Sony HDVs' internal mike for ambient recording in nightclubs at DVinfo.net

Scott Shuster · January 11th, 2006, 08:23 PM

If you have ever used a camcorder's -- even a VX-2100's -- internal microphone for recording a rock band in a nightclub or at a big concert, you know the problem: The bass player's amplifier overwhelms the built-in mike creating horrendous audio. No amount of internal manual adjustment settings can cure this, as the physical properties of the mike -- a vibration-based device -- are being overwhelmed. Obviously the best way to go is to take a wireless feed direct from the control panel into your camera: You'll get the constant sound adjustment of the professional audio guy hired to ride gain for the concert. But for times when we have to carry our own mike, I have two questions:

1. Has anyone here tried to do this using the internal mike on an FX1 or Z1U, and if so does that mike do any better at this job than the mikes on smaller camcorders?

2. Assuming that it does not, does anyone know of an external microphone out there in the marketplace that is really built to handle this job of ambient recording in extremely loud club settings?

Many thanks!
Scott

Glenn Davidson · January 11th, 2006, 09:36 PM

I am not sure how you want to use the footage, but I would not use the build in microphone on the FX1.

Maybe some sort of an x/y microphone pair on a stand or hanging . But I think throwing any microphones in that environment will sound like mud. Maybe someone use has a good solution.

Mark Utley · January 11th, 2006, 10:57 PM

I tape bands every week with my Z1 and I have found that if you set the audio level so it doesn't peak, it actually turns out not bad. Board audio is always best but the on-board mic definitely usable.

You can see some of my work here: http://underthebridge.mumps.ca/

Please note: most of the footage on the site was not shot with my Z1. There are about 10 half-hour episodes of footage shot with the Z1 that haven't been uploaded yet.

January 11th, 2006, 08:23 PM	#1
Scott Shuster Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NYC Posts: 125	Sony HDVs' internal mike for ambient recording in nightclubs If you have ever used a camcorder's -- even a VX-2100's -- internal microphone for recording a rock band in a nightclub or at a big concert, you know the problem: The bass player's amplifier overwhelms the built-in mike creating horrendous audio. No amount of internal manual adjustment settings can cure this, as the physical properties of the mike -- a vibration-based device -- are being overwhelmed. Obviously the best way to go is to take a wireless feed direct from the control panel into your camera: You'll get the constant sound adjustment of the professional audio guy hired to ride gain for the concert. But for times when we have to carry our own mike, I have two questions: 1. Has anyone here tried to do this using the internal mike on an FX1 or Z1U, and if so does that mike do any better at this job than the mikes on smaller camcorders? 2. Assuming that it does not, does anyone know of an external microphone out there in the marketplace that is really built to handle this job of ambient recording in extremely loud club settings? Many thanks! Scott __________________ http://stratostream.com -- dance & fitness videos

January 11th, 2006, 10:57 PM	#3
Mark Utley Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 479	I tape bands every week with my Z1 and I have found that if you set the audio level so it doesn't peak, it actually turns out not bad. Board audio is always best but the on-board mic definitely usable. You can see some of my work here: http://underthebridge.mumps.ca/ Please note: most of the footage on the site was not shot with my Z1. There are about 10 half-hour episodes of footage shot with the Z1 that haven't been uploaded yet. __________________ Mark Utley

January 11th, 2006, 09:36 PM	#2
Glenn Davidson Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Nevada City, California Posts: 499	I am not sure how you want to use the footage, but I would not use the build in microphone on the FX1. Maybe some sort of an x/y microphone pair on a stand or hanging . But I think throwing any microphones in that environment will sound like mud. Maybe someone use has a good solution.