I use an Audio Technica AT822 which indeed delivers a very hot signal as I know from before. But it worked fabulous with any hard fireworks on my VX2100 ;)

My firmware is 1.11_0531, camera was built in Janaury 2009. So it should have "all the best" available till now.

There is no possibility for me to try with different micros, since I have to buy everything I would like to test. I have a Beyerdynamic MCE72 as second micro but because of its recording characteristics its not usable for musical fireworks displays, since it "does not reach the music" (music is simply to silent when recorded, in any setting/config).


I will try reducing the attentuators with my AT822 but was still a little "confused", if the limiters in manual audio mode would cut the audio level meters so dramatically and visibly, that they never reach the red end.

Also on EX3
 

I discovered the same audio limiting effect on my EX3 when I connected a wireless microphone receiver. It should be documented in the manual!

Dean mentioned this footage in another thread, that shows the breathing of audio very clear after every shot:
YouTube - Walt Disney EPCOT Fireworks - IllumiNations Reflections of Earth 2008 in HD 1080p with Sony PMW-EX1

On the other hand this video really, really is how fireworks should not be filmed, so better forget it. ;)

Is that "breathing" or the audience "gasping"?

:-)