I want to record good audio/video of guitar & vocals on camcorder

chaucer

grahawk wrote: »

A decent external mic will always help but a single mic trying to pick up guitars and singing is never going to sound that good. It depends on what you consider acceptable.

Like I said not pro - just something that isn't too hissy or muddy....which is what I get from my in-built digital camera mic at the mo.

grahawk wrote: »

...I think some camcorders have stereo mic inputs which provide a small amount of power for plug in powered mics and this wouldn't work with a standard mic or the output from a mic mixer.

Not sure what you mean.

chaucer

timbim wrote: »

You really need to be spending over £1000 to get a camcorder with XLR inputs. Not worth doing through jack. I'd go down the interface route though.

Phew!

That's not even worth considering!


Please - does anyone else have a good recommendation for my needs??

Please.

Even a comment on making the camcorder I have been loaned usable would be appreciated.



Thank you.

£$&*"($£&(

chaucer wrote: »

Not sure what you mean.

There are different types of microphone and these require different inputs. Camcorders often have a microphone input for stereo micophones which require a small amount of power to make them work. Such an input could be inappropriate for other types of microphone.

Using a single microphone at distance is always going to sound quite muddy.

Laz123

Ok, get a firewire card (check to see if you have a slot; you should have; I had to fit one to my dell). Do some taping with the Sony and transfer to pc. Check out the quality of sound. If not as good as you want there is usually an input on the Sony to attach another mike (boom) then try again.
Audacity is a good freebie for audio editing but if you want anything better you'll have to pay. I have Magix Lab Deluxe 3.0 which I think I paid about £15 a few years back.

Taffybiker

chaucer wrote: »

Can I check from Control Panel?
Thanks

Open Device Manager and look for IEEE 1394. If it's there then you have firewire.

I would be very surprised if the Sony didn't sound a lot better than the Lumix.

If you don't need to move round very much have you considered plugging a mic straight into your PC? An omnidirectional type mic is best for recording, but keep the sound off or use headphones to avoid accoustic feedback (whistling).

timbim_2

For this sort of recording, from a single source, an omnidirectional is not at all the best. A standard cardioid would be best, to reduce pickup of sounds from behind the mic.

Taffybiker

timbim wrote: »

For this sort of recording, from a single source, an omnidirectional is not at all the best. A standard cardioid would be best, to reduce pickup of sounds from behind the mic.

Cardioid is very directional and less sensitive. It would be difficult to set up to achieve a good balance between guitar and voice. But you are correct in that omnidirectional will also record stray sounds.

chaucer

Taffybiker wrote: »

Open Device Manager and look for IEEE 1394. If it's there then you have firewire.

No - I don't - I was told today to check with Maplins to see if they stock them ... are they reasonable for price do you know?

Taffybiker wrote: »

I would be very surprised if the Sony didn't sound a lot better than the Lumix.

That's encouragement enough for me to try it thanks.

Taffybiker wrote: »

If you don't need to move round very much have you considered plugging a mic straight into your PC? An omnidirectional type mic is best for recording, but keep the sound off or use headphones to avoid accoustic feedback (whistling).

I have Audacity so will try that too - at least if the sony camcorder works I should be able to edit in movie maker which I can't with video from my Lumix camera

Taffybiker

chaucer wrote: »

No - I don't - I was told today to check with Maplins to see if they stock them ... are they reasonable for price do you know?

Maplins are not bad at pricing, but usually a search will uncover something cheaper.

chaucer

I wanted to thank every one that helped on this.
I have a solution that works now.
I installed a firewire card (bought with cable from Maplin ... I wanted the personal advice and reassurance from someone I could see and the option to return it easily if necessary).
The PC recognised the new card and uploaded drivers. The PC then recognised the camcorder and uploaded video footage.
Now I don't have to spend lots of money on a new camcorder so I have spent a little to save a lot.

:-)