Audio Quality Questions Can someone please verify if indeed there is an external microphone input and/or if an external microphone can be attached to the hot shoe adapter (I found conflicting information on web sites reviewing this product, and was not sure if the information applied to the HDC-TM90K or just the HDC-SD90)?Has anyone tested the audio quality for recording a loud live musical performance? In particular, does it have either good automatic audio level adjustment or does it allow manual audio level adjustment to avoid over saturation? Audio Quality Questions Can someone please verify if indeed there is an external microphone input and/or if an external microphone can be attached to the hot shoe adapter (I found conflicting... » Read More Audio Quality Questions Can someone please verify if indeed there is an external microphone input and/or if an external microphone can be attached to the hot shoe adapter (I found conflicting information on web sites reviewing this product, and was not sure if the information applied to the HDC-TM90K or just the HDC-SD90)?Has anyone tested the audio quality for recording a loud live musical performance? In particular, does it have either good automatic audio level adjustment or does it allow manual audio level adjustment to avoid over saturation? « Show Less
850532
Well, I decided to order this camcorder anyway early on Cyber-Monday when the price was slashed to $299. It just arrived, and it does have an external mic jack - yeah! By the way, the shoe is not powered, i.e. it is a cold shoe. I'll add an update about the audio quality after I get a chance to test it at a live performance.
850533
I love this camcorder!I've only used the "Intelligent Auto Mode", and have been very happy with the results. Even at a very loud concert near the speakers, the sound level automatically adjusted below over-saturation.I've also been very impressed with the optical image stabilization. But I will be ordering a handheld grip that screws into the tripod mount to make it more comfortable for long handheld recording sessions.
104578
Yes - I just bought one - got it on Friday, today's Sunday and I hear incessant camera noise and the unit itself just doesn't have loud enough playback. Haven't found a way to increase volume through the editing process.
1579289
This is a good unit; i've used it for many, many hours, and it performs. That said, I always use it with external mic-in, and not with the onboard mics. I've tried those, they work, but my overall advice with what every you buy is this; try it before you go, and I mean thoroughly. Record, know how to adjust the record volume and then listen to it, under the conditions you bought it for. If you're going to edit it (say, with Audacity) and then distribute it by MP3, then actually go through those steps and know what you will get. Been there, done that, this is good advice.
1046353
Avoid this item. Mine does not record audio. When I called the teck support for help, they told me that two different versions were shipped to Amazon consumers, one that works and one that requires an upgrade, in order to record video. It was very nice of them to tell so........... after they already got my payment. It's also not compatible with Android tablets and can only be programed with "Windows".
704975
From my experience the surround record mode works great, and u have all audio channels, to work with in video editing software, also there is a zoom feature that will shift audio forward, when zooming, and also a focus mode... guess it depends on the scene, and surrounding noise levels and what u plan on using it for.. external mic input ready aswell....
56945
I would be grateful if you could post how you did this a mic on your computer. I have now tried a couple of ways and as the other poster had said, it did not work. I plugged it into the mic jack on my laptop. I then tried recording with 1) Sound recorder (under Microsoft Accesories) and with 2) Audicity. For Auditicy, I verified it could record fine w/o the mic and made sure I had the source input for auditcity be a microphone. so it appears the other poster is correct - but if you know some trick, please post so the rest of us can use it! (or if you realize you were mistaken, it would help us to know that too.) Thanks much. I would be grateful if you could post how you did this a mic on your computer. I have now tried a couple of ways and as the other poster had said, it did not work. I plugged it into the mic jack on my laptop. I then tried recording with 1) Sound recorder (under Microsoft Accesories) and with 2) Audicity. For Auditicy, I verified it could record fine w/o the mic and made sure I had the source input for auditcity be a microphone. so it appears the other poster is correct - but if you know some trick, please post so the rest of us can use it! (or if you realize you were mistaken, it would help... » Read More I would be grateful if you could post how you did this a mic on your computer. I have now tried a couple of ways and as the other poster had said, it did not work. I plugged it into the mic jack on my laptop. I then tried recording with 1) Sound recorder (under Microsoft Accesories) and with 2) Audicity. For Auditicy, I verified it could record fine w/o the mic and made sure I had the source input for auditcity be a microphone. so it appears the other poster is correct - but if you know some trick, please post so the rest of us can use it! (or if you realize you were mistaken, it would help us to know that too.) Thanks much. « Show Less
1008329
From my understanding, there were noticeable upgrades from the g15 video compared to the g16. I've never recorded a concert, but I have recorded a jam session in a pub in Glasgow as well as the organ playing at the Kelvingrove museum. The sound quality is better than any compact camera I've ever used. Very clear, crisp and true in my opinion. My main issue is it picks up wind when recording outdoors... But I believe that's common with the built in microphones in most cameras... I am also bummed that the hotshoe does not support microphones because the camera itself does not have an audio import Jack... Which would've made it perfect in my opinion... Other than that, the sound quality is really good when recording indoors and on still days outdoors. A side note, I imagine if you are going to concerts with really loud bass and beats (like rock concerts or the like)... I think most cameras will distort sound in general because of the high decibels going on. You'd probably need a proper camera with a proper microphone connected to it to get clean sound in a loud environment like a rock concert. But for something like an orchestra, I think it will be just fine.
