Red Audio tests

[Matt Mayer]

Hello All,

The engineers at Sound Devices did some bench testing of the audio on a Red camera.

If you are interested, you can see the results at:

http://www.sounddevices.com/notes/cameras/red-one/

---Matt

[Martin Weiss]

Good find, thanks.

For the time-challenged, here's a roundup:

Our brief listening test of the microphone inputs verified that they are not suitable for anything but a scratch track (...) Sound Devices recommends connecting to the Red One at line-level only.

Ouch!

Conclusion
For most dialog applications, the Red One’s near 16-bit audio performance is similar to many of the digital pro-sumer and pro cameras we have tested. This is perfectly acceptable for dialog, especially when hit with a good, clean line-level signal. Sound Devices recommends dual-system sound for critical applications.

[Craig Meadows]

Great article, at the end they have some basic guidelines if you are using some of their gear.

[michael zaletel]

Okay. Is it just me or is this somewhat concerning? Is this a Build 15 vs. Build 16 thing or a hardware problem not so easily addressed?

-shooter

[michael zaletel]

Would this be a good field solution?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...n_Compact.html

Would this be compatible with the RED's time code signal in terms of syncing sound in post? What would the cable connections and workflow scenario look like?

-shooter

[Bruce Allen]

Yes, it's a concern. But then it was obvious from the start that Red didn't prioritize sound AT ALL - all they wanted were some nice specs to say "ooh, we're 24-bit..." but in terms of ergonomics, signal chain, design intent etc RED ONE audio was always going to suck and be beaten by a DVX100. Sorry. I'm a fan, but I am just calling it as I honestly see it.

Yes, dual system with 702T is a high quality solution. Feeding the line inputs via a MixPro should probably work too, with lower (but still within range of acceptable) quality.

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com

[Dexter Gregoire]

Does anyone know if this is the best solution using RED with a Sound Devices Recorder 744T?



One from the RED store and the Other from Sound Devices.

I read the report but still don't understand the best fault free solution. If no one knows I call Sound Devices support team tomorrow.

[Mark Allen]

Is there anyway with an outboard piece of gear to circumvent the problem? I remember at one point someone mentioned taking a usb line in from a mixer. Would that allow for pre-synched tracks to be recorded to the RED?

[Bruce Allen]

Is there anyway with an outboard piece of gear to circumvent the problem? I remember at one point someone mentioned taking a usb line in from a mixer. Would that allow for pre-synched tracks to be recorded to the RED?

Yes, that would work but Red would have to write a chunk of code to enable that as a new feature...

So in order of sucking less, current options are:

1. mic (connected to 1st ch but using phantom power from 4th ch for less hiss?)
2. mixer (such as SD mix pre) -> Red line in
3. dual system (such as SD 702T / 744T with TC in from Red)

I think that's it?

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com

[jbeale]

in terms of ergonomics, signal chain, design intent etc RED ONE audio was always going to suck and be beaten by a DVX100.

Actually not. Based on the measurements I made, it's significantly better than my DVX100. Red #529 DNR: 91 dB(A). My DVX100 DNR: 79 dB(A). And don't even start to talk about flatness of frequency response. Here are the tests I did on it... http://beale.best.vwh.net/measure/audio/DVX100.htm

After my test I had it checked out by a Panasonic authorized service place and they said it was fine and met mfr. specs.

Of course that's just performance; re: ergonomics and usability, since the DVX has real XLR plugs and audio level knobs, it does win there, and even 79 dB(A) is obviously still usable for many things.