|
Don't
miss the April Family Legacy Video workshops! We're giving you four extra days
to sign up. |
April has arrived - which means it's time to spring into action if you
want to join in the fun and learning offered by our April video biography
workshops. We've got folks coming from Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, New
Jersey, Oklahoma
and Canada. They'll converge on Tucson from April 25-28 to learn hands-on video biography
production and business tips and
techniques from the pros at Family Legacy Video. We're extending our original
registration deadline from April 1 to April 5 to give you a little extra
time to join this terrific group. Here's what Family Legacy Video's
April workshops offer:
Create Your Own Video Biography (April 25-27): A comprehensive introduction to
the video biography production process. Steve is joined by video veterans Dan
Crapsi and Ginny Temple. You'll leave this three-day event with the
inspiration and information you need to start your own video biography project.
The Business of Video Biographies (April 28): Steve shares his experience
in the video bio business, answers your questions and helps you brainstorm
ideas for your personal history video business. Graphic designer Dan Blumenthal
shows how to create two keys to marketing success: a logo and a graphic identity
for your company.
Why attend a Family Legacy Video workshop?
Our workshops are unique - the only ones we know of that focus entirely
on the video biography process.
The workshops are comprehensive - leaving you with knowledge and hands-on
experience that will jumpstart your video biography hobby or business. And
we've added something new to this year's workshop: easy-to-learn Photoshop
skills to help you fix and colorize your old family photos!
The workshops are great fun - you'll have a blast learning professional
video biography tips and techniques AND you'll meet some terrific people in the
process.
Family Legacy Video workshops don't happen every day - our April workshops are currently the only ones scheduled for this year.
Like to learn more? You'll find complete information on the Family Legacy Video
Web site's workshop page.
One more thing - Tucson is a great place to visit in the spring. You'll find a
list of links to Tucson-area attractions at the bottom of the workshop page.
See you in April!
Top of page
|
How to
add professional audio to your consumer camcorder. |
Consumer
camcorders have their limitations when it comes to audio. Most have one stereo
audio track. Those camcorders that have a connection for an external microphone
can usually accommodate only one. And the output from mono microphones (most
external microphones you'll find are mono) is sent to only the left or right
channel of the stereo track. This means if you want the voice of your interview
subject to come out of both left and right speakers when you play your final
video, you'll need to copy the voice from one side of the track to the other
during your edit.
By contrast, professional cameras usually feature two separate microphone
inputs, which comes in handy when you want to record a conversation between two
people. Professional audio cables are sturdier than consumer audio cables. Pro
cables are also better shielded, which helps to keep unwanted noise, like radio
frequencies and electrical hum, from invading your interview. Professional audio
cables also have sturdy, three-pin connectors, called XLR connectors. XLR
connectors actually latch (that's what the "L" in "XLR" stands for) into the
camera inputs. This means you can't accidentally pull out the audio cable during
a recording - something that can happen with a consumer-style mini plug.
"Right," you say. "I'd love to use more professional audio gear. But my consumer
budget just won't allow me to buy a professional camera and the gear associated
with it. What do I do?"
The answer in two words: audio adapter.
An audio adapter contains two XLR inputs, line/mic switches and a
mono/stereo selector. It also features two volume controls as well as a
mini-jack where you can plug in a wireless microphone receiver. A short cable with a mini plug connects the output of the
adapter to the microphone input of your camera.
The adapter mounts on your tripod. You then mount your camera on the adapter.
An adapter is a great, low-cost option to "soup up" your camcorder's audio
capabilities. Companies like BeachTek make adapters for specific camera brands
as well as "one size fits all" models. BeachTek (http://www.beachtek.com/index.html)
currently advertises one such model, the DXA-2s Dual XLR Compact Adapter. A
quick search of BeachTek's site shows the DXA-2s retailing for $180. B&H Photo
Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/) offers the same unit for $179.95. Each
company also occasionally offers used units or floor models at discounted
prices.
By the way, if you chose to go the adapter route you're also going to need
professional audio cables. But if you can't afford professional microphones with
XLR connectors as well, don't despair. You can continue to use your lapel
microphone with the mini plug by purchasing an audio cable that has a female
mini connector at one end and a professional male XLR connector on the other.
You'll find such a cable made by a company called Comprehensive.
A 25-footer will cost you less than $20.
Top of page
