PD170 audio trouble
 

I recently rented PD170 and found out that the recorded video does not have sound. Is there a way to retrieve the sound? Unfortunately, I found out that after I have returned the camera. Thanks

Your PD170 should have come with a microphone as part of the package. Did you get this, and did you plug it into the XLR socket? Did you use another microphone with an internal battery - did you turn this mic on before you filmed? Were you filming something very quiet?

Did you then switch the camera so that a phantom voltage was applied, and did you select the auto or the manual audio settings?

Did you check the on-screen meter to see if the audio was being recorded? Did you monitor on headphones and hear that all was well when you filmed with it?

On your timeline is the audo visible as a waveform? Have you checked the audio by switching to listen to both channels?

So many questions. You could've supplied some of these answers in your original post. My guess is you didn't use a microphone at all Elias.

tom.

Yes, chances are you either had no mic installed or had the little switches set incorrectly. There's a button in the back on the left side marked AUDIO LEVEL - this will cycle the VU meters on/off the display. Not as good as monitoring with headphones, but at least you'll know you've got audio. Also, if you use the factory mic, you must have the phantom power turned on.

Unfortunately, there's no retrieving audio you never recorded in the first place, assuming that's what happened. Perhaps a VX2100 might be a better choice for you - video's just as good as the 170, has built-in stereo mics. The people who rented you the camera should have explained how it works.

Also, I noticed you live in my area. Where did you rent the cam from and how much was it? I might need a second cam sometime.

Tom:

Thanks for the excellent questions and tips. I should have used your advices before I rented. I will be careful next time.

Regards
Elias

John:

Thanks for the advice. I know two places you can rent. I will send you the address in this week.

Elias

you aren't alone...
 

Elias--Sorry to hear about your no audio experience, but you aren't the only one who grabbed some great soundless video--when I first got my two PD170s, I set them both up to capture my son's guitar recital, running two wireless mics into my xlr inputs. I had no phantom power on for the shotguns and had it on for the wireless (just the opposite of what I needed) and when I got a look at the footage I had 2 great angles of video and no usable audio...how embarassing is that?
Lesson learned, always check your sound out with headphones...always. And go with manual unlinked on the record levels when using multiple audio inputs to get it all in balance.
Vin

Another confession
 

Mine gaffe occured at grandchildrens church musical. I started out with the idea of using XLR adapter and mic. Slapped the XLR on the bottom of my VX2000, plugged it in. Then pulled my Sennheiser out to connect. Battery was dead. Okay, no problem... I 'll just shoot with camera mics. Started rolling. Half way through, though I'd listen to sound.... none there-- I had forgotten to unplug XLR adapter.....

So did you at least wind up with half the musical with audio? Stuff like that of the kids and grandkids are so precious to me, also. Of course there will be plenty more opportunities to capture another concert or musical, but all of the footage I grabbed of my kids growing up (that I have since backed up onto dvd) is such a treasure to me now. Not to mention great to have around when you want to embarrass them as adults...

John:

These are phone numbers I have, hope that helps: 248-489.0090 and 248-471.6010 and 734-451.5100. You may want to check the website also, here is the address: www.roscorrentals.com/cameras/hi_def.html

Good Luck
Elias

OK, I'm familiar with Roscor. I just may rent one for this weekend while mine goes back to the shop AGAIN.

Yeah, I got half anyway. And I was going through old tapes last week that seemed so mundane when I captured them (grandkids just 3 or 4 years ago) and the boy is that something to see- a treasure like you said.

Hey Vin,
I'm fairly local to Colchester. If you're ever stuck for another hand, give me a shout. I'm off for the summer and will work for the fun of it and a cheeseburger from Harry's. And my VX2100 footage would be compatible with your PD170s.