DR-100mkII audio configuration = super confused

[sirrobert]

Yeesh.

So, in an effort to get much better DSLR audio, I dropped some dough on equipment. All the confusion with balanced output and line level, however, has thrown me for a loop.

I own the Tascam DR-100mkII, a Sennheiser G3 system, a Rode Videomic (a vestigial tail of my audio setup), and soon, a AT 4053b mic.

The problem is, I have no idea how to power either the Rode or the G3 with the Tascam. I understand that the line in doesn't have enough power for either (I'm not sure what would connect to it, for that matter).

I have an XLR to stereo plug adapter that I planned to use with the lav. I also have no idea if this works, or if it will totally fry it. If it doesn't, I'm not sure how I could power both an adapted XLR and the boom mic with it, considering I'd need to turn on the +48v setting and potentially really fry the lav. (Right? Or totally off base?)

So, in summation, I have no idea what's going on. You think I'd figure this stuff out before buying a bunch of pretty toys.

Edit: This is the XLR to TRS adapter I bought.

 

[Petrus]

Your recorder is not used to power G3 or Rode, they have batteries.

48V Phantom power is used to polarize the condenser microphone diaphragm, not provide power to outboard electrical components like USB connector provides power to small external hard disks, reading lamps and recharges cell phones. G3 receiver runs form its own battery and so does the Rode Videomic, so the phantom power must be turned off when those are connected. Rode gives out mic level signals, but the G3 can put out also line level (and everything in between), so if both of those are connected at the same time to the XLR connectors (Why would you want to use something else), G3 must be turned down to give mic level output signals, which works but is not a great idea. AT 4053b must have phantom power, and as your Tascam has no individual switches for phantom power for each channel you cannot use it at the same time with G3 or Rode. Phantom power might not fry them though as there should be some protection built in as this can easily happen by accident also, so all you can do is try and see what happens.

 

[Greg Smith]

I can confirm, through an "accidental experiment" (i.e. I messed up) a couple of weeks ago, that a Sennheiser G2 receiver is not damaged and will still produce usable audio if you connect it to a phantom powered microphone jack. I don't intend to repeat it on purpose, however. My only excuse is that the mixer involved was not mine and I was unfamiliar with its properties and controls, and in a hurry to get things set up.

- Greg

 

[sirrobert]

Your recorder is not used to power G3 or Rode, they have batteries.

That makes sense. However, how is it possible then to use a non-powered XLR mic (like the 4053b) and the G3 at the same time? When the Tascam is on XLR you control the two channels, not the line level, correct? So basically I have an either-or option?

The mic level for the G3 seemed preferable because I would be using the Tascam's preamps and get less noise hopefully. As it stands now I'm having a hard time not getting background hiss with it, even when messing the mic, the receiver, and the Tascam independently.

 

[Petrus]

That makes sense. However, how is it possible then to use a non-powered XLR mic (like the 4053b) and the G3 at the same time? When the Tascam is on XLR you control the two channels, not the line level, correct? So basically I have an either-or option?

The mic level for the G3 seemed preferable because I would be using the Tascam's preamps and get less noise hopefully. As it stands now I'm having a hard time not getting background hiss with it, even when messing the mic, the receiver, and the Tascam independently.

With XLR inputs the phantom power is either on or off on both channels at the same time. So if you use 4053b and G3/Rode at the same time, you have to feed phantom to G3/Rode also. It might do no harm. I do not know if it is possible to use one XLR and line input at the same time. If yes, then that is the solution.

What makes you think that using Tascam's preamps would make the sound better. Microphone preamp you actually use is in the transmitter, not Tascam. The receiver then can send out either line level signal (less hiss and interference) or pad it down to lower mic level, which you then want to re-amplify with Tascam preamps back to line level???? Does that make any sense?

You need to set the gain level on the transmitter as high as possible to prevent hiss, but so high that it clips. Then you need to set the receiver output level as high as possible without clipping the Tascam input. Lastly you have to set the gain on Tascam so that the recording level is as high as possible without clipping the signal. So with wireless systems you need to set levels at 3 places, any of these can ruin the signal if set incorrectly. With wire there is only the last step to worry about. If you have all the settings right there should be no excessive hiss. Hiss can also be from the headphone amp and the recorded signal much better.

 

[sirrobert]

The receiver then can send out either line level signal (less hiss and interference) or pad it down to lower mic level, which you then want to re-amplify with Tascam preamps back to line level???? Does that make any sense?

Thanks, I have a better understanding of it now. It seems I may have to use the mic level, however, if I want to use both the lav and an XLR mic. But even that isn't guaranteed, given the phantom power issue.

Does anyone have a DR-100mkII that can comment on how to set this up correctly? I hope I didn't make the wrong decision when another recorder (maybe a 4-track one) would better suit my needs.