Using the K3 as an audio recorder for an external mic?

**bobbotron** · 06-16-2020, 04:40 PM

I'm thinking about buying a half decent mic to record the cool sounds in the field behind our rural property (like a Sennheiser MKE 600.) Obviously a dedicated sound card recorder would be better, but wondering how a K3 would do?

**RGlasel** · 06-16-2020, 05:20 PM

Originally posted by bobbotron

I'm thinking about buying a half decent mic

You are 80% of the way there, the microphone is easily the most important component.

Originally posted by bobbotron

record the cool sounds in the field behind our rural property

But no images or video, not even with a remote trigger or intervalometer? For starters, I don't think the K-3 will record audio without recording video at the same time. If you have no need for video, use a laptop and you won't run into the same time restrictions as your K-3 (25 minutes). The analog to digital convertors in a laptop won't be any worse than what is in the K-3 and might be a lot better. Either way, you want to manually set recording levels and to do that with a K-3 requires some menu diving, as opposed to doing it more precisely in an interactive fashion with a laptop.

**ramseybuckeye** · 06-16-2020, 05:24 PM

You would probably better off just recording the sound on an iphone or getting a small audio recording device. A separate sound device is the best way to do sound for video, that mike may be a little overkill for audio in a camera.

**Pentax Syntax** · 06-16-2020, 05:26 PM

K-3 is ok but not great. It’s better than some other DSLRs. The Analog to Digital converter is the weak link and even an iPhone may be better for your purposes. You will probably need an adapter to go into iPhone. Most hot shoe mics will go directly into the K-3.

**clackers** · 06-16-2020, 05:53 PM

A dedicated recorder like a Zoom or Tascam is always going to be better than any camera's little inbuilt recorder.

That's why for movies and commercials you record separately and use a clapper board to sync the video and audio when lining up the clips in editing.

Even if you were to plug a microphone into a camera, it's best to go through an amp first.

**bobbotron** · 06-16-2020, 06:01 PM

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

You would probably better off just recording the sound on an iphone or getting a small audio recording device. A separate sound device is the best way to do sound for video, that mike may be a little overkill for audio in a camera.

Thanks! Yeah, I've been reading that an external recorder is the way to go. Any recommendations? I'd be looking for something that does one mic in well, few extra features.

---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 09:02 PM ----------

Originally posted by clackers

A dedicated recorder like a Zoom or Tascam is always going to be better than any camera's little inbuilt recorder.

That's why for movies and commercials you record separately and use a clapper board to sync the video and audio when lining up the clips in editing.

Even if you were to plug a microphone into a camera, it's best to go through an amp first.

Yeah, sadly the extra recorder is pushing the price of this whole outfit to a little higher than I should be spending. Will have to keep my eyes open for used equipment!

---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 09:05 PM ----------

Originally posted by Pentax Syntax

K-3 is ok but not great. It’s better than some other DSLRs. The Analog to Digital converter is the weak link and even an iPhone may be better for your purposes. You will probably need an adapter to go into iPhone. Most hot shoe mics will go directly into the K-3.

That's what I worried. Thanks - think I'll have to think about this more.

**RGlasel** · 06-16-2020, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

A separate sound device is the best way to do sound for video

Depending on what you meant by "sound device," recording video and audio on separate devices can result in timing issues that require a significant amount of digital processing to compensate for (to get video and audio to be perfectly in sync, not just to add a soundtrack). It is still possible, but becomes a lot more work than recording both on the same device, especially if the video camera isn't professional grade.

**bobbotron** · 06-16-2020, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by clackers

A dedicated recorder like a Zoom or Tascam is always going to be better than any camera's little inbuilt recorder.

That's why for movies and commercials you record separately and use a clapper board to sync the video and audio when lining up the clips in editing.

Even if you were to plug a microphone into a camera, it's best to go through an amp first.

Ps: hrm, a user clackers suggesting a clapper... checks out!

---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 09:08 PM ----------

Originally posted by RGlasel

Depending on what you meant by "sound device," recording video and audio on separate devices can result in timing issues that require a significant amount of digital processing to compensate for (to get video and audio to be perfectly in sync, not just to add a soundtrack). It is still possible, but becomes a lot more work than recording both on the same device, especially if the video camera isn't professional grade.

Thankfully for me, I just want to record the sound, it's super dark back there, the atmosphere of the frogs and occasional coyote in the distance is the main event.

