Recording Audio

[greg_8mm]

How do you guys record your audio? I have a Rode videomic that I used with my videocamera (that's a long long time ago, before I discovered film ;) ) but that only works with a camera. I'm interested to know to what medium you guys record to? MP3? AIFF? And with what device?
thnx

[Dave Bellard]

I, too, am interested in what people are using. For a really portable options, I was thinking of using an ipod because I think you can buy an attachment that acts as a microphone. Although I suppose that would be a low-quality option as it's not really a directional mic.

[downix]

A NAGRA III

[greg_8mm]

A NAGRA III

i hadnt heard of this before, so i started googlin' it, but it doesn't really look like a portable solution? Do you carry this in your backpack? Or do you strap it to your belt?

I was lookin for more portable solutions if possible..

[Will2]

You might be surprised to learn how excellent the audio on a miniDV camera can be. It's severely limited by the mics on cheap consumer camcorders, but the format itself is very good for audio recording.

If you can patch in a good mic to even a cheap DV camcorder you have an easy method of capturing audio. Then use a still camera flash to help you manually sync up the DV and film transfer later. Just roll the DV camera, then roll the film camera, then set off a flash so both cameras can see it and you'll have no problem syncing up later. They don't even have to be pointing exactly at the same thing. This technique will work with audio off a still digital camera that can capture movies. Audio quality is horrible in that case, but fine for home movies.

Either way, audio usually doesn't get the attention it deserves. Takes time for good mic placement. If you really want to get into it you can multitrack audio with a laptop and use a clapboard for sync. Mixing audio from good, well placed mics in post production is a true pleasure if you're used to the bad sound off a camcorder.

[greg_8mm]

Thnx for the info.. I really agree that audio doesnt get as much attention as it deserves. Whenever I'm in a 'studio' or 'set' situation I've always used a laptop.

The thing is that I find myself more 'in the field'. I've used my Røde Videomic on my videocamera, and though the quality is much and much better than the onboard mic, I think I'm not getting the best quality that I can get out of it. My video camera is a basic consumer model, with almost no audio control. The only audio control is a volume setting that I can find in the menu. There are no ways of monitoring the audio levels visually, to see if the audio is clipped.

Are there other portable devices that can be used for 'run-n-gun' style of shooting?

thnx for the tip with the flash of a still camera..

[Dave Bellard]

The flash - That was a nice tip!

[Jean Poirier]

I record in stereo with a minidisc player. Jean

[Dr_Strangelove]

Dont use a sony minidisc, those you cant dump the audio on the computer, or you can but its not easy.

[onsuper8]

I use my pro-sumer DV to record on location sound with a RodeVideo mic with Dead Cat to soften the effects of wind. For interviews I have used the same set up but had to spend a lot of time cleaning audio in post to get rid of the DV camera noise - which I find an annoying exercise.

Recently I paid to do voiceover in a pro studio which only cost me just £30 for a single hour in an amazing digital set up and got to use a beautiful tube amp microphone which gave a fantastic warm and intimate feel.

When you do get great audio it makes the whole editing process much more satisfying and brings any film to life. I totally agree - it is very sad that sound is so often overlooked.

[MIKI-814]

use a still camera flash to help you manually sync up the DV and film transfer later. Just roll the DV camera, then roll the film camera, then set off a flash so both cameras can see it and you'll have no problem syncing up later.

Good trick, but what is the difference from the use of a clapboard?

[downix]

A NAGRA III

i hadnt heard of this before, so i started googlin' it, but it doesn't really look like a portable solution? Do you carry this in your backpack? Or do you strap it to your belt?

I was lookin for more portable solutions if possible..

Actually the NAGRA *is* a portable solution. It was the first portable recorder, infact. It is hung from your shoulder in a carrying case. No Minidisc, flash unit, iPod or hard drive unit made yet can get as warm a sound as my NAGRA, even if it is on the larger side.

[MIKI-814]

A NAGRA III

i hadnt heard of this before, so i started googlin' it, but it doesn't really look like a portable solution? Do you carry this in your backpack? Or do you strap it to your belt?

I was lookin for more portable solutions if possible..

Actually the NAGRA *is* a portable solution. It was the first portable recorder, infact. It is hung from your shoulder in a carrying case. No Minidisc, flash unit, iPod or hard drive unit made yet can get as warm a sound as my NAGRA, even if it is on the larger side.

Well... it was a portable solution in terms of professional sound recording some decades ago when it was designed, but I seriously doubt that nowadays it could still be considered as a "portable solution" for Super8 :lol:

[flatwood]

That Nagra is beautiful. I love those things but I just bought a Zoom H4 but I havent really used it yet.

I liked it because it records wave files, has xlr input, phantom and records to the same media that my digital still cameras use. My main reason for getting it was to use to get sound snap shots. Its pretty small but not really pocket sized unless you have big pockets.

[adamgarner]

zoom h4 for sure! I'm picking one up for my next project. The xlr inputs are great. Pretty great price too!

There's a review on youtube. Search for it.