Epic-W audio issue

[emil_h]

Hey has anyone experienced a hissing noise in the audio when using a shotgun mic attached to the DSMC2 V-LOCK I/O EXPANDER? I didn't hear the hiss when using the internal mic on the camera, only when I use the module. I know it's not the module since when I placed placed it on a Raven I didn't hear the same hiss. I'm thinking its either the back connection of the EW or it's possibly a firmware issue?

Edit: Actually I think it's my module since I tried putting it onto my Raven again and I'm getting the same hissing on both cameras...

 

[Scot Yount]

I have had this. But it was on the base expander with the Element Technica gold mount module. Was intermittent. I was using an A-Box....clean most of the time...but the hiss almost sounded like analog wireless hiss, but I was using the Sennheiser AVX digital system..so not that.

 

[Giles Harvey]

Are you using the pre-amps? To get useable audio without the audio module you have to feed the audio in and set the level from the audio source. IE you cannot move the sliders from zero as the audio is unusable with shash. (same with Weapon)

Hope that helps

 

[Andy Maser]

While we're here, what's the lowest profile audio setup that works well with the Weapon bodies? What are folks doing for run & gun doc setups - IE an on-camera shotgun and a wireless lav? Or a boom mic and wireless lav for an interview. Is there some kind of really small external preamp (+ phantom?) that I don't know about?

The expanded sensitivity of the sensor definitely made some things easier for doc shooting, but the new audio system is a big step backwards.

 

[Brad Harris]

Hey has anyone experienced a hissing noise in the audio when using a shotgun mic attached to the DSMC2 V-LOCK I/O EXPANDER? I didn't hear the hiss when using the internal mic on the camera, only when I use the module. I know it's not the module since when I placed placed it on a Raven I didn't hear the same hiss. I'm thinking its either the back connection of the EW or it's possibly a firmware issue?

Hi Emil,

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you're experiencing with your DSMC2 V-Lock I/O Expander.

The Technical Support team at RED would like to help you resolve this issue. Please submit a Technical Support request on support.red.com and attach the log file from this camera. We will forward the log file information to our Engineers for further analysis.

 

[Giles Harvey]

I use a Zoom Hn4 and then line out into the camera. Leaving the levels at zero on the camera pre-amps and adjusting the zoom output and record on both. Gives you clean 4channel audio recorded separately and a guide track on camera. Most times I have a recordist who records locally. Also using cheap sennhieser wireless from a mixer adding guide to the camera is good. I looked at loads of pre-amps and in the end size and input leads you to the Zoom. I've added 15mm bar support so it is easily mounted on the rig

 

[Alexander Thomson]

Hey has anyone experienced a hissing noise in the audio when using a shotgun mic attached to the DSMC2 V-LOCK I/O EXPANDER? I didn't hear the hiss when using the internal mic on the camera, only when I use the module. I know it's not the module since when I placed placed it on a Raven I didn't hear the same hiss. I'm thinking its either the back connection of the EW or it's possibly a firmware issue?

FWIW, I've had MASSIVE hissing on the 3.5mm input and especially the 3.5mm output of my V-Lock I/O expander since I took delivery of my Raven in April. Via battery, or DC-In, same hiss.

I shoot dual system plus I've been insanely busy the past year, so I haven't bothered to send it in. Then again, I've heard other I/O and V-Lock I/O modules that have clean, very usable audio. I have an early copy of the module so that could be part of the reason.

YMMV.

 

[emil_h]

FWIW, I've had MASSIVE hissing on the 3.5mm input and especially the 3.5mm output of my V-Lock I/O expander since I took delivery of my Raven in April. Via battery, or DC-In, same hiss.

I shoot dual system plus I've been insanely busy the past year, so I haven't bothered to send it in. Then again, I've heard other I/O and V-Lock I/O modules that have clean, very usable audio. I have an early copy of the module so that could be part of the reason.

YMMV.

Actually I think it's my module since I tried putting it onto my Raven again and I'm getting the same hissing on both cameras...

 

[emil_h]

Are you using the pre-amps? To get useable audio without the audio module you have to feed the audio in and set the level from the audio source. IE you cannot move the sliders from zero as the audio is unusable with shash. (same with Weapon)

Hope that helps

Hmm is that something new? Specifically with the DSMC2 cameras bc I didn't have to do that on my old bodies...

 

[emil_h]

Hi Emil,

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you're experiencing with your DSMC2 V-Lock I/O Expander.

The Technical Support team at RED would like to help you resolve this issue. Please submit a Technical Support request on support.red.com and attach the log file from this camera. We will forward the log file information to our Engineers for further analysis.

Thanks Brad, I sent a ticket in. Please note that I believe it might be the module bc I'm having the same issue on both of my camera bodies...

 

[Andy Maser]

Thanks, Giles!

 

[Giles Harvey]

Hmm is that something new? Specifically with the DSMC2 cameras bc I didn't have to do that on my old bodies...

Yes the old dragon etc had a relatively good audio system albeit 1/4 inch jack which is a terrible input. Its very unlikely that its your module. I have had three now and no difference. The audio side of things has been completely left behind. Fine for big set scenario's, but if you need to go solo its a real headache. Phantom power is not possible when two channels share a common ground ie singular input on DSMC2. Its very disappointing

 

[emil_h]

Yes the old dragon etc had a relatively good audio system albeit 1/4 inch jack which is a terrible input. Its very unlikely that its your module. I have had three now and no difference. The audio side of things has been completely left behind. Fine for big set scenario's, but if you need to go solo its a real headache. Phantom power is not possible when two channels share a common ground ie singular input on DSMC2. Its very disappointing

Yeah idk since my friend has the same module and has no issues with his sound. Since my shotgun mic has a battery it doesn't need phantom power. Hopefully Red can give me an answer.

 

[Andy Maser]

I've been noticing hissing sound also. I second all of Giles thoughts--audio definitely regressed from the Epic brain. It's fine if you're working with a sound engineer and doing two system, but really disappointing if you hope to run your own audio into the camera. Makes the Epic-W a much less useful documentary tool. Guess there's always tradeoffs...

 

[steve green]

I had the same hissing issue on two Epic-W's. It turned out to be a problem with the Base Expanders. Sent them both back to Red, the replacements have been fine.

 

[Tommy Normann]

I have just tried using the new Beachtek DXA Alexa mini.Works great.
You have the option of phantom power and if only recording with one input source you could bracket two mono tracks and record one at a lower gain.
Can of course be mounted to camera in different ways.