Broadcast quality HC1 external mic package? at DVinfo.net

Jeff Gusky · March 31st, 2006, 01:00 PM

This is my first post. Please forgive if this question has already been answered.

We just completed filming a PBS documentary in HD using a Sony Cine Alta F900/3. The need has arisen to fly to Israel to interview one person on camera for about an hour. We would like to use the HC1 which we already own but need to purchase or lease an external mic package (presumably configured with a concealed lapel mic) that will work with the HC1 and will rival the sound quality achieved with the F900 and pro audio package we used during the shoot.

Would appreciate guidance. I'm open to purchasing a wireless setup and XLR adapter if necessary to achieve broadcast quality audio. Would appreciate specific suggestions on the equipment I should acquire (mic, cables, preamp, adapter, etc.)

Thank you, Jeff

Peter Ferling · March 31st, 2006, 04:02 PM

Jeff, the HC1 lacks the balance audio that you need. Due to the significance of you venture, I suggest capturing via a sound recorder and not through that camera. In fact, I wouldn't capture in any HDV camera with it's Mpeg layer II audio. In a pinch, if you have a small DV cam with XLR input lying around, you could use that to capture 16bit 48K audio, and use the HC1 to aquire the image.
Then sync in post. Test that out and see if it suits your needs.

Tom Johnson · March 31st, 2006, 05:34 PM

why not just get a beachtek for the hc1

Jeff DeMaagd · April 1st, 2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Johnson

why not just get a beachtek for the hc1

If this is in response to Peter's post, there is still the issue of lossy compresson on the audio if you shoot HDV.

I haven't noticed whether anyone has done a comparison test between an HC1 + BeachTek and an A1. I think that would be interesting.

Lynne Whelden · April 1st, 2006, 06:32 PM

Only problem is that there's no external mic jack (mini or otherwise) on the HC1

Jeff DeMaagd · April 1st, 2006, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynne Whelden

Only problem is that there's no external mic jack (mini or otherwise) on the HC1

Are you referring to the HC3? HC1 has a mini-plug external mic jack. I have a BeachTek DXA-6 attached to my HC1 right now.

Lynne Whelden · April 1st, 2006, 06:44 PM

Sorry, you're right. I'm getting the 3s and 1s mixed up. The latest generation is 3.

Peter Ferling · April 1st, 2006, 10:01 PM

If you have an HC3, then you'll need to capture audio seperately, in which case using an available dv cam with XLR input would do the trick on the cheap.

If you don't have that option, then you'll have pick up a dedicated audio recorder with balanced input. A decent unit with UHF wireless could run you about $2000.

BTW, I've read reports that the image on the HC3's was a little off or fuzzy from the HC1's. If Sony scavanged the HC1 to become the HC3, would they also have used cheaper chips? Did you test the image quality of your camera against what you already have from the cinealta?

Jeff Gusky · April 2nd, 2006, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff DeMaagd

Are you referring to the HC3? HC1 has a mini-plug external mic jack. I have a BeachTek DXA-6 attached to my HC1 right now.

Which mike are you using? If you had it to do over again, would you purchase the DXA-6 or DXA-8? Are you able to record broadcast quality sound with the HC1 and the DXA-6? Thank you, JG

March 31st, 2006, 01:00 PM	#1
Jeff Gusky Tourist Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4	Broadcast quality HC1 external mic package? This is my first post. Please forgive if this question has already been answered. We just completed filming a PBS documentary in HD using a Sony Cine Alta F900/3. The need has arisen to fly to Israel to interview one person on camera for about an hour. We would like to use the HC1 which we already own but need to purchase or lease an external mic package (presumably configured with a concealed lapel mic) that will work with the HC1 and will rival the sound quality achieved with the F900 and pro audio package we used during the shoot. Would appreciate guidance. I'm open to purchasing a wireless setup and XLR adapter if necessary to achieve broadcast quality audio. Would appreciate specific suggestions on the equipment I should acquire (mic, cables, preamp, adapter, etc.) Thank you, Jeff

March 31st, 2006, 04:02 PM	#2
Peter Ferling Trustee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wyomissing, PA Posts: 1,141 Images: 57	Jeff, the HC1 lacks the balance audio that you need. Due to the significance of you venture, I suggest capturing via a sound recorder and not through that camera. In fact, I wouldn't capture in any HDV camera with it's Mpeg layer II audio. In a pinch, if you have a small DV cam with XLR input lying around, you could use that to capture 16bit 48K audio, and use the HC1 to aquire the image. Then sync in post. Test that out and see if it suits your needs.

March 31st, 2006, 05:34 PM	#3
Tom Johnson Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 82	why not just get a beachtek for the hc1

April 1st, 2006, 06:32 PM	#5
Lynne Whelden Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: williamsport, pa Posts: 604	Only problem is that there's no external mic jack (mini or otherwise) on the HC1

April 1st, 2006, 06:44 PM	#7
Lynne Whelden Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: williamsport, pa Posts: 604	Sorry, you're right. I'm getting the 3s and 1s mixed up. The latest generation is 3.

April 1st, 2006, 10:01 PM	#8
Peter Ferling Trustee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wyomissing, PA Posts: 1,141 Images: 57	If you have an HC3, then you'll need to capture audio seperately, in which case using an available dv cam with XLR input would do the trick on the cheap. If you don't have that option, then you'll have pick up a dedicated audio recorder with balanced input. A decent unit with UHF wireless could run you about $2000. BTW, I've read reports that the image on the HC3's was a little off or fuzzy from the HC1's. If Sony scavanged the HC1 to become the HC3, would they also have used cheaper chips? Did you test the image quality of your camera against what you already have from the cinealta?