Preamps & Microphone Tests
7 months ago
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35. Preamps & Microphone Tests
7 months ago
Just a "geek" test that I wanted to post for (hopefully) other people's benefit.
Here's the deal ...
I've been upgrading my audio production gear (I make audio book versions of the books I've written and such), and I've been researching preamps.
I recently purchased the Focusrite ISA One, and I because curious about what it would sound like run through my Canon HG10 camcorder.
I'm fairly new to video production, so I don't even know ... do professional videographers ever use external Pro-level audio preamps to improve their sound? (I'd appreciate it if anyone could let me know.)
PREAMP TESTS.
Here are those tests of the Focusrite. As you can hear, it certainly improved the audio quality on these clips.
As I said, I bought the Focusrite more for some audio work I am doing. I A/B'd the Focusrite against my Apogee Duet and found little difference, so I returned the Focusrite. (It's too bad I can't use the Apogee Duet through my camcorder ... it would be perfect!) Instead, I decided to invest in some higher performance microphones. I purchased a Neumann TLM 103 and a Rode Classic microphone.
MICROPHONE TESTS.
I tested the Rode Classic through the Juicedlink as well as straight into the HG10 using an XLR to 3.5 mm cord. I didn't have phantom power for the TLM 103, so I couldn't test it with the HG10. (Hopefully I'll be able to do that in the future.)
I really love the Juicedlink for audio recording, so I was surprised how much better the Rode Classic sounded when run straight through the camera. (Of course, this may also be due to the fact that I have very little idea what I'm doing. I'm going to contact the very smart guy who makes Juicedlinks and see what he thinks.)
Why am I doing all this? I'm interested in shooting some video of interviews and I'm trying to figure out the best way to capture the highest quality audio.
In any event, I hope this video helps anyone who might be wondering about running an external preamp through their camcorder.
Here's the deal ...
I've been upgrading my audio production gear (I make audio book versions of the books I've written and such), and I've been researching preamps.
I recently purchased the Focusrite ISA One, and I because curious about what it would sound like run through my Canon HG10 camcorder.
I'm fairly new to video production, so I don't even know ... do professional videographers ever use external Pro-level audio preamps to improve their sound? (I'd appreciate it if anyone could let me know.)
PREAMP TESTS.
Here are those tests of the Focusrite. As you can hear, it certainly improved the audio quality on these clips.
As I said, I bought the Focusrite more for some audio work I am doing. I A/B'd the Focusrite against my Apogee Duet and found little difference, so I returned the Focusrite. (It's too bad I can't use the Apogee Duet through my camcorder ... it would be perfect!) Instead, I decided to invest in some higher performance microphones. I purchased a Neumann TLM 103 and a Rode Classic microphone.
MICROPHONE TESTS.
I tested the Rode Classic through the Juicedlink as well as straight into the HG10 using an XLR to 3.5 mm cord. I didn't have phantom power for the TLM 103, so I couldn't test it with the HG10. (Hopefully I'll be able to do that in the future.)
I really love the Juicedlink for audio recording, so I was surprised how much better the Rode Classic sounded when run straight through the camera. (Of course, this may also be due to the fact that I have very little idea what I'm doing. I'm going to contact the very smart guy who makes Juicedlinks and see what he thinks.)
Why am I doing all this? I'm interested in shooting some video of interviews and I'm trying to figure out the best way to capture the highest quality audio.
In any event, I hope this video helps anyone who might be wondering about running an external preamp through their camcorder.
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- yes, pros used pre-amps all the time, and semipros even more so (when the camcorder doesn't have levels on it)
- the buzz with the first NT3 test is 60Hz groundloop hum, but, yea, who knows where it came from
- the NT3 is a hypercarioid, so it's not terribly great for two-person interviews, since it needs to be pointed at the subject - an omni would be better
Thanks for posting the test - there's no substitute for hands-on direct comparisons and I really like these tests.
A friend of mine thought I was being a complete geek by posting this. That may still be the case, but I know that I love (love!) equipment reviews on YouTube and Vimeo. I find video reviews to be very helpful for when I'm purchasing gear, so I like to return the favor to the video community when I have a chance.
I've never heard the NT3 hum like that ... so I'll chalk it up to user error (I had a lot of electronics plugged in the testing room that day, so that may have contributed to the hum).
The Rode Classic has an omni setting on it (it was on 'omni' for this test) ... I'm looking forward to trying it out for my next interview.
Cheers! :-)