All Things Audio -- topics from 2002 thru 2004

Nick Hope · November 24th, 2004, 02:31 AM

I have a question about my Terratec DMX-6fire soundcard.

The soundcard gives me 3 different ways to adjust the level of the signal. I've got a mechanical gain knob on the break-out box, a software gain control on the soundcard's software control panel (0 to 18db), and an attenuation control on the software control panel (0 to -45db).

I know about avoiding clipping/distortion, but can anyone give me any specific advice on the optimum way to set up these three "overlapping" controls for the best signal?

Particularly...

- what are the software gain and attenuation doing differently? When would I want to use attenuation?

- how do the 2 gain controls play off against each other? Should I set the mechanical gain to just before the warning light and then do a similar thing with the software gain?

thanks

Douglas Spotted Eagle · November 25th, 2004, 09:00 AM

First, gain is adding volume to the mic/soundcard's initial output.
Attenuation is just the opposite, reducing output.
Using gain and attenuation in the same path can be a bad thing if things are already balanced and you're adding/subtracting at various points in the audio chain.

Regarding your soundcard, I'd set it at 0db on input and leave it there.
Use Attenuation where necessary.

Fred Finn · November 28th, 2004, 01:53 AM

Hello everyone. Sorry if this is a reprint i did a search, so I am writing under the understanding that it isn't.

I am looking at wireless mic system for GL1, I have xlr adapter. I just don't know a lot about the wireless systems. On b&h they are listed as UHF and VHF, but i don't know the characteristics of either.... Thanks in advance for the help, (as always!)

Bruce S. Yarock · November 28th, 2004, 04:52 PM

I 'm happy with the Sennheiser g2 (with the addl. mic plug). works good and sounds fine.
Bruce Yarock

Kevan Forrest · December 3rd, 2004, 06:04 PM

I'm planning on building/assembling a new computer in January for A/V production-- PT, Vegas, and Wavelab. Digidesing's compatability page says that they do not support RAID. I've done some crazy things with Pro Tools over the past decade that Digi hasn't "officially" supported. Has anyone had success running an LE system on a box that was reading/wriing to a RAID 0 setup? The mobo I'm considering uses the Promise SATA RAID chipset.

It won't be the end of the world if it can't be done... The main reason I want to move up to RAID is for video editing speed and girth-- lol. e.g. 2 X Maxtor 300GB w/16MB cache. Yes, it's true, I have "hard drive" envy...

My plans include:
AMD 64 3500
Gigabyte CPU cooler/heat sink
2GB DDR400 RAM
Seagate 120GB 8MB cache (boot drive)
Maxtor 300GB X 2 RAID 0
Video Card I danooo something w/256MB and dual DVI's...
DVD_R (haven't read up on what's new and cool yet...)

Nothing is firm yet. I'm planning on doing this next month.

Thanks for the input!

Glenn Chan · December 3rd, 2004, 07:38 PM

If you manually juggle files, large media files spread out over 2 drives (non-RAIDed) is actually faster than RAID.

Not that hard drive speed matters too much... I've tested things out and generally hard drive speed no difference on performance.
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=18784

For audio, your hard drives will really only be a problem if you can't play back enough tracks at once, or if you are having problems capturing many tracks at once. Even if you do, spreading tracks out over two drives (if possible) would be faster/better than RAID.

2- This is kind of off topic, but if the primary use of your machine is video editing then you might want to consider getting a Pentium processor as they are generally faster. AMD64 processors are much faster at audio (like 50%?), but video will probably require more resources than audio does.

If you post or look through the video forums here you can get more info on building a new machine.

You can also check out silentpcreview.com for lots of information about building a quiet PC, if noise is important. A quiet configuration would run something like the following:
3700BQE (see the article discussion for it, goes over how to do hard drive decoupling)
quietest PSU (should be latest revision seasonic super tornado)
hard drives - Samsung, Seagate, Hitachi (see reviews / recommended hard drives list)
processor- AMD 64, Canterwood-core Pentium or Prescott-core Pentium (in that order, AMD64 being quietest)
heatsink - zalman 7000alcu or Thermalright XP-120.
passively cooled video card

3- The digidesign user's conference has lots of great information on building your own machine.

http://duc.digidesign.com/showflat.p...fpart=1#360675
(The link will take you to the Allenstein thread... which covers building a PC for Pro Tools LE use.)

Ben Chiu · December 9th, 2004, 06:26 PM

Hi:

Searching through the messages here I discovered a couple of references to the PeachTek Campressor, but I didn't see any links to reviews or any advice regarding one. Has anyone used one of these units and can offer their opinions on it?

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Ben

Jay Noggle · December 10th, 2004, 12:12 PM

are there any indicators (before it is too late) on when it is time to change the battery on this mic?

I had some popping on a wedding with this mic and didn't think until afterwards that the cause could be the battery.

Thanks, Jay

Jay Massengill · December 10th, 2004, 12:52 PM

There is an LED indicator, but how to read them seems to be different on every piece of gear. Can't help you beyond that.

Rob Kroeger · December 12th, 2004, 12:45 AM

Hey There. I was wondering about those 3-channel XLR Adapters. Almost all of them are 2-input adapters, and Im wondering if I get a 3-Input adapter for my GL2 \ VX2100, would there be some audio compromise \ drawbacks? I know that with the Panasonic ENG Cams that we use at the station, they only allow for 2-inputs becuase of stereo \ mono issues. Thanks for your help!

Rob Kroeger · December 12th, 2004, 12:53 AM

PS>

Is this a good idea for making 2 ports into 3:

http://www.audiolines.com/cgi-bin/dj.cgi?detail=yes&template=&exact_match=yes&product=yxlrm-2xlrf

Scenario:

Mic 1 & 2: On The Y-Ends of the XLR Splitter. 2 Commentators both with Shure VP64A's.

Mic 3: The Second Unused port on my adapter. With some sort of Omni mic (Either the ATM10a or ATM31a)

Before I go out and buy all of this stuff I just wanna make sure the results will be up to par. Thanks so much!

Douglas Spotted Eagle · December 13th, 2004, 08:46 AM

Anyone here made the jump to HDV? Just curious how you're finding the MPEG audio. I've done my own tests with both the Z1 and the FX1, I'd like to hear feedback from others.

Rob Wilson · December 13th, 2004, 06:35 PM

Jumped in big (well, big cost for me) and ordered a K2 based on reviews and max spl. I'll be using it to record voice overs mostly in documentary type stuff.

Notice most discussions on it also included that a mic Preamp was used. I'm hoping the output from it's power supply will be all that's needed to feed into my DSR 500. I do have a Beheringer Shark that includes a pre and a Shure 267 but suspect they are both way under kill for that mic.

Anyone have any experience with this mic in a similar situation?

If I do need the pre, I'm looking at building the Seventh Circle Audio J99. Any recommedations pro/con on it?

Thanks!

Ty Ford · December 13th, 2004, 10:41 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Rob Wilson : Jumped in big (well, big cost for me) and ordered a K2 based on reviews and max spl. I'll be using it to record voice overs mostly in documentary type stuff.

Notice most discussions on it also included that a mic Preamp was used. I'm hoping the output from it's power supply will be all that's needed to feed into my DSR 500. I do have a Beheringer Shark that includes a pre and a Shure 267 but suspect they are both way under kill for that mic.

Anyone have any experience with this mic in a similar situation?

If I do need the pre, I'm looking at building the Seventh Circle Audio J99. Any recommedations pro/con on it?

Thanks! -->>>

You are good to go. Your camera already has a mic preamp. Now, add a nice limiter to catch the inevitable peaks, and you have a nice rig. The one in the SOUND DEVICES MIXPre. It's a very nice sounding 2 channel mixer with very nice sounding limiter. With it, you're really ready and every mic you plug into it will sound better than if plugged into your camera.

The Shark..not so much..yawn.

Find out WHY a good mixer is your friend. It's in my Audio Bootcamp Field Guide.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Tim Smith, M.Ed. · December 14th, 2004, 09:37 AM

I’m looking for a wireless Lav mic to be used almost exclusively outdoors, mainly in wilderness situations, and am looking for advice on which one to choose. After reading through numerous posts I’ve been looking at the Sennheiser g2 wireless at B + H. They list 20 different models/combos at varying prices. I'm learning as I go and don't have an audio background. Any help would be appreciated. Also, is it OK to use these in wet and snowy weather? I’m using a gl2 w/a beachtek xlr adapter.

