GL2 quick audio solutions at DVinfo.net

Brad Higerd · January 2nd, 2003, 11:18 PM

Can the Canon DM-50 or the Azden SGM-X microphones provide a significant increase in audio quality? If yes to both, which would be better? Is there another simple solution that would be priced appropriately?

Please advise.

Ken Tanaka · January 2nd, 2003, 11:24 PM

Brad,
What problem are you trying to solve with another microphone? The GL2's onboard mic is actually a very good omidirectional stereo mic. Are you looking for an on-camera directional mic?

Brad Higerd · January 3rd, 2003, 08:07 AM

I'm still very new to the world of MiniDV, and yet I am about to purchase a new camera soon (likely a GL2). I have been reading everything I can find as well as trying to outfit the camera to handle the "home-movie style" pieces on our 30 minute college sit com. The majority of the program is being shot on BetaCAM SP, but we (the college students) want to shoot several sketches using a high quality MiniDV camcorder to increase mobility and reduce noticibility.

Regardless of our motive, I want the audio from their dialog to come out clear without having to spend $400+ on a professional mic and interface.

The goal is to get excellent/near excellent audio without excess hassle or cost. So to answer your question, I believe we are looking for a solid directional mic and would appreciate any advise you might have to get us such (preferably around $150).

An aside: all this is an excuse to get my hands on a good MiniDV to see what it can do!

Mark Härtl · January 3rd, 2003, 08:20 AM

Hi Brad,

I own the DM-50 and in my opinion it is very good. Sure, it isn't a Sennheiser ME66, but it's much better than the onboard mic of the GL2 and will serve you well and do the trick with your sketches. I bought it for 170 € and it was a good decision to buy it :)

Brad Higerd · January 6th, 2003, 12:35 PM

Mark,

I read in another thread that you were interested in mounting an ME66. How would you measure/rate the difference between the DM-50 and the ME66?

Brad

Steve Nunez · February 16th, 2003, 12:54 PM

I have the Azden SGM-X...it's better than the stock mic (unless someone here thinks otherwise???) and only $129...for the price it's great!

Anyone here have the SGMX- any words? Is it better than the onboard mic- opinions??
(let's see what the board says)

Don Palomaki · February 16th, 2003, 07:44 PM

Depends on whether or not you need stereo.

Brad Higerd · February 16th, 2003, 07:44 PM

We broke down and bought a Sen ME66K6, a shock mount, and a "Softie" (which might be more accurately called a fuzzy) and we shot on the beach yesterday. The audio is great. After making the decision to go this route, I am not disappointed.

As far as offering an opinion about the onboard mic, I have never used it. We may use it sometime when stereo pickup is critical, but for now I am very pleased with our choice in shotguns.

Charles Fields · February 17th, 2003, 08:19 AM

One comment about the SGM-X. It is not shock mounted and I have picked up camera motor noise with it. I ended up exchanging it for the SGM-1X, which has a shcck mount. This eliminated my motor noise pickup.

Neil Slade · February 19th, 2003, 01:32 AM

I bought the top of the line SMG 2X. It was okay.
I then rented a Sennheiser ME66 to compare. A totally different world.

I returned the AZDEN immediately.

The Senn is infinitely a better pro mike for about $150 more.

If you can afford it, its no contest. Imagine the difference between a Chevette and a Honda.

The Senn gives you cleaner, better output, a huge improvement in REAL frequency response and sensitivity. It sounds REAL.

You get what you pay for.

January 2nd, 2003, 11:18 PM	#1
Brad Higerd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 186	GL2 quick audio solutions Can the Canon DM-50 or the Azden SGM-X microphones provide a significant increase in audio quality? If yes to both, which would be better? Is there another simple solution that would be priced appropriately? Please advise.

January 2nd, 2003, 11:24 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Brad, What problem are you trying to solve with another microphone? The GL2's onboard mic is actually a very good omidirectional stereo mic. Are you looking for an on-camera directional mic? __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

January 3rd, 2003, 08:20 AM	#4
Mark Härtl Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Germany Posts: 54	Hi Brad, I own the DM-50 and in my opinion it is very good. Sure, it isn't a Sennheiser ME66, but it's much better than the onboard mic of the GL2 and will serve you well and do the trick with your sketches. I bought it for 170 € and it was a good decision to buy it :) __________________ Mark

February 16th, 2003, 12:54 PM	#6
Steve Nunez Trustee Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida Posts: 1,418	I have the Azden SGM-X...it's better than the stock mic (unless someone here thinks otherwise???) and only $129...for the price it's great! Anyone here have the SGMX- any words? Is it better than the onboard mic- opinions?? (let's see what the board says) __________________ Steve Nunez-New York City www.stevenunez.com

February 19th, 2003, 01:32 AM	#10
Neil Slade Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Denver Posts: 131	AZDEN VS SENNHEISER I bought the top of the line SMG 2X. It was okay. I then rented a Sennheiser ME66 to compare. A totally different world. I returned the AZDEN immediately. The Senn is infinitely a better pro mike for about $150 more. If you can afford it, its no contest. Imagine the difference between a Chevette and a Honda. The Senn gives you cleaner, better output, a huge improvement in REAL frequency response and sensitivity. It sounds REAL. You get what you pay for.

January 3rd, 2003, 08:07 AM	#3
Brad Higerd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 186	I'm still very new to the world of MiniDV, and yet I am about to purchase a new camera soon (likely a GL2). I have been reading everything I can find as well as trying to outfit the camera to handle the "home-movie style" pieces on our 30 minute college sit com. The majority of the program is being shot on BetaCAM SP, but we (the college students) want to shoot several sketches using a high quality MiniDV camcorder to increase mobility and reduce noticibility. Regardless of our motive, I want the audio from their dialog to come out clear without having to spend $400+ on a professional mic and interface. The goal is to get excellent/near excellent audio without excess hassle or cost. So to answer your question, I believe we are looking for a solid directional mic and would appreciate any advise you might have to get us such (preferably around $150). An aside: all this is an excuse to get my hands on a good MiniDV to see what it can do!

January 6th, 2003, 12:35 PM	#5
Brad Higerd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 186	Mark, I read in another thread that you were interested in mounting an ME66. How would you measure/rate the difference between the DM-50 and the ME66? Brad

February 16th, 2003, 07:44 PM	#7
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,489	Depends on whether or not you need stereo.

February 17th, 2003, 08:19 AM	#9
Charles Fields New Boot Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 19	One comment about the SGM-X. It is not shock mounted and I have picked up camera motor noise with it. I ended up exchanging it for the SGM-1X, which has a shcck mount. This eliminated my motor noise pickup.