**RGlasel** · 06-16-2020, 06:16 PM

Originally posted by bobbotron

Any recommendations?... , sadly the extra recorder is pushing the price of this whole outfit to a little higher than I should be spending. Will have to keep my eyes open for used equipment!

I bought a $40 sound processor from Long & McQuade for our church to convert the audio from the sound board to digital so church services could be posted online. Some of our mics use 48 volt phantom power and the high impedence of guitar pickups can cause problems, this little device can compensate for all of that by itself if you don't have a sound board handy. It plugs into a USB port on a laptop, so the pastor can see what is being broadcast. If you have access to a laptop (even an ancient one, as long as it works) you have a perfectly good recorder to use.

**DeepThrob** · 06-16-2020, 06:24 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by RGlasel

You are 80% of the way there, the microphone is easily the most important component.But no images or video, not even with a remote trigger or intervalometer? For starters, I don't think the K-3 will record audio without recording video at the same time. If you have no need for video, use a laptop and you won't run into the same time restrictions as your K-3 (25 minutes). The analog to digital convertors in a laptop won't be any worse than what is in the K-3 and might be a lot better. Either way, you want to manually set recording levels and to do that with a K-3 requires some menu diving, as opposed to doing it more precisely in an interactive fashion with a laptop.

The Tascam DR series is a small stereo recorder with decent built in mics (that can be put in an ortf configuration). Excellent specs -- $70 up

**ramseybuckeye** · 06-16-2020, 08:10 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bobbotron

Thanks! Yeah, I've been reading that an external recorder is the way to go. Any recommendations? I'd be looking for something that does one mic in well, few extra features.

---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 09:02 PM ----------

Yeah, sadly the extra recorder is pushing the price of this whole outfit to a little higher than I should be spending. Will have to keep my eyes open for used equipment!

---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 09:05 PM ----------

That's what I worried. Thanks - think I'll have to think about this more.

It's been years since I've used any. But you shouldn't have to go too deep into the pocket if you aren't going to use it professionally, or like everyday.

---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 11:45 PM ----------

Originally posted by bobbotron

Thankfully for me, I just want to record the sound, it's super dark back there, the atmosphere of the frogs and occasional coyote in the distance is the main event.

We've had a Chuck-will's-widow calling behind the house during the evening, late twilight and after. I went out and recorded it with a phone, just to identify it, it's a very seldom seen member of the nightjar family with a very distinctive and loud call. I'd love to get a photo of it. They sleep during the day either on a tree branch or if nesting on the ground. Supposedly, they blend in so well that they are very hard to see on the ground. The trees it seems to be in are very densely leafed, I have looked through them a couple times with binoculars to no avail. We've only been here since mid April, it's an interesting symphony of sounds at night with a variety of frogs, occasional owls, the Chuck-will's-widow, but no coyotes yet. There are also some bobcats in the area, but I have not heard them. But then, what does the fox say? (sorry, I couldn't help it)

**clackers** · 06-16-2020, 10:03 PM

Originally posted by RGlasel

Depending on what you meant by "sound device," recording video and audio on separate devices can result in timing issues that require a significant amount of digital processing to compensate for (to get video and audio to be perfectly in sync, not just to add a soundtrack). It is still possible, but becomes a lot more work than recording both on the same device, especially if the video camera isn't professional grade.

Separate recordings are the best way, that's what the pros do to avoid amateurish sound quality. The camera is free to move as it likes in the scene.

You can clap your hands once you 'roll' so you see the spike in your editor and drag the scene across to match.

**bobbotron** · 06-17-2020, 03:24 AM

Thanks guys, looking to probably pick up this or the model above that does phantom power.

https://www.long-mcquade.com/128924/Pro-Audio---Recording/Multi-track-Record...-Interface.htm

jimfellows · 06-17-2020, 04:57 AM

I have a Zoom H6 and it is fantastic, interchangeable mics plus the ability to plug in four others and a head phone jack to be able to monitor it. It records to an SD card plus an output so you can use it as an external mic for your camera. They also make smaller less expensive models. I highly recommend taking a look at them.

Jim

**jlstrawman** · 06-17-2020, 06:31 AM

Save some money:

https://www.long-mcquade.com/128920/Pro-Audio---Recording/Multi-track-Record...-Interface.htm

Difference between the two, beyond the price is the microphones. 07x is unidirectional, 05x is omnidirectional. For what you are wanting to record you
wouldn't notice a difference. I have used the original DR-05 for years, and its record quality is great.

