From Rumble to Clarity: Hunt Hub Sound Test & Zoom H1n Audio Tweaks
Welcome to my second attempt to harness the power of an external audio recorder to capture the sounds of my cycling adventures. After a disappointing first try with the Zoom H1n mounted on my handlebar drops, which only captured a cacophony of rumbles, I've switched tactics. This time, I've opted for a more personal touch by clipping the mic to the centre pocket of my jersey, facing downwards, protected by a furry deadcat windscreen.
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Optimized Setup
The Zoom H1n was set to record at 44.1K 16bit with a low-cut filter at 80Hz. To tackle the excessive rumbling captured in my first attempt, in the edit I employed Apple's Final Cut Rumble Reducer and a high-pass filter set to 160Hz—adjustments that I'll be transferring directly to the Zoom H1n for future rides. While the limiter remains off, allowing me more flexibility in post-production, my experiment in positioning and settings brought forth some promising results.
Audio Results
Shifting the recorder to my jersey removed the harsh road noise and allowed clearer capture of ambient sounds, like the distinct whir of my Hunt Wheels (I have the 4454 Aerodynamicist Wheelset) —a sound that any cycling enthusiast can appreciate - or not! But who doesn't appreciate a good hub noise check. The location also shielded the mic from wind, and surprisingly, the noise from my gear was non-existent, offering a cleaner audio experience. However, the stereo imaging wasn't as precise as I hoped; cars passing weren't distinctly placed within the stereo field as expected.
Screen shot below of Final Cut Compressor Settings, and Rumble Reducer Settings.
Next Steps
While I’m happy with the cleaner audio, the quest for perfect stereo imaging continues. I plan to revisit the original mounting location on the handlebars with my new settings to compare results. Also, I’m contemplating new ways to position the mic to enhance directional audio capture, potentially facing backward for a more dynamic soundscape.
For a detailed breakdown of this test, complete with Final Cut compressor settings and a screenshot of my adjustments, check out my full blog post on Cycling Japan. Also, don't miss my comprehensive list of bike and camera gear used in this journey.
For more details on the routes and gear used during this test, follow my Strava activity and visit my gear list:
- Strava Route
- Gear List
Conclusion
Fine-tuning audio for cycling videos can significantly enhance the viewer's experience. With further adjustments in both equipment settings and post-production, I'm getting closer to achieving the crisp, clear audio that matches the quality of my rides. The journey of audio experimentation continues, promising even more refined results in the future. Naturally, subscribe to my TMC Cycling In Japan YouTube Channel for the latest videos.
Strava - Route
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