This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:14:43
The video details a comprehensive review of audio recording setups for cameras, focusing on the use of Bluetooth microphones, particularly with Sony cameras. The presenter explores various products and their components, including the Boya BY M1 lavalier mic and different Sony microphone models. Key points discussed include the importance of sound monitoring using earphones, and comparison between older and newer Bluetooth mic models—the older model with earphone sockets and the upcoming ECM W2BT which leverages Bluetooth 5 but lacks these sockets. Practical demonstrations are given to illustrate audio performance in various conditions, highlighting issues such as auto gain control and signal range limitations. The video underscores the advantages of increased mobility and monitoring capabilities offered by Bluetooth mics, while also pointing out issues like background hiss and lack of manual gain adjustments. The overall message suggests that while there are beneficial features in both older and newer microphone models, users should weigh these against drawbacks to decide the best setup for their needs.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the limitations and features of one of their cameras used for videos, particularly addressing the broken mic input and the use of the camera’s multi-interface shoe. This led to exploring a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver set compatible with Sony cameras, enabling the use of a lavalier mic. They provide a brief review of the product components, such as the case, earphones, transmitter, and receiver units. The receiver attaches to the camera and overrides the internal mic, while the transmitter has an external mic input and both units have volume controls. The presenter prepares for a demo, mentioning potential issues like wind noise and signal range, even noting the inconvenience of not seeing the indicator light after attaching the wind muff. They test the Bluetooth mic outdoors to evaluate its effective range compared to indoor use where it faced signal cutouts.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker tests the sound quality of different microphones, starting with a Boya BY M1 lavalier mic and comparing it to a Sony mic. They highlight that despite being inexpensive, the Boya mic performs well. They also discuss the importance of using an earpiece for monitoring the sound quality. The speaker then moves around to test the range of the Sony mic, mentioning it’s in a noisy environment near a road. They appreciate the mic’s auto gain control feature, which simplifies usage but limits manual adjustments. There is a brief encounter with a dog, adding an element of unpredictability to the test. The speaker concludes by noting the mic being tested is an older model, evidenced by the box design and dated instructions.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses a particular Bluetooth microphone model that has been on the market for a while, and notes that a new version, the ECM W2BT, is expected to be announced soon. The newer model uses Bluetooth 5 and is rechargeable, unlike the older model which uses Bluetooth 3 and a AAA battery. However, the new model lacks earphone sockets found in the older version. These earphone sockets enable two-way communication, allowing audio transmission both from the microphone to the camera and vice versa, which can be useful for giving directions or conducting socially distanced interviews. The speaker clarifies that the earphone can only monitor specific audio inputs and not playback or other sources from the camera, emphasizing the specific utility of the multi-interface shoe as a mic input.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the presenter explains the audio recording capabilities and settings of the camera when using a Bluetooth microphone and a hot shoe microphone. They highlight the function of a switch on the receiver unit which allows selecting between various audio recording modes: recording only from the Bluetooth mic, mixing audio from both the Bluetooth and hot shoe mics, or simply recording from the hot shoe mic. A demonstration is given by playing music into a Bluetooth mic sealed in a box while recording with the hot shoe mic on the camera, illustrating the mixed audio result. The presenter notes that the receiver unit’s mic isn’t of high quality, and users can’t control the mix levels, thus it might be preferable to keep it turned off. Additionally, they mention a high noise floor issue, highlighted through a demonstration in a quiet room, showing varying levels of background noise when using different mic setups. The segment concludes with an observation that the background noise includes electronic buzz and hiss introduced by the auto-gain feature of the camera.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses their attempt to use a lavalier mic with a camera that has a broken mic input by connecting it through a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver. While the setup technically works, the sound comes in too hot due to the auto gain control, which lacks manual adjustment, thus not fully solving the problem. The presenter mentions the benefits of using the Bluetooth microphone for increased mobility and monitoring capabilities through earphones. However, they highlight drawbacks including auto gain and background hiss, suggesting users may want to consider an updated model with enhanced compatibility and an attenuation switch. They conclude by mentioning the irony of the product’s marketing and recommending viewers to seek the old model if earphone monitoring is necessary.