How good is the audio capture? I am looking for a good camcorder for recording live bands.
1541789
In terms of Audio quality, it's doing great and sensitive. Also you can buy "Sony AKA-LU1 Camcorder Cradle with LCD" which is really beneficial if you tend to use it as a camcorder, since it makes it easier to see what you are recording and capturing.
1541790
Honestly, its terrible. Any POV cam I have come across has terrible sound recording quality.
279703
Thanks for the reply. I'm not looking for studio quality, but just good enough to re-enjoy concerts. I've been using a Sony MD recorder, which is remarkable as long as I keep the volume under control. I'd also use it for acoustic group demo/critical listening, so it'll probably do OK for that. If all else fails in the concert area, I can keep using the minidiscs.Thanks again,Jim
1051669
Comparing with conventional camcorder, this recorder does capture amazing sound quality but very poorly with video. There's not much zooming and stabilization. It's okay when used on a stand and tape in close range (not more than 3 rows from the stage). On battery, not sure if it can work for 1.5 hours. You can connect with AC during the taping though (will need a long extension power cord). I plugged mine to a TV with HDMI and it works relatively easy (again great sound but hold your breath on the image). Files containing the recording will be huge, guess you can save it on larger SD card. Comparing with conventional camcorder, this recorder does capture amazing sound quality but very poorly with video. There's not much zooming and stabilization. It's okay when used on a stand and tape in close range (not more than 3 rows from the stage). On battery, not sure if it can work for 1.5 hours. You can connect with AC during the taping though (will need a long extension power cord). I plugged mine to a TV with HDMI and it works relatively easy (again great sound but hold your breath on the image). Files containing the recording will be huge, guess you can save it on larger SD card.
2177301
Audio recording is okay, not great. I don't use the audio recorded from this camera in what I do. I always replace it with music or audio from an other camera.
1640741
The default save to 'WAV' works very easily. I am using mine to transfer LPs to the computer. The turntable and amp is downstairs and the computer is upstairs. I am plugged into the tape out port of the amp and using the line in on the R-05. Save to MP3 and separate tracks when I am on the computer. As far as recording a band or live event, IF you can get a feed from the mixer output it is as easy as any other source. If you are trying to record live thru microphone(s) then it is fairly hard as the builtins are sensitive to wind and vibration. externals plugged in depend on the microphone.
1819177
Hi Veronica,Sorry I didn't respond any earlier.What kind of recordings are you looking to make? This mic has a rich and natural sound to it.I am happy to answer any questions you have.Looking forward to hearing form you.Regards,Samir
258553
I use it for external audio with my canon dslr's. The preamp in those cameras is pretty lousy, so expect mediocre sound quality. I use an external audio recorder for it and sync the audio in post. I use the H1 Zoom and get excellent audio quality. Definitely the recommended method of recording audio with those cameras. I love this audio technica set as well. Sounds really great.
557518
Juan.... I am a professional outdoor videographer. I have two CX160's as back up (B-Roll) cameras. They are fantastic especially in the field. I do not use them specifically for audio purposes. That is, I don't worry about attaching external microphones. My main camera is the NX30 which has XLR inputs and is much better for remote audio. But don't give up on the 160 simply because of the audio mini-jack. Youi might want to experiment around a bit with it if you really need to plug in any kind of external microphones. Your CX160 is a very inexpensive camera that rivals the big boys in video quality, bells and whistles. Danny J.
1870925
This is a great recorder, and it record in high quality... I think if you just want to record conversations, you could probably find a simpler recorder. I use that all the time as musician, because I can have a real notion of how I played listen to the recording that this thing make. Yes, if you just want record conversations, it is better to find a simpler recorder... :)
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I use it to record music classes. It is outstanding. Parameters need to be turned on so sound isn't too faint nor too saturated. Outside lectures can be difficult for any device but this will do it about as well as anything. Upon getting this I would suggest recording a TV show in your home, radio blasting from your stereo and talking. Learn how to optimize the recorder for various environments and it will pay off on your trip with flawless recordings. If that sounds too complex then get TASCAM DR-40 which can be set to record everything twice. One is called a "safety track" at a lower level so you're sure to have something. Buy a bunch of SD cards and an external hard drive to back up your work. I use it to record music classes. It is outstanding. Parameters need to be turned on so sound isn't too faint nor too saturated. Outside lectures can be difficult for any device but this will do it about as well as anything. Upon getting this I would suggest recording a TV show in your home, radio blasting from your stereo and talking. Learn how to optimize the recorder for various environments and it will pay off on your trip with flawless recordings. If that sounds too complex then get TASCAM DR-40 which can be set to record everything twice. One is called a "safety track" at a... » Read More I use it to record music classes. It is outstanding. Parameters need to be turned on so sound isn't too faint nor too saturated. Outside lectures can be difficult for any device but this will do it about as well as anything. Upon getting this I would suggest recording a TV show in your home, radio blasting from your stereo and talking. Learn how to optimize the recorder for various environments and it will pay off on your trip with flawless recordings. If that sounds too complex then get TASCAM DR-40 which can be set to record everything twice. One is called a "safety track" at a lower level so you're sure to have something. Buy a bunch of SD cards and an external hard drive to back up your work. « Show Less
1419038
What are you using this for? Mixers are for live performance, not the best way to record. The Alpha is a good VALUE but not the best, You buy this because it is 1/2 the price of the Persons or Focusrite interface
154400
The microphone capabilities are excellent! I was very surprised at how well this camera stands up to concert audio. It records concerts very well. For interviews, just be very careful to not cover the microphone which is on top, in the place you would normally hold a camera. I've been looking for a camera that doesn't have auto focus, or where that ca be disabled, and in my price range, I can't find anything else that has the same video & audio quality of this one. The only drawback to the camera is the very slow auto focus.
1918037
My experience is that it is a great recording mic. It was not meant for live performances as the design is sensitive to movement hence the rubber suspension holding mechanism to reduce vibrations. Good Luck.
1770761
Thanks again david.I remember reading some of the flash based camcorders record on .MOD files, which are somewhat hard to work with.This will be my first camcorder purchase in a long while (my last was a sony digital-8...), so your advice is well needed and appreciated.
971553
I love the mic. If the hotshoe doesnt power it the kit comes with battery. I use it on my canon 60d for shooting sports video. Great sound. I just added the tascam for better recording
550275
Well, this has really good built-in microphones. So, if you don't have a good mic to record with for the computer, then that is one major pro. Otherwise, this is a field recorder, so it is made to be taken to record audio on location or portably.
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I took it to a concert and recorded Kelly Clarkson doing two cover songs and she sounds almost as good on the recorded footage as she did live. The speakers from the stadium were slightly overpowering so I blame them for their being some "mechanical" sound added, but over it was great and the zoom was perfect. Video quality was amazingly clear on it as well. Haven't tried the wifi on it yet.