MixPre into Canon 7D (with manual controls)

[Patryk_Rebisz]

With MixPre going into Zoom H4 i also want to feed the signal through Tape Out of MixPre into Canon 7D (now that it has manual controls). Am i going to run into issues?

[Alex H.]

MixPre or MixPre-D? If it's the D, it has a mic-level direct out for which you'll need an adapter cable (mini-XLR>1/8" TRS).

if it's not the D, and the Tape Out is your option, then you need to pad the line-level signal to mic-level. That takes a PADDED CABLE.

[chsiung]

I`ve got the MixPre-D and I feed it directly into my Canon 60D using 1/8 to 1/8 cable. No adapter needed. It`s why I got it in the first place. If you happen to be using a Senheiser G3 wireless, it actually comes with the cable. Let me know if I`m doing something wrong, but it sounds right and I can control the levels right from the mixer.

[Alex H.]

I`ve got the MixPre-D and I feed it directly into my Canon 60D using 1/8 to 1/8 cable. No adapter needed. It`s why I got it in the first place. If you happen to be using a Senheiser G3 wireless, it actually comes with the cable. Let me know if I`m doing something wrong, but it sounds right and I can control the levels right from the mixer.

The 1/8" "Tape Out" is -10dB line-level. The 1/8" in on any Canon DSLR is mic-level. Are you turning the in-camera input level way down to do this? If so, it may be manageable but you have no headroom for the electronic signal and you run the risk of overmodulating the camera's inputs (and even frying the pre-amps in the camera).

[chsiung]

Oooo... yeah, I do turn the volume all the way down, on the assumption that I don't want to actually use the pre-amps on the 60D. Actually, now that you mention it, I did run out of a bit of headroom on my first attempt at using the mixer. Goes to show that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Wow, thanks so much for clarifying that for me. I guess I'm picking up that adapter and using the right output!!

[Alex H.]

I guess I'm picking up that adapter and using the right output!!

Since you have the MixPre-D, get the mini XLR>1/8" TRS cable. The 3-pin output located above and between the XLR inputs is designed specifically for feeding a mic-level signal to DSLR cameras (and other consumer cameras with 1/8" mic inputs).

[chsiung]

Thanks for that! Obviously I had assumed the mic-level out was the Tape Out and not the 3-pin output. You've saved me much future headaches I'm sure.

[Patryk_Rebisz]

Thanks Alex!

[TheDingo]

I use a Sescom adapter cable with built-in 25 dB pad to convert the MixPre tape-out to a "hot" mic output for digital recorders and cameras.

Sescom LN2MIC-ZOOMH4N - Line to Microphone Attenuation Cable : $27 at B&H Photol

If you want something closer to actual -50 dB mic level, Sescom make another cable with built-in 35 dB pad.

Sescom LN2MIC-TASDR100 Line Out to Camera Mic Level In Cable : $27 at B&H Photo

Sescom also make longer cables that do the same thing...

Sescom LN2MIC-ZMH4N-6 : 6 Foot Long Line to Microphone Attenuation Cable : $33 at B&H Photo

[davefisk]

Sound Devices does make the cable Alex mentioned. I have a MixPre-D with that cable that I feed to my 7D for reference audio, but I also take the line level outputs and run those to a separate audio recorder. I used an Edirol R4 today. Sometimes I use a DR-100, but I prefer something less noisy. I'm working on Zaxcom to give me a Nomad.