Best Audio Settings - Sony FDR-AX53

A look at using an external mic on the Sony FDR-AX53 and optimal settings to avoid unwanted hiss and noise. This includes a full demonstration of the problem so you can hear for yourself (might need headphones for that).

As good as this camera is, quality audio parts are often missed out on this type of device which is a shame. Fortunately, there are ways to work around this.

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Twitter: @tdcatuk

[taurus]

It’s a bad idea to ever put the ax—53 audio on auto, because during silences, the preamp will automatically increase the gain, creating added noise. Whether using an external mic or not, for best results just find the right level in manual mode, and leave it there.

[jacquijohnm]

Having just purchased one of these, I would totally agree that an external mic with manual gain is a better way to go, but here are occasions where the internal mic is more convenient. Unfortunately, this has an unexpected problem from an odd 'swooshing' mechanical noise from inside the camcorder, that I am surprised no one has commented on before. The noise can be heard if you place your ear on the body near the mic, which obviously picks this up and it is very noticeable in quiet locations (even with gain set manually). I initially thought it was from the Steadyshot system, but I am not so sure now, as it is also present in playback mode (but oddly, not when a USB cable is connected!)

[rgnyc]

Thank you for this clip -- VERY helpful! I have had some terrible audio issues with the AX53, even when feeding output from a field mixer -- rumble, hum etc. in recording dramatic scenes on a small stage. I will look into the Rode mic you mention in the comments below. Not sure whether to go with the Rode VideoMic Pro+ or the Rode VideoMic Camera Mount Shotgun -- if you have a recommendation it would be greatly appreciated!

[AdanSensei]

You sir are a god send! The H1n and my Takstar were going bonkers with my camera. Imma test this.

[manuelzamudio]

Nice video!
This has also worked for me when I was recording me playing my electronic drum kit and sending the output of the kit straight into the audio input of the camera. With "auto", the sound was over saturated. Reducing the level got me great results. No I only have to get better results at my drum playing skills... :)

[Gunzhard]

Wow great info!! ... I'm wondering, can I have my whole room mix from mixer or audio interface output going into this mic input?

[NimrodOutdoors]

What are the best settings for this camera without using external mics. I am getting alot of hissing with just the on board mic of the camera.

[smileysmultimedia]

TDCatTech have you used the AX53 with something like a ZOOM recorder ? If so do you have a video on how the two would work together ?

[ScottKorin]

I bet this is like 90% of my problem! Thank you so much!

[coastwidechurch]

Thank You so much, this has affected so man y of our live streams. Thank you again for making this video. Always thought the problem was with our sound system, not knowing it was the camera. haha

[heypressgo]

I thought I was going mad! Just did a outdoor test video with attached rode GOII and noise was horrible so much background noise being picked up. Just adjust rec volume manual right down. Massive difference.

[oliverleslie]

I have this camera and want to use my mixpre - 3 ii. I understand your video - which totally helped to reduce noise - but i was wondering which device is actually doing the audio recording - the stuff i want to use? Is the camera doing the recording since i plugged the mixpre into the mic jact/input - or is the mixpre still doing the recording - if so, is this "syncing'? Also Can i abort the "record sound" of the camera altogether? Is there a dial or button for this or is it just a matter of lowering the audio record level to zero. This is if i want to just go slate on everything. Thanks a lot. Great vid!

[CleanWithConfidence]

What mic are you using with the camera?

[ruffen]

First of, love your videos on this camera! One of the reasons I bought one. I added a Røde VideoMicro. I'll mainly want to use it on the fly nature shoots like rough seas close to where i live so minimizing wind noise is my focus. I have little to no experience with a camcorder so would I have to tune mic input manually in post (i need to learn editing as well), or basically take multiple test with different manual levels?

[tekkhero]

It seems to me that the perceived noise is from a built in compressor that increases the gain a bit too much during silences. The preamp actually does not sound particularly noisy. The noise is the overly loud internal sounds of the camera and other ambient noises in the room.

[teknofil]

Hei from Norway! That was Fantastic video. I bouth the Sony FDR-AX53 and Røde videoMic. So you explain very good. Thanks agein.

[CruisingMeraki]

Have you tested the Sony ECM-GZ1M mic with the Ax53? Currently have the rode micro but because it’s flexible in hits the camcorder and causes a loud pop. Need a solid stable mic like the rode video micGO or maybe the Sony ECM-GZ1M - what would you suggest?

[gmv]

I don’t know if you’ll read this because it was a while since you made the video and YouTube doesn’t always notify comments. I’ve got the AX53 and just bought a Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro mic. The hinged door on top of the camera is always getting in the way and I’d like to permanently remove it, like you could on my old JVC Everio. Do you know how to take it off, because it looks like I’ll have to wreck the hinges which I don’t want to do. Surely there’s a way around this, but google searches or the Sony website have turned up nothing. Cheers.

[beitziv]

Big help thanks. I have the AX33 and the audio was horrorifc, the touch screen isn't the best so I couldnt even find the manual override. I have it on the first mark now! although it's still peaking if I get excited lol

[PotterytothePeople]

huge help! I almost returned the camera due to the hissing. Now I don't have to :)