GH2 Easiest way of getting 2 different audio channels into the GH2?

A

AndersM

Member
Hi there!

I want to run both a Røde Videomic Pro and a wireless reciever into the gh2. What's the easiest way of doing this? From what I understand you can't just use a y-cable because you will get impedance mismatch issues.
Since I won't need proper mic-preamps with this setup, it feels like a bit of an overkill to get a juicedlink device or similar...
Any easy way to get two different sources into the stereo input?

Thanks!
 
A external Recorder as Zoom H4n is useful here! can record up to 4 tracks simultaneously and using a Cable as Sescom Line to mic for GH2 series, you can record form the external recorder to the GH2, but remember the GH2 has AGC and the audio is not the preferable for online edit, just use the audio from the GH2 as reference and sync with the audio from the external recorder.

Cheers
 
I just record outboard- too much compromise going directly into the camera. Five extra minutes spent in post to sync is way worth it to me for greatly improved audio.

Noah
 
Fostex will be releasing the DC-R302 this fall. It looks like a good solution for ENG type use. Its a 3 channel recorder that mounts to the bottom of the dslr and records to SD. You can feed the camera and record at the same time for syncing later on.
 
You might consider a passive BeachTek unit like the DXA-2s ( discontinued, but you can find them on eBay for $100 or less ), the only issue with your setup is that the BeachTek has XLR inputs, so you might have to get a pair of Rode 1/8" mini-plug to XLR adapters. Rode VXLR - Mono Mini-Jack to XLR Converter : $10 at B&H

The passive BeachTek units are great because they do not alter the characteristics of the audio, are essentially noise free, and provide you with pots to control the input levels of the two audio sources.
 
TheDingo said:
You might consider a passive BeachTek unit like the DXA-2s ( discontinued, but you can find them on eBay for $100 or less ), the only issue with your setup is that the BeachTek has XLR inputs, so you might have to get a pair of Rode 1/8" mini-plug to XLR adapters. Rode VXLR - Mono Mini-Jack to XLR Converter : $10 at