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I tested my vocals on this camcorder:

http://www.amazon.c…"]Amazon.com: Sony HDR-FX1 3-CCD HDV High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom: Camera & Photo[/]="http://www.amazon.c…"]Amazon.com: Sony HDR-FX1 3-CCD HDV High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom: Camera & Photo[/]

When I tested, the vocals sound very crisp and clear like a Neumann U87, but precompressed in the recording.

The only downfall, when I set it to DV, it records at 48k at 16 Bit, but I don't hear any vocal difference.

Do you recommend that I use this camcorder as a vocal mic, and later transfer it to my PC and add it into my project?

Or is it better to buy a stationary recording kit, that is a thousand dollar mic, with a thousand dollar pre and D/A converter?

My friend told me that any mic (even my 40 dollar MXL 990 and AKG 8000S) is professional enough for recording vocals for a Pop Track.

Comments

hueseph Sat, 11/20/2010 - 19:26

Somehow I highly doubt the mic on that camera is even remotely close to a U87 valued the same cost of that camera on it's own. The reason you don't hear a difference in the sound quality I would have to assume, is that the bit depth and sample rate of the audio don't change. Only the resolution of the video. The HD is the video resolution only.

hueseph Sat, 11/20/2010 - 19:38

I don't know. It's probably valued at around the same price as the mxl and maybe a little more than the akg. Is this for youtube or something? It's always a good idea to record audio separately and sync the two later. Make sure your audio is recorded at the same framerate as your video. Always 16 bit 48k.

On another note you spent $3000+ on the camera, why not invest a little more on a decent mic?

anonymous Sun, 11/21/2010 - 01:13

why not invest a little more on a decent mic?

^ because I didn't buy this camera, I am currently living in a remote location which the equipment I am using is free. There are no mics that are good quality.

Uhh, I tried recording using an MXL 990 and the AKG 8000S, and the quality of my voice is bad. However, when I record using the camera, it sounds very nice and compressed, meaning I can hear the highs and lows of my voice.

I am just using the Mic, 100 dollar PreSonus Pre Amp, and then a interface. Thats all. I tried compressing and I have no idea to make my vocals sound like the camcorder one.

Do you want me to share links of the recorded voice?

hueseph Sun, 11/21/2010 - 06:36

Use what sounds best to your ears. If you did end up using one of the mics there are some rules of thumb.

1: Keep between 4 to 6 inches even as far as 10 inches if necessary to prevent any chance of excessive pops.

2: Use a pop filter. Use a wind screen when out doors.

Compression isn't always a good thing. I would bet that one of the things that makes your camera mic sound better is that you can't kiss it when you're using it. Whereas a mic on a stand gets close to your mouth very easily.

There's nothing wrong with using the camera mic. If it sounds better than what you have, use it.

BTW, you didn't mention what interface.

anonymous Sun, 11/21/2010 - 11:00

This is the amp I bought:

[[url=http://[/URL]="http://pro-audio.mu…"]Buy PreSonus TUBEPre Microphone Preamp | Microphone Preamps | Musician's Friend[/]="http://pro-audio.mu…"]Buy PreSonus TUBEPre Microphone Preamp | Microphone Preamps | Musician's Friend[/]

It came with the MXL 990.

The thing is, I was told that I should get a better mic for vocal recording, if I am making quality music. That is, music that will future recordings. Personally, I don't hear a difference between the Neuman U87 when I went to the studio and recorded. My voice though, has a boxy bass feel when I use the MXL 990 and the AKG 8000S, but I can just EQ that and it sounds almost the same.

The video camera projects my voice, so it sounds more pro and well done. I tried compressing and EQing the others and I am not sure how to get the one in the video camera, which sounds more like a recording, together with an almost Neumann feel.

Do you think I should consider investing on a more modern mic, such as a mic thats around a 400 dollar range?

EDIT:

Sorry, you mean't Interface, I mis read your information.

I am using a Delta 1010LT.

hueseph Sun, 11/21/2010 - 12:04

Think about this. When you are recording through the camera, where is the mic? When you are using one of the other mics where do you have it? This probably has more to do with your sound than anything.

Make sure you are going into one of the line inputs on the 1010LT. That means, you will need a 1/4" to rca adapter.

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