Digital Audio Recorders w/ Video Camcorders - Better Audio?

[Keala]

Hi everyone,

Just read numerous articles on how digital audio recorders will improve audio when using a DSLR camera.
But what about when using them with a camcorder, such as my setup listed below? No mention in the articles if I'll get better audio
when using these recorders with a video camcorder.

I'm currently using the new Sony FDR-AX100 4k camcorder.
My shotgun mic is connected to a Beachtek DXA-HDV Adapter.

[JVRaines]

Your camera's best audio in XAVC S format is uncompressed LPCM at 48 KHz sample rate and 16 bit sample depth. That's a common standard for audio-for-video, but if you're doing music production or other serious audio you will do better with 96 KHz and 24 bits.

[Cornucopia]

ON PAPER, unless you were an golden ears, audiophile, audio engineer, or musician, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between 16/48 and something higher.

However, where there is a strong difference that can be noticeable to even non-audiocentric folks is in the areas of connection, isolation, pre-amplification, and analog-to-digital conversion. IOW, the whole CHAIN, not just the last link (recorder). Separate audio recorders often have: professional balanced (low noise, hum) connectors, very low noise preamplification, more robust gain stages that can prevent signal mismatch (and the possibility of added noise, or added distortion, and reduced dynamic range). They usually also have additional connection options (xlr, 1/4", 1/8", rca), pads, phase invert, audio-centric metering, options for compression/limiting, channels, etc.

Also, if you intend to do audio mixing, effects, processing, the additional margin-of-error leeway available with 24bit vs. 16bit can be a production godsend.

But you also have to consider your workflow - whether you WANT to work in double system (which will require an additional syncing procedure stage).

Scott

[Keala]

Thanks for your help gang!