PD170 Newbie with Audio Concerns

David Ennis · July 11th, 2005, 09:46 AM

Steve, when you initially said you compared the two cams with AGC off, did that mean that you could turn off AGC in the 950 also and did so?

Steve Gray · July 11th, 2005, 04:13 PM

You can turn the mic level to manual in the menu and adjust the level with the knob. I assumed that is turning AGC off. This function is basically the same as on the PD170.

I think you hit it when you said the consumer cams had hotter mics and picked up a little more ambience. The Azden worked O.K. I just have had allot of positive comments about the audio I have been getting on my 950 and wanted to keep that level on the PD170. I am planning to get a super cardioid better matched to the PD170. Now to figure out which one.

Thanks for everyones help. It is appreciated. I am a complete newbie on this stuff.

Pat Sherman · August 17th, 2005, 08:36 AM

I use the ME66/K6 setup with ATT ON. It works flawlessy for the stuff I do.. Here's some features of it.. I do documentary style shooting so it works in the case excellent..

Combination of supercardioid at low frequencies and shotgun above 2000Hz
Excellent mic for on-camera or interview for ENG/EFP use
Will increase gain-before-feedback by using as a podium mic in sound reinforcement

Steve Gray · August 17th, 2005, 04:09 PM

I ended up buying the ME66/K6 and it works great on the PD170. Thanks for the help.

Mike Rehmus · August 18th, 2005, 10:33 PM

The problem with shotguns is that they sound like, well, shotguns. Nothing like a good studio or cardiod. If your needs are to record, say, bird song (bouts) then you will not like a shotgun in that application.

Rent a few cardiods (not studio microphones, they are too delicate I think) but something along the lines of a AT SM81C or the stereo equivalents. I'm not pushing the AT, it just happens to be the microphone I have for faithfully recording engine exhaust and gunshots. AT claims it is designed as an overhead choir and a cymbal microphone. Cymbals (I'm told) have one of the most aggressive sound envelopes in music and this microphone can handle that type of impulse waveforms with little distortion.

I find it works very well at rock concerts too.

July 11th, 2005, 09:46 AM	#16
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	Steve, when you initially said you compared the two cams with AGC off, did that mean that you could turn off AGC in the 950 also and did so? __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

August 18th, 2005, 10:33 PM	#20
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	The problem with shotguns is that they sound like, well, shotguns. Nothing like a good studio or cardiod. If your needs are to record, say, bird song (bouts) then you will not like a shotgun in that application. Rent a few cardiods (not studio microphones, they are too delicate I think) but something along the lines of a AT SM81C or the stereo equivalents. I'm not pushing the AT, it just happens to be the microphone I have for faithfully recording engine exhaust and gunshots. AT claims it is designed as an overhead choir and a cymbal microphone. Cymbals (I'm told) have one of the most aggressive sound envelopes in music and this microphone can handle that type of impulse waveforms with little distortion. I find it works very well at rock concerts too. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

July 11th, 2005, 04:13 PM	#17
Steve Gray New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 9	You can turn the mic level to manual in the menu and adjust the level with the knob. I assumed that is turning AGC off. This function is basically the same as on the PD170. I think you hit it when you said the consumer cams had hotter mics and picked up a little more ambience. The Azden worked O.K. I just have had allot of positive comments about the audio I have been getting on my 950 and wanted to keep that level on the PD170. I am planning to get a super cardioid better matched to the PD170. Now to figure out which one. Thanks for everyones help. It is appreciated. I am a complete newbie on this stuff.

August 17th, 2005, 08:36 AM	#18
Pat Sherman Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: DuPont, Wa Posts: 325	I use the ME66/K6 setup with ATT ON. It works flawlessy for the stuff I do.. Here's some features of it.. I do documentary style shooting so it works in the case excellent.. Combination of supercardioid at low frequencies and shotgun above 2000Hz Excellent mic for on-camera or interview for ENG/EFP use Will increase gain-before-feedback by using as a podium mic in sound reinforcement

August 17th, 2005, 04:09 PM	#19
Steve Gray New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 9	I ended up buying the ME66/K6 and it works great on the PD170. Thanks for the help.