Wireless Mic Volume Recommendations? at DVinfo.net

Norm Kaiser · July 9th, 2010, 11:14 AM

Hi folks:

I need some suggestions on volume settings from wireless mics. Specifically, what's the best rule of thumb in determining how high a volume setting should be?

Here's my setup: I have a simple wireless mic system with two XLR outs. The unit supports two separate wireless mics and splits them independently to those two channels. I'm taking the feed from each of those XLR outputs and feeding them into a Beachtek camcorder mixer.

The wireless mic receiver has two separate volume controls. My question is, what do I set the mic volume at? Should I set it about half way or turn it up full blast? Or should I do something in between? Obviously I want good, loud sound without clipping.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Norm

Daniel Epstein · July 9th, 2010, 01:18 PM

Norm,
Without knowing which model of mic you have it is almost impossible to help you specifically. Generally you want to align your audio system so it provides you with adequate gain for recording without distortion.
You will have to figure out what the knobs are doing for you on the receiver. Most likely it changes the output of each channel separately. The question is can your recorder deal with the volume from the receivers. If the knobs change the output of the receiver does this overload your recorder. Judge your settings by what happens with the recorder is the best way to start.

Don Bloom · July 9th, 2010, 02:37 PM

Norm, since you're running into a camera with this setup, then bring up the audio levels bars in the camera display and try some various settings but you don't want it to zero out because that will probably be clipping. Generally for normal conversation you'd want the peaks to be around -12db. You'd need to adjust for say a live music concert of a talking heads interview but -12 is a great place to start.

Between the levels control on the receiver, the beachtek and the camera you'd have plenty of places to adjust.

I also use a dual channel receiver (AT1800 series) and have the ability to control levels from it but most often I keep the settings just past the mid point and do fine control on the camera.

Jay Massengill · July 9th, 2010, 02:48 PM

We would also need to know exactly which BeachTek you have and the camera model as well as the wireless mic model. Each have very specific controls.

July 9th, 2010, 11:14 AM	#1
Norm Kaiser Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Freeport, FL Posts: 39	Wireless Mic Volume Recommendations? Hi folks: I need some suggestions on volume settings from wireless mics. Specifically, what's the best rule of thumb in determining how high a volume setting should be? Here's my setup: I have a simple wireless mic system with two XLR outs. The unit supports two separate wireless mics and splits them independently to those two channels. I'm taking the feed from each of those XLR outputs and feeding them into a Beachtek camcorder mixer. The wireless mic receiver has two separate volume controls. My question is, what do I set the mic volume at? Should I set it about half way or turn it up full blast? Or should I do something in between? Obviously I want good, loud sound without clipping. Any suggestions? Thanks, Norm

July 9th, 2010, 02:37 PM	#3
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Norm, since you're running into a camera with this setup, then bring up the audio levels bars in the camera display and try some various settings but you don't want it to zero out because that will probably be clipping. Generally for normal conversation you'd want the peaks to be around -12db. You'd need to adjust for say a live music concert of a talking heads interview but -12 is a great place to start. Between the levels control on the receiver, the beachtek and the camera you'd have plenty of places to adjust. I also use a dual channel receiver (AT1800 series) and have the ability to control levels from it but most often I keep the settings just past the mid point and do fine control on the camera. __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

July 9th, 2010, 01:18 PM	#2
Daniel Epstein Trustee Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,267	Norm, Without knowing which model of mic you have it is almost impossible to help you specifically. Generally you want to align your audio system so it provides you with adequate gain for recording without distortion. You will have to figure out what the knobs are doing for you on the receiver. Most likely it changes the output of each channel separately. The question is can your recorder deal with the volume from the receivers. If the knobs change the output of the receiver does this overload your recorder. Judge your settings by what happens with the recorder is the best way to start.

July 9th, 2010, 02:48 PM	#4
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	We would also need to know exactly which BeachTek you have and the camera model as well as the wireless mic model. Each have very specific controls.