1631303
I have done many interviews with both of my x920s, and have had no problems. If you have concerns, use an additional audio recorder, and then simply synch the music with the video. I always have a separate audio recording, just in case....although, as I said, I haven't had any problems with internal noise.
109436
well I was looking at your Owner Manual of this Camcorder right Now!! 1-11-2015 8:38pm Miami time do not see the shoe hookup on this the dcr-sr68 Camcorder Mine is a Sony DCR810 and does have the Shoe hookup to Attach that Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Microphone the audio clarity is Great this one is Actually used and design for Interviewing People not good to Record live bands wana Record Live Bands and Performances can use the Sony ECM-HST1 Stereo Microphone I own Both Items works well back to your dcr-sr68 does not look that it has the shoe hookup look at your Owner Manual on your Camcorder if any thing or questions email @ voyage176@gmail.com ;) :) well I was looking at your Owner Manual of this Camcorder right Now!! 1-11-2015 8:38pm Miami time do not see the shoe hookup on this the dcr-sr68 Camcorder Mine is a Sony DCR810 and does have the Shoe hookup to Attach that Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Microphone the audio clarity is Great this one is Actually used and design for Interviewing People not good to Record live bands wana Record Live Bands and Performances can use the Sony ECM-HST1 Stereo Microphone I own Both Items works well back to your dcr-sr68 does not look that it has the shoe hookup look at your Owner Manual on your Camcorder if... » Read More well I was looking at your Owner Manual of this Camcorder right Now!! 1-11-2015 8:38pm Miami time do not see the shoe hookup on this the dcr-sr68 Camcorder Mine is a Sony DCR810 and does have the Shoe hookup to Attach that Sony ECM-HGZ1 Shotgun Microphone the audio clarity is Great this one is Actually used and design for Interviewing People not good to Record live bands wana Record Live Bands and Performances can use the Sony ECM-HST1 Stereo Microphone I own Both Items works well back to your dcr-sr68 does not look that it has the shoe hookup look at your Owner Manual on your Camcorder if any thing or questions email @ voyage176@gmail.com ;) :) « Show Less
1357322
Hey Candy, This microphone works with phantom power, so if you want connect it to your computer you are going to need a phantom to usb adapter such as Blue Icicle. Blue Icicle adapter is going to allow you to power your mic with your computer and record with any application or software of your preference after you set it up as your computer external mic. You can find this in amazing too. No cords come with the mic set, you only get the pair of microphones plus the microphone's holder for each one. MXL is a great brand and this pair will offer you an amazon sound quality, although, the problem with phantom powered microphones is that they are very sensitive to temperature. You are dealing with professional equipment, there for maintenance is important. If what you are looking for is a good quality usb microphone, i will recommend you to take a look at Blue. They build great usb powered microphones such as "the snowball. very portable, not too heavy, extremely durable and most importantly good sound quality. this lil guy comes with the stand a cord, ready to go. amazon prizes this product for $49.99 (half the prize of the MXL 550/551) If what you are looking for is good quality and portability, ready to go mic. I will recommend you to go for the Blue Snowball microphone. Great from home standard recording. Otherwise take a look at the blue icicle usb adapter to connect it to your computer. Good Luck!!!
1398347
From what I understand, there is no microphone input jack for this camera. I've had the camera for a while now and I've wondered if it had this feature. What kind of microphone do you use for your other cameras?
2037661
Ok...so...there is no simple answer to this question. If you just take this out of the box and expect a "live stream" setting of some sort you won't find one. But it is very possible to use this camera for this. First, a Google search DID turn results. So, if you need specifics, there's your starting place. This camera has an hdmi jack, so whatever you're recording can be broadcast to an external video display (a TV or a piece of equipment which streams it live over the Internet- like a capture or video card attached to a computer or some standalone equipment I'm sure exists). I don't know if that hdmi sends sound too. However, there are alternate hookups available. There is a yellow audio/video output for component cables. The Internet says this can be used for either audio out for headphones or for video out. But apparently not for both at the same time. Either way, there's people rigging this up successfully. Search around and be prepared for some adapters, software, and possibly hardware. There's no built in video server or anything fancy. Not sure if any cameras in the world have that. So, I think the appropriate answer is that this camera does everything that all other cameras do really, and seems to stream live rather than just play recorded over externals. Not sure if sound will come from one hookup or from multiple jacks/cords.
