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Home: Video University Forums: Audio For Video:
H4n and a high school performance

 
 


Scott Brooks
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Apr 17, 2009, 2:01 PM

Post #1 of 8 (1054 views)
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H4n and a high school performance Can't Post
I mentioned this earlier in the H4n thread, but wanted to get some specific info directly related.

The high school always does their annual musical with about 10 actors with individual mics. Sometimes they have choir mics, but honestly I've never felt they had much affect.

In the past I've tapped into the board for one channel and setup a shotgun for the second. Mixing in post is always a bitch because the audio levels are all over the place. Usually it's an un-trained person just turning them on and off, so some are fine while others are over modulated ... and of course some are too low. Supposedly this year we have a real sound person.

IF I were to purchase the H4n in the next week ... what would be the best way to utilize it to get good audio without going over board. This isn't a big money maker for me, I'm usually there all performances, provide a feed to the dressing room and provide them with an archive of the performance.

  1. I could set up the Zoom about 6 inches higher than the apron of the stage and run a PZM to the other two inputs . The PZMs could be 1/2 way between the zoom and the edge of each side of the stage. From there I'm guessing I would need to send the signal to one track on the camera. What do I do with the other track ... take a feed from the board or set it up with a shotgun?
  2. Set up the Zoom the way outlined above, but do NOT send the feed to the camera. At the camera I take a board feed and shotgun on the second track. Once I throw in the additional audio I would need to sync it up throughout a 2 1/2 hour performance.
I know many here have all sorts of microphones at their disposal. I do not. I have 4 PZMs ... but now that I think about it ... I'm pretty sure they have directional microphone elements in them. I don't suppose that's good either. Maybe I'm just screwed on this one.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. (Just don't go overboard.)


Scott Brooks
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Apr 19, 2009, 4:15 PM

Post #2 of 8 (1018 views)
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Re: [Scott Brooks] H4n and a high school performance [In reply to] Can't Post
If anyone could comment on this setup I would appreciate it. The performances will begin the 29th.

Thanks


MLiebergot
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Apr 20, 2009, 7:39 AM

Post #3 of 8 (1008 views)
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Re: [Scott Brooks] H4n and a high school performance [In reply to] Can't Post
Scott your setup should be fine.

I would setup the H4n, near the apron and set your external mics to be plugged into your XLR ports. Then face out the H4n towards the audience and use the on board mics to record ambient audio. Record in 4-channel mode and then use the H4n's on board "Line Out" 1/8 port to send a wireless (4-channel mixed down feed. This does work as I tested it our last week, as the H4n will mix down all 4 channels into one mono channel sent wirelessly) feed to your camera into 1 channel only. Then if desired take another wireless and send a board feed to you cameras other XLR port.

Personally I would use a similar setup mounting the H4n on a mic send and use 2 Rode NT5 mics plugged into the XLR's and use the on board mics to record ambient audio.
Another method could be t send a board feed to the H4n in one of the channels and use a mic and the on board mics to record additional audio. Then send this feed wirelessly to one of your cameras.

When recording setup your H4n to use the Limiter function in the menu and set it to the "Concert" setting. This should control any sudden spikes that you might get. Especially when using the onbaord mics as they are pretty sensative.

Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro


Scott Brooks
Veteran

Apr 20, 2009, 7:56 AM

Post #4 of 8 (1007 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] H4n and a high school performance [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks for the response.

One other thing that I worry about is that the orchestra sets up directly in front of the stage, next to the apron. I'm a little concerned that the levels are going to be all over the place.

The two PZMs are Cardioid so maybe that would help a little bit ... or ... it helps because they're facing the stage. Just not sure.

I haven't purchased the unit yet, so I'm trying to work this all out before I make the final decision.

I'm going to reread everything in the H4n thread again and we'll see what makes sense.

Thank you!


DreamCapture
Novice


Apr 20, 2009, 4:32 PM

Post #5 of 8 (986 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] H4n and a high school performance [In reply to] Can't Post
Hey Michael.

I have question on this:

"Record in 4-channel mode and then use the H4n's on board "Line Out" 1/8 port to send a wireless (4-channel mixed down feed.)"

Are you using a stereo mini to mini cable for this? It seems that a lot of wireless transmitters have a mono/mic level input on them. Does your setup allow for a line level/stereo input? or are you using an attenuator in-line?

Ben


MLiebergot
Veteran


Apr 20, 2009, 5:49 PM

Post #6 of 8 (978 views)
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Re: [DreamCapture] H4n and a high school performance [In reply to] Can't Post
Quote
Hey Michael.

I have question on this:

"Record in 4-channel mode and then use the H4n's on board "Line Out" 1/8 port to send a wireless (4-channel mixed down feed.)"

Are you using a stereo mini to mini cable for this? It seems that a lot of wireless transmitters have a mono/mic level input on them. Does your setup allow for a line level/stereo input? or are you using an attenuator in-line?

Nope, I'm using the 1/8 mini plug cable that came with my Sennheiser G2 wireless, which I believe is a dual mono as the G2 is only setup to receive a mono signal.
I do have the receiver set to -24 db though to account for the hot feed.


Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro


DreamCapture
Novice


Apr 20, 2009, 7:10 PM

Post #7 of 8 (970 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] H4n and a high school performance [In reply to] Can't Post
Ok, that makes sense. Do you have the transmitter knocked down as well?

Thanks
Ben


MLiebergot
Veteran


Apr 20, 2009, 8:25 PM

Post #8 of 8 (963 views)
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Re: [DreamCapture] H4n and a high school performance [In reply to] Can't Post
Yes, I turned the transmitters sensitivity down to -20 or -30. This varies depending on the actual recorded source though. As some situations are hotter than others.

Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro