pd170 (wedding tomorrow)

Craig Seeman · September 28th, 2004, 06:22 AM

Bob,

The PD-170 "AGC" is actually NOT an AGC circut. It's simply a hard limiter so there is no pumping. It doesn't sound good to hit the "limit" constantly though but if you're using a wireless mic, you simply lower the level on the receiver.

Unfortunately NOTHING from Sony, that I've found, explains what the AGC actually is but from other geeks and from my own experience, it's not what most would call an "AGC" such as those found in consumer cameras.

Most experienced 150/170 users who have an audio background say leave AGC on unless you MUST control the level from the camera . . . and I've found most times you can leave AGC on even using a shotgun or wired mic since it seems the preamp can handle a fairly hot signal.

I think Sony misrepresents what the circut does by calling it an "AGC." It's simply a limiter.

September 28th, 2004, 06:22 AM	#16
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	Bob, The PD-170 "AGC" is actually NOT an AGC circut. It's simply a hard limiter so there is no pumping. It doesn't sound good to hit the "limit" constantly though but if you're using a wireless mic, you simply lower the level on the receiver. Unfortunately NOTHING from Sony, that I've found, explains what the AGC actually is but from other geeks and from my own experience, it's not what most would call an "AGC" such as those found in consumer cameras. Most experienced 150/170 users who have an audio background say leave AGC on unless you MUST control the level from the camera . . . and I've found most times you can leave AGC on even using a shotgun or wired mic since it seems the preamp can handle a fairly hot signal. I think Sony misrepresents what the circut does by calling it an "AGC." It's simply a limiter.