I have a FS-3 with a 40 gig HD connected via the V-lok to a Sony DSR 450. When the hard drive spins a high pitched noise is recorded on the audio tracks of both the DVCAM tape and the digital files. If I power each unit independently the noise is gone. I bought this thing to run and gun. Looks like audio will always suffer. Anybody else having a problem with audio on the Firestore?

Hi Ed,

Do you have anything connected to the rear audio jack on the DSR-450? We had an issue like this very early on with the DR-DV5000 and the JVC GY-DV5000 camcorder. It turned out that it was incorrect grounding on the audio jack which was causing the noise. Having said that, I have not heard of this issue with a DSR-450. Also, how new is your FS-3?

Thanks,

Matt

I am using a wired or wireless mic connected to channel 1. I purchased the FS 3 2/06. FYI, I tested with a DSR 570 and got the same results.

Hate to chime this late but I'm having the same kind of issue with my DR-DV5000 and my JVC GY-DV5000 camcorder. Hope to find a answer.

Victor

Been talking to Sony. Appears to be an issue with the "switch mode" power supply. When the hard drive fires up the drain on the power supply changes it's oscillation frequency. The higher frequency is being picked up by the audio circuits. Don't know what the fix is yet. Suspect swapping out the power supply. I'll let you know.

Good Luck,

Ed

Thanks ED.

Hi Ed, don't know if this helps but talking to JVC I found that the rear XLR input in my camera (GY-DV5000) has spike protection circuits that because of the proximity to the HDD pick up the noise. JVC says to remove the circuits and that would solve the issues. They said they could do this or any good repair man could also do this. They also said Focus has other modifications to the HDD that help the issue. Now that said, Focus has my DR-DV5000 or seudo FS-3 unit for a lookout. When they send it back I will see if the noise dissapears and if not I will have my service guy take the circuits out to see if this solves my audio noise issues. maybe related to what you are experiencing with your Sony.

Good luck,
Victor Matos