Location sound with a Sennheiser 416 / Sound Devices 702t

[Sword in Hand]

I've been filming these weekly blogs and use an MKH416 for the sound (sometimes in a Rycote zeppelin). Listening to the clips do you find the sound to be good. Are there any tricks to improve the sound later in post (compression gate eq settings). I've read a lot about music recording and mixing, but want learn more about location sound. These were all recorded directly into my Canon XH-A1. I do have a Sound Devices 702t, but for these I don't really have the time to sync in post.

MySpace.com - Circle the Square - Ventura, California - Rock / Experimental - www.myspace.com/circlethesquareband

Scroll down to the youtube video player.

[Sword in Hand]

Bump

[Roland]

You probably find that levels are a problem, usually you would use a SQN mixer and apply some compression/limiting to give yourself a more even level to the camera. Make sure the camera's ALC (automatic level control) circuit is turned off as this can have an adverse effect on sound quality.

Regards


Roland

[Sword in Hand]

Thanks Roland.


What is an SQN Mixer?

[huub]

SQN and sounddevices make little battery powered mixers (eng mixers) that you would normally use to get your mic(s) to line level, and apply limiting, hipass filtering and/or phase reverse.. eng stands for electronic news gathering..

[PlugHead]

Originally Posted by Sword in Hand

I've been filming these weekly blogs and use an MKH416 for the sound (sometimes in a Rycote zeppelin). Listening to the clips do you find the sound to be good. Are there any tricks to improve the sound later in post (compression gate eq settings). I've read a lot about music recording and mixing, but want learn more about location sound. These were all recorded directly into my Canon XH-A1. I do have a Sound Devices 702t, but for these I don't really have the time to sync in post.

MySpace.com - Circle the Square - Ventura, California - Rock / Experimental - www.myspace.com/circlethesquareband

Scroll down to the youtube video player.

IME,

Feed the 416 into the 702T's and use it's outputs (either line or digital) to feed the camera, regardless of whether or not you record audio to it. It will be leagues better than the stock pre's on the camera.

Also, if you have little experience with a boom pole, get more experience. There is a 'sweet spot' to booming any voice - find optimal positioning for capturing the voice - usually above the talent, and focused very close to the mouth, tho a bit in front can also be best for clarity.

I just listened to a brief clip on your blog - sounds pretty good, so good work so far...

Hope this helps,