November 24th, 2004, 02:31 AM	#451
Nick Hope Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Posts: 189	Setting Gain vs Gain vs Attenuation I have a question about my Terratec DMX-6fire soundcard. The soundcard gives me 3 different ways to adjust the level of the signal. I've got a mechanical gain knob on the break-out box, a software gain control on the soundcard's software control panel (0 to 18db), and an attenuation control on the software control panel (0 to -45db). I know about avoiding clipping/distortion, but can anyone give me any specific advice on the optimum way to set up these three "overlapping" controls for the best signal? Particularly... - what are the software gain and attenuation doing differently? When would I want to use attenuation? - how do the 2 gain controls play off against each other? Should I set the mechanical gain to just before the warning light and then do a similar thing with the software gain? thanks

November 25th, 2004, 09:00 AM	#452
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	First, gain is adding volume to the mic/soundcard's initial output. Attenuation is just the opposite, reducing output. Using gain and attenuation in the same path can be a bad thing if things are already balanced and you're adding/subtracting at various points in the audio chain. Regarding your soundcard, I'd set it at 0db on input and leave it there. Use Attenuation where necessary. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

November 28th, 2004, 01:53 AM	#453
Fred Finn Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Jackson, WY Posts: 178	Wireless for gl-1 Hello everyone. Sorry if this is a reprint i did a search, so I am writing under the understanding that it isn't. I am looking at wireless mic system for GL1, I have xlr adapter. I just don't know a lot about the wireless systems. On b&h they are listed as UHF and VHF, but i don't know the characteristics of either.... Thanks in advance for the help, (as always!) __________________ i am the muffin man.

December 3rd, 2004, 06:04 PM	#455
Kevan Forrest Tourist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tulsa OK Posts: 4	Pro Tools Le 6.4 & RAID 0 I'm planning on building/assembling a new computer in January for A/V production-- PT, Vegas, and Wavelab. Digidesing's compatability page says that they do not support RAID. I've done some crazy things with Pro Tools over the past decade that Digi hasn't "officially" supported. Has anyone had success running an LE system on a box that was reading/wriing to a RAID 0 setup? The mobo I'm considering uses the Promise SATA RAID chipset. It won't be the end of the world if it can't be done... The main reason I want to move up to RAID is for video editing speed and girth-- lol. e.g. 2 X Maxtor 300GB w/16MB cache. Yes, it's true, I have "hard drive" envy... My plans include: AMD 64 3500 Gigabyte CPU cooler/heat sink 2GB DDR400 RAM Seagate 120GB 8MB cache (boot drive) Maxtor 300GB X 2 RAID 0 Video Card I danooo something w/256MB and dual DVI's... DVD_R (haven't read up on what's new and cool yet...) Nothing is firm yet. I'm planning on doing this next month. Thanks for the input!

December 9th, 2004, 06:26 PM	#457
Ben Chiu Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: San Luis Obispo, CA Posts: 30	PeachTek reviews? Hi: Searching through the messages here I discovered a couple of references to the PeachTek Campressor, but I didn't see any links to reviews or any advice regarding one. Has anyone used one of these units and can offer their opinions on it? Thanks and Happy Holidays! Ben

November 28th, 2004, 04:52 PM	#454
Bruce S. Yarock Trustee Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl. Posts: 1,842	I 'm happy with the Sennheiser g2 (with the addl. mic plug). works good and sounds fine. Bruce Yarock

December 3rd, 2004, 07:38 PM	#456
Glenn Chan Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,750	If you manually juggle files, large media files spread out over 2 drives (non-RAIDed) is actually faster than RAID. Not that hard drive speed matters too much... I've tested things out and generally hard drive speed no difference on performance. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=18784 For audio, your hard drives will really only be a problem if you can't play back enough tracks at once, or if you are having problems capturing many tracks at once. Even if you do, spreading tracks out over two drives (if possible) would be faster/better than RAID. 2- This is kind of off topic, but if the primary use of your machine is video editing then you might want to consider getting a Pentium processor as they are generally faster. AMD64 processors are much faster at audio (like 50%?), but video will probably require more resources than audio does. If you post or look through the video forums here you can get more info on building a new machine. You can also check out silentpcreview.com for lots of information about building a quiet PC, if noise is important. A quiet configuration would run something like the following: 3700BQE (see the article discussion for it, goes over how to do hard drive decoupling) quietest PSU (should be latest revision seasonic super tornado) hard drives - Samsung, Seagate, Hitachi (see reviews / recommended hard drives list) processor- AMD 64, Canterwood-core Pentium or Prescott-core Pentium (in that order, AMD64 being quietest) heatsink - zalman 7000alcu or Thermalright XP-120. passively cooled video card 3- The digidesign user's conference has lots of great information on building your own machine. http://duc.digidesign.com/showflat.p...fpart=1#360675 (The link will take you to the Allenstein thread... which covers building a PC for Pro Tools LE use.)