06-16-2020, 04:40 PM	#1
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349	Using the K3 as an audio recorder for an external mic? I'm thinking about buying a half decent mic to record the cool sounds in the field behind our rural property (like a Sennheiser MKE 600.) Obviously a dedicated sound card recorder would be better, but wondering how a K3 would do?

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06-16-2020, 05:20 PM	#2
RGlasel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Saskatoon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,228	Originally posted by bobbotron I'm thinking about buying a half decent mic You are 80% of the way there, the microphone is easily the most important component. Originally posted by bobbotron record the cool sounds in the field behind our rural property But no images or video, not even with a remote trigger or intervalometer? For starters, I don't think the K-3 will record audio without recording video at the same time. If you have no need for video, use a laptop and you won't run into the same time restrictions as your K-3 (25 minutes). The analog to digital convertors in a laptop won't be any worse than what is in the K-3 and might be a lot better. Either way, you want to manually set recording levels and to do that with a K-3 requires some menu diving, as opposed to doing it more precisely in an interactive fashion with a laptop.

06-16-2020, 05:24 PM	#3
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,292	You would probably better off just recording the sound on an iphone or getting a small audio recording device. A separate sound device is the best way to do sound for video, that mike may be a little overkill for audio in a camera.

06-16-2020, 05:26 PM	#4
Pentax Syntax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 595	K-3 is ok but not great. It’s better than some other DSLRs. The Analog to Digital converter is the weak link and even an iPhone may be better for your purposes. You will probably need an adapter to go into iPhone. Most hot shoe mics will go directly into the K-3.

06-16-2020, 05:53 PM	#5
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	A dedicated recorder like a Zoom or Tascam is always going to be better than any camera's little inbuilt recorder. That's why for movies and commercials you record separately and use a clapper board to sync the video and audio when lining up the clips in editing. Even if you were to plug a microphone into a camera, it's best to go through an amp first.

06-16-2020, 06:01 PM	#6
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349 Original Poster	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye You would probably better off just recording the sound on an iphone or getting a small audio recording device. A separate sound device is the best way to do sound for video, that mike may be a little overkill for audio in a camera. Thanks! Yeah, I've been reading that an external recorder is the way to go. Any recommendations? I'd be looking for something that does one mic in well, few extra features. ---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 09:02 PM ---------- Originally posted by clackers A dedicated recorder like a Zoom or Tascam is always going to be better than any camera's little inbuilt recorder. That's why for movies and commercials you record separately and use a clapper board to sync the video and audio when lining up the clips in editing. Even if you were to plug a microphone into a camera, it's best to go through an amp first. Yeah, sadly the extra recorder is pushing the price of this whole outfit to a little higher than I should be spending. Will have to keep my eyes open for used equipment! ---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 09:05 PM ---------- Originally posted by Pentax Syntax K-3 is ok but not great. It’s better than some other DSLRs. The Analog to Digital converter is the weak link and even an iPhone may be better for your purposes. You will probably need an adapter to go into iPhone. Most hot shoe mics will go directly into the K-3. That's what I worried. Thanks - think I'll have to think about this more.

06-16-2020, 06:07 PM	#7
RGlasel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Saskatoon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,228	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye A separate sound device is the best way to do sound for video Depending on what you meant by "sound device," recording video and audio on separate devices can result in timing issues that require a significant amount of digital processing to compensate for (to get video and audio to be perfectly in sync, not just to add a soundtrack). It is still possible, but becomes a lot more work than recording both on the same device, especially if the video camera isn't professional grade.

06-16-2020, 06:07 PM	#8
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349 Original Poster	Originally posted by clackers A dedicated recorder like a Zoom or Tascam is always going to be better than any camera's little inbuilt recorder. That's why for movies and commercials you record separately and use a clapper board to sync the video and audio when lining up the clips in editing. Even if you were to plug a microphone into a camera, it's best to go through an amp first. Ps: hrm, a user clackers suggesting a clapper... checks out! ---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 09:08 PM ---------- Originally posted by RGlasel Depending on what you meant by "sound device," recording video and audio on separate devices can result in timing issues that require a significant amount of digital processing to compensate for (to get video and audio to be perfectly in sync, not just to add a soundtrack). It is still possible, but becomes a lot more work than recording both on the same device, especially if the video camera isn't professional grade. Thankfully for me, I just want to record the sound, it's super dark back there, the atmosphere of the frogs and occasional coyote in the distance is the main event.

