How can i record line-in on my Handycam??

mynamesnotdave

Hi,

I have a Sony Handycam (similar to the HC40E- i can't remember the exact model number), and I'm filming my friends gig on Thursday.
I want to bypass the inbuilt mike and capture a line-in from the mixing desk but its not a simple as I thought.
I can't see an obvious way of simply plugging in a line-in???
Does anyone know what leads I need or if this is even possible.

Thanks

movieman

You can probably get some gizmo to convert from line-level signals to mike-level signals and feed it into the external mike socket if you have one. Otherwise you may have to record seperately and then sync the sound and video together on your computer.

mynamesnotdave

Yeah, I'll guess i'll record it to mini disc and then add it after...its just a ball ache...
Thanks though

movieman

You can probably blame the French: they had a tarrif imposed across the EU in the 80s on VCRs, which means that a camcorder which can record external video through the line inputs costs about 20% more than one which can't. I don't know of any camcorders which can record from the audio line inputs without being able to record video as well.

Minidisk should be fine, but as you say, it'll be a pain.

mynamesnotdave

movieman wrote:

You can probably blame the French: they had a tarrif imposed across the EU in the 80s on VCRs, which means that a camcorder which can record external video through the line inputs costs about 20% more than one which can't. I don't know of any camcorders which can record from the audio line inputs without being able to record video as well.

Minidisk should be fine, but as you say, it'll be a pain.

I read something similar when i purchased the camcorder. I then realised I had bought the more expensive one :mad:

xplo5iv

You might be able to turn down the signal from the desk to low enough so as to capture it via the mic socket...then again you might not! If you do try it, make sure you test it properly before you end up with a tape full of clipping whenever they play really loud!
Don't forget to mike up the drum kit properly. (Sorry if that's patronising, not meant to be)

Jonathan