December 10th, 2004, 12:12 PM	#458
Jay Noggle New Boot Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Coos Bay OR Posts: 11	battery for Senn. MKE 300 are there any indicators (before it is too late) on when it is time to change the battery on this mic? I had some popping on a wedding with this mic and didn't think until afterwards that the cause could be the battery. Thanks, Jay __________________ It's not about the greatest gear, it's about what you do with it....

December 10th, 2004, 12:52 PM	#459
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	There is an LED indicator, but how to read them seems to be different on every piece of gear. Can't help you beyond that.

December 12th, 2004, 12:45 AM	#460
Rob Kroeger Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Saratoga Springs, Ut Posts: 31	XLR Adapters - 3 Inputs? Hey There. I was wondering about those 3-channel XLR Adapters. Almost all of them are 2-input adapters, and Im wondering if I get a 3-Input adapter for my GL2 \ VX2100, would there be some audio compromise \ drawbacks? I know that with the Panasonic ENG Cams that we use at the station, they only allow for 2-inputs becuase of stereo \ mono issues. Thanks for your help!

December 12th, 2004, 12:53 AM	#461
Rob Kroeger Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Saratoga Springs, Ut Posts: 31	PS> Is this a good idea for making 2 ports into 3: http://www.audiolines.com/cgi-bin/dj.cgi?detail=yes&template=&exact_match=yes&product=yxlrm-2xlrf Scenario: Mic 1 & 2: On The Y-Ends of the XLR Splitter. 2 Commentators both with Shure VP64A's. Mic 3: The Second Unused port on my adapter. With some sort of Omni mic (Either the ATM10a or ATM31a) Before I go out and buy all of this stuff I just wanna make sure the results will be up to par. Thanks so much!

December 13th, 2004, 08:46 AM	#462
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	HDV and audio Anyone here made the jump to HDV? Just curious how you're finding the MPEG audio. I've done my own tests with both the Z1 and the FX1, I'd like to hear feedback from others. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

December 13th, 2004, 06:35 PM	#463
Rob Wilson Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 473	Rode K2 - Now what Jumped in big (well, big cost for me) and ordered a K2 based on reviews and max spl. I'll be using it to record voice overs mostly in documentary type stuff. Notice most discussions on it also included that a mic Preamp was used. I'm hoping the output from it's power supply will be all that's needed to feed into my DSR 500. I do have a Beheringer Shark that includes a pre and a Shure 267 but suspect they are both way under kill for that mic. Anyone have any experience with this mic in a similar situation? If I do need the pre, I'm looking at building the Seventh Circle Audio J99. Any recommedations pro/con on it? Thanks!

December 13th, 2004, 10:41 PM	#464
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	Re: Rode K2 - Now what <<<-- Originally posted by Rob Wilson : Jumped in big (well, big cost for me) and ordered a K2 based on reviews and max spl. I'll be using it to record voice overs mostly in documentary type stuff. Notice most discussions on it also included that a mic Preamp was used. I'm hoping the output from it's power supply will be all that's needed to feed into my DSR 500. I do have a Beheringer Shark that includes a pre and a Shure 267 but suspect they are both way under kill for that mic. Anyone have any experience with this mic in a similar situation? If I do need the pre, I'm looking at building the Seventh Circle Audio J99. Any recommedations pro/con on it? Thanks! -->>> You are good to go. Your camera already has a mic preamp. Now, add a nice limiter to catch the inevitable peaks, and you have a nice rig. The one in the SOUND DEVICES MIXPre. It's a very nice sounding 2 channel mixer with very nice sounding limiter. With it, you're really ready and every mic you plug into it will sound better than if plugged into your camera. The Shark..not so much..yawn. Find out WHY a good mixer is your friend. It's in my Audio Bootcamp Field Guide. Regards, Ty Ford __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

December 14th, 2004, 09:37 AM	#465
Tim Smith, M.Ed. New Boot Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Falls, NH Posts: 7	Wireless mic for outdoors? I’m looking for a wireless Lav mic to be used almost exclusively outdoors, mainly in wilderness situations, and am looking for advice on which one to choose. After reading through numerous posts I’ve been looking at the Sennheiser g2 wireless at B + H. They list 20 different models/combos at varying prices. I'm learning as I go and don't have an audio background. Any help would be appreciated. Also, is it OK to use these in wet and snowy weather? I’m using a gl2 w/a beachtek xlr adapter.