I raised this problem a while back but I've got a bit more info now.
When I capture footage (via firewire) from my camcorder (Sony DCR-HC40E) the audio on the raw avi file that's produced seems fine, but as soon as I drag it onto the timeline of the editing software (either in Windows Movie Maker or Showbiz) the audio seems to inherit a nasty tinniness to it. Is it just that I'm using crap software or is there some magic remedy anyone can suggest.