Need Audio Recording Advice

Hi, I currently have a Wallstreet and am using a modified Plaintalk mic to preamp my Sure SM58 Beta mic. I'm getting a 12" 1.5 Powerbook soon and I'm aware that the audio input is line level. I'm looking at M-Audio's Audio Buddy and the Fast Track. Is the Fast Track USB Audio only? It does have line-level RCA outputs, but as I primarily use Digital Performer, which doesn't support USB Audio, I'm not sure if this is what I should use. I like the idea of using a USB-powered unit as opposed to an externally-powered unit, but I'm also worried that the Powerbook's USB may not be powerful enough to support the Fast Track. Audio Buddy looks simple and straightforward. Does anyone have any experience using these products? Thanks a lot! gregor

Hi,
Ideally, you'd have a field mixer for your audio that would have "peak limiters" on it. Shure makes some good ones, Sound Devices makes some better ones. Also, as mentioned before, a separate person to run audio is a big help if the budget allows (having to run camera is a big enough job by itself). If you can't do lavalier mics, then a good shotgun mic is essential. Note that I say a "good" one (usually starting around $300). Audio Technica and Sennheiser make very capable mics. Stay away from cheap mics if possible. They tend to be noisy and of very poor quality.
Depending on your setup, you can use a stereo mic with one side pointed at the interviewer and the other at the guest. Again, Audio Technica makes some very good ones. I've used this for interviews and even weddings with success.
If you do get a field mixer, try to monitor the audio coming from the camera after it goes to tape if at all possible (this will depend largely on your camera's output structure). This will give you the most accurate idea of what you're really getting...
Darth Brian
p.s. A little trick if you're just using one mic is to split the signal (left and right on your mixer) then set one side to where you think the levels are good. Set the other side a little bit lower for a safety margin. Now if somebody coughs, laughs too loud, or yells, you have the ability in post production to use the "quieter" track for that instant without having distortion or silence.

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  • External Hard Drive and Audio Recording Application

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    Couple questions. I do a lot of audio production and
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    That's why we are here, and that's why you ended up in this forum as well
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    Thanks for your time guys.
    You're welcome.

  • LE8 won't remember audio recording path (among other issues...)

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    For generic performance and trouble-shooting advice I’d like to recommend reading these:
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