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Home: Video University Forums: Teaching Video Production:
AUDIO LAVALIER QUESTION

famfilms
Novice

Sep 15, 2005, 3:52 PM

Post #1 of 4 (1481 views)
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AUDIO LAVALIER QUESTION	Can't Post

I am using a Sony minidisc recorder. I bought a really inexpensive $20 Azden lavalier and when I record sound, it only records in the L channel. It doesn't appear to be in stereo. Is this normal? Do most lavalier's only pick up in one channel or is there something I'm doing wrong. If anyone has a suggestion I would apprecriate it. thank you.

Phil Harris
Novice

Sep 15, 2005, 4:12 PM

Post #2 of 4 (1479 views)
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Re: [famfilms] AUDIO LAVALIER QUESTION [In reply to]	Can't Post

The mic may not have a stereo connector. Look at the mini connector. You will see three sections of silver on the connector - one at the base of the shaft, one on the lower end of the shaft and the third one is on the tip of the shaft. If you see three - it is probably a stereo mic. If you only see two, that might explain why you're getting a signal on only one channel.

Another thing to check is the manual for your camera. Is there a menu setting that will allow whatever is coming in on your mic connector to only go to one channel? Can you alter the menu to have audio record on both channels at the same time.
Phil Harris
Television Production Instructor
Fairfax Academy
3500 Old Lee Hwy.
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-219-2249

videobear
Veteran

Sep 15, 2005, 4:18 PM

Post #3 of 4 (1477 views)
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Re: [famfilms] AUDIO LAVALIER QUESTION [In reply to]	Can't Post

Most microphones are mono, unless you specifically buy a stereo mic. Even if they are wired to record to both left and right channels, you won't get a stereo sound field, just the same audio in both channels.

But that's not the issue, really...even a mono mic CAN record to both the left and right channels of a stereo recorder such as a minidisc. The issue is probably the plug. Sony mic jacks seem to be a little longer or shorter or something, and often when you plug in a third party 1/8" plug, it'll only connect to the left channel.

So, you COULD look for a compatible mic plug.

But the solution is really even simpler than that: just duplicate the left channel in post, or pan the audio to center, depending on your NLE software.

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

alolei
User

Oct 2, 2005, 4:57 AM

Post #4 of 4 (1382 views)
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Re: [videobear] AUDIO LAVALIER QUESTION [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi,

You can record on left channel and simply copy the left channel to the right in your editing program (i.e. Adobe Premiere...)
If your program doesn't allow it, donwnload the free program http://audacity.sourceforge.net/audacity.
It's easy with Audacity: split stereo channels (L/R); erase right; make L mono.

And you're done. I record 90% of my audio-stuff in that way.

Greetings,

Laurent

Greetings,

Laurent