Recording buzz from Rode NTG-1 at DVinfo.net

Jamie Brooklyn · October 27th, 2012, 08:48 PM

Hi guys,

I can't work out what this buzzing noise is that I keep recording. It only ever occurs when I'm recording, when the tape deck is rolling.

I've tried:
- switching XLR cables
- switching microphones

The only thing that seems to work is if I move the mic away from the camera (detach it from the mic mount on the camera).

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

Colin McDonald · October 28th, 2012, 09:26 AM

I think you have answered your own question.

The LAST place you should put the microphone is on the camera - it is virtually certain to pick up unwanted noises from zoom and focus servos, hand movements and even breathing noises (some shotguns do pick up horribly clearly at the back). You don't mention which camera you are using, but if it is a tape based one you can guarantee some tape transport noise as well.

EDIT: Oops, sorry, I see we are in the Sony HVR-Z1 / HDR-FX1 forum!

Paul R Johnson · October 28th, 2012, 11:00 AM

So we're talking about mechanical noises are we? Probably lens servos and that kind of buzz, or even the buzz of the heads rotating in a non-solid state camera?

On the other hand we could be talking about a dodgy mic that is picking up stray RF from the camera circuitry, possibly because of a component failure? We need to hear it please?

Jamie Brooklyn · November 2nd, 2012, 12:15 AM

Thanks for your help guys.

Sorry I've taken so long to reply.

Colin - Why would my Z1P include a microphone holder/mount? Is it just for the inexperienced?

Paul - I have tried switching microphone's and XLR cables, but I still get the buzz, and only when it's attached to the camera.

What are lens/focus servos, guys? Services?

Here is the link to a video of mine where the buzz/hum is present.

Z1P + Rode NTG-1 = Camera recording buzz.mp4 - YouTube

Thanks again.

Henry Kenyon · November 2nd, 2012, 08:20 AM

I couldn't hear very well due to my cheapy PC speakers, but it sounded to me like it was either unbalanced or not enough mic gain picking up cable noise.

Warren Kawamoto · November 2nd, 2012, 04:29 PM

If you're shooting with a Z1, that buzz is the tape transport. The heads are spinning and I can hear it. It'll diminish if you position the mic away from the body of the camera.

Jamie Brooklyn · November 2nd, 2012, 06:05 PM

Thanks guys,

I'm sure that's the problem as it sounds like a tape deck buzz/hum, and yes, my camera is a Z1P.

It's actually a "good" problem to have I guess, as it means there can be no lazy attaching of the mic' to the camera and just hitting record.

Cheers

October 27th, 2012, 08:48 PM	#1
Jamie Brooklyn Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 29	Recording buzz from Rode NTG-1 Hi guys, I can't work out what this buzzing noise is that I keep recording. It only ever occurs when I'm recording, when the tape deck is rolling. I've tried: - switching XLR cables - switching microphones The only thing that seems to work is if I move the mic away from the camera (detach it from the mic mount on the camera). Any help is appreciated. Thanks __________________ art is what you can get away with - Andy Warhol

October 28th, 2012, 09:26 AM	#2
Colin McDonald Trustee Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 1,546	Re: Recording buzz from Rode NTG-1 I think you have answered your own question. The LAST place you should put the microphone is on the camera - it is virtually certain to pick up unwanted noises from zoom and focus servos, hand movements and even breathing noises (some shotguns do pick up horribly clearly at the back). You don't mention which camera you are using, but if it is a tape based one you can guarantee some tape transport noise as well. EDIT: Oops, sorry, I see we are in the Sony HVR-Z1 / HDR-FX1 forum! Last edited by Colin McDonald; October 29th, 2012 at 07:20 AM. Reason: Note to self: check the forum!

October 28th, 2012, 11:00 AM	#3
Paul R Johnson Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lowestoft - UK Posts: 4,045	Re: Recording buzz from Rode NTG-1 So we're talking about mechanical noises are we? Probably lens servos and that kind of buzz, or even the buzz of the heads rotating in a non-solid state camera? On the other hand we could be talking about a dodgy mic that is picking up stray RF from the camera circuitry, possibly because of a component failure? We need to hear it please?

November 2nd, 2012, 12:15 AM	#4
Jamie Brooklyn Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 29	Re: Recording buzz from Rode NTG-1 Thanks for your help guys. Sorry I've taken so long to reply. Colin - Why would my Z1P include a microphone holder/mount? Is it just for the inexperienced? Paul - I have tried switching microphone's and XLR cables, but I still get the buzz, and only when it's attached to the camera. What are lens/focus servos, guys? Services? Here is the link to a video of mine where the buzz/hum is present. Z1P + Rode NTG-1 = Camera recording buzz.mp4 - YouTube Thanks again. __________________ art is what you can get away with - Andy Warhol

November 2nd, 2012, 08:20 AM	#5
Henry Kenyon Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Saratoga, NY Posts: 37	Re: Recording buzz from Rode NTG-1 I couldn't hear very well due to my cheapy PC speakers, but it sounded to me like it was either unbalanced or not enough mic gain picking up cable noise.

November 2nd, 2012, 04:29 PM	#6
Warren Kawamoto Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,435	Re: Recording buzz from Rode NTG-1 If you're shooting with a Z1, that buzz is the tape transport. The heads are spinning and I can hear it. It'll diminish if you position the mic away from the body of the camera.

November 2nd, 2012, 06:05 PM	#7
Jamie Brooklyn Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 29	Re: Recording buzz from Rode NTG-1 Thanks guys, I'm sure that's the problem as it sounds like a tape deck buzz/hum, and yes, my camera is a Z1P. It's actually a "good" problem to have I guess, as it means there can be no lazy attaching of the mic' to the camera and just hitting record. Cheers __________________ art is what you can get away with - Andy Warhol