5D Mark II Audio Exposed Series Complete!!!
 

I've finally completed the series on 5D Mark II audio, including the final conclusions.

Here's the list of videos:

Part 1: Boom Mic - 1. Canon 5D Mark II Audio Exposed - Boom Mic (juicedLink, Zoom H4n, Microtrack II, BeachTek) on Vimeo
Part 2: Camera Mounted Mic - 2. Canon 5D Mark II Audio Exposed - On Camera (juicedLink, Zoom H4n, Microtrack II, BeachTek) on Vimeo
Part 3: Wireless Lavalier - 3. Canon 5D Mark II Audio Exposed - Wireless Lav on Vimeo
Part 4: Foley - 4. Canon 5D Mark II Audio Exposed - Foley on Vimeo
Part 5: Noise - 5. Canon 5D Mark II Audio Exposed - Noise on Vimeo
Part 6: Conclusions - 6. Canon 5D Mark II Audio Exposed - Conclusions on Vimeo

I learned a lot about what it takes to do a docu-explainer style video. This will come in handy for an upcoming project...

My wife recently published her first novel. Here's a review: http://www.kaysbookshelf.com/2009/08...anna-richenda/

We will produce some videos describing life in the 16th century in order to promote the book. I hope that she's more comfortable in front of the camera than I am!

Awesome reviews Jon, exactly what I was looking for, very good for a noob.

John very nice work. That was a heck of an undertaking and a nice review of these low cost options.

Thanks a lot Jon for that really useful series.

Jon,
Great stuff! What is the purpose of the beer other than just being an awesome way to spend your time? How can I get this job :) Anyway, very cool. I couldn't really hear the difference in any of them, but I try not to pay attention to subtelty, it gets in the way of being effecient! Thanks again.
BIll

VERY nicely done! Thanks for the hard work. Now go hoist another one on me!

Bill,

On the first five videos, you can download the uncompressed wav file. Play that through good monitors or headphones (or loud on cheap ones!) and you'll definitely hear the difference.

BTW, the beer helped the "talent" get more comfortable on camera. ;)

Jon, I am using the Sennheiser EW100 G2 as well. It is used in conjunction with the battery
grip either on a tripod or Glidecam rig. This precludes using the juicedlink. Will this
not allow me to get a good signal from the EW100, even with the most recent version of ML?

Tom;

I have run a battery powered ximple Sony 907 stereo mic into the 5D. I have to have the gain turn up to 18 on the digital side, and 32 (?) or so on the analog side. Get a definite hiss that way, but it is removable with a filter. I have heard that some of the powered mics receivers output an amped signal, so you may be fine.

I tested with the rack mount version of the G2 receiver, so I'm not 100% sure. If the receiver puts out line level, you can pad it down and should get a great result using Magic Lantern. If it's mic level, it depends on how hot the signal is.

when you use the Juicelink is ther improvement in performance only with an external mic? Does it improve camera audio using the built in Canon Mic too or only with an external shotgun or XLR?

And what is the relationship between the Juicelink and the Magic Lantern Firmware. Will I see audio improvements if I don't use the firmware?

The juicedLink is only for external XLR mics. It provides phantom power for the mics, boosts the signal without adding noise, and provides a 1/8" plug to the camera.

The current version of Magic Lantern only works with external mics. The next version will let you choose the internal mic and set a fixed gain. The Canon firmware always has autogain.

A huge problem with the internal mic is that it picks up noise from image stabilization as well as when you focus or zoom.

Based on Jon's tests here, and my experience thus far with Magic Lantern and Juiced Link, my plans to maximize sound potential out of this camera shoot is as follows:

1. Solo shoots,: Juiced Link, camera with boom mic, off camera mic stand with mic close to talent, or in case of interviews, AT 899 lapel mic. Monitor at camera using volume controlled Boostaroo head pone, or if monitonring video, though that using the video monitor audio volume control. Back this up with my Eng44 feeding the Juiced Link at appropriate levels if the shooting set up requires mics to be off of talent too much.

2. Crewed: I will go a double system, but also feed camera with a good signal. I would feed recorder off my Eng44 through stereo miniplug out put, and also feed Juiced Link or Beachtek with balanced cable or cables from the Eng. I will monitor camera levels with Boostaroo set up and Magic Lantern Level meters, adjusting with Juiced Link trim dials and level switches, and sound guy will monitor recorder. If sound in camera is subsequently as good as recorder version, I will have avoided synch in post. Other wise I will at least have a pilot track. I have been using a Sony HIMD minidisk set at PCM level recording, with good success as my off camera recorder when needed.

Great set of videos, Jon.
They are very much appreciated.

Chris and Jon:
Thanks for the info. I am running the ew 100 receiver that resembles the transmitter (not the rack) so it can ride on the hot shoe of the 5D. It is powered. I will see what happens and let you know.