>DEZI wrote
>>>I have a Sony TRV9 digital camcorder. I video lots of jazz musicians
>>>in the studio, rehersals ect.
>>>Also if anyone knows a good microphone to buy I am starting to think
>>>about that and don't know what to look for.

>I answered
>>Except for drop-out rate, you should see or hear no
>>differences with different Mini-DV tapes in either the
>>picture or the sound... The TRV-9 internal mic system is
>>VERY noisy - an external mic (or mic system) is essential
>>with this camcorder. Good sound recording of music is
>>a bit of an art, but you can start with something as simple
>>as a good on-camera stereo mic (or pair of mono shotgun
>>mics, pointed in very slightly different directions),
>>to a full mixed multi-mic set-up. I recommend trying a good
>>stereo on-camera mic first (mount it on a side handle, or
>>on a bracket that lifts the mic above the camera shoe), if
>>you want to keep things simple. All the mics I use need
>>EQ'ing during editing to sound good except my Canon ZM-100,
>>but it requires the addition of an external battery pack
>>(which I made...) to work on the TRV-9. Next level: try
>>using a couple of Azden wireless systems - the mics sound
>>good (but can sometimes use EQ'ing), and can be placed
>>closer to the action for better sound and good stereo
>>spread. The mixer + good specialized instrumental mics
>>route can be very expensive, and good results depend on
>>having the experience and the ability to do this well.
>>David Ruether

On Wed, 24 Nov 1999 01:15:33 GMT, xtian@newsguy (Dezi) wrote:
>Thanks sooo much for the help I think I will start by looking for a
>good stereo on-camera mic with a bracket,like you sugested. It seemes
>the easiest. Do you think I need to buy a Sony mic if I have a Sony
>camera? Oh and about what price would a good one run? I would hate to
>defeat my purpose and end up with a cheap mic that does not improve
>the sound.
>Thanks again DEZI

Then I answered:)
Good cheap mics are hard to find (and the ones I use
generally need EQ when editing the video), but the various
offerings by Sony (can be powered by the camera...), Canon
(will need extermal power), Stenheiser, Audio Technica, etc.
will at least offer the advantage of reducing or eliminating
the horrendous TRV-9 camera whine captured with its built-in
mics. For about $300-350, you can get a pair of Azden
wireless mics with transmitters and receivers, a pair of
Stenheiser MKE-300's, a decent AT stereo mic, or probably a
few other possibilities. Buy from a dealer that will accept
returns, and try something... (I like the Canon ZM-100
[power is complicated], Azdens, and dual short Sony and
Stenheiser shotguns when I am hand-holding - but if you
don't trip over the wire, or are on a tripod, a wired mic[s]
placed close to the "action" could serve well...)
Experiment... (especially if you can borrow mics).