Tether 7D to NX5U for sound recording (?) at DVinfo.net

Luc Novovitch · July 23rd, 2012, 11:32 AM

Greetings,
Canon 7d And Sony NX5U because that's what I use, but it's in fact a generic question, I suppose...
The question: can we get good quality sound by linking a DSLR to a camcorder, cable going from the mic input on the DSLR to ... on the camcorder? Would the output used to plugin earphones would be of suffucient quality?
If possible that would bring quality sound to the DSLR, and help saving time with sound sync in post.
Someone tried that in real world situation?
I know, I could do a setup, get a subject, shoot, go to a computer, etc... But it's faster to go straight to the keyboard and ask people who know...

L

Steve House · July 23rd, 2012, 01:20 PM

You cannot send a line level signal, which is what a headphone output would deliver, into an input that is designed for mic levels without overloading the input and creating serious distortion. It would not bring quality sound to the DSLR. In fact, just the opposite; it would most likely give you much WORSE results.

Luc Novovitch · July 23rd, 2012, 01:26 PM

Well... that takes care of that.
So will use a mike on the 7d and sync in post.
Thank you for the prompt answer.

L

Richard Crowley · July 23rd, 2012, 03:02 PM

You could kludge an attenuating cable solution, but what's the point? There is no way of connecting that will get you "good quality sound" recording on any DSLR. Just use the built-in mic for sync and keep your life simple.

Luc Novovitch · July 23rd, 2012, 03:13 PM

"Just use the built-in mic for sync and keep your life simple."

Thanks Richard. Makes sense and it does look like the simplest solution. After my last post I checked on what may work for me, and trying to make a DSLR do something it is not really designed for is just calling for more problems. Looked at PluralEyes, and also a simple way posted online to sync multiple sources in Premiere Pro (Multicamera Improvements - Lesson - one could also use a clapboard...).
So I should focus on recording the best sound possible on the NEX5U and then sync.

L

Rick Reineke · July 24th, 2012, 09:06 AM

Many use an attenuating cable (pad) to knock down the HP/line level to mic line level, then use the camera's reference track audio to re-sync the 'good' audio back in post manually or by using "Pluraleyes" Singular Software - PluralEyes . Cables can bought (Sescom) Sescom LN2MIC-ZMH4-MON 3.5mm Line to Mic with 25dB Attenuator for Zoom H4N with Headphone Monitoring Jack or a DIY made cable.

July 23rd, 2012, 11:32 AM	#1
Luc Novovitch Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Far West Texas Posts: 49	Tether 7D to NX5U for sound recording (?) Greetings, Canon 7d And Sony NX5U because that's what I use, but it's in fact a generic question, I suppose... The question: can we get good quality sound by linking a DSLR to a camcorder, cable going from the mic input on the DSLR to ... on the camcorder? Would the output used to plugin earphones would be of suffucient quality? If possible that would bring quality sound to the DSLR, and help saving time with sound sync in post. Someone tried that in real world situation? I know, I could do a setup, get a subject, shoot, go to a computer, etc... But it's faster to go straight to the keyboard and ask people who know... L

July 23rd, 2012, 01:20 PM	#2
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	Re: Tether 7D to NX5U for sound recording (?) You cannot send a line level signal, which is what a headphone output would deliver, into an input that is designed for mic levels without overloading the input and creating serious distortion. It would not bring quality sound to the DSLR. In fact, just the opposite; it would most likely give you much WORSE results. __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

July 23rd, 2012, 01:26 PM	#3
Luc Novovitch Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Far West Texas Posts: 49	Re: Tether 7D to NX5U for sound recording (?) Well... that takes care of that. So will use a mike on the 7d and sync in post. Thank you for the prompt answer. L

July 23rd, 2012, 03:02 PM	#4
Richard Crowley Trustee Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,238	Re: Tether 7D to NX5U for sound recording (?) You could kludge an attenuating cable solution, but what's the point? There is no way of connecting that will get you "good quality sound" recording on any DSLR. Just use the built-in mic for sync and keep your life simple.

July 23rd, 2012, 03:13 PM	#5
Luc Novovitch Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Far West Texas Posts: 49	Re: Tether 7D to NX5U for sound recording (?) "Just use the built-in mic for sync and keep your life simple." Thanks Richard. Makes sense and it does look like the simplest solution. After my last post I checked on what may work for me, and trying to make a DSLR do something it is not really designed for is just calling for more problems. Looked at PluralEyes, and also a simple way posted online to sync multiple sources in Premiere Pro (Multicamera Improvements - Lesson - one could also use a clapboard...). So I should focus on recording the best sound possible on the NEX5U and then sync. L

July 24th, 2012, 09:06 AM	#6
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,039	Re: Tether 7D to NX5U for sound recording (?) Many use an attenuating cable (pad) to knock down the HP/line level to mic line level, then use the camera's reference track audio to re-sync the 'good' audio back in post manually or by using "Pluraleyes" Singular Software - PluralEyes . Cables can bought (Sescom) Sescom LN2MIC-ZMH4-MON 3.5mm Line to Mic with 25dB Attenuator for Zoom H4N with Headphone Monitoring Jack or a DIY made cable.