Wireless mic noise at DVinfo.net

Tim Agnew · November 17th, 2004, 10:19 AM

I am using a Sennheiser EW100G2 mic on my Canon GL2 and am recording some voice narration. I have the attenuator on, but I still get some distortion with my sound. Any suggestions appreciated as I'm rather new to audio.

Tim

Patrick Pike · November 17th, 2004, 10:35 AM

IF you are refering to the static (sounds almost like white noise) in the background when your talent is not speaking, then welcome to the wonderful world of wireless. There will always be a bit of static when you use low cost (yes, $500 is low cost) wireless systems. The best thing that you can do is mke sure the levels coming from the wireless are as high as possible without clipping to minimize the static boackground. Also, take the time to record a bit of just the static (no one talking or sound coming through the mic)--it will make life easier in post.

Wireless mics are a necessary evil, they are not ever as good as a hard wired mic, but they alow us to do thing that we could not other wise. So if possible, skip the wireless and use a hard wired mic if sound quality is top priority.

Tim Agnew · November 17th, 2004, 10:41 AM

Thanks, Patrick:
I adjusted the AF output on the Receiver to +6 and the Sens setting on the transmitter to -30db, and the sound improved greatly. The noise I was referring to was distortion in the voice more than hiss. What setting are you referring to when you say "levels should be as high as possible"?

Thanks again

Tim

Patrick Pike · November 17th, 2004, 10:52 AM

Sorry I missed you on that one. The levels that I was talking about are the same levels your just played with. I would suggest (without being there to test it out of course) to bring the levels up on the transmitter and down on the receiver. I like to try to keep the receiver at 0db gain (if I can) and bring the transmitter up a bit. Generally speaking, you want the levels as hot as you can get them without the distortion you previously mentioned. But you'd be best to play with it yourself to find the best combination.

On the GL2 this sound be coming in at around -12db with peakings going close (but not over) -3db. Try to work this out while keeping the gain on the GL2 moderate--too much gain here will introduce noise from the GL2's onboard sound circuits.

Good luck!
Patrick

Tim Agnew · November 17th, 2004, 11:05 AM

Patrick:

By bringing the setting up on the transmitter, do you mean the Sens adjustment?

Patrick Pike · November 19th, 2004, 12:21 PM

Tim-

Exactly, the Sensitivty adjustment is just another name for Gain (or levels) in the wireless packs.

November 17th, 2004, 10:19 AM	#1
Tim Agnew Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sarasota Posts: 64	Wireless mic noise I am using a Sennheiser EW100G2 mic on my Canon GL2 and am recording some voice narration. I have the attenuator on, but I still get some distortion with my sound. Any suggestions appreciated as I'm rather new to audio. Tim

November 17th, 2004, 10:35 AM	#2
Patrick Pike Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mariposa, CA Posts: 200	IF you are refering to the static (sounds almost like white noise) in the background when your talent is not speaking, then welcome to the wonderful world of wireless. There will always be a bit of static when you use low cost (yes, $500 is low cost) wireless systems. The best thing that you can do is mke sure the levels coming from the wireless are as high as possible without clipping to minimize the static boackground. Also, take the time to record a bit of just the static (no one talking or sound coming through the mic)--it will make life easier in post. Wireless mics are a necessary evil, they are not ever as good as a hard wired mic, but they alow us to do thing that we could not other wise. So if possible, skip the wireless and use a hard wired mic if sound quality is top priority.

November 17th, 2004, 10:41 AM	#3
Tim Agnew Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sarasota Posts: 64	Thanks, Patrick: I adjusted the AF output on the Receiver to +6 and the Sens setting on the transmitter to -30db, and the sound improved greatly. The noise I was referring to was distortion in the voice more than hiss. What setting are you referring to when you say "levels should be as high as possible"? Thanks again Tim

November 17th, 2004, 10:52 AM	#4
Patrick Pike Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mariposa, CA Posts: 200	Sorry I missed you on that one. The levels that I was talking about are the same levels your just played with. I would suggest (without being there to test it out of course) to bring the levels up on the transmitter and down on the receiver. I like to try to keep the receiver at 0db gain (if I can) and bring the transmitter up a bit. Generally speaking, you want the levels as hot as you can get them without the distortion you previously mentioned. But you'd be best to play with it yourself to find the best combination. On the GL2 this sound be coming in at around -12db with peakings going close (but not over) -3db. Try to work this out while keeping the gain on the GL2 moderate--too much gain here will introduce noise from the GL2's onboard sound circuits. Good luck! Patrick

November 17th, 2004, 11:05 AM	#5
Tim Agnew Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sarasota Posts: 64	Patrick: By bringing the setting up on the transmitter, do you mean the Sens adjustment?

November 19th, 2004, 12:21 PM	#6
Patrick Pike Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mariposa, CA Posts: 200	Tim- Exactly, the Sensitivty adjustment is just another name for Gain (or levels) in the wireless packs.