- Posts: 226
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2018 1:00 am
- Real Name: Stephen Fitzgerald
I also get disturbingly low audio levels via the 3.5mm input on my BMPCC4K and have found that it is not possible to record audio via the 3.5mm input at acceptable levels without using some sort of pre-amp.
In addition, the built-in camera mics also have very low recording levels and this source is not usable without being boosted in post.
I have tested the following audio configurations:
1) On-camera built in mics: Camera L/R input levels set to "100" with talent speaking into the mic on-axis from less than 1 meter away in a loud speaking voice does not exceed -18dB.
2) Rode VideoMicro mic (unpowered) plugged in via 3.5mm input set to L/R or MONO at mic level: Camera input levels to "100" with talent speaking into the mic on-axis from less than 1 meter away in a loud speaking voice does not exceed -18dB.
3) Rode Filmmaker Kit wireless lavalier mic via 3.5mm input set to mic, with Rode onboard pre-amp set to 0 dB, and camera input set to "100" with talent less than .5 meter away from mic using a loud speaking voice provides input levels that hover around -6dB. Increasing the onboard pre-amp of the Rode Filmmaker Kit wireless lavalier mic to +10dB or more provides more acceptable levels.
4) Mini-XLR input: Using this input with a Sennheiser MKH-416 P48 with the camera phantom power turned on provides levels that are acceptable.
In summary, it appears that use of an external pre-amp is required for audio sources plugged in via the 3.5mm input, and the built-in camera mics cannot record at acceptable levels either. A phantom powered mic connected via the mini XLR is the only way to get acceptable audio levels with this camera in my experience.
Let's hope that these audio issues get fixed with the next firmware update.