NX5U: how clean is the audio preamp? at DVinfo.net

John Vasey · March 22nd, 2010, 07:03 PM

Having been a long time owner of a Sony PD-150, I know that camera's preamp had some degree of inherent noise (hiss) that was recorded onto the tape. The higher cost EX cameras get high marks for their DAT-like cleaner audio preamps.

I don't expect the NX5U will be at the same audio specs as the EX-1, but how would current users characterize the audio pre-amp? Cleaner than a PD-150? Or is the noise floor about the same? In most controlled situations of shooting I will switch the audio to manual...and find the best level for that particular situation.

I don't think Sony has yet revealed the specs on the audio section of the NX5U.

Also, are there any audio latency issues when shooting and doing LIVE audio monitoring through the camera headphone jack?

Thanks,

John

Brian Grant · March 24th, 2010, 03:45 PM

I used a pair of PD150s for quite a few years and am aware of the hiss. The audio in the NX5 much, much cleaner. No comparison. I've been using the supplied shotgun as well as a wireless microphone and have been very impressed with audio quality. Did not notice any latency issues monitoring audio through headphone jack.

Brian

Matt Lawrence · July 3rd, 2010, 07:58 AM

Could anyone expand on the quality of the NX5U's audio preamp? I'm wondering how it compares to, say, a decent sub-$1000 dollar field mixer and whether it would be much of an advantage with this camera (aside from the other advantages of a field mixer).

March 22nd, 2010, 07:03 PM	#1
John Vasey Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 75	NX5U: how clean is the audio preamp? Having been a long time owner of a Sony PD-150, I know that camera's preamp had some degree of inherent noise (hiss) that was recorded onto the tape. The higher cost EX cameras get high marks for their DAT-like cleaner audio preamps. I don't expect the NX5U will be at the same audio specs as the EX-1, but how would current users characterize the audio pre-amp? Cleaner than a PD-150? Or is the noise floor about the same? In most controlled situations of shooting I will switch the audio to manual...and find the best level for that particular situation. I don't think Sony has yet revealed the specs on the audio section of the NX5U. Also, are there any audio latency issues when shooting and doing LIVE audio monitoring through the camera headphone jack? Thanks, John

March 24th, 2010, 03:45 PM	#2
Brian Grant New Boot Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 8	I used a pair of PD150s for quite a few years and am aware of the hiss. The audio in the NX5 much, much cleaner. No comparison. I've been using the supplied shotgun as well as a wireless microphone and have been very impressed with audio quality. Did not notice any latency issues monitoring audio through headphone jack. Brian

July 3rd, 2010, 07:58 AM	#3
Matt Lawrence Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 69	Could anyone expand on the quality of the NX5U's audio preamp? I'm wondering how it compares to, say, a decent sub-$1000 dollar field mixer and whether it would be much of an advantage with this camera (aside from the other advantages of a field mixer).