Sony Hvr-a1u

THDL Toolbox > Audio-video > Manuals for Specific Video Camcorders > Sony Hvr-a1u

Basic Camera Setup (Shooting in “AUTO” Mode)

Step by Step Guide

Powering Camera On

  • Insert Battery
  • Turn on Power switch to the ON setting. (The switch is located on the back of the camera to the right of the battery.) “CAMERA-TAPE” should appear on the viewfinder screen.
  • Switch AUTO LOCK to “On”. (The switch is located in the viewfinder recess on the side of the camera.)
  • Switch FOCUS to either “ZOOM” or “AUTO”. If the camera is in ZOOM mode, turning the silver ring can be used to manually zoom in and out. If the camera is in AUTO focus mode, turning the silver ring will fine-tune the focus.
  • Insert a blank tape by pulling the EJECT switch, located on the bottom of the camera. The tape mechanism will open to the side.
  • Set up your microphone(s) using either of the two Audio Set-ups described below.
  • To begin recording, press the red Record button on the back of the camera located to the left of the Power switch.

Audio Set-Up 1 (Shotgun Microphone)

  • Place Microphone in Camera Mount (or attach to pistol grip) Note: If you are using the Sennheiser Microphone, be sure to turn the power on
  • Connect XLR-Cable to Microphone
  • Connect XLR-Cable to Camera (Input 1)
  • Check Audio Settings for Input 1 (located on opposite side of Inputs)
    • Rec Ch Select = Ch1•Ch2
    • Input Level = Mic
    • +48V = On (for small Sony shotgun mic) Off (for larger Sennheiser shotgun mic)
  • Check Audio Levels
    • Instruct someone to stand 1-2 meters in front of the camera and speak at a normal volume. You should hear his/her voice in the headphones. Note: The default audio setting on the camera is “Auto”. The automatic setting is reliable, so you should not have to adjust the audio levels.

Audio Set-Up 2 (Shotgun Microphone + Wireless Microphone)

  • Set up the Shotgun Microphone using the above procedure. Change the Input 1 Rec Ch Select to Ch1. Note that if you are using only the shotgun microphone Rec Ch Select should be set to Ch1•Ch2.
  • Check Audio Settings for Input 2.
    • Input Level = Mic
    • +48V = Off
  • Connect the Lavalier Microphone to the Wireless Transmitter (the unit with the “mute” switch on the top.
  • Turn on the Wireless Transmitter by opening the front panel and holding down the ON/OFF button.
  • Connect the XLR conversion cable to the Wireless Receiver (the unit without the “mute” switch on the top. Connect the XLR end of the cable to Camera Input 2.
  • Turn on the Wireless Receiver by opening the front panel and holding down the ON/OFF button.
  • Position the Wireless Transmitter on the subject and check the audio. It is best if the microphone cap is not touching the subject’s clothing.
  • Troubleshooting:

ProblemSolution
No Sound* Make sure both the transmitter and receiver are turned on and properly connected.
* Make sure there is ample battery power.
* Check the Audio Settings on the camera. Verify that (Input 1) Rec Ch Select = Ch1•Ch2, Verify that (Input 2) Input Level = MIC, and +48V is set to OFF.
* Verify that the transmitter and receiver are on the same frequency. To change the frequency on either the transmitter or the receiver, press the SET button. Use the arrow keys to navigate the menu until TUNE flashes on the screen. Press SET again. The frequency (eg 518.500 Mhz) will flash on the screen. Use the arrow keys to adjust the frequency so it is the same on both units. Press SET to lock in the frequency. Use the arrow keys to navigate the menu until EXIT flashes on the screen. Press SET to exit the menu.
Static* Check the connections on the transmitter and receiver.
* Make sure there is ample battery power.
* Make sure the microphone is properly positioned on the subject. If the microphone cap is touching his/her clothing, rubbing may be causing the static. Reposition the microphone so that the microphone cap is clear of clothing and skin.
* If you are in an urban area, there may be radio interference. This can be corrected by switching the transmitter and receiver to a new frequency (see above for instructions).
Sound is Distorted(Loud or Soft)* Check the headphone volume on the camera.
* Check the Audio Settings on the camera. Verify that (Input 1) Rec Ch Select = Ch1•Ch2, Verify that (Input 2) Input Level = MIC, and +48V is set to OFF.
*If the internal volume on the transmitter or receiver is too high or low it may cause distortion. To fix this problem, adjust the volume on either unit.
Transmitter: Press the SET button. Use the arrow keys to navigate the menu until SENSIT flashes on the screen. Press SET again. A number (eg -30dB, -20dB, -10dB, or -00dB) will flash on the screen. Use the arrow keys to adjust the dB level until the proper volume is achieved. Press SET to lock in the dB level. Use arrows to navigate the menu until EXIT flashes on the screen. Press SET to exit the menu.
Receiver: Press the SET button. Use the arrow keys to navigate the menu until AF OUT flashes on the screen. Press SET again. LEV (a number, eg -30,-24, -18 ,-12,-06, +0, +06, or +12) will flash on the screen. Use the arrow keys to adjust the level until the proper volume is achieved. Press SET to lock in the level. Use arrows to navigate the menu until EXIT flashes on the screen. Press SET to exit the menu.
NOTE: In most instances, the Transmitter should be set to -00dB and the Receiver set to +0.

Contributor(s):

This page is provided courtesy of the external link: Tibetan and Himalayan Digital Library.