Sony X70 strange sound problem

[Petri Storlopare]

I record with two different mics. One mic to channel 1 and the other mic to channel 2. Shotgun mic recording music close to the speakers and an interview mic recording speech far away from the speakers.

Everything looks fine while recording and everything sounds good when I listen to it in camera, but when I connect the camera and look at the file from my computer I only get channel 1. Same thing if I transfer the file into my computer. Channel 2 is silent.

What could be the problem?
I have a late 2011 Macbook Pro, 10.7.5

[Craig Seeman]

Originally Posted by Petri Storlopare

I and look at the file from my computer I only get channel 1. Same thing if I transfer the file into my computer. Channel 2 is silent.

What could be the problem?
I have a late 2011 Macbook Pro, 10.7.5

I'm going to guess there's software involved when you look at it from the computer. Since the audio is fine in camera, that would likely be the problem. I'll venture that given you're 5 major OS upgrades behind that, the software you're using is equally dated. It's possible it predates the camera and may well have issues handling the file source.That's all guesses though without the needed information. BTW it's only possible you're using very old firmware on the X70 which can impact how the software is seeing it.

A 2011 Macbook Pro should be able to run macOS 10.12.6 or, at least 10.11.6. At least with that you'd be able to use Sony Catalyst Browse. So my first recommendation is upgrade the OS and be prepared to upgrade critical software as well.

[Petri Storlopare]

Thank you!
Yes, it looks like it's time to upgrade my system.

I tested the MXF-file on my daughter's computer with macOS 10.11.. VLC only played the sound from channel 1, but when I downloaded the Catalyst Browse I could hear both channels.

[Craig Seeman]

Most current NLEs will input and play the file properly. For checking files before input, Catalyst Browse would be a good way to check the files independent of any potential NLE compatibility issues.

[Petri Storlopare]

I'm still using FCP 7 and it doesn't accept MXF-files, but I'm thinking of learning DaVinci after upgrading the system, and that should solve the problem.

[Dave Sperling]

In my experience I've often found that VLC experiences quirks in playing audio.
I agree with Craig's recommendation of Catalyst Browse. In addition to being able to use it as a player to check footage, it would also allow you to transcode to ProRes if you are continuing to use FCP7.
One note about Resolve -- make sure to check out the recommended minimum hardware specs to run it smoothly!

[Petri Storlopare]

I updated my system to 10.12.6.
VLC still don't play both channels, and Wondershare also only uses channel 1.
With Sony Catalyst Browse I can hear both channels. With Davinci Resolve I can also hear both channels but only in one of the speakers.