Blackmagic Forum

Hi,
I have a question to Blackmagic. Do you plan to add any audio meters to your camera in the future?
I am looking for an external monitor and the need of audio meters function very limits my selection.
Thanks for your reply.

MIHI wrote:Hi,
I have a question to Blackmagic. Do you plan to add any audio meters to your camera in the future?
I am looking for an external monitor and the need of audio meters function very limits my selection.
Thanks for your reply.

Ultra scopes has an audio meter

Ultra Scopes doesn't work for many (most?) people. And good luck with your run and gunning with your attached pooter.

mhood wrote:Ultra Scopes doesn't work for many (most?) people. And good luck with your run and gunning with your attached pooter.

Just need a cart or an ambitious PA.

TZuck wrote:

mhood wrote:Ultra Scopes doesn't work for many (most?) people. And good luck with your run and gunning with your attached pooter.

Just need a cart or an ambitious PA.

...with a Mac.

On the other hand, if you use an external preamp/mixer with a good set of meters, you can calibrate the BMCC to the slate tone on the preamp and then use the preamp's meters. Meters on camera would still be a lot easier to work with when you don't have a dedicated sound team, but at least this way you can record audio on the BMCC without having it perpetually tethered to a computer.

mhood wrote:

TZuck wrote:

mhood wrote:Ultra Scopes doesn't work for many (most?) people. And good luck with your run and gunning with your attached pooter.

Just need a cart or an ambitious PA.

...with a Mac.

i've got a 15" retina macbook. otherwise can't you just get a field mixer to monitor your audio?

or what Tamerlin said while I was writing this.

TZuck wrote:i've got a 15" retina macbook. otherwise can't you just get a field mixer to monitor your audio?

or what Tamerlin said while I was writing this.

I got myself a Sound Devices MixPre-D... its meters rock. Now I just have to team it with a camera.

I like VUs on the camera.

Tamerlin wrote:I got myself a Sound Devices MixPre-D... its meters rock. Now I just have to team it with a camera.

Nice. I'm ordering just an Azden - FMX-22 Portable Field Mixer. not the top of the line mixer by any means but it will get it's job done on a budget.

TZuck wrote:

Tamerlin wrote:I got myself a Sound Devices MixPre-D... its meters rock. Now I just have to team it with a camera.

Nice. I'm ordering just an Azden - FMX-22 Portable Field Mixer. not the top of the line mixer by any means but it will get it's job done on a budget.

Based on the reviews I've seen for Azden's field mixers, I think you probably made a good choice. My choice is, if anything, overkill but odds are I'll be using it even after I upgrade my camera

My monitor (TVLogic) has audio meters - I like it very much when the meters are, where my eyes are during shooting, not at the back of my camera.

There is also a meter in Alphatrones viewfinder. But I am sure it will come in the touch screen in a future update.

I tried an Azden field mixer, and it was way too noisy for me.

I am still awaiting the release of audio meters in the camera. When I use the BMCC, I use the screen on the camera, even when handheld. I want meters there.

DNomer wrote:I tried an Azden field mixer, and it was way too noisy for me.

I am still awaiting the release of audio meters in the camera. When I use the BMCC, I use the screen on the camera, even when handheld. I want meters there.

usually mixers don't add noise. what microphone and cables were you using and were you messing with the gain?

Has anyone from blackmagic responded anywhere about the possibility of Audio meters being added in a (not to distant) future update? Is this something that is physical possible/impossible with this camera? There most of have been a reason it wasn't included previously? They've basically ruled out higher frame rate shooting for technically reasons, but I doubt this is the same situation.

I imagine it would effect everyone's budget for their audio gear.

TZuck wrote:

DNomer wrote:I tried an Azden field mixer, and it was way too noisy for me.

I am still awaiting the release of audio meters in the camera. When I use the BMCC, I use the screen on the camera, even when handheld. I want meters there.

usually mixers don't add noise. what microphone and cables were you using and were you messing with the gain?

Aside from the likely mid-low quality preamp, one place budget field mixers skimp on is the quality of phantom power. It also helps to know which mic/type you're using as well.

Jim DeLuca wrote:Has anyone from blackmagic responded anywhere about the possibility of Audio meters being added in a (not to distant) future update? Is this something that is physical possible/impossible with this camera? There most of have been a reason it wasn't included previously? They've basically ruled out higher frame rate shooting for technically reasons, but I doubt this is the same situation.

I imagine it would effect everyone's budget for their audio gear.

+1

Sorry for not keeping a close watch on this thread.

Mixers don't add noise? That would be nice. It depends on whose mixer we have under test. I fed the Azden field mixer with a nice high-level signal from my AT 4073a shotgun, which of course uses phantom power, and I heard clear noise at a normal level. I sent the mixer back. The noise was way too high for me. I like my preamps QUIET. I have been using that shotgun for years, and it is not the culprit. It works great with my JuicedLink preamp on the BMCC right now, although the 4073a is now my No. 2 shotgun.

I should add that I ordered that mixer and tested it by itself, before I had my BMCC.

I was going to add that ive used the Riggy Assist on the few days that i tested out the BMCC and it seems to work well and have a great SNR...