Canon R6 III 4-Channel Audio R6 mkIII

[JCBigler]

Something interesting that I found out while setting up my new R6 mkIII.

Not only will it record 24-bit audio, but it also will record 4 channels of audio. You can us the multi-function hot shoe to record two channel, AND the 1/8" mic input to record another two channels, OR the internal mics along with the 1/8" input.

Of all the videos and reviews that I read about the R6 mkIII, I don't think I ever heard this feature mentioned. This is a great feature and should be talked about more. And especially since I'm an audio guy, getting 4 channels AND 24-bit audio is a HUGE deal.

I guess I'm going to be buying one of those new Canon digital shotgun mics, or that Tascam XLR adapter unit.

 

[Ronomy]

I wish there was an option to capture 2 channel 24 bit PCM. You have to post process to eliminate 2 channels if using only a stereo mic or the internal mic only.

Its silly that it records two left and two right channels that are the same when using only the internal mics. And if its windy you will not use the internal mic unless you have tiny dead cats over the mic holes.

 

[JCBigler]

Unfortunately, in order to get 4 discrete channels, you need to use the multi-function hot shoe. Otherwise you only get 4 channels from the internal mics OR the 1/8" mic input.

There's two ways I see this working. Both of which require a cage or half cage with an extra cold shoe slot.

1) You can use the Canon DM-E1D on the hot shoe mount for 2 channels. Plus something like a Rode Wireless Pro for 2 channels using the 1/8" jack on the side of the Camera.

2) Use the Tascam CA-XLR2d-C through the multi-function hot shoe mount, with a Rode Wireless Pro connected to the 1/8" jack.

I don't think there are any other mics or audio input devices that use the Canon multi-function hot shoe on the market yet.

In my fantasy world, Rode would build a version of the Wireless Pro that has the Canon multi-function hot shoe, so you can use FOUR channels of wireless on the same camera. (I guess you can use the Tascam unit, and plug the Rode Wireless pro into that, but that's just too cumbersome.) I've sent my product recommendation to Rode, but they haven't replied to me.

I haven't made the decision to buy either the Canon DM-E1D or the Tascam CA-XLR2d-C yet, so I haven't been able to test out the hot shoe. But that's the way it works according the R6 mkIII Advanced User Manual, page 239.

 

[Ronomy]

I would just like to see a two chanel option for PCM. Reduced file size... Should be an easy fix to turn off 4 channel. They do 2ch with AAC... And even my R7 has 2ch PCM. 16 bit but still PCM..

 

[JCBigler]

So I purchased the Canon DM-E1D on camera mic which uses the multi-function hot shoe on the R6 mkIII.

I also purchased the Small Rig full cage (the one that fits the battery grip).

I can confirm that when using the DM-E1D on camera mic AND a Rode Wireless Pro through the 1/8" mic input you do get 4 independent audio channels. When you use the DM-E1D mic, it will automatically connect to the input channels 1 & 2, and the external mic (the 1/8" input) as channels 3 & 4. You can combined all four of the inputs in various combinations in the Audio Monitor menu so that the headphone output will be able to monitor all four channels. But it appears that the HDMI output will only carry either CH1 & 2 or CH3 & 4.

Most might not think this to be as useful as it sounds since the DM-E1D is limited to what's in front of the camera. But, as an audio engineer I use mics like these to give a stereo image, and ambient sound which gives environmental and atmospheric placement to a recording, while the wireless lavs handle the dialog and primary audio. This mic is interesting because it offers both a 90 degree (X-Y) and 120 degree (ORTF) stereo option. I tend to lean towards the wider image myself.

I haven't done sound quality testing of this mic, but I'm sure it won't sound near as good as a Rode or Sennheiser on camera mic. But, as an ambient mic it will probably do fine. The DM-E1D is also a little bit tall for my tastes, and it's not shock mounted like most other on-camera mics these days.

I still maintain that a Rode Wireless Mic Pro with a built in multi-function hot shoe connection to allow for 4 channels of wireless mics on these new cameras would still be killer.

I thinking about putting together a video on the 4-channel audio for the R6 mkIII, since there doesn't seem to be any videos specifically covering this feature of these cameras.