06-16-2020, 06:16 PM	#9
RGlasel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Saskatoon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,228	Originally posted by bobbotron Any recommendations?... , sadly the extra recorder is pushing the price of this whole outfit to a little higher than I should be spending. Will have to keep my eyes open for used equipment! I bought a $40 sound processor from Long & McQuade for our church to convert the audio from the sound board to digital so church services could be posted online. Some of our mics use 48 volt phantom power and the high impedence of guitar pickups can cause problems, this little device can compensate for all of that by itself if you don't have a sound board handy. It plugs into a USB port on a laptop, so the pastor can see what is being broadcast. If you have access to a laptop (even an ancient one, as long as it works) you have a perfectly good recorder to use.

06-16-2020, 06:24 PM - 1 Like	#10
DeepThrob Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Taos, New Mexico Posts: 295	Originally posted by RGlasel You are 80% of the way there, the microphone is easily the most important component.But no images or video, not even with a remote trigger or intervalometer? For starters, I don't think the K-3 will record audio without recording video at the same time. If you have no need for video, use a laptop and you won't run into the same time restrictions as your K-3 (25 minutes). The analog to digital convertors in a laptop won't be any worse than what is in the K-3 and might be a lot better. Either way, you want to manually set recording levels and to do that with a K-3 requires some menu diving, as opposed to doing it more precisely in an interactive fashion with a laptop. The Tascam DR series is a small stereo recorder with decent built in mics (that can be put in an ortf configuration). Excellent specs -- $70 up

06-16-2020, 08:10 PM - 1 Like	#11
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,292	Originally posted by bobbotron Thanks! Yeah, I've been reading that an external recorder is the way to go. Any recommendations? I'd be looking for something that does one mic in well, few extra features. ---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 09:02 PM ---------- Yeah, sadly the extra recorder is pushing the price of this whole outfit to a little higher than I should be spending. Will have to keep my eyes open for used equipment! ---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 09:05 PM ---------- That's what I worried. Thanks - think I'll have to think about this more. It's been years since I've used any. But you shouldn't have to go too deep into the pocket if you aren't going to use it professionally, or like everyday. ---------- Post added 06-16-20 at 11:45 PM ---------- Originally posted by bobbotron Thankfully for me, I just want to record the sound, it's super dark back there, the atmosphere of the frogs and occasional coyote in the distance is the main event. We've had a Chuck-will's-widow calling behind the house during the evening, late twilight and after. I went out and recorded it with a phone, just to identify it, it's a very seldom seen member of the nightjar family with a very distinctive and loud call. I'd love to get a photo of it. They sleep during the day either on a tree branch or if nesting on the ground. Supposedly, they blend in so well that they are very hard to see on the ground. The trees it seems to be in are very densely leafed, I have looked through them a couple times with binoculars to no avail. We've only been here since mid April, it's an interesting symphony of sounds at night with a variety of frogs, occasional owls, the Chuck-will's-widow, but no coyotes yet. There are also some bobcats in the area, but I have not heard them. But then, what does the fox say? (sorry, I couldn't help it)

06-16-2020, 10:03 PM	#12
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by RGlasel Depending on what you meant by "sound device," recording video and audio on separate devices can result in timing issues that require a significant amount of digital processing to compensate for (to get video and audio to be perfectly in sync, not just to add a soundtrack). It is still possible, but becomes a lot more work than recording both on the same device, especially if the video camera isn't professional grade. Separate recordings are the best way, that's what the pros do to avoid amateurish sound quality. The camera is free to move as it likes in the scene. You can clap your hands once you 'roll' so you see the spike in your editor and drag the scene across to match.

06-17-2020, 03:24 AM	#13
bobbotron Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ottawa, ON Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,349 Original Poster	Thanks guys, looking to probably pick up this or the model above that does phantom power. https://www.long-mcquade.com/128924/Pro-Audio---Recording/Multi-track-Record...-Interface.htm

06-17-2020, 04:57 AM	#14
jimfellows Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 108	I have a Zoom H6 and it is fantastic, interchangeable mics plus the ability to plug in four others and a head phone jack to be able to monitor it. It records to an SD card plus an output so you can use it as an external mic for your camera. They also make smaller less expensive models. I highly recommend taking a look at them. Jim

06-17-2020, 06:31 AM	#15
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Save some money: https://www.long-mcquade.com/128920/Pro-Audio---Recording/Multi-track-Record...-Interface.htm Difference between the two, beyond the price is the microphones. 07x is unidirectional, 05x is omnidirectional. For what you are wanting to record you wouldn't notice a difference. I have used the original DR-05 for years, and its record quality is great.