How To Question

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 29 Dec 2009 10:47 pm

Is is possible to connect, or in some manner sync/link-up, a firewire interface (M-Audio Firewire Solo) to a digital video camera (Canon FS10)? I just got the interface and the quality of the audio recordings is far better than the audio quality of my video camera, even when using external condenser microphones on the camera. I would like to be able to get the interface quality audio when recording videos with the camera. I've read both the manuals cover to cover and I don't see any reference to such a connection or linking. Any suggestions?

Gene Wilcox · Post by **Gene Wilcox** » 30 Dec 2009 9:24 am

Most likely scenario for your situation, would be to sync the video and audio with software on a computer after the recording. Use the time coding to line up the audio with video.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 30 Dec 2009 11:50 am

I doubt that you will be able to directly use the firewire device directly into the camera. You will have to have the firewire device connected to a PC and a recording program set up to record from the firewire device.

You could only do this with a PC and the camera both running at the same time and then sync as suggested with a recording program such as Sonar, that has the capability to sync audio and video.

Bottom line it's possible but not really realistic.

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 30 Dec 2009 9:22 pm

Gene and Jack: Thanks for the input. You have given me some hope. The camera does connect to the PC via USB, and the interface via the firewire, so maybe I can explore some way to combine them in sync on the PC. I'll report back if I have any success. Thanks again. Paul

Gene Wilcox · Post by **Gene Wilcox** » 31 Dec 2009 6:10 pm

Paul.

If you have or could get a copy of Cubase LE4, that software has what you need. What you would do is record(or import) your audio to Cubase and in the same project add(import) the video. You do not have to do this at the same time, be easier to do seperately. Anyway you apply Time code type you desire, then slip the time code on audio or the video to line up the audio with the video.

I am grossly over simplifying the process,however, it isn't all that difficult.

I'm familiar with Cubase, only for that reason I suggest using it. I'm sure other software has the same features.

ETA

In a nut shell you don't need to sync the two sources in real time.

Paul Sutherland · Post by **Paul Sutherland** » 2 Jan 2010 1:50 am

Gene: My recording software is Abelton Live Lite, 5.2. The manual has a section regarding using time codes to sync up audio tracks to external MIDI devices, and vice versa. I did not really look at this section before because I don't have any MIDI devices. I am very ignorant on this subject. Can a digital video camera be considered a MIDI device? I think the answer is no, but I thought I would ask anyway. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Paul

Gene Wilcox · Post by **Gene Wilcox** » 5 Jan 2010 8:54 am

Your camera most likely lacks a MIDI output. MIDI is a way to trigger events.

I looked at the current Ableton Lite software (8.XX) and it lacks a Video import feature.

You'll need to find software that will allow you to integrate audio/video.

You'll get there!