Better audio recording tips for DSLR filming. - DSLR Film NOOB

http://www.dslrfilmnoob.com/
Recording audio can be one of the most important things you can do for your work. One of the first things I recommend for new DSLR shooters is an XLR splitter:
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=dfn0c-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00...

By splitting the audio output of your microphone, you can record 2 different volume levels at the same time. This is very handy if you don't have time or the extra help running your field recorder. If one audio level peaks you can always switch to the second channel audio in post.

Another Very handy item is the Zoom h4n remote control:
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=dfn0c-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00...
This gives you a very basic audio read out and allows you to start and stop the zoom h4n with out having to reach forward and operate it. I recommend adding Velcro to the back of your remote so that it can be mounted on or near your camera.

Equipment used in this video:
Canon 7d & t2i
Canon 35mm f1.4
Lilliput field monitor
CPM film tools mounting parts
Sennhieser G2 Wireless mic system

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Audio
• Tips
• DSLR
• filming
• zoom
• h4n
• h1
• HDSLR
• 1080p
• 720p
• Field
• recorder
• canon
• 7d
• 60d
• T2i
• FILM
• NOOB

[Vertigokev]

Hey I like your idea of using a Y cable for staggering two different channels but I'm confused about how you're doing that on the H4n. What mode do you have it in? Is it in Stereo mode or 4Channel or MultiTrack? If you wouldn't mind walking me through your set up on the H4n I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[onelonedork]

@Vertigokev If you upgrade your Zoom H4n to the latest firmware version. You'll be able to adjust the levels on channel 1 and channel 2 interdependently. I have a video on it.

[stacy6903]

(con't): Maybe something like an ART MP Pro (and velcro) could fix the problem, but I have yet to try tha(just ordered a very good hypercardioid for indoor recording to try all this on - the AT4053b). Have you had similar experience with degradation. Any degradation from using the Y-split XLR cable (someone told me it might be more prone to degradation than a passive adaptor box, but I'd rather use a small cable too).

[onelonedork]

@stacy6903 If I'm recording very subtle sounds I usually use the Y cable with a field recorder that has better pre amps, mainly the fostex fr2 with the oade Super MOD. If you're having problems with a weak input signal, you might want to take a look at something like the Juicedlink CX211. I'm guessing it has cleaner gain then the Art you mentioned and it's probably a better form factor. You'll probably see better results with the AT4053b, it has a very strong signal if I remember right.

[tko741]

Thanks dude! Just picked up the H4n, love it. About to pick up a few of these gadgets to go along with it. "Like" button pressed.

[onelonedork]

@tko741 Rock!

[BebopVox]

Great as always for helping with tips. Got a splitter myself now

[IPOXstudios]

What mic are you using for this particular video? Is it the H4n? Or is it a different mic? Sounds pretty good and I'm looking for a good video mic like this. Thanks, and keep the awesome videos coming :)

[zZsmithXx]

What were you using to record sound in this video?

[mcspargeslarg]

This seems like a good idea but I tend to just turn on mono mix and then put a general comp on. Never really had too much trouble but this is a smart idea.

[rs8342]

Hey is it possible to have a mic double adapter, so i can plug two mics into one input? I'am new to this kind of stuff so i have a feeling that it wont work but can you PLEASE help me. Thanks

[yoclay]

@kdwantsasnack

Yeh, sure why even bother looking at visuals? Why not just go back to radio? Who needs the cinema and television and youtube? Heck, let's just poke each other's eyes out right now.

[blossombogart2]

I just subscribed...mainly just to see the end of all your vids....it makes me laugh....

[lindoselectronics]

Check out our new microphones, preamp, accessories and camera adapters for recording music videos with high quality audio. Connects to an H4n, Tascam, sound-card etc. or direct to a DSLR using one of our adapters that ensure that minimum noise will be added by the camera and that you'll get proper bass on your recordings - check out a demo video at lindos.co.uk. On-Camera mics also available.

[monstertunes]

Great Tip. I can't believe I've never thought of this... and I've owned the H4n for 2 years.

[Diefordethklok333]

Split the signal... simple but extremely effective!