Here’s a quick and inexpensive way to trick the automatic gain control (AGC) in a DSLR from increasing the volume during the quiet parts of your recording.
It only works on cameras like the Canon 7D and T2i which have a microphone input. Also, the AGC function is just one reason the audio recorded on these cameras is less than great.
Pro audio recorders capture the sound in high resolution. Meaning that they use high sample rates and more bits per sample to capture a more accurate version of the sound. DSLR cameras use moderate sample rates with much fewer bits per sample.
What this means is that the audio may sound okay until you start to work with it in post production. Then, just like a poor quality video image, you’ll find you can’t do much with it.
So, give this trick a try to improve the quality of the audio recorded in your DSLR HD camera. And, if you’re out to make a film that you want to be as good as possible, spend the time and money to capture the sound with a professional microphone and recorder.
Yes, you have to lock the second audio track to your video in post but the results are well worth the effort.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I tried this out following your directions on my T2i, and it doesn’t work. Maybe the T2i is different from the 7d? For whatever reason, when I plug in the radio shack splitter, nothing works plugged into it – neither the mic nor my iphone playing the tone. I just get a scratchy hissing sound.
Dan,
If it’s not working on anything it could be a bad splitter. Maybe check with Radio Shack to see it it works on anything there and replace it.
I’ve got a T2i on order. I’ll try it out and let you know.
Anyone else try this on a T2i?
I figured it out: I wasn’t using mono cables running from my iPhone to the splitter. With a mono cable, it works great. Same is true from the mic – it needs to be hooked up with a mono cable upstream from the splitter (the cable supplied with my Sennheiser Wireless G3 doesn’t work because it’s a stereo cable).
Great, thanks for getting back to us. Let us know if this improves the audio on your T2i.
-a-
this is bull
One man’s trash is another’s treasure…
I’m firmly in the dual audio camp even though I have a T3i with manual audio controls. But some people have found this technique useful.
-a-
{ 3 trackbacks }