trouble with sound

emmo2002 wrote on 3/30/2004, 3:59 AM

Over the last few years I have worked hard to work on my camera skills and have become quite good at getting some stable interesting shots, and capturing the true mood of a subject. My problem continues to be with editing the sound. It always seems to come out uneven, and sometimes is downright lousy. I am currently using the on camera mic, and use both a Canon GL-2 and XL1, but do not have the buget for new mics or recorders at the present times.

Anyone have ideas on how to get better, more consistant sound through on camera mics? I would love to hear your ideas.

Emmo

Comments

TorS wrote on 3/30/2004, 4:11 AM

Under the circumstances, make sure the shots needed for sound are close to the subject. Take extra sound using your camera as a sound recorder (you may have the lens cap on or not). Use the extra sound to cover gaps and/or replace the sync sound.

In Vegas use Graphic Dynamics FX (preset 2:1 or 3:1) to get your sound tracks maximized and even. If you get a lot of noise that way, you may want to save up for Sony Noise Reduction (which in the short run will do you more good than an expensive microphone).
Tor

TheHappyFriar wrote on 3/30/2004, 5:07 AM

I use a good tape recorder for recording audio as I don't have the money for a nice digital system. I hooked up a el cheapo mic to it and it sounded better then my camera mic.

Spot|DSE wrote on 3/30/2004, 5:18 AM

Even a $5 mic from walmart that you'll stick on your computer will sound better than the camcorder's mic if it's closer.

http://www.vasst.com/dvdproducts/nht-sound.htm

Zulqar-Cheema wrote on 3/30/2004, 5:38 AM

It's not till you start doing do you realise how much the sound plays in a production and how difficult it can be to get right.

Not sure where you reside, but in the UK we have "Hospital Radio's" and these can be great (free) learning grounds for getting audio skills Great social life as well. i spent over 10 years at one and 5 at a local radio station,some much practice I was bound to learn something.