I will be reviewing Sonic Fire Pro soon, until then, you can download the free Express Track version to play with it and get some single track for only 9.99$ (normal price is 30$ each). This is a great rebate and a good opportunity to stockpile tracks for the next year. Each of these tracks can be used in a multiple of ways which make them great value. Go take a look.
Sales end June 9.
What is Sonic Fire?
It is an audio clip editor that uses special smart sound clips to make editing easier. Audio clips automatically adjust to fit the desired duration and you can add/remove instruments or change the mood when ever you want while staying within the same track. In short, the perfect tool to get a good soundtrack when you dont know anything about scoring!
A while ago, we announced that the BeachTek DXA-5D was discontinued and confirmed that a new version of the product would be out ’soon’. Soon in this case sounds like the end of February /March. Just got an email from BeachTek announcing these:
| DXA-5Da | Feature Comparison List | DXA-SLR |
| $329 | US List Price | $399 |
| February 25 | Available | March 30 |
| Passive | Circuitry | Active |
| no | Preamplifiers | yes |
| no | Phantom Power | yes |
| yes | Dual Channel | yes |
| yes | AGC Disable Feature | yes/enhanced |
| yes | Headphone Monitoring | yes |
| LCD vu meter | Level Meter | good/peak indicator |
| no | Playback Monitor | yes |
| polycarbonate | Chassis | aluminum |
| wireless mics | Ideal for | wireless mics |
| self-powered condenser mics | virtually any microphone | |
| mixer interface | mixer interface |
I know a lot of people prefer to use en external recording device such as the Zoom H4n
If you were thinking about getting a DXA for Christmas, you may want to call Santa first. It seems like the DXA-5D is back order and will be replaced (soon?) by a new product. I contacted BeachTek and the rep told me they have an alternative product coming soon.
Just a small recap, in case you did not watch the article on audio, the main advantage of the DXA-5D was that it was an interface between your mic and the 5D. So the sound was still recorded on the 5D (so no sync issues in post) but with the auto gain control disabled and with the added benefit of being able to monitor your audio while recording.
It is a bit sad because it was part of my top 5 HDSLR shooter wish list for Christmas. Have to find something else now!
If you use a Beachtek DXA-5D to capture sound while recording with your 5D, you should take a look at the new droplet my friend Mathieu has created. The droplet convert the file to ProRes HQ and remove the low frequency used to disable the audio gain. Simple, but effective.
If you would rather use other devices, take a look at this post on audio devices.
Jon Fairhurst made an excellent review of various audio devices you can use with the 5D MrkII. While the video are a few weeks old, I just discovered them (shame on me). Fortunately, the timing is perfect since I am looking at a complementary audio solution to my Sennheiser MKE 400
Speaking of this mic, I challenge anyone to find a better shotgun mic at the same price and size. I love it!
The review is divided in six part and I have included them all in this post to save you some clicking time.
The reviewed units are:
