True Sereo? « Videomaker Community Forums

nobody
Member

Okay, this is what I am wanting to do...

I want to have two microphones. One set up on the right side of my project, and one on the left. How would I go about getting their signals mixed, so that I can input it into my camcorder's 1/4" jack, with the one being left, and the other being the right? NOT the two mixed together into a single stream. Would this require Stereo or mono mics? Or does it even matter?

Also, I wouldnt want to do that all the time, so is there a mixer I could get that would have that as an option? Any reccomendations on particular Mixers? Particular Mics?

Also, Does anyone know of any more good video boards? This is a good one, I was just wondering if there were anymore out there.

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

I have never seen a camcorder with a 1/4" Ext. Mic. jack? They have all been 1/8" stereo (TRS) jacks. What model camcorder do you have? If it can record stereo then it must have a stereo mic jack? Stereo mics usually come with a stereo (TRS) plug. If you want to run separate mono mics then Beachtek makes a nice 2-channel mixer just for that purpose. There are 2 other companies that also make them and they all advertise in Videomaker magazine. Priced from $130 - $200+. These mixers have both balanced XLR connectors and unbalanced line level and mic level jacks. These are made for exactly what you want to do. They can mount between your camcorder and the tripod or hang from your belt.

Dave

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

Sorry. I meant to put 1/8". And I have a Trv-33. I have been looking at different 2-channel mixers, right now I am leaning towards the Beachtek DXA-4P. Mainly because it is the only one that I have found that does what I want. Any other sugestions?

Also, I have been looking for mics, and found some that may be good from a musician's friend magazine. Would the mic type vary if I ordered it from a music store or a video store?

Just incase you are familiar with the mic it is the PVi2 Dynamic Mic. $29.99 through Musician's Friend. I had a friend who is a good musician reccomend it.

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

That should be a good mixer. I don't have one yet but that is the one I would get also. I buy most of my audio stuff from Musicians Friend or AMS. They are both good.

I see that is a Peavy mic. which I know nothing about. I use mostly Shure SM57 and SM545 for room sounds and SM58 for vocals. That certainly is a good price and it even includes an XLR cable. They don't say how long but you can extend them with any standard balanced mic cable or several cables hooked together. You could probably go 200' feet you needed to? You certainly aren't out much if you are not satisfied with the quality of that mic. Most quality mics run up around the $100 mark, without a cable so I have to wonder how good it will sound. But if a friend is using them, give them a try. You will need a couple of mic stands also.

Dave

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

I've been looking through my musician's Friend magazine, and see the SM57. Are you happy with that for room sounds? I was thinking of maybe getting that one more for sounds and maybe the PG58 (Shure, also) for sounds and vocals. Right now the documentary that I am working doesnt have that much voice. (it will come later) I am just wanting to focus on the sweet sounds of it. So you would reccomend the SM57? I couldnt find the SM545. Thanks for all your help.

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

The SM57 is intended to use on acoustic instruments but they work great for stereo room sound also. I like to put 2 of them on a grand piano (one near the treble end and the other near the bass end, for great piano stereo.

My memory probably failed me on the 545's. I have had a pair of them for 20 years and I don't think Shure makes them any more? But I think I was wrong about the SM part? They might be SD545? They are packed away in the garage and I am too lazy to go out in the cold and take a look at them. I don't think you can buy them any more, anyway?

I have never used the PG58 but it is probably fine. It only costs half as much as the SM58. I know the vocalists that I work with, only want to use SM58's. They have better ears than me. My only problem with them is they are constantly getting stolen. Everybody wants to steal my SM58's. I have to keep them under lock and key or the walk off, never to be seen again. At $100 a pop, that ain't funny.

Dave

Posted 8 years ago #