View Full Version : Audio meter question


Kent Beeson
April 8th, 2010, 03:13 PM
I'm using Sennheiser G3 ew 112 wireless with a Countryman B3 mic, rode NTG-1 shotgun. I've set my EX1R audio trim to -44db for both. Got my camera meter dials at 5 each, set audio to ext, manual.

So it sounds OK in the headphones, but I just wonder if -44db is too high or when would we use say -20db or -35db? Is it all dependent on the type of mic? Should I set to manual or auto on back of camera? Any other settings I should deal with given the mics I'm using?

Thanks greatly

K

Allan Black
April 8th, 2010, 07:59 PM
Hi Kent. You can't nominate any trim/dial settings because it depends on how loud your sound source is. It'll always vary so will your settings.

The best thing to do is record some tests making sure you don't record too loud on your EX1R because you can't fix distortion but you can always raise the levels in post.

I don't know that cam but for voice I'd turn on its audio limiters to avoid peak distortion.
Cheers.

Kent Beeson
April 8th, 2010, 08:20 PM
Interesting thought about audio limiter - always thought it best to keep off, but will try it...with my mics I did record a test and -44 trim seems very good, have to only raise it in FCP by maybe 1 or 2 db to get it just right.

Jeff Wallace
April 8th, 2010, 08:56 PM
I use the audio limiter on my Ex1r and it works great. That way if someone starts yelling or talking loud into the mic, the levels won't clip.