Audio recording into the HVX at DVinfo.net

Stephen Pruitt · September 1st, 2006, 09:08 PM

Hi all. . .

My audio recording studio currently has a pair of Schoeps CMC6 microphones with both omni and cardiod capsules. I was thinking of using these mics to record the audio for a film project using the HVX. Since the CMC6 mics are phantom powered, I'll obviously need a phantom powering unit.

My questions are these:

1. While the Schoeps mics are absolutely killer for studio and location recording of music, will they work pretty well for film recording, as well?

2. Do you folks prefer omnis or cardioids for film recording?

3. Am I better off buying a great portable preamp and running into HVX at line level? Or would I notice any difference going into the HVX at mic levels? (I'd think that a great preamp would be preferable, but what do you think?)

Thanks so much.

Stephen

Leonard Levy · September 1st, 2006, 10:24 PM

1.Schoepes are pretty much the industry standard for film & video work.

2.Pick the appropriate pattern for what you are shooting - no all purpose answer. Most location work though uses a hypercardioid.

3. the mic will sound fine at mic level unless you want to mix and ride levels with a mixer. No need for a pre-amp its done all the time.

Denis Danatzko · September 2nd, 2006, 01:28 PM

1. I've never used one and don't know the brand. (I probably couldn't afford one, anyway).

2. Ditto: Pick the appropriate pattern for what you are shooting - no all purpose answer. Most location work though uses a hypercardioid.

3. the HVX has 2 inputs. Both will accept either phantom or line. You can even mix 1 of each. I've used 2 phantom-powered mics with the HVX and had no problem. No need for a pre-amp using an HVX w/phantom power.

Stephen Pruitt · September 2nd, 2006, 06:32 PM

Well, thanks so much for the information, gentlemen! Mucho appreciated.

Man, I'd hate to have to buy another set of Schoeps capsules for the shoot, but sometimes they can be found on ebay for $1100 or so.

Alas. . . it is only money, right?

I'm a bit surprised that it wouldn't be better to run the mics into a great preamp and then into a compressor to even out the audio peaks. Since I have several killer preamps and the best of compressors (I have a great studio, but am a complete newbie in video!), I may try and see what happens, but that certainly isn't going to work on a long tracking shot on location!

Thanks again for the tips!

Stephen

September 1st, 2006, 09:08 PM	#1
Stephen Pruitt Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 228	Audio recording into the HVX Hi all. . . My audio recording studio currently has a pair of Schoeps CMC6 microphones with both omni and cardiod capsules. I was thinking of using these mics to record the audio for a film project using the HVX. Since the CMC6 mics are phantom powered, I'll obviously need a phantom powering unit. My questions are these: 1. While the Schoeps mics are absolutely killer for studio and location recording of music, will they work pretty well for film recording, as well? 2. Do you folks prefer omnis or cardioids for film recording? 3. Am I better off buying a great portable preamp and running into HVX at line level? Or would I notice any difference going into the HVX at mic levels? (I'd think that a great preamp would be preferable, but what do you think?) Thanks so much. Stephen

September 2nd, 2006, 01:28 PM	#3
Denis Danatzko Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NYC Metro area Posts: 579	2 cents more: 1. I've never used one and don't know the brand. (I probably couldn't afford one, anyway). 2. Ditto: Pick the appropriate pattern for what you are shooting - no all purpose answer. Most location work though uses a hypercardioid. 3. the HVX has 2 inputs. Both will accept either phantom or line. You can even mix 1 of each. I've used 2 phantom-powered mics with the HVX and had no problem. No need for a pre-amp using an HVX w/phantom power. __________________ Denis ------------ Our actions are based on our own experience and knowledge. Thus, no one is ever totally right, nor totally wrong. We simply act from what we "know" to be true, based on that experience and knowledge. Beyond that, we pose questions to others.

September 1st, 2006, 10:24 PM	#2
Leonard Levy Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA Posts: 1,684	1.Schoepes are pretty much the industry standard for film & video work. 2.Pick the appropriate pattern for what you are shooting - no all purpose answer. Most location work though uses a hypercardioid. 3. the mic will sound fine at mic level unless you want to mix and ride levels with a mixer. No need for a pre-amp its done all the time.

September 2nd, 2006, 06:32 PM	#4
Stephen Pruitt Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 228	Well, thanks so much for the information, gentlemen! Mucho appreciated. Man, I'd hate to have to buy another set of Schoeps capsules for the shoot, but sometimes they can be found on ebay for $1100 or so. Alas. . . it is only money, right? I'm a bit surprised that it wouldn't be better to run the mics into a great preamp and then into a compressor to even out the audio peaks. Since I have several killer preamps and the best of compressors (I have a great studio, but am a complete newbie in video!), I may try and see what happens, but that certainly isn't going to work on a long tracking shot on location! Thanks again for the tips! Stephen