EPIC FAN NOISE - HEARTBREAKING DURING INTERVIEW

[Patrick Tresch]

There is a huge difference between Epic X and first generation of Epic M in the cooling system regard.

With the Epic-X, I can record 8 to 12 minutes at fan speed 25% in normal room temperature before getting to the 42degrees and 100% fan blowing level.

Some times I change the fan level during take from 25 to 30%, wich is not allways the best for the sound department as they get a different sound noise level during take.

I also remarqued that there are different build and sound level of Epic-X at 25% setting.

The fan is my No 1 issue with this incredible camera. It's essencially a problem for the one who cares about a perfect sound.


I hope that the power management RED announced in future FW update will improve power consomption and therefore reduce the generated heat.


Pat

[John Marchant]

A few of things worth noting:

• The trigger point for the fan to run at 100% to save you from frying the camera is 75 degrees as shown on the LCD.
• Anything you can do to clear the flow of air will improve both cooling and noise: It may be just me, but my EPIC-M runs much quieter with the fan guard removed temporarily. Otherwise watch placement of cables and acc's around the inlet and exhaust.
• If you're into manual settings, set the cam to run the fan at 100% while in standby - gives you the biggest bite at the cheese when you roll.
• You can adjust fan settings mid-take, no problem at all. I often ride the fan setting a tiny bit manually in a long interview take. Keep my eye on the rate of rise in temp, and if its looking likely that I will hit a critical temp before the interview is over, just nudge it up 1 or 2 % and keep my eye on things.

[Charlie Anderson]

Was DITing on a T3 in October and they were doing 12 minute takes. When the fans were set to 35% they would overheat in the small rooms. I set them to 40% and during the long takes there were no issues with the camera overheating. Typically for hot days or small rooms I set to 40/100, works great. If you need absolute quiet then you need to keep your takes down to 5 minutes. Also you should be cutting your camera when you're doing long interviews anyways as if you lose power for whatever reason while at minute 19 or whatever, you've just lost the entire clip and have just wasted 19 minutes of your time. So the moral of the story is shorter clips :)

[Mike Kushner]

Thanks for all the information everyone. Really appreciate the feedback.

[BRANDON JAMESON]

what is the difference you find between the M and the X cooling systems
?

There is a huge difference between Epic X and first generation of Epic M in the cooling system regard.

With the Epic-X, I can record 8 to 12 minutes at fan speed 25% in normal room temperature before getting to the 42degrees and 100% fan blowing level.

Some times I change the fan level during take from 25 to 30%, wich is not allways the best for the sound department as they get a different sound noise level during take.

I also remarqued that there are different build and sound level of Epic-X at 25% setting.

The fan is my No 1 issue with this incredible camera. It's essencially a problem for the one who cares about a perfect sound.


I hope that the power management RED announced in future FW update will improve power consomption and therefore reduce the generated heat.


Pat

[Max M.]

Also started a thread about it a week ago, i really hope red can somehow find a solution for this...

[Patrick Tresch]

what is the difference you find between the M and the X cooling systems
?

The upgrading programm shows the issues. http://www.red.com/news/epic-m-upgrade-program

But mainly the Epic-M (first generation) can't lower the fan speed to a 25% setting. It's blocked to a 35% level because of different hardware of the cooling system (fan and heatsink).

I wonder why did RED do such a design for the top plate that the heat sink has little space to get the hot air out of it. FMJ top plate lets a better air flow to the heat sink...

http://www.red.com/store/products/dsmc-top-plate
http://www.viewfactor.net/products/e...top-plate.html



Pat

[Antonio Ribeiro]

Hi Mike
I totally understand your frustration.
Fan noise on my Scarlet is #1 issue for me as well.
Love the picture, understand compact design and need for cooling off the sensor but very loud fan noise is not acceptable in many situations.
In other threats users had better luck with manual settings 37-40 recording 57-70 standby.
Personally I'm always nervous shooting longer takes in quiet location.
I wish there would be some firmware upgrade to make it fan run quieter.

Scarlet #772

The problem is really one of over-heating. I have exactly the same issue with my Scarlet and already posted here on the issue. Noisy film cameras like the Arriflex-S use to have a sound proofing blimp. But they didn't overheat like the RED does. It is a real issue which could be a total deal breaker in so many situations. I'm thinking of getting a second camera just for those quiet interviews. I would rather put the money towards some kind of liquid cooling upgrade, so I can continue using 4K instead of 1080p.

[Patrick Tresch]

I would rather put the money towards some kind of liquid cooling upgrade, so I can continue using 4K instead of 1080p.

+1

Are you an engineer Antonio?

Let's start a group buy ;-)

Pat

[Simon J Reilly]

I'm going to echo a sentiment that I read elsewhere:

"What if after carefully lighting a set, we started shooting and light started emitting from my recorder so strong that the continuity of the lighting was destroyed? I think I would be ejected from the studio along with my equipment fairly quickly."

The Epic is great for a lot of situations, but it is the wrong camera to use for rolling long takes when clean sound is essential. Like it or not, audio is half the equation and something to consider when choosing what camera is needed for the job.

I agree , had a very similar situation, after the Fan kicked in during a particularly poignant part of an interview.
This was manual setting , fan set to 33% while recording and standby 60-70%, but every situation is different , ambient room temperature , acoustics on set etc.
Have done many tests, and setting to auto @ 33% and standby as high as possible, seems to give longer recording times without the fan kicking in at 100%, than using manual @ 33%.
But the constant thought of the fan is going to kick in during interview, has made me reconsider the " right tools for the right job" thought ...Shame really