303594
Nooo, these device does not output audio to TV, It's the TV that sends out the audio either through its built-in speakers or through external speakers connected through mixer or home theater devices. If you can't increase volume on the tv, it has nothing to do with this device. Audio is great on anything hdmi this device is connected to. I just bought a second one for my freind and she loves it more than I do because she has better amp hook up than I do. It feels like we are at the movies when we watch movies at her place. That's not this device doing all that audio amplification, but her sophisticated audio set up that makes it feel like a movie theater. Check your Audio hookups! Nooo, these device does not output audio to TV, It's the TV that sends out the audio either through its built-in speakers or through external speakers connected through mixer or home theater devices. If you can't increase volume on the tv, it has nothing to do with this device. Audio is great on anything hdmi this device is connected to. I just bought a second one for my freind and she loves it more than I do because she has better amp hook up than I do. It feels like we are at the movies when we watch movies at her place. That's not this device doing all that audio amplification, but her... » Read More Nooo, these device does not output audio to TV, It's the TV that sends out the audio either through its built-in speakers or through external speakers connected through mixer or home theater devices. If you can't increase volume on the tv, it has nothing to do with this device. Audio is great on anything hdmi this device is connected to. I just bought a second one for my freind and she loves it more than I do because she has better amp hook up than I do. It feels like we are at the movies when we watch movies at her place. That's not this device doing all that audio amplification, but her sophisticated audio set up that makes it feel like a movie theater. Check your Audio hookups! « Show Less
849511
Hi Ronald C. I actually purchased the device for my son who is heading down the path of music and production as a career. I just asked him the question and he is pretty sure that this can't be done using the Tascam device. There is probably a way to do it externally on a computer using some kind of adhoc software package, but unfortunately the Portastudio itself doesn't seem to have the capacity to do what you want. Sorry. Regards, Bill A
1197115
For recording live music, I have used an external Zoom recorder which then fed the audio input of the GH3. Because the Zoom's levels were already hot, I had to turn down the sensitivity of the GH3 audio ins and also cut the output of the Zoom otherwise a nasty limiter effect from the GH3 would engage. With the GH3, be careful not to record too hot even with the on-board mics which are just OK. I also used a Stereo Video Mic Pro from Rode but did not use the +20 db setting as it would have been too hot. Bottom line, GH3 has plenty of it's own preamp gain so if using external mics, be careful of overloading your levels and turn down the GH3's sensitivity. For recording live music, I have used an external Zoom recorder which then fed the audio input of the GH3. Because the Zoom's levels were already hot, I had to turn down the sensitivity of the GH3 audio ins and also cut the output of the Zoom otherwise a nasty limiter effect from the GH3 would engage. With the GH3, be careful not to record too hot even with the on-board mics which are just OK. I also used a Stereo Video Mic Pro from Rode but did not use the +20 db setting as it would have been too hot. Bottom line, GH3 has plenty of it's own preamp gain so if using external mics, be careful... » Read More For recording live music, I have used an external Zoom recorder which then fed the audio input of the GH3. Because the Zoom's levels were already hot, I had to turn down the sensitivity of the GH3 audio ins and also cut the output of the Zoom otherwise a nasty limiter effect from the GH3 would engage. With the GH3, be careful not to record too hot even with the on-board mics which are just OK. I also used a Stereo Video Mic Pro from Rode but did not use the +20 db setting as it would have been too hot. Bottom line, GH3 has plenty of it's own preamp gain so if using external mics, be careful of overloading your levels and turn down the GH3's sensitivity. « Show Less
1271672
Hi SamuelWhy would you NOT pick the Zoom Q3?Because the Q3 doesn't have a proper manual level setting. It offers you Low, High and Auto. "Low" is 24 dB lower than "High", that's a big jump. "Auto" lowers the recording level when it needs to, but never raises it. Unfortunately, it doesn't put markers in the file to tell you when it lowered or how much it lowered, which makes it a bitch to correct the audio file for level changes. And if the applause after your first number is louder than your second number's going to be, you have to turn off the Q3 and start over.The Q3 can use the same wall-plug power unit as the H mics, but it's not included in the nice price. If none of this bugs you. its a really great machine. Hi SamuelWhy would you NOT pick the Zoom Q3?Because the Q3 doesn't have a proper manual level setting. It offers you Low, High and Auto. "Low" is 24 dB lower than "High", that's a big jump. "Auto" lowers the recording level when it needs to, but never raises it. Unfortunately, it doesn't put markers in the file to tell you when it lowered or how much it lowered, which makes it a bitch to correct the audio file for level changes. And if the applause after your first number is louder than your second number's going to be, you have to turn off... » Read More Hi SamuelWhy would you NOT pick the Zoom Q3?Because the Q3 doesn't have a proper manual level setting. It offers you Low, High and Auto. "Low" is 24 dB lower than "High", that's a big jump. "Auto" lowers the recording level when it needs to, but never raises it. Unfortunately, it doesn't put markers in the file to tell you when it lowered or how much it lowered, which makes it a bitch to correct the audio file for level changes. And if the applause after your first number is louder than your second number's going to be, you have to turn off the Q3 and start over.The Q3 can use the same wall-plug power unit as the H mics, but it's not included in the nice price. If none of this bugs you. its a really great machine. « Show Less
798718
I have tried recording two very loud events. My son is in a band (he's the drummer--what a coincidence). I recorded their last show and got terrible distortion in the audio. I have also recorded videos of model rockets launching. The larger motors are very loud and create a lot of distortion in the audio. I am pleased with the video and the audio is great for every-day noise levels, but I don't think will do what you want it to.