HV20 Audio settings for Video Mic

[Michael Hackney]

Hi, I was wondering what you all think the optimal audio settings on the HV20 would be, when using the Rode Videomic. In the manual it says about 3/4 or 75%, but since it shows neither those settings, I've assumed that 12db is about that. Also, what about the mic attenuator in the HV20 menus and the position above the on marking that's on the Rode Videomic (high pass sett.), what situations would I probably need to use those for? Thank you for your advice.

[brandonesquire]

I would like to know this too. I just bought a Rode Vidmic, and have a HV20, but am not sure how to use them together. I mean, I know how to mount the mic and plug it in, but other then that, I am lost. I have fooled around with sme of the settings, but can never get it to sound right. In fact, when I have headphones on, there is a delay. Could someone please walk me step by step how to set the mic up, and to reset my camera to undo whatever I have done through fiddling with the settings.

Thanks a ton, guys.

[Worley]

Well it really depends on what you're recording. Is the subject close or far? What is the ambient sound like? Are there any loud/sudden transients?

Really, the settings you use will vary on the subject matter.

[brandonesquire]

Any ideas about the delay? That's my biggest issue.

[sp8ce07]

use the search function of the forums. someone went over how to reset the camera's internal audio. second, you probably need to find in the menu where it talks about switching it to external mic.

[Rikki]

I just plugged mine in and it worked.

[markphil]

I had the same experience as Rikki...just make sure you switch on the Videomic after plugging it in as the on-board mic is then disabled. My audio was fine without making adjustments.

[brandonesquire]

Oksy, I jst reset the camera. I'll turn it off for now. How, step by step, if you guys could tell me, would one set up the mic? How do I make it use the vidmic instead of the onboard one? How do i set it so my head phones are not delayed? I'm sorry I'm such a pain, guys. I love my HV20 so far, I just want to get the best sound I can out of it.

[Rikki]

As I said above, plug it in. Thats all I needed to do.

[Dodgy Nick]

As I said above, plug it in. Thats all I needed to do.

"plug it in" is clearly not a satisfactory answer, because presumably Brandon must have plugged it in to know that there is a delay.

I am also experiencing a delay when using the Rode Videomic and listening to the output via headphones. I haven't recorded anything like that yet, so I don't know if it records a delay or if it's just a monitoring issue.

If anyone can shed some light on this (other than plugging it in), please do!
Thanks

[Erik Bien]

The high pass/low-cut filter (top switch position) on the VideoMic can help cut wind noise somewhat. Their "dead cat" helps quite a bit more ...

[Rikki]

"plug it in" is clearly not a satisfactory answer, because presumably Brandon must have plugged it in to know that there is a delay.

I am also experiencing a delay when using the Rode Videomic and listening to the output via headphones. I haven't recorded anything like that yet, so I don't know if it records a delay or if it's just a monitoring issue.

If anyone can shed some light on this (other than plugging it in), please do!
Thanks

Its as satisfactory an answer as was requested.

"How, step by step, if you guys could tell me, would one set up the mic? How do I make it use the vidmic instead of the onboard one? How do i set it so my head phones are not delayed?"

Step one:
Plug it in to the MIC socket

Step two:
Turn on the Videomic

Seriously, its that simple.

The delay you are now going on about, well hate to break it to you but the delay is there for the on board mic, the Rode Videomic and the Audio Technica ATR35s - give it a bash, plug in your 'phones and make a pop noise with your mouth, plug in the Videomic and do the same. Make a sharp noise so the attack is pronounced and there isnt any sustain or reverb. It will become very clear.

Its the same delay factor probably brought on by the onboard processing system, hence why its advised to use closed back headphones so you dont hear the original sound and are ONLY listening to the sound passing through the system.

You may have noticed that the image that appears on the LCD and viewfinder is ALSO delayed. There is no way to fix that either.

R

[Dodgy Nick]

The delay you are now going on about, well hate to break it to you but the delay is there for the on board mic, the Rode Videomic and the Audio Technica ATR35s

Thanks Rikki, it's good to know it's not a localized problem with our specific set-ups.

