Microphone
 

Hi All

Do you guys have any experience in the Panasonic Microphones?

Is the Zoom one (VW-VMS1E) better or the stereo one (VW-VMS2E) is better?

I wanted to do some wedding video for my friend, and I find the built in microphone is not that good in a hall or spaced environment.

Futhermore, any of you had experience in the Panasonic Tripot with controller? (VZ-CTR1). Is this tripot liquid head? Or how does it work? Does it work well at all?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Alan

Hi, Alan.

Before you give up on the MX300's mike, you can try this:

Use the MANUAL AUDIO mode, instead of the default AUTO mode.

Mic Level Adjust -> MNL(AGC)

Put the pointer to a few notches to the left of 0db. This will reduce the sensitivity of the mic. It will cut out some of the boominess that you are experiencing. The bonus is, it also reduces any rustling / handling sounds & you get a nice indicator at the bottom that can tell you volume level & when the AGC cuts out.

Turn off the Zoom Mic. You will have more control, as it doesn't boost / gain the audio, the more you zoom. With Zoom Mic on, I don't like the way I have to readjust the audio settings every time I zoom.

If you want to reduce the bass, you can also use Wind Cut.

If MNL(AGC) doesn't work well for you, try MNL(NO-AGC). Most likely the MNL(AGC) will suffice.

Hope that helps.

Steven, you say:

If MNL(AGC) doesn't work well for you, try MNL(NO-AGC). Most likely the MNL(AGC) will suffice.

Can you explain how the word "manual" sits longside "Automatic Gain Control"? Surely it's one or the other? How can you have manual&auto at the same time?

I can understand MNL(NO-AGC). That makes sence to me.

tom.

MNL(NO-AGC) is to set the input level at your MaNuaL amplification, and not let the camera adjust when detecting signals over the acceptable range.

MNL(AGC) is to set the amplification to your needs, yet allow the cam to adjust the cut-off level.

AUTO will let the camera use AGC fully.

Generally, on my MX350, I find that the amplificatin at +0 or at AUTO is not loud enough for clarity on my normal TV set or hi-fi, so I use MNL(AGC) at +2 for louder targets and +$ for targets further than 2m away. I find that cut-off is minimal at these settings. On construction sites where the machineries are very loud, I'll go -6. On mics, I'll set such that the person speaking to the mic will cause the meter to go red only at the loudest moments or pops.

Ah - so AGC isn't really AGC, it's a simple compressing limiter. A very good idea.