I've discovered a problem recording with a Countryman B6 lav and the HD100. When I record the audio, even though the levels are peaking at -12, I get clipped audio. Not horrific, but noticable and I can see it in the audio wave in FCP (it flattens at peak even though it's in the proper range). I know this mic is very sensitive and with the PD150, I used the mic attenuator. There isn't a similar option with the HD100 (unless I'm missing it). I've tried -60db reference as well as -50db and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Can anyone suggest a solution? Should I use an external attenuator? I love using this mic, but I'm afraid to with this camera. Is there some setting that I am not noticing?

Does this belong in Now Hear This? If it does, I apologize.

Thanks.

I suspect the mic is clipping the signal.

Here's the data sheet on the B6.
http://www.countryman.com/download/B6%20Lavalier%20datasheet.pdf

Are you using a W4, 5 or 6? If you have a B6W4, make sure it isn't too close to the mouth.

Are you using phantom power (MIC +48V.)?

Thanks for the response.

It's a gray band - the W5 which is supposed to be for lapels where I always put it. I don't think it's a placement problem or I would have encountered this with the PD150.

I just checked the setting for phantom power and I have it set to Mic. Since the B6 doesn't have a battery, I guess I should have been using the +48 setting, no? It just now occurred to me that that is what the setting means. Could that have been my problem?

Thanks.

I just checked the setting for phantom power and I have it set to Mic. Since the B6 doesn't have a battery, I guess I should have been using the +48 setting, no? It just now occurred to me that that is what the setting means. Could that have been my problem?
The spec sheet indicates that the B6 uses 48V, so yes you should set it to MIC +48V on that XLR input.

Thanks. I'll give it a try.

are you going wireless?
might sound stupid but make sure the transmitter is not clipping. adjust its sensitivity.
pietro

No, I'm going wired. I think it may be the phantom power thing. I can't believe I didn't check that before. How was I even getting audio without phantom power if my mic doesn't have a battery?