Do I need a field mixer??? at DVinfo.net

Stephen Pruitt · August 23rd, 2007, 08:26 AM

Hi all. . .

You have been most helpful with my requests, so, since no good deed goes unpunished, here's another.

I am currently using an HVX-200. The HVX records 4 channels of audio. I am about to modify my camera so that I can use 4 XLR connectors into the camera instead of just the standard two (the on camera mics typically record to the other two audio tracks, but I am going to disconnect my on-camera mics and replace them with line ins and run extra external mics instead).

What would I gain in using a field mixer as opposed to just a 48V phantom power unit for my two extra mic inputs? It does not appear that I'll be able to bypass the HVX's internal preamps and just go line in to the camera.

Thanks much.

Stephen

Brooks Harrington · August 23rd, 2007, 09:24 AM

Four channels of audio is a lot for the camera operator to handle along with shooting picture. A mixer will give your audio person better control.
Don't tell me you will be doing it all....... you can't!

Wayne Brissette · August 23rd, 2007, 09:58 AM

The thing you really gain is a better set of pre-amps for the microphones. I have yet to hear a camera that has a decent set of pre-amps. And as mentioned this means usually you'll have a sound mixer helping you so you can concentrate on camera work.

There are some good, yet affordable field mixers (Shure and Rolls comes to mind), then there are those that are world class and range from moderately expensive to very expensive (Wendt, Sound Devices, SQN, Cooper).

Wayne

Oleg Kaizerman · August 24th, 2007, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Pruitt

Hi all. . .

You have been most helpful with my requests, so, since no good deed goes unpunished, here's another.

I am currently using an HVX-200. The HVX records 4 channels of audio. I am about to modify my camera so that I can use 4 XLR connectors into the camera instead of just the standard two (the on camera mics typically record to the other two audio tracks, but I am going to disconnect my on-camera mics and replace them with line ins and run extra external mics instead).

What would I gain in using a field mixer as opposed to just a 48V phantom power unit for my two extra mic inputs? It does not appear that I'll be able to bypass the HVX's internal preamps and just go line in to the camera.

Thanks much.

Stephen

the camera mics ( 4 at all 2 on each side ) goes true 2 pair s of filters,
i would not expect sounding them as direct ones .
about if you need a mixer - you always need one to supply better or stronger signal to the camera ( not talking about eng news ) .

Abe Dolinger · August 24th, 2007, 12:22 PM

Good idea! I know a few people who might appreciate some step-by-step pictures of your camera mod.

If you're planning on using more than one mic I'd recommend an external mixer with an operator.

Ron Sanders · August 25th, 2007, 02:20 PM

Why not use the mixer and just record outside of the camera?

August 23rd, 2007, 08:26 AM	#1
Stephen Pruitt Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 228	Do I need a field mixer??? Hi all. . . You have been most helpful with my requests, so, since no good deed goes unpunished, here's another. I am currently using an HVX-200. The HVX records 4 channels of audio. I am about to modify my camera so that I can use 4 XLR connectors into the camera instead of just the standard two (the on camera mics typically record to the other two audio tracks, but I am going to disconnect my on-camera mics and replace them with line ins and run extra external mics instead). What would I gain in using a field mixer as opposed to just a 48V phantom power unit for my two extra mic inputs? It does not appear that I'll be able to bypass the HVX's internal preamps and just go line in to the camera. Thanks much. Stephen

August 23rd, 2007, 09:24 AM	#2
Brooks Harrington Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 152	Four channels of audio is a lot for the camera operator to handle along with shooting picture. A mixer will give your audio person better control. Don't tell me you will be doing it all....... you can't!

August 23rd, 2007, 09:58 AM	#3
Wayne Brissette Major Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 383	The thing you really gain is a better set of pre-amps for the microphones. I have yet to hear a camera that has a decent set of pre-amps. And as mentioned this means usually you'll have a sound mixer helping you so you can concentrate on camera work. There are some good, yet affordable field mixers (Shure and Rolls comes to mind), then there are those that are world class and range from moderately expensive to very expensive (Wendt, Sound Devices, SQN, Cooper). Wayne

August 24th, 2007, 12:22 PM	#5
Abe Dolinger Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 111	Good idea! I know a few people who might appreciate some step-by-step pictures of your camera mod. If you're planning on using more than one mic I'd recommend an external mixer with an operator.

August 25th, 2007, 02:20 PM	#6
Ron Sanders New Boot Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 12	Why not use the mixer and just record outside of the camera?