Canon XL2 Shotgun Setup??? at DVinfo.net

Zach Anderson · June 26th, 2006, 10:31 PM

I've just picked up an AT-897 Shotgun Mic for my Canon XL2 and mounted it. I am trying to figure out the best audio setup.
With ATT off or on, Manual or Auto settings on audio...
What should I do with the Standard Canon Stereo Mic and it's setup....

Bottom Line:
What is the Best Setup for my Shotgun Mic, so I get good Dialogue volume with low static noise from the camera???

Thanks,
Zach

PS- I did a search on this...but nothing really comes ups.

Reposted from: Now Hear This

Richard Hunter · June 27th, 2006, 09:29 PM

Hi Zach. The ATT switch should only be necessary if you are recording in a place with very high sound levels, like at a rock concert.

Usually, Manual is better for the record level but you do need to set it according to what you are recording and how far away you are from it. If the level is too low you will need to boost it in post and this will also boost the electrical noise and hiss in the signal. If the level is too high it will have distortion. Use the meters to check.

Also, it's a good idea to use headphones to check what you are actually recording. What the mic picks up can be quite different from what you hear with your ears.

Auto record level can be useful where the sound levels are fluctuating a lot and it is not possible to keep adjusting the manual control, but be aware that it is not foolproof, and sudden changes in the sound can cause temporary overload (distortion) while the gain control adjusts.

Richard

June 26th, 2006, 10:31 PM	#1
Zach Anderson New Boot Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 5	Canon XL2 Shotgun Setup??? I've just picked up an AT-897 Shotgun Mic for my Canon XL2 and mounted it. I am trying to figure out the best audio setup. With ATT off or on, Manual or Auto settings on audio... What should I do with the Standard Canon Stereo Mic and it's setup.... Bottom Line: What is the Best Setup for my Shotgun Mic, so I get good Dialogue volume with low static noise from the camera??? Thanks, Zach PS- I did a search on this...but nothing really comes ups. Reposted from: Now Hear This

June 27th, 2006, 09:29 PM	#2
Richard Hunter Trustee Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lipa City Batangas, Philippines Posts: 1,110	Hi Zach. The ATT switch should only be necessary if you are recording in a place with very high sound levels, like at a rock concert. Usually, Manual is better for the record level but you do need to set it according to what you are recording and how far away you are from it. If the level is too low you will need to boost it in post and this will also boost the electrical noise and hiss in the signal. If the level is too high it will have distortion. Use the meters to check. Also, it's a good idea to use headphones to check what you are actually recording. What the mic picks up can be quite different from what you hear with your ears. Auto record level can be useful where the sound levels are fluctuating a lot and it is not possible to keep adjusting the manual control, but be aware that it is not foolproof, and sudden changes in the sound can cause temporary overload (distortion) while the gain control adjusts. Richard