FX1 audio too low at DVinfo.net

Juan Dela Cruz · February 28th, 2006, 04:39 PM

when the audio is set automatic the audio is very low, Is this normal or I got a defective unit?

Robert M Wright · February 28th, 2006, 08:11 PM

What microphone are you using?

Mike Toledano · February 28th, 2006, 09:40 PM

As well, if your mic relies on a battery for power you might want to put in a new one. I had this problem using the azden sgm-2x mic and a new battery corrected the volume.

Juan Dela Cruz · March 1st, 2006, 07:09 AM

built-in internal mic of FX1.

Robert M Wright · March 1st, 2006, 11:17 AM

When you say low, do you mean that it's low compared to another camcorder you've used (with onboard mic)? A difficulty is that it's hard to know what you mean by low ("low" being a subjective term). If possible, can you put a short clip up on the web, so we could hear what you're describing as low? Maybe something with somebody standing 10 feet directly in front of the camera, talking directly at the camera.

John Rofrano · March 2nd, 2006, 01:31 PM

Yea, I noticed that too. I have a Z1 and the audio is extremely low when in auto mode. Just switch it to manual and adjust the gain yourself. I never use auto mode anyway so I forgot about that but I do remember thinking how low the audio was when I first got it. I don’t think it’s your unit. It’s just the way it is.

~jr

Jeremy Rochefort · March 2nd, 2006, 02:33 PM

I would try and invest in an external mic. I have both the FX1 and Z1 and have slapped external mic's on both which gives me infinitely better results each time.

With a good external mic you can play with auto and check your results for different scenes/settings

Azden and Sennheisers are good places to start

Cheers

John Rofrano · March 3rd, 2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Rochefort

With a good external mic you can play with auto and check your results for different scenes/settings

Good advice. I use the Audio-Technica AT897 with my Z1 and I’m very happy with it. Don’t forget to invest in a decent set of headphones to monitor your sound. I use Sony MDR-7506’s and they’re great.

~jr

Chris Sabold · March 4th, 2006, 07:20 AM

As a one day user I also noticed that in the auto mode the audio is recorded at a lower volume than on any other camcorder I've owned. At a live music event this would probably be a good thing but for every day recording I'm a bit disappointed as well.
Chris..

Marcus Marchesseault · March 4th, 2006, 08:08 AM

I found this in a review of the FX1 at hdtvexpert.com.

"I found AGC (really only a limiter) delivered perfect audio — although I noticed peaks were typically at –14dB rather than at 0dB. This is because HDV utilizes a –20dB Reference Level."

Boyd Ostroff · March 4th, 2006, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Sabold

As a one day user I also noticed that in the auto mode the audio is recorded at a lower volume than on any other camcorder I've owned.

Interestingly, I find the auto setting on the Z1 to be just about the same as the auto setting on my Sony PDX-10 which also keeps the peaks very low. However, on both of these cameras the audio quality is fine if you boost it in post. Now the auto setting on my VX-2000 is substantially higher, although the quality isn't quite so good. I gather that the PD-150 is also a lot "hotter." I'm wondering if Sony is doing this because the preamps on these newer cameras a lot cleaner and they can get away with it whereas they couldn't on the PD-150?

February 28th, 2006, 04:39 PM	#1
Juan Dela Cruz Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 83	FX1 audio too low when the audio is set automatic the audio is very low, Is this normal or I got a defective unit?

March 1st, 2006, 07:09 AM	#4
Juan Dela Cruz Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 83	internal mic built-in internal mic of FX1.

March 2nd, 2006, 01:31 PM	#6
John Rofrano Sponsor: VASST Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York Posts: 516	Yea, I noticed that too. I have a Z1 and the audio is extremely low when in auto mode. Just switch it to manual and adjust the gain yourself. I never use auto mode anyway so I forgot about that but I do remember thinking how low the audio was when I first got it. I don’t think it’s your unit. It’s just the way it is. ~jr __________________ Developer: VASST Ultimate S, Scattershot 3D, Mayhem, FASST Apps, and other VASST Software plug-ins Web Site: www.johnrofrano.com

March 2nd, 2006, 02:33 PM	#7
Jeremy Rochefort Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cape Town, SA Posts: 159	I would try and invest in an external mic. I have both the FX1 and Z1 and have slapped external mic's on both which gives me infinitely better results each time. With a good external mic you can play with auto and check your results for different scenes/settings Azden and Sennheisers are good places to start Cheers __________________ MJ Productions Never let the need for money outweigh the need for Quality, Friendly and Professional Service

February 28th, 2006, 08:11 PM	#2
Robert M Wright Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota (USA) Posts: 2,171	What microphone are you using?

February 28th, 2006, 09:40 PM	#3
Mike Toledano Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 85	As well, if your mic relies on a battery for power you might want to put in a new one. I had this problem using the azden sgm-2x mic and a new battery corrected the volume.

March 1st, 2006, 11:17 AM	#5
Robert M Wright Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota (USA) Posts: 2,171	When you say low, do you mean that it's low compared to another camcorder you've used (with onboard mic)? A difficulty is that it's hard to know what you mean by low ("low" being a subjective term). If possible, can you put a short clip up on the web, so we could hear what you're describing as low? Maybe something with somebody standing 10 feet directly in front of the camera, talking directly at the camera.

March 4th, 2006, 07:20 AM	#9
Chris Sabold New Boot Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 9	As a one day user I also noticed that in the auto mode the audio is recorded at a lower volume than on any other camcorder I've owned. At a live music event this would probably be a good thing but for every day recording I'm a bit disappointed as well. Chris..

March 4th, 2006, 08:08 AM	#10
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	I found this in a review of the FX1 at hdtvexpert.com. "I found AGC (really only a limiter) delivered perfect audio — although I noticed peaks were typically at –14dB rather than at 0dB. This is because HDV utilizes a –20dB Reference Level."