Useful Audio Level Booster at DVinfo.net

Alan Craven · September 27th, 2010, 07:58 AM

If, like me, you take advantage of the VI's very long focal length lens for wildlife video, you will be aware that the audio levels are often way too low. The FEL 20 dB booster solves this problem neatly:

FEL MicBooster

I have no connection with the makers other than that of very satisfied customer.

Andrew Smith · September 27th, 2010, 11:00 AM

Very interesting product.

BTW, what microphone were you using? Was it the stock mic that came with the camera?

Andrew

Alan Craven · September 27th, 2010, 11:36 AM

Yes, I have been using it with the stock microphone (ECM-NV1). It is possible that newer V1s than mine have the more recent Sony microphone (ECM-XM1) which is more sensitive

I also have a Sennheiser K6/ME67 system, with which it also works well in quiet situations. the Sennheiser is "hotter" than the Sony, so one has to watch out for clipping.

Jordan Brindle · September 28th, 2010, 10:24 AM

Whats the clarity like with this mic booster in place?

Alan Craven · September 28th, 2010, 01:23 PM

It is much better than without. The FEL is very high quality. The makers are ex-BBC engineers, and it is widely used in broadcast acquisition where long cable runs are called for. It takes its power from the phantom power supply, and also passes the power to the microphone

Ian Calliou · October 17th, 2010, 04:54 PM

I thought that Sony had fixed the audio levels with a firmware upgrade a while back. Mind you, Sony will not release the above said firmware for end-user upgrade, but if you live near a service centre it might be something to consider.

September 27th, 2010, 07:58 AM	#1
Alan Craven Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: York, England Posts: 518	Useful Audio Level Booster If, like me, you take advantage of the VI's very long focal length lens for wildlife video, you will be aware that the audio levels are often way too low. The FEL 20 dB booster solves this problem neatly: FEL MicBooster I have no connection with the makers other than that of very satisfied customer.

September 27th, 2010, 11:36 AM	#3
Alan Craven Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: York, England Posts: 518	Yes, I have been using it with the stock microphone (ECM-NV1). It is possible that newer V1s than mine have the more recent Sony microphone (ECM-XM1) which is more sensitive I also have a Sennheiser K6/ME67 system, with which it also works well in quiet situations. the Sennheiser is "hotter" than the Sony, so one has to watch out for clipping. Last edited by Alan Craven; September 27th, 2010 at 12:54 PM.

September 27th, 2010, 11:00 AM	#2
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,068	Very interesting product. BTW, what microphone were you using? Was it the stock mic that came with the camera? Andrew

September 28th, 2010, 10:24 AM	#4
Jordan Brindle Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: UK Posts: 249	Whats the clarity like with this mic booster in place?

September 28th, 2010, 01:23 PM	#5
Alan Craven Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: York, England Posts: 518	It is much better than without. The FEL is very high quality. The makers are ex-BBC engineers, and it is widely used in broadcast acquisition where long cable runs are called for. It takes its power from the phantom power supply, and also passes the power to the microphone

October 17th, 2010, 04:54 PM	#6
Ian Calliou New Boot Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 10	I thought that Sony had fixed the audio levels with a firmware upgrade a while back. Mind you, Sony will not release the above said firmware for end-user upgrade, but if you live near a service centre it might be something to consider.