Need Input/Experience on Video Reviews

[racerevlon]

I'm trying to transition from doing audio reviews to doing video reviews. I've purchased a couple different small, portable HD video recorders that record directly to SD. My problem is that what looks good on the preview window always shows up darker when I import the video clip into Windows 7--that's problem #1.

Problem #2 is where I need a little more assistance. In everyone's experience, is it better to use the condenser mic on the video camera to record the audio coming from the amp, or should I mic the amp separately and record the video, then record the audio, then try to sync the two in SONAR Studio 8.5?

HELP!!

Cheers,

Race

[racerevlon]

Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

[SonicProvocateur]

Ok....since video really isn't my big shebang racer, i'll try and comment more on #2. The way that people do video reviews on youtube is they record with an SM57 (or other choice mic, maybe add a condenser off axis for even better studio color sound) then record that with Sonar simultaneously while filming. Then take the video and sound file (from Sonar) and mix the two together with a program like Windows Movie Maker or something of the sort (or some other kind of movie editing program). The hard part is getting the video and sound file properly synced up.

Using the camera's onboard mic will have alot of tonal loss by comparison, or rather tonal coloring, possibly even clipping and compression. When combined with the compression algorhythms that happen when you upload a video to youtube or some other site (or just mix it with a video program) you also have sound quality/tone loss/change.

There's my $.02

[racerevlon]

Well, the beauty of SONAR (I've just upgraded to Producer 8.5) is that it does video as well, so if you import the video you've recorded simultaneously with the recordings INTO Sonar, they should be pretty darned close, I would think. You can nudge stuff around to try and get time codes matched.

Also, are people characteristically using higher-quality cameras, webcams, or little hand-helds like the Flip or Creative VADO?

Thanks for the input--I REALLY appreciate it.

Cheers,

Race

[SonicProvocateur]

Rad on the SONAR thing; I guess you're set on your program then. I'd just record with a good 'ole SM57 into your interface (I think you use a POD right?) and use a pure clean preamp for your reviews.

As for cameras, I think it's incredibly varied. Alot of people are stuck on older model handicams, and some people with cash have upgraded all the way to highdef stuff. Pretty much it's a fit of the bell-curve lol. My drummer just got us a high def Sony handheld unit with a hard drive to record our band's "stuff" and the audio from the built-in is pretty decent, but the video quality is EXCELLENT.

Bottom line, is you need to line out to an SM57 or condenser for real audio. The dithering coming from the built in diaphram is just not high quality enough for audiophilic standards.

Your total is now $0.04

[racerevlon]

Right now I have a Shure SM58, a Shure Beta 58, and an MXL 990. Which one (or combination) should I be using for the best sound?

Thanks! (Oh, and I'm OK with going to $0.06).

Cheers,

Race

[SonicProvocateur]

The 990 definitely. Even the beta 58 is going to be dark and a little murky since it's designed for live vocals and other applications really. You won't however need to cram the 990 up on the cab/amp like you would an SM57 or other dynamic mic though; you will have to give it a foot or better since it is a sensitive condenser. About 10*-15* off axis or so might sound about right for correct room color. MXLs are pretty flat sounding. A little on the dark side, but not too bad. You may try running the beta 58 on axis on the speaker and the 990 off axis a few feet into the room and mixing them together too... (I think you'll find the 58 is gonna be a little dark though)

The upshot is that when you talk during your reviews it will also come through crystal clear. Just do a couple of experiments for proper angle and distance; shouldn't take long to figure out where the mic/level/angle/gain needs to be.

Hope this helps!
-SonicTroubleMaker