Remember when I said that my camera was old and might be showing its age at any moment? We might have just rocketed past that point.
I just spent all day recording the live footage for two reviews: Street Fighter 2010 and Terror TRAX, and the sound is completely unusable. It’s just gone. All you can hear is static, with my voice only barely audible, as if I were shouting through a snowstorm. It’s a complete waste, and I can’t use any of it.
Now, I’m not an idiot. The days of the old brain lapses of not turning on the lavalier pack or plugging in cables are well behind me. I do a sound check every time I set up the camera now just to make sure this sort of thing doesn’t happen, and I did it this time, too. But it still went wrong.
I’ll try to explain what happened. A while back, I recorded my vlog on “Drag Me To Hell” and noticed the same thing, that the sound was static despite the sound check. I did another check and found that, for some reason, the connection between my XLR microphone input and the camera had gotten fouled up, so I re-set the connections and cables and everything seemed to work properly again. But the same thing seems to have happened again today. At some point between my sound check and pressing the record button on the camera, the microphone connection went kaput. I simply had no reason to doubt that the sound was bad.
I’m not sure what to do now. I’d hate to write the camera off as a loss, but this is probably a sign that I need to start shopping around for a new one sooner rather than later. I suppose the best thing to do is to just re-record the reviews, but I don’t think I can use my high-quality microphone from now on, considering that the XLR input is acting tetchy. I’m going to be stuck using the onboard camera mic, and it’s going to sound like crap.
At any rate, I’m too tired and pissed off to try recording it all over again today. I’m really sorry about all this, but you’ll probably have to wait a little longer before I can get you the updates I promised. In light of this, I’ll start working on Ripper and SWAT 4 until I can figure out a way to reliably use my camera.
Edit: It’s definitely got something to do with the camera’s “accessory shoe.” Both the XLR accessory and the shotgun mic had a ton of interference. I played around with them both for a while when suddenly…it works again. That actually makes me more nervous about the whole thing than having it reliably fail. Don’t know what’s causing it.
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No i don’t accept your apologise! There is NO excuse for what you have done! That is so un-fucking-believable. Stop making your equipment responsible!! jk ^^
Really no worry keep your good work up..and we all know it’s worth waiting for ;)
If you are looking for a new camcorder, try a Sony HDR-HD1. It’s high-def, reliable, and affordable! You can also find it’s cousin, the HDR-A1U (?). It comes with XLR ports.
Awww, too bad, was really looking forward for something new with Spoony. Specially the Lets Play’s …
Watching Spoony playing is like …. uh, watching Spoony play. It’s fun.
I prefer ya use the inbuilt if that means we’re getting a video faster ;) Might sound weird though, I assume you use the ultramega-awesome-super-dooper-fancy-pantsy (C) Mic when you’re at the computer and voiceovers the game :P
Oooor, use your computer-mic and record the sound on the computer and merge the video later … OK, I’d rather spend all my money on a new cam myself. Weheeey, look who’s overtired and can’t stop typing!
Record audio to the computer, and sync it in post.
Although I think SWAT4 is some of your best stuff, so I’m perfectly happy “settling” for that. :)
Two minds, same thought xD
However, if he really DOES do that, you can bet the comments will get spammed with “OUT OF SYNC DAMMIT” if it’s not spot on the 1/1000 of a second.
Yeah, you know you’re out there people.
When you have to re-review something like Terror TRAX, do you acknowledge that you already know all of it, or do you use the same lines you did the first time? I guess then you have to act… as yourself. Huh.
This might sound odd, but would it be possible to ADR the dialogue? There’s tons of recording software available, as I’m sure you’re well aware, and it might be hard to sync everything up, but at least it wouldn’t be a complete waste. Or it could be a complete headache. Maybe it’s a dumb suggestion.
Just have a back-up recording device for audio. Then at least you can use audio directly from the device or
at least if you came up with some awesome jokes, now you won’t forget about them.
Regarding noise reduction, I was thinking of some kind of wavelet reduction technique – I know they’ve had some success with detecting seismic activity through a lot of background noise. I don’t know if it would come out sounding at all natural though.
You’re the first person besides myself I’ve seen use the word “tetchy” in a reeeeeaalllyyy long time. (It’s such a great word! Why does nobody use it?!)
Blame gremlins.
Well shit
my laptop power cord causes interferance when i have it pluged into the same wall jack as my sound board. I dont know why but i can’t have them pluged into the same power source or i get completely staticy and unusable audio.
damn, well your more persistent than i am. when something like that happens i tend to slip into an alcohol induced coma.
@ Sifer2: Read the entry again. Spoony DID check his equipment.
Hang in there. It’s a real shame, I loved the previous TRAX. But I’ll wait like a nice little fan.
Sorry to hear, Spoony. As someone suggested, any way you could just record the audio separately and add it into the video during editing so your entire day isn’t wasted?
Is it possible to use two audio sources, like your high-quality mic AND the on-board mic or another source, so you always have a backup audio stream in case something goes wrong. I’m pretty sure we’re all satisfied with a lower quality audio instead of nothing at all :)
I feel your pain, things like that make me want to chew my own foot off.
Sorry to hear about this, so frustrating for you Spoony. Nothing must kill interest in something more than that.
Maybe it’s a damaged wire? You could try your hand at soldering together a replacement out of cat5 or something.
Why doesn’t he just record the audio on a computer and then just add that audio track to the video recorded on the camera? Besides almost all recording software has those really nice red-green bars that show noise levels so you can tell it’s just static that’s recording.
