Comments on: Photographers Need to Take Audio More Seriously

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:34:47 +0000

In reply to Jay Crihfield. Only use it if you're using more than one recording source (e.g. the built-in mic and a second or third connected mic).

By: Jay Crihfield

Jay Crihfield — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:31:46 +0000

In reply to Ron Dawson. Thanks Ron, sounds like I need to give the 4CH mode a try now!

By: Josh Ferdaszewski

Josh Ferdaszewski — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 18:13:32 +0000

I love my H4n! The movies I made with my DSLR before I got it and a shotgun mic have so many audio issues.

Also one of the best things about using a good mic with a “dead cat” windscreen is explaining what it is doing on top of your DSLR. “It’s a handle, my hands are really sensitive so I need the extra padding.”

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 11:50:53 +0000

In reply to Adam Grumbo. That's why I'm here. To serve and defend. :)

By: Adam Grumbo

Adam Grumbo — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 05:49:18 +0000

Thanks for the audio fade transitions tip. I will use that.

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 02:49:25 +0000

In reply to Jay crihfield. I use the Stereo mode if I'm only recording through one main input (the built in mic or a connected mic). I'll use the 4CH mode if I'm using both. Never have had a need for the MTR mode.

By: Jay crihfield

Jay crihfield — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 02:26:30 +0000

Quick question….what mode do you shoot your h4n in? Stereo or MTR? I like the idea of being able to use the “effects” with the MTR mode, but a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, ya know?

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:41:14 +0000

In reply to Ryan Burney. That is a great suggestion Ryan. Thanks. There are a lot of products out there actually. Maybe some other people will chime in with more.

By: Ryan Burney

Ryan Burney — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:36:44 +0000

Thanks for posting this, Ron. Nothing kills a good video like amateurish audio, and we all know that photographers don’t like being called that.

Another great software package for cleaning up audio tracks (up to a L/R pair) is Sony’s Sound Forge. Less than a hundred bucks and includes everything most people will ever need, and a really nice dynamics processor – just like you’re sitting there with a compressor/limiter and noise gate. This is what I’ve been using for years to clean up mine.