• 4GB Flash
• Built-in rechargerable battery
• Charging via USB interface
• Recorder works up to 8 hours
• Record Format: WAV
• Sampling rate: 48HZ
• 58mm x 21mm x 8mm

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111045219452

I'd like to record the audio on 2 separate (!) audio channels (Mic left, wireless right), directly in to the camera (GH4) If a audio backup is placed on a recorder that is even better.

For years I looked into stuff as the Zoom H6 / Tascam DR-100, etc. I like that the sound is recorded extra (as backup), but it is too much for a one mans show run 'n gun. I also don't want to sync in post. (as an editor will need to do that , and won't be happy with this) . I thought of the DR60, but it is big, complicated, bad batteries, etc. and I don't know if it can feed a stereo audio (separated) channel to the GH4?

So probably you'd suggest a Juiced Link / Beachtek preamp, because a pre amp is important, right?

But the GH4 pre amp (set to the lowest -12) is okay right? So I'd only need to get both channels in the camera. I found the Beachtek MCC-2, and didn't see anything here on the site.

What's your thought? Will this work for my purpose? Or is this not reconmended for a 'pro' . The money isn't the biggest issue, but the 'easy handy workflow' is.

My Pros: - no batteries, small, 3 hot shoes, (receiver, mic, light) - perhaps possible to put below the camera - cheap

Cons: - Would a pre amp be much better? - Mini jack vs (balanced?) XLR (would that be much better)

I also have a sennheiser shotgun with XLR, but it is quite big for the GH4. As the VMP already has 3.5 and sennheiser wireless also has that cable, that seems more logical (and smaller).

Thing is, I recently got a nice lapel mike that works great. Now, I'm thinking of trying that recorder trick again-- and since the recorders and mikes are very cheap, I could buy six or seven pairs, attach them to a play's actors, put the recorders in their pockets, and get really good soundtracks that I could mix while editing.

But it'd require mini-recorders that recorded at the proper rates. Are there any mini-recorders that work well with video?

http://www.seelectronics.com/promic-laser

It is made by Olympus, called ME52W

Plugs right in, no cables. The sound isn't stellar, but way better than the internal mics. Not to shabby for 13 bucks.

Also doubles a a lav mic in noisy/windy situations. Comes with cable, tie clip and foam cap.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000MYPPPE?pc_redir=1414421918&robot_redir=1

When it comes to video outputs, the Interface Unit provides four BNC connectors - two 3G-SDI capable and two HD-SDI capable. It outputs quad-link SDI 4K video in 4:2:2 10-bit, dual-link 4:2:2 10-bit 1080p up to 60 fps, or four simultaneous 1080p streams up to 30 fps - all with timecode. The Interface Unit also has a BNC connector for timecode input, and converts the GH4's micro HDMI output to a full-sized HDMI output. For power, a 4-pin XLR 12VDC input is available.

Please note: When using 4:2:2/10-bit output, simultaneous video recording to an SDHC/SDXC memory card in the DMC-GH4 is not possible.

Product Highlights

• 2x Monaural XLR Inputs
• Line/Mic Level Switch & Phantom Power
• Audio Level Display Monitor
• 2x 3G-SDI Capable BNC Connectors
• 2x HD-SDI Capable BNC Connectors
• Quad-Link SDI Output for 4:2:2/10-Bit 4K
• HDMI Output
• Timecode In
• 12VDC 4-Pin XLR Power Input

• Two Neutrik combo XLR / ¼” connectors
• Unbalanced stereo mini-plug jack for connection to the camera
• Built-in headphone amplifier with volume control
• Switchable 12V/OFF/48V phantom power for both channels

http://beachtek.com/dxa-slr-ultra/

Price wise (I understand this can soak up all I am willing to throw at it) I have been looking at the Earthworks qtc40/50 Mics but would prefer to spend a bit less (around £500/$800) for the mic especially if I need a new recorder.. I have also been researching portable dat recorders which seem to have a good frequency response, but not sure if old tech is a good option? Analog tone?

