Posted by Richard Crowley on 03/24/06 07:32

"Larry J." wrote ...
> Rick Merrill said:
>
>> Richard Crowley wrote:
>>> "Rick Merrill" wrote ...
>>>
>>>>How can I turn off AGC - it just 'breaths' and grabs too much
>>>>background sound.
>>>>
>>>>Cameras: HDR-HC1, DCR-DVD300, Sony TRV520
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> You probably can't turn it off. Most of those small cameras
>>> have only built-in mics with full-time AGC. You must buy more
>>> sophisticated equipment for features such as audio input
>>> connectors and manual record level controls.
>>
>> Is there such equipment that would work with cameras that do not
>> have manual record level?
>
> If the camera's AGC can't be turned off, or defeated in any other
> way, then the only option is to be extremely careful of the levels
> you put into it. Take care that it's not too low or too high.
>
> You may need to experiment a bit to see what "too low" and "too
> high" means for the particular camera.
>
> Obviously, at least a decent audio mixer is required...

This is a very trick and delicate thing. I have found it suitable
for narration/lecture type voice recording and little else. No
equipment with AGC is suitable for music of any kind, and
most is also unsuitable for dramatic dialog, etc.

AGC is great for casual shooting of kids playing in the back-
yard, etc. (which is what those cameras were made for.)

But then my background was in audio for a decade before
I ever got into video, so I may have a more acute sensibility
of what good audio is. YMMV.

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