X70 Audio Recording - Guide

A guide for setting up the X70 camera for external mic audio recording and use of boom mics

External Audio

Recording audio through the XLR handle attachment. Check the handle is attached securely - you might get intermittent audio if not.
Camera setting:- Menu > Audio Set > Mic Select > Auto or MI Shoe (auto will disable the internal mic)

If no mic attached, there should be no levels showing for each Channel on the flip out display of the camera

With the mic attached you should see the level moving for Channel 1 & 2 (depending on what additional settings you have chosen as explained later on this page)

Always connect headphones to the camera for monitoring.

If you are filming with both a camera operator and sound recordist, use a splitter connecting into the headphone socket which then allows both camera operator and sound recordist to monitor the sound with separate headphones.

To adjust headphone volume level:- Menu > Audio Set > Volume

Mic & Cable

RODE NTG MIC

This is a directional mic & therefore you should make sure it is facing towards the sound you are recording

XLR CABLE

Always check length of cable & that it will reach the distance you need to for your mic to be in the correct position
Keep cables tidy
Check cables for damage before you leave campus in case you need to swap for another cable

CONNECTING/DISCONNECTING MIC

Connect mic to Input1/Input2 by pressing the XLR cable straight into the input
Press release switch to remove cable from camera. DO NOT TRY TO PULL CONNECTOR straight from input, do not force!

Source Switch

Line = external audio device (e.g. mixer)

Mic = Dynamic mic or mic with built in power source (e.g. has own battery power)

Mic +48V = Phantom powered mic

Channel Record

One mic connected = ch1.ch2

Two separate mics connected = ch1

Stereo mic with two XLR connections = ch1

Attenuation

Turning the input signal down (generally used in loud locations)

Adjust before manual volume control

Be careful about reducing signal, ideally you want as strong a signal as possible

Recording Levels

Switch to Man for the channel you are using for manual control of audio being recorded

Auto can cause hunting

Use Audio Level dial to adjust the recording level

If recording to both channels, useful to set different levels, one at a lower level as a safety net

Low Cut Filter

Have switched on when wanting to minimize low frequency sounds (e.g. wind noise)

Removing loud/low noise before recording to disk

Boompole

Boompole is a separate piece of kit on SISO (remember for when booking kit)

To extend the boompole, work from bottom end turning right to loosen, extend & then turn left to tighten

Boom Mic Operation

Make sure XLR cable is always secure/safe & not causing a trip hazard (think risk assessment)

Be aware of your surroundings when operating the boom

Double check which way the mic is facing & that it is pointing in the right direction

Listen for any sound being created either by the cable moving or a faulty cable

Holding boom can be quite physical - especially if holding overhead, think about position

Written by FR/LA

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