Audio - Channel 1 - and Cinema Mode, Audio Levels

[Tommy Davis]

Hi everyone:

I just received my HD100 and love it. I'm having trouble with the audio though. I've tested my mics and XLR adapters but I've been unable to have Channel 1 detect any audio (I'm basing that on the bars that appear on the screen to indicate audio level). Perhaps I've set it up wrong?

I know how to adjust Channel 2 to either microphone and that seems to work, but no matter which input I use for Channel 2 - nothing appears on Channel 1? Thoughts?

Two other random questions -

Also, if anyone has any thoughts to this - I'm going for the classic "film look" though I will only be outputting to HD - not film. I'm going to shoot in 24p with a 48fps. Should I go tinto the "Advanced Process" and use "CINEMA MODE"? I wasn't sure if that was something anyone has experience with?

Lastly, as far as audio settings, is it correct that in the menus it lists INPUT 1 & 2 at -50db - I thought I should be able to drop that to -20db.

Thanks so much,
Tommy

[Greg Corke]

Hi Tommy,

With regard to audio channel make sure you have the correct setting with regard to input i.e. mic, line or 48v phantom. I had to try various configs for my radio mics. They work on mic not line even though the mic is not going directly into the unit. This is probably common sense for a sound buff but for me it took a little playing around. Additionaly, make sure if you are using phantom power 48v that the mic is not powered by anything else as I was told this may cause problems however I have not had a chance to test that.

With regard to your classic film look check out Paolo Ciccone 'true colour' settings and Tim Dashwood's 'wide latitude' settings both of these guys have done some extensive work on the subject amongst others.

Regards Greg C

[Tommy Davis]

Thanks Greg. I did try messing around with the Phantom Power option but still no luck. I'm at a real loss here, I hate to have to send the camerea back to JVC - might take it to a dealer and see if they can spot a glitch.

Originally Posted by Greg Corke

Hi Tommy,

With regard to audio channel make sure you have the correct setting with regard to input i.e. mic, line or 48v phantom. I had to try various configs for my radio mics. They work on mic not line even though the mic is not going directly into the unit. This is probably common sense for a sound buff but for me it took a little playing around. Additionaly, make sure if you are using phantom power 48v that the mic is not powered by anything else as I was told this may cause problems however I have not had a chance to test that.

With regard to your classic film look check out Paolo Ciccone 'true colour' settings and Tim Dashwood's 'wide latitude' settings both of these guys have done some extensive work on the subject amongst others.

Regards Greg C

[Jiri Bakala]

For the microphone that comes with the camera the setting has to be "MIC+48V". Try this on both channels with the same microphone. If you have another microphone, try it as well. If both channels are configured identically and only one works, it could be a problem with the camera. Check also your menu settings and make sure they are identical for both channels. Good luck!

[Tommy Davis]

I tried "MIC + 48V" and still nothing. Now I'm starting to wonder. I don't have the JVC Mic with me, I'm travling for a documentary shoot and I have a Sennheiser ME66 Mic attached instead. Do you think I need to have the original JVC microphone attached?

I tried out 3 different microphones (all Senheiser, both wireless and shotgun) and they all work, in both XLR inputs, but only one at a time, I'm not able to get two channels picked up at once.

[Jiri Bakala]

Originally Posted by Tommy Davis

Do you think I need to have the original JVC microphone attached?

No, you don't have to use the original mike. What you are describing is weird. Do you have a field mixer (or your soundman, if you ar working with one)? You could try to feed the camera XLRs with line level from the mixer (make sure you switch to LINE level first before you plug anything in). That way you could check if it's only the MIKE level that's a problem.

[Tommy Davis]

Jiri: I don't have a mixer available. I think I'm going to take the camera to an autorized dealer tomorrow and see if they have any hints (otherwise I guess I'll mail it back to B&H). Could there be anything in the menu settings that I'm missing?

Thanks for the help!