It would also be nice if I could use the sound kit with the GH4 too..

If I need a new recorder and mic I'd like to keep it around £1200 - £1500 ($2000-$2500) for both.. It would be great to get some input from others as over six months of research has still left me confused about the right kit to go for to get the best quality on a budget, thanks :)

Matt

Via: http://www.pronews.jp/news/1309191730.html

that a good choice for monitoring sound on the gh4? also will probably be using them on my pc as well.

thanks for any advice.

SWAMP X-USB - XLR to USB Audio Interface This simple yet ingenious device provides all the features of larger USB audio interfaces at a fraction of the cost, and saves a great deal of space too! Don't let your home studio become cluttered with pre-amps and USB interfaces, when you could do it all with a device smaller than your fist. Velcro straps allow you to attach it to a mic stand, so you won't even know it's there!

Monitor while you Record Featuring a 3.5mm headphone output, this device allows you to monitor (hear) yourself whilst recording. Plus allowing you to playback a pre-recorded track while you are recording another over the top. Adjust the playback/monitor ratio easily with the centre dial, and the output volume with the bottom dial. This is functionality required for professional home studio's and comes at a fraction of the cost with the X-USB.

iPad Compatible - Professional Recording on the Move! We have just tested the SWAMP X-USB audio interface with a iPad version 4, and have found that it works seemlessly with both dynamic and condenser mics. A 'camera connection kit' is required to enable a regular USB cable to be inserted into the iPad. The X-USB preamp is stong enough to push 0dB of signal to the iPad input, and as with a computer, the signal is totally noiseless. Now you can record professional audio on the go.

Phantom Power 48V The X-USB even supplies 48V phantom power at the touch of a button, so you can use condenser mics to get that professional studio quality sound anywhere you go. It supplies this phantom power from the computer ir iPad through the USB connection, so no batteries needed.

All this combined with plug and play compatibility with both Windows and Mac, means it has never been easier to plug in and record anytime, anywhere.

Included:

1x X-USB XLR to USB Preamp / Audio Interface 1x USB cable Specifications:

Resolution: 16bit A/D Converter, XLR to USB 44.1kHz/48kHz Sampling Rate 48V Phantom Power and Switch Adjustable Gain Adjustable Headphones Monitoring out LED Indicator USB Powered Signal Boost Gain: +20dB Plug and Play with Win2000, XP, Vista, Windows7, Windows8 Compatible with all MAC OSX Details

$69.99 Aussie dollars

Big advantage is very sturdy construction and battery providing power (as most HDSLRs do not provide power for electret mikes).

Very good for the price.

Check additional details and price.

http://www.ixymic.com/

The RØDE iXY is the ultimate recording microphone for iPhone® or iPad®. With up to 24-bit/96k* recording and on-board high-fidelity A/D conversion, your iXY recordings are rich, smooth and accurate. At the heart of the iXY is a matched pair of ½” cardioid condenser capsules, fixed in a perfect 90 degree ‘near-coincident’ alignment. This results in immersive and true-to-life stereo recordings, captured in incredibly high detail. The iXY is supplied with a foam windshield for outdoor recording as well as a reinforced protective zip case to ensure your iXY is available whenever you need it.

The mic sports the required 3.5mm jack cable, mic holder,cable holder, lock ring, tripod/hot shoe mount, mini plug 2m cable extender, windjammer and case. Its very easy to put together and you'll be up and shooting within minutes. After mounting and plugging in the 3.5mm jack the unit is powered once you switch on the GH3.

Use the audio mic menus on the GH3 to switch between the following setups:-

• [Shotgun] Allows recording from one direction by shutting out background and surrounding noise.

• [Stereo] Allows normal stereo recording over a wide area.

