Canon XF300 Audio Issue

[Rich Cappelluti]

After using my XF300 for first time at a party, I noticed an intermittent audio "thumping" sound
whenever the DJ's bass got too loud. I'm using the built in mic. Sounds almost like when you're outdoors and the wind hits the mic.
I tried recording audio in auto and manual. Same results. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, is there any way to fix?

[Dan Conroy]

It might be clipping. In the menu settings under audio input, for internal recording there is a "Limiter" that you can turn on, which is designed to prevent clipping. Also, if you record manually using just the camera's internal mic, you can set it up that channel one volume control will control both left and right channels. Try to keep the peaks between -20 and -10, no higher. Don't try to get too close to zero.

Then, I don't know what editor you use, but apply a high pass filter to cut the very low frequencies in the editor. That will help. You could also use an equalizer cut reduce the low frequencies above the filter, or adjust the frequencies that the low pass filter will affect.

Hope this helps.

[Alan McCormick]

Great advice from Dan but remember one thing Rich - if the audio you have recorded is too bad it may her be recoverable at all so take Dan's advice for the future and keep those levels blow -10dB.
We have all learnt this lesson the same as you "the hard way" but normally only once!

[Rich Cappelluti]

Thanks for the advice. Luckily, most of my footage was good. The audio issue only affected a small portion.
I will try both methods and see what happens!

[Dan Conroy]

Hey Rich,

I wasn't talking about an either or method. I think you should always use the first method when recording video-- consider using the limiter function of the camera and then always keeping levels below -10Db.

Then the second method I was talking about was trying to salvage the recording you already took in post production by using an editor to reduce the offending bass. You should always use the first method to avoid clipping, and then apply the second method in post if you want to try improve the recording if it is not to your liking. I have been able to get improvement with the use of equalizers and compressors, etc. But it is always best to record the highest quality to start with.

Good luck!