You probably don’t have cash lying around but if you do you might want to consider getting a portable digital audio recorder if the current setup is still acting wonky. Something like a Zoom H4n which is a pretty nice unit that can do a bit of everything audio-wise and is about $350.
@TotallyUninspired
Because he needs it to look like he’s talking rather than voice-overing himself. He’s not talking game footage here, he’s talking proper filming
Yeah, you could use some other device than camera as a backup audio recorder when filming stuff. If camera audio doesn’t work you’d still have some other source of audio to sync with video.
sorry about your tech problems. i’d help but i’m not really educated in that stuff. no problems waiting for more videos at least.
It is possible that the connection port on the camera has become lose. That is, the solder connection to the board is broken, causing the connection to not be consistent. I’ve dealt with that problem at lot in headphones, car instrument panels, and computers. The only things I like about this problem is that it’s cheap and easy to fix.
This could be anything from a solder connection, to a connection cable wearing out, to simple corrosion on the contacts. I’ve never taken apart an XLR, but I have repaired other DV camcorders and there’s a few possible hangups with any given model. First thing I’d look for is the service manuals for both the device itself and the accessories, then I’d spray the contacts directly down with some automotive contact cleaner (it’s designed to dry fast and not harm electronics). If all else fails, take the unit apart CAREFULLY and start checking connections and leads.
Just remember: camcorders can be landmines to take apart, and you can’t manhandle them. If you have any doubts it’s not worth turning a simple problem into a wasted piece of equipment.
That sucks, a lot. I hope you solve this problem real soon, I’m really looking forward to all those new episodes.
Good luck, Spoony.
I feel your pain Spoony. I hate doing things twice. Even more so after losing the original material or getting it rendered useless.
I had to do I very similar thing last week and it didn’t turn out to be as the original product was.
In my humble, world renowned opinion, it might have something to do with one of the plastic or metal parts on your light recording machine. I am fairly certain of this. try moving around one of the parts, or using a piece of metal to fix another piece of metal. That should work. Your Friend, Internet Engineer
Spoony my man, the only solution is to film a little bit at a time and then checking it out to see if it worked…
Perhaps you could just dub over the video, or throw on subs though re-dubbing it would be more interesting, it’d be like how they’d put together some movies, yes even some American films had to be dubbed over for better sound quality. I’m looking forward to more Swat, great commentary in that playthrough!
ffffffffffffffffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-
Spoony, just buy a new one man. A good HQ one would be around $50 – $100.
You can always dub yourself.
It would be a revolucion!
You just can’t catch a break, can you?
I think i might have a temporary solution, until you sort out the XLR input into the camera. If there’s a way that you can hook your microphone up to your computer via XLR (be it mini-mixing desk, DI box or converter or whatever) then record the audio within Cubase or Audacity, you can still film on the camera – and during the editing process sync up the audio recording with the video. It’s a slightly longer process than recording the video and the audio within the same file, but it’s what i’d recommend if you don’t fancy forking out the cash for a new camera.
It’s just a suggestion. It’s a shame how off-putting it can be when an enormous fuck-up like this happens, but I wish you the best of luck in finding a solution.
Perhaps cables are damaged?
Yes, I agree with Wagner Paiva, you really should check your stuff between takes – and while it check out how take turned out.
Too bad man. Hope you get it fixed soon.
Hey Spoony,
Why don’t you just plug your mic to an audio interface and record the sound directly into the computer? After that you’ll only have to sync the audio with camera take and replace the audio tracks. I mean, if your camera is still good to recording the video, there’s no need to replace it.
May the machine spirits hear your voice! try asking your friendly neighbourhood techpriest
Sorry to hear about your camera troubles, Noah. You don’t have to apologize, we all understand the camera troubles. Don’t feel that you need to rush your projects, we would rather wait until everything’s good to go before you start your work. I would be a little suspicious too about using the camera and recording the sound.
Someone said that we should start a “camera fund.” That’s a good idea. Hopefully, once I get my next paycheck, you can expect a donation from me.
Spoony,
I notice your camera is a Sony PD-100. I have the same camera, dodgy XLR accessory and all, and I have a solution!
On the side of your camera, there is a red 1/8 inch mic input labeled “mic (plug-in power)”. Now while you might be able to get by with an el-cheapo mic plugged directly into that input, your best bet would be to get an XLR adapter from Beachtek. It’s a small box that mounts underneath the camera. It accepts XLR professional mics and plugs into the 1/8 mini jack. The Beachtek DXA6A is ideal if your mic uses 48V phantom power, but is kinda pricey at $309 from B&H Photo Video. However, if you’re on a budget and don’t require phantom power, then go for the DXA4 for $180. They work like a charm and are much cheaper than buying a new camera. Let me know what you think.
Spoony gets almost 100 comments in a day because his cam broke (condolences) and the WARRIOR gets 0 comments in two months when he directly asks his ‘fans’ a question on his blog… Poor WARRIOR =(
Dammit Spoony! Why do you suck so much!?!?
that sucks royally!
well ill be willing to wait a little longer for the reviews.
quality not quantity right! =)
Sounds a good idea for a T-shirt. Spoony the Gathering with Noah holding up a victorious camcorder atop a pile of other various camcorders. Just a thought. Good luck in your “Hunt the Camarumpus.” Let’s hope it ends more successful than the Wumpus hunt.
Thanks for the memo!
I Heart Spoony!
Hey Spoony dont give up! We NEED you!
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