Better Sound

asimmd · 16-01-2005, 12:19 PM

Hi All
I recently posted a question about how to synchronise external audio to video but there were not many replies.
I now think it would probably be easier to buy a new camcorder with the facility to use an external microphone,and feed the audio to it via my mixer as I record the video.
Any comments including which camcorder would have this facility,much appreciated.
Cheers
Alan

16-01-2005, 2:46 PM

Sony HC1000, Panasonic GS400, Canon XM2, one of the canons at around a grand offers audio level contol (the MV250 or something?).

You want one with an audio level control.

All the cams I mentioned accept a MIC level in, check your mixer can deliver a MIC level out (most offer a LINE level out, some offer both), this is absolutely critical if you intend to go through a mixer.

Many camcorders can record a line signal, but only in PLAY/VCR mode, not camera mode!.

The Canon XL1s/XL2, & sonys PDX10 & PD170 can all accept LINE level XLR's as well as MIC level XLR,s & minijack. But they cost more money.

The advice I gave you the last time stands, record onto a seperate audio recorder and it really a piece of pith to synch them in edit, with no extra expense.

asimmd · 16-01-2005, 3:57 PM

Hi Roy
Thanks for the reply.I have recorded my tune in Cubase and mixed it down to a Wave file and also an MP3.
I have videoed myself playing the same tune,and imported it into various editing package demos.
I can successfully import both the Audio and Video into the software,but I am stumped when it comes to syncing the two together?
I can get pretty close just by dragging the audio along the timeline,but not good enough.
If you could be more specific as to how I go about this,I would be most grateful.
Many Thanks
Regards
Alan

16-01-2005, 8:13 PM

Record the audio and video similtaniously, create an audible synch point (that the camera will pick up as well as your studio recorder, if you can have a similtanious visual que, even better, it sounds cliched, but a clapper coard is the ideal thing).

Trim your clip until the exact frame that the clapper gate closes, trim your audio until the same oint (if you have a waveform monitor you can do this with the obvious spike, but doing it audibly should work fine).

Expand both clips by around 5 seconds at the start and 10 seconds after the song ends, this allows spce for visual & audio fades or transitions without being too abrupt.

asimmd · 17-01-2005, 7:27 AM

Hi Roy
I guess I must appear really stupid, but like everything else,it's easy when you know how.Thanks for the info,I will certainly be trying it.
Regards
Alan

16-01-2005, 2:46 PM	#2
Roy Mallard Guest Posts: n/a	Sony HC1000, Panasonic GS400, Canon XM2, one of the canons at around a grand offers audio level contol (the MV250 or something?). You want one with an audio level control. All the cams I mentioned accept a MIC level in, check your mixer can deliver a MIC level out (most offer a LINE level out, some offer both), this is absolutely critical if you intend to go through a mixer. Many camcorders can record a line signal, but only in PLAY/VCR mode, not camera mode!. The Canon XL1s/XL2, & sonys PDX10 & PD170 can all accept LINE level XLR's as well as MIC level XLR,s & minijack. But they cost more money. The advice I gave you the last time stands, record onto a seperate audio recorder and it really a piece of pith to synch them in edit, with no extra expense.
	Quote

16-01-2005, 8:13 PM	#4
Roy Mallard Guest Posts: n/a	Record the audio and video similtaniously, create an audible synch point (that the camera will pick up as well as your studio recorder, if you can have a similtanious visual que, even better, it sounds cliched, but a clapper coard is the ideal thing). Trim your clip until the exact frame that the clapper gate closes, trim your audio until the same oint (if you have a waveform monitor you can do this with the obvious spike, but doing it audibly should work fine). Expand both clips by around 5 seconds at the start and 10 seconds after the song ends, this allows spce for visual & audio fades or transitions without being too abrupt.
	Quote