deemed OK for broadcast but the audio was not. They made 
a modification which then require an outboard preamp or mixer. The mod 
is available through Greg Winters 
http://www.gregjwinter.com/modification2.htm.
The web page explains what's done but once the mod is made you switch to 
line in and bypass the audio circuits of the camera almost entirely. If 
you are using the VX2000/2100/PD150/170, its the ultimate improvement in 
audio.

You do then need a good preamp or mixer. In practice, the Beachtec is 
not horrible. I agree a Rolls or a Soundcraft are better devices.
Marc

Rob Danielson wrote:
> At 6:57 AM -0500 3/1/06, Marc Myers wrote:
> 
> <snip>
> 
>  >  you are better off
>  >recording audio on manual using the line input and controlling the sound
>  >with a good quality preamp like the Soundcraft or Beachtec products.
>  >These portable preamps also offer phantom power, a real advantage.
>  >>
> 
> Hi Marc--
> I've also been surprised by the poor noise performance of some of the
> Sony camcorder mic pres-- especially with the older, VX-2000 model.
> Yet, the engineers at Sony built high quality into their very
> inexpensive HiMD audio recorders showing there are  factors beyond
> price paid.  I've  been surprised at both good and poor results with
> Panasonic and JVC camcorders so I'm not not ready to make
> generalizations about pre quality being better with certain brand
> names. The specs on the newer model Beachtek preamp I was looking at
> the other day seemed quite noisy, no better than -100dB signal to
> noise as I recall. I believe the most popular  Beachtec unit (for XLR
> balanced->unbalanced stereo miniplug applications)  uses the ~1.7
> volts from the camcorder's power in plug (PIP)-- a tall order in
> delivering adequate, steady power. We have about six of these which
> we are now replacing with Rolls BP-244 units.  If one has phantom
> mics with low self noise, using an Art Phantom II or Rolls PB244 for
> phantom portable powering, one should be able to obtain quality
> matching that of all but the most expensive portable pres. That's
> where I'd start if trying coax better audio performance out of one's
> camcorder-- but, as usual, one must invest first in low noise mics,
> about 14dBA self noise might be a good target.  Rob D
> 
> 
>  >
>  >>
>  >>  Is it possible to record high quality sound from the
>  >>  newer 16-bit digital video cameras?
>  >>
>  >>  I recorded this with a Panasonic DVX-100A using the
>  >>  stock microphone. The audio is uncompressed, exported
>  >>  from Final Cut Pro.
>  >>
>  >>  http://www.jake-richardson.com/videotest.htm
>  >>
>  >>  Jake r.
>  >  >
>  >  >
> 
> 
> -- 
> Rob Danielson
> Film Department
> University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
> 
> 
> "Microphones are not ears,
> Loudspeakers are not birds,
> A listening room is not nature."
> Klas Strandberg
> 
> 
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