HV40 has Really Loud Buzzing from Tape Drive at DVinfo.net

Kevin Janisch · January 1st, 2010, 10:09 PM

Hi Guys,

I just got an HV40 from BHphoto.com and it buzzes like crazy when in record mode. It's so bad it gets pickup up by the built-in mic. My wife can even hear the buzz from 5-8 feet away. Please tell me this isn't normal. I've already recorded 3-4 tapes so I think it's safe to say it's been somewhat broken in but the buzzing still persists. Thanks.

Kevin

Rodger Marjama · January 1st, 2010, 10:33 PM

Just got mine from B&H a week ago.

Make you a deal.

You find out if yours will print HDV back to tape and I'll listen to mine while recording and see if I can hear it buzzing ;>)

Seriously though, it should not make any buzzing sounds, mine doesn't anyway. Most of these small camcorders will pick up some camera noise, but unless were talking something different here, buzzing isn't normal.

-Rodger

Colin McDonald · January 2nd, 2010, 03:13 AM

Although my experience is on HV-30s not 40s, I don't think this is normal from your description.

I'm not clear whether this is only mechanical noise from the tape/tape transport that can be heard by listening as it records, or whether the buzz has also some electrical source that been recorded on the actual tape.

Try playing a tape you recorded on a previous camera, and also recording on another tape from a different batch (an unused end portion of a previously recorded tape for example). Try taking the camera outside if weather permits or at least away from all sources of electrical and RF interference. Also try recording with the audio at manual and the gain fully down. That should eliminate noise captured by the mic as you record.

As has been pointed out there is always a certain level of noise from the transport. I have an old Sony 1st gen DV camcorder that now does a fair imitation of an electric shaver, but a new HV-40 should be pretty quiet.

You have checked for wasps? :-)

Kevin Janisch · January 2nd, 2010, 12:57 PM

Thanks guys, I think I'm going to have to get a replacement from B&H.

Colin McDonald · January 2nd, 2010, 01:24 PM

Bee and H - there you are then.

Just tell them its buzzt and we think that's a-pollen. Mind you, they don't normally hive off goods that aren't workers - they won't sting you for a duff camera.

Martyn Hull · January 3rd, 2010, 04:42 AM

Well i dont know if mine is as bad as yours but the noisy tape deck on my HV30 is the worst of any cam i have owned and using the onboard mic is as good as useless, even my external mic pics up the buzz in quiet surroundings noticeably,this is without doubt the worst thing on the HV series.

Michael Galvan · January 3rd, 2010, 09:08 AM

My HV40 is pretty silent, so you should definitely get this replaced.

B&H is great. I shop there all the time for my needs (which is too much, lol).

They will replace this for you. Good luck.

Christian Williams · February 2nd, 2010, 06:38 PM

My three-month-old HV40 is fine, no buzz with either on-board audio or DM-50. I know that's no help to you, but does suggest you may get a good one eventually.

January 1st, 2010, 10:09 PM	#1
Kevin Janisch Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Monterey, CA Posts: 406	HV40 has Really Loud Buzzing from Tape Drive Hi Guys, I just got an HV40 from BHphoto.com and it buzzes like crazy when in record mode. It's so bad it gets pickup up by the built-in mic. My wife can even hear the buzz from 5-8 feet away. Please tell me this isn't normal. I've already recorded 3-4 tapes so I think it's safe to say it's been somewhat broken in but the buzzing still persists. Thanks. Kevin

January 1st, 2010, 10:33 PM	#2
Rodger Marjama Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 101	Just got mine from B&H a week ago. Make you a deal. You find out if yours will print HDV back to tape and I'll listen to mine while recording and see if I can hear it buzzing ;>) Seriously though, it should not make any buzzing sounds, mine doesn't anyway. Most of these small camcorders will pick up some camera noise, but unless were talking something different here, buzzing isn't normal. -Rodger __________________ Rodger Marjama www.speedwing.net

January 3rd, 2010, 09:08 AM	#7
Michael Galvan Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New York, NY Posts: 775	My HV40 is pretty silent, so you should definitely get this replaced. B&H is great. I shop there all the time for my needs (which is too much, lol). They will replace this for you. Good luck. __________________ www.michaelgalvan.com www.screenanthology.com

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January 2nd, 2010, 03:13 AM	#3
Colin McDonald Trustee Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 1,546	Although my experience is on HV-30s not 40s, I don't think this is normal from your description. I'm not clear whether this is only mechanical noise from the tape/tape transport that can be heard by listening as it records, or whether the buzz has also some electrical source that been recorded on the actual tape. Try playing a tape you recorded on a previous camera, and also recording on another tape from a different batch (an unused end portion of a previously recorded tape for example). Try taking the camera outside if weather permits or at least away from all sources of electrical and RF interference. Also try recording with the audio at manual and the gain fully down. That should eliminate noise captured by the mic as you record. As has been pointed out there is always a certain level of noise from the transport. I have an old Sony 1st gen DV camcorder that now does a fair imitation of an electric shaver, but a new HV-40 should be pretty quiet. You have checked for wasps? :-)

January 2nd, 2010, 12:57 PM	#4
Kevin Janisch Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Monterey, CA Posts: 406	Thanks guys, I think I'm going to have to get a replacement from B&H.

January 2nd, 2010, 01:24 PM	#5
Colin McDonald Trustee Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 1,546	Bee and H - there you are then. Just tell them its buzzt and we think that's a-pollen. Mind you, they don't normally hive off goods that aren't workers - they won't sting you for a duff camera.

January 3rd, 2010, 04:42 AM	#6
Martyn Hull Major Player Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: England Posts: 444	Well i dont know if mine is as bad as yours but the noisy tape deck on my HV30 is the worst of any cam i have owned and using the onboard mic is as good as useless, even my external mic pics up the buzz in quiet surroundings noticeably,this is without doubt the worst thing on the HV series.

February 2nd, 2010, 06:38 PM	#8
Christian Williams New Boot Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 7	My three-month-old HV40 is fine, no buzz with either on-board audio or DM-50. I know that's no help to you, but does suggest you may get a good one eventually.