Camcorder Audio Distortion

[hellawaits77]

I plug a Sony Digital Recording Mic (amazon.com) into my Canon's External Mic jack, and I typically get good sound. Just my opinion, but that's a much easier route to go than bringing an entire external audio rig. If you have full permission to film, you could certainly do that. But if you're trying to stealth, it's awfully difficult to film and worry about the levels of your external rig, too.

Again, just an opinion.

[Paganec]

Not a good option because different camcorders differently "react" to external mics. For example, I had Sennheiser MKE400 and it worked great with Canon (as they said), but was not improvement to my Panasonic SD90 cam.

Plus I really don't see how gun-mic is easier to stealth with. I put external rig in bag, mics mounted to cap and no one sees me doing audio recording.

[hellawaits77]

Not a good option because different camcorders differently "react" to external mics. For example, I had Sennheiser MKE400 and it worked great with Canon (as they said), but was not improvement to my Panasonic SD90 cam.

Plus I really don't see how gun-mic is easier to stealth with. I put external rig in bag, mics mounted to cap and no one sees me doing audio recording.

Please read my post carefully friend, I said OPINION. No need to shoot down an opinion.

And please do your research before you claim I'm wrong. The microphone I suggested is not a "gun-mic".

[Paganec]

No need to over react, I did not shut down your opinion, we all here saying our opinions in order to help the guy, I just said my 5 cents in addition to your, sorry if you thought it was rude in any way.
And yes I did research, but as you never specified mic you was referring to I got only this: http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G ... W0DT-1.jpg (Sony ECMMS907 Digital Recording Microphone)
Which is still not exactly easy to stealth with if you ask me.

[The Commader]

Filmed this with full permisson. Was the taper of the Band. Filmed without an external mic and the result is pretty good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a3dtFm5us8

[vht]

I bought a Sony PCM-M10 and I have a CA 9200 preamp on the way as well, but it probably won't get here in time for the shows I'm going to this weekend.

I'm not quite sure about the settings I should be using.

Here's how I have it:

Format: LPCM 48.00KHz/24Bit
Record Level: Auto
Mic sensitivity: Low
CA CAF mics > mic input, not the Line In

I have a shirt that has military style loops on the shoulder area. I plan on placing each mic through those to hold them in place.

[PAINKILLER]

Im pretty new at audio taping ...but i would suggest manual settings of audio level. Auto will try and compensate all the time in quieter parts. I was also advised to go line in mics>BB> line in . If just using mics only then mic in would be better i guess. read about a few people having success this way. Good luck man

[vht]

If you use Manual setting, how do you know where to set it? Or do you just adjust accordingly until the green light comes on, but not the red one? I read else that 4 is a good place to start.

[PAINKILLER]

I have only used mine once. But i watch the meters and adjust so the loud peaks stay well below the red lights ...say -12 db (the big black mark or just over ). This gives a bit of scope for any unexpected possible louder parts. Plus you can always add volume in post production. I also switched the limiter on just in case. When you have done all this i would use the lock on the side too so you dont adjust anything accidentally in your pocket. Sounds like a bunch of hard work , but its worth it .You will do it easily.