Audio and Headphones at DVinfo.net

Adrian J. Hare · July 24th, 2008, 05:15 AM

This maybe a stupid question but I am unsure so I will ask.

Why does a person need to use Headphones if you have a Camera with a Left and Right Audio level gauge ?

For some reason I'm not understanding this Audio thing...

Thanks a head of time.

Andy Wilkinson · July 24th, 2008, 05:30 AM

The audio level gauges won't "show" you problems with the audio (e.g. hiss, background hum or whatever). Only your ears can pick these and many other audio issues up - and they sure will after the event....when its too late!

Chris Hurd · July 24th, 2008, 06:40 AM

Wearing headphones while recording is similar to looking through the viewfinder while recording. In other words, it's just as important to monitor the audio while shooting as it is to monitor the video while shooting.

John Richard · July 24th, 2008, 07:53 AM

It is easy to be fully consumed by watching the picture portion while shooting - content, framing, lighting, composition, anticipation of coming action/business....

can you imagine that whilst doing all this mind boggling wrangling of the picture portion, that you'd also be watching audio level monitors at the same time.

It's just common sense to slap on some over the ear headphones and use your other invaluable tools - your ears - to monitor audio.

Even better yet - if your budget can afford it - give the audio portion of the project what it deserves - a sound person - can't tell you how many times I've botched/missed overly loud audio even with headphones as a one man show - just too many functions coming at you all at once.

Daniel Epstein · July 25th, 2008, 08:28 PM

Meters tell you quantity, Headphones tell you quality. Both have their uses.

July 24th, 2008, 05:15 AM	#1
Adrian J. Hare Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Barrie, Ontario Posts: 62	Audio and Headphones This maybe a stupid question but I am unsure so I will ask. Why does a person need to use Headphones if you have a Camera with a Left and Right Audio level gauge ? For some reason I'm not understanding this Audio thing... Thanks a head of time.

July 24th, 2008, 05:30 AM	#2
Andy Wilkinson Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 2,853	The audio level gauges won't "show" you problems with the audio (e.g. hiss, background hum or whatever). Only your ears can pick these and many other audio issues up - and they sure will after the event....when its too late! __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - https://www.shootingimage.co.uk Cambridge (UK) Corporate Video Production

July 24th, 2008, 06:40 AM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Wearing headphones while recording is similar to looking through the viewfinder while recording. In other words, it's just as important to monitor the audio while shooting as it is to monitor the video while shooting. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

July 24th, 2008, 07:53 AM	#4
John Richard Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: Incline Village, Nevada Posts: 604	It is easy to be fully consumed by watching the picture portion while shooting - content, framing, lighting, composition, anticipation of coming action/business.... can you imagine that whilst doing all this mind boggling wrangling of the picture portion, that you'd also be watching audio level monitors at the same time. It's just common sense to slap on some over the ear headphones and use your other invaluable tools - your ears - to monitor audio. Even better yet - if your budget can afford it - give the audio portion of the project what it deserves - a sound person - can't tell you how many times I've botched/missed overly loud audio even with headphones as a one man show - just too many functions coming at you all at once.

July 25th, 2008, 08:28 PM	#5
Daniel Epstein Trustee Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,267	Meters tell you quantity, Headphones tell you quality. Both have their uses.