Low audio on the V1 - Is it still an issue?
 

Hi,

I am about to buy an HVR-V1 and have read about members complaining about that the audio input is a bit low. I have read that it should already been fixed with a firmware update and wonder if this is an issue on V1's bought today or if i must send the camera to Sony for service right after purchase?

And what about the lack of low frequencies in the audio, is that issue solved yet? Is it a V1 issue or is it a HDV issue due to the compressed audio?

I have borrowed a V1 this weekend and have noticed low audio and lack of low frequencies. However, the V1 is one of the very first ones that was shipped to Sweden, thats why i wonder if it still is an issue on new cameras bought today.

I am very pleased with the form factor of the camera and the image it produces. The audio is what for me is the biggest issue with this beatuiful camera, so if anyone would share their experiences i would be very glad. :)

Hi Roger,

I bought my V1E new in August 2007. I think the stock Sony mic that ships with the camera is pretty bad - output levels are far too low and I have to turn the audio level waaay up to be useful.

My Rode NTG-2 shotgun and and Beyer MCE72 stereo mics are perfect.

I posted a sample clip with the Beyer mic here a while back:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showpost....3&postcount=28

I didn't even notice the birdsong in the background when I was on location with the headphones!

I bought my V1 last summer 2007 and I am satisfied with the audio but couldnt tell you how it compares say to a competitor. I use it with Rode NTG-1 and also some of my pro-audio vocal mics, eg, AKG C414.

Mike and Sherif, thank you for your answers.

I have tried the camera with the following mics: Audio Technica AT825, Audio Technica AT835ST, and a Sennheiser K6/ME64.

Since sending my V1U back for repair last September, the audio has been nice and hot ... big difference from the way it was when I first got the camera.

I'm happy now and getting the kind of audio I had expected to get with the V1. ;-)

--Ralph

p.s. a couple of examples of streaming video... the first uses a Rode NT1 studio condenser mike, the second an Audio-Technica AT897 shotgun... the V1 now records the kind of audio I like and which sounds good to me on the air:

http://urtvforums.org/author.php

http://urtvforums.org/ralphs.php

Ralph, did Sony charge you any money for that? I do hope they fix it for free if i buy the camera, if it is necessary on a V1 bought today since they *may* have fixed it already.

nope... was fixed under warranty... but they kept the camera for over a month to do it.

--Ralph

O.k, thanks for your answer Ralph, it's really appreciated.

Btw, it was interesting to see/hear about all your books you have written. And since i am from Sweden i was glad to hear that you bought a Volvo! :)

Thanks, Roger... yes, I drove Volvos for many years... I even have a fan letter on my wall from the Chairman of Volvo back in the late eighties (he liked a book I had written on the auto industry and was also pleased I had a Volvo). ;-)

--Ralph