[Rikki]

Its something I hadnt even thought about myself (or noticed since I was using closed back Sennheiser HD200's) :)

I think my next "test" is to rig up two ATR35s' for an interview, one on myself and one of the interviewee with the feeds for each going to the seperate channels on the stereo input. Then I can muck around with them in psuedo multi track fashion later on at home.

R

[eugenehug]

I have a video monitor setup using the RCA cable. I have a connector that plugs into the RCA audio and hook up headphones... viola ! live sound to go w/ my video

[Skrytsson]

Hey guys, I have heard, from different sources, that when you have a external mic, like the Rode Video Mic, connected to the hv20 you also hear some kind of irritating hum. Have anyone of you heard that? Anyone who has a soundtest?

[Michael Hackney]

Hey guys, I have heard, from different sources, that when you have a external mic, like the Rode Video Mic, connected to the hv20 you also hear some kind of irritating hum. Have anyone of you heard that? Anyone who has a soundtest?

I've noticed that hum type noise. I need to record in a very quiet environment though, to see if it's still noticeable. Nothing that can't be fixed with some volume key frames in post, but wish not to have to worry about it in the first place.

[Rikki]

Did my first test with the Rode today at a car show, it was loud and the Rode did amazingly well. On std settings out of the box!

[Skrytsson]

I've noticed that hum type noise. I need to record in a very quiet environment though, to see if it's still noticeable. Nothing that can't be fixed with some volume key frames in post, but wish not to have to worry about it in the first place.

Ok! You use the NTSC-model? Could there be a difference, with the hum, between the PAL-model (wich I use) and the NTSC - just like the woobly image...
Well I have no idea right now... if´I should buy an external soundrecorder - like zoom h4 - or if I should spend the money on a Rode VideoMic (and connect it to my HV20).

Rikki - you haven't uploaded the test?, or anyone else that has done a test and uploaded it..?

[Rikki]

Ok! You use the NTSC-model? Could there be a difference, with the hum, between the PAL-model (wich I use) and the NTSC - just like the woobly image...
Well I have no idea right now... if´I should buy an external soundrecorder - like zoom h4 - or if I should spend the money on a Rode VideoMic (and connect it to my HV20).

Rikki - you haven't uploaded the test?, or anyone else that has done a test and uploaded it..?


Gimme a break dude, I posted that at nearly 1am British time LOL

I'll hack out some audio later on and post it up.

R

[Skrytsson]

Gimme a break dude, I posted that at nearly 1am British time LOL

I'll hack out some audio later on and post it up.

R

lol, sure. Here in Sweden it was 2am :P Sorry if I stressed you. Look forward to the test :)

[VaNdaL]

Its as satisfactory an answer as was requested.

"How, step by step, if you guys could tell me, would one set up the mic? How do I make it use the vidmic instead of the onboard one? How do i set it so my head phones are not delayed?"

Step one:
Plug it in to the MIC socket

Step two:
Turn on the Videomic

Seriously, its that simple.

The delay you are now going on about, well hate to break it to you but the delay is there for the on board mic, the Rode Videomic and the Audio Technica ATR35s - give it a bash, plug in your 'phones and make a pop noise with your mouth, plug in the Videomic and do the same. Make a sharp noise so the attack is pronounced and there isnt any sustain or reverb. It will become very clear.

Its the same delay factor probably brought on by the onboard processing system, hence why its advised to use closed back headphones so you dont hear the original sound and are ONLY listening to the sound passing through the system.

You may have noticed that the image that appears on the LCD and viewfinder is ALSO delayed. There is no way to fix that either.

R


I noticed the delay in the video early on when I got this cam (though using high shutter speeds should solve this problem). What if I were to use an external mic like the Rode with the HV20 and record a live music show, will the video and audio actually synch up well or would it be intolerable?

[Rikki]

Its recorded in sync, it just displays on the LCD / viewfinder and on the phones with a slight delay due to having the signals all processed and not being a true live preview.