The windjammer can be fitted to the MS2 to knock out unwanted wind noise and very effective it is too. You can further reduce noise by selecting [Wind Cut] on the GH3. Mount the microphone either on top of the camera with the supplied hot shoe (which Panasonic believe is designed to sit at the best height for run and gun! - around 2 inches off the top of camera) or use the extension cable and mount it to a tripod of its own.

Be careful not to use the the GH3's in-built flash when the mic is attached to the top of the camera - don't want any nasty surprises!

Please find attached images of the mic and the response charts to the GH3 in-built settings.

Summary: A very capable little condenser mic that is pretty accurate in both shotgun mode - knocking out surrounding sounds in the stereo field whilst concentrating on the cameras direct line of sight. Its also offers a much better recording of the full stereo field in Stereo mode against the internal mic of the GH3. But let you be the judge - watch a test video on vimeo here (pretty much most of the sound is unedited straight from the MS2);-

The only drawback is probably price - for the same amount (£280 in the UK) - one can buy a Zoom or second hand Rode etc...

Price: $2.22 or more

Specifications:

• Frequency Range : 30Hz~15000Hz
• Impedance : 2.2K Ohm.
• Sensitivity : -52dB±5dB.
• Plugging : 3.5mm.
• Length of cable: 2m.

Normal sound quality and sturdy construction.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380555926825

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hands-Free-Clip-On-Mini-Lapel-Microphone-Plug-for-PC-Laptop-Notebook-AES16-/330710500935

• Modular Mic and Input System
• Includes XY Microphone Module
• Four Simultaneous Inputs
• Uses SD Memory Cards
• Compatible with H6 Mic Modules

Not available yet at :-)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1026852-REG/zoom_h5_handy_recorder.html

Get Rode Boompole, get the Blimp, mount your mike and you are set.

I suggest to use ebay, as many sellers sell it for less than retail pricing :-)

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=rode%20blimp&_sacat=0&_clu=2&_fcid=168&_localstpos&_stpos&gbr=1

Like $199 :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rode-BLIMP-Complete-Winscreen-Mounting-System-for-Rode-NTG-Shotgun-Mics-L-K-/251099806564

Despite claims about demo units, usually they are fully packed and never opened. Seems to be method to overcome retail price controls :-)

'BBC says "issues with sound levels" marred its adaptation of Jamaica Inn, with many viewers forced to turn on the subtitles.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/10779638/Jamaica-Inn-incoherent-mumbling-ruins-BBC-drama.html

The sound check (by ear) was very good in the configurations that did not use the Sennheissers. The Sennheissers introduced their typical noise. When pre amps from the Sony PCM-M10 recorder, or the sennheissers are used, set the camera level to one click above off. The Sony M10 has cleaner sound than many larger and more expensive recorders, and is 1/4 the size. The best sound recorded to the camera was obtained by going through the M10. Having 3.5mm connectors makes it a bit more fragile. I suggest using all right angle connectors.

I found that the lavs with power supplies directly connected through the Azden Cam-3 mixer was clean enough for speech, although it does depend on the pre amps of the camera you are using which typically has some noise on the floor. I used Countryman B6's. They are one of my favorite lavs. The sound quality is excellent and they are so small I can push them through button holes. That way they are virtually invisible, and I do not have to contend with clothing ruffling. I advocate not using transmitters whenever possible such as sit down interviews. If you are fortunate to have Lectros wireless, then there is no noise issue.

What is very cool is using the mixer connected directly to the camera. The entire sound kit fits in a pocket. The miniature boom mic is a "Que Audio DSLR-Video Microphone Kit"

I did a bit more testing and it looks like some noise is being introduced by the lav power supplies. The unit itself only supplies power and has a passive volume control. My guess is that it is the 4 meter cable which is probably low quality. I will shorten the cables and report back.

I tested the mic power supplies and found almost no difference with them in, or out. I am concluding that they are not a significant noise contributer, although I still think think the cables are not very good, and i will replace them with higher quality. The cases snap open and it looks like an easy fix.