12 bit & 16 bit - Noticeable quality difference?

Jeff Mayne · June 11th, 2007, 08:45 AM

Thanks guys, I guess my questions was missed... Is it ok for the mic transmitter levels and the receiver levels to be with range, but have the on camera monitor show that the incomming audio is sometimes spiking above the 12db mark on the camera. I run headphones and do not hear any distortion and I will run a test record and make sure it is not distorting but I do not like the fact like you stated James that if we are recording in the woods and he raises his voice that we don't have a spike. Also should I run the volume controls on the camera under the white flap on Auto or manual and adjust the recording levels there my self or let the camera do it? Thanks again for all the responses!!!

Don Palomaki · June 11th, 2007, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Is it ok for the mic transmitter levels and the receiver levels to be with range, but have the on camera monitor show that the incoming audio is sometimes spiking above the 12db mark on the camera.

Yes. But generally speaking you do not want it spiking to 0 (zero) very often except perhaps for explosive or percussive sounds, like a gun shot or door slam, or maybe applause when sitting in the middle of an audience.

Jeff Mayne · June 14th, 2007, 09:48 AM

Ok, everything seems to sound great on film thanks for the help it is greatly appreciated. Now, to replace the stock mic on my camera and to be able to use 16bit will this be a good replacement shotgun mic, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...otgun_Mic.html
Let me know your opinions!

Don Palomaki · June 14th, 2007, 02:26 PM

Mics are very much a personal preference thing. It is all about sound. Like which camcorder do you like, or which film, or which brand of coffee or beer.

In my opinion, as shotgun mics go, there are much better models available for not a lot more money.

Potential issues with the Azden for serious use include: not a great signal to noise ratio, relatively high output impedance, and max sound pressure level is rather low.

If you check posts here in several different forums, a number of people have commented on their experience with the Azden shotguns. That may be of interest to you.

For just a bit more money, check out the AT837 and Rode NTG-2, which have some what of a following.

June 11th, 2007, 08:45 AM	#31
Jeff Mayne Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Worthington, Iowa Posts: 191	Thanks guys, I guess my questions was missed... Is it ok for the mic transmitter levels and the receiver levels to be with range, but have the on camera monitor show that the incomming audio is sometimes spiking above the 12db mark on the camera. I run headphones and do not hear any distortion and I will run a test record and make sure it is not distorting but I do not like the fact like you stated James that if we are recording in the woods and he raises his voice that we don't have a spike. Also should I run the volume controls on the camera under the white flap on Auto or manual and adjust the recording levels there my self or let the camera do it? Thanks again for all the responses!!! __________________ Jeff Mayne Gone Thinkin Outdoors

June 14th, 2007, 09:48 AM	#33
Jeff Mayne Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Worthington, Iowa Posts: 191	Ok, everything seems to sound great on film thanks for the help it is greatly appreciated. Now, to replace the stock mic on my camera and to be able to use 16bit will this be a good replacement shotgun mic, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...otgun_Mic.html Let me know your opinions! __________________ Jeff Mayne Gone Thinkin Outdoors

June 14th, 2007, 02:26 PM	#34
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,488	Mics are very much a personal preference thing. It is all about sound. Like which camcorder do you like, or which film, or which brand of coffee or beer. In my opinion, as shotgun mics go, there are much better models available for not a lot more money. Potential issues with the Azden for serious use include: not a great signal to noise ratio, relatively high output impedance, and max sound pressure level is rather low. If you check posts here in several different forums, a number of people have commented on their experience with the Azden shotguns. That may be of interest to you. For just a bit more money, check out the AT837 and Rode NTG-2, which have some what of a following. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com