A friend has a Sony AVCHD camera (not sure the model, maybe SR11) and gave me some files. Opening them in Vegas, I see there are two audio streams; one stereo and one 5.1 surround. Looking and listening to all the channels separately, they really are different.
Now I am curious about surround sound recording. Some of the newer Sony cameras do it, but apparently only from a built-in mic? I found Sony made an external 4-channel external mic ECM-HQP1 which connects to their proprietary "Intelligent Accessory Shoe" (AIS). Looking at the signals on this 16-pin connector, I see it does have four audio channels (along with power, LANC, USB and the kitchen sink) http://www.camerahacker.com/Forums/DisplayComments.php?file=Video%20Camera/Sony/AIS_to_standard_stero_input
The ECM-HQP1 microphone has apparently been discontinued for some time. I am curious; has anyone seen or used one of these mics?
Now I am curious about surround sound recording. Some of the newer Sony cameras do it, but apparently only from a built-in mic? I found Sony made an external 4-channel external mic ECM-HQP1 which connects to their proprietary "Intelligent Accessory Shoe" (AIS). Looking at the signals on this 16-pin connector, I see it does have four audio channels (along with power, LANC, USB and the kitchen sink) http://www.camerahacker.com/Forums/DisplayComments.php?file=Video%20Camera/Sony/AIS_to_standard_stero_input
The ECM-HQP1 microphone has apparently been discontinued for some time. I am curious; has anyone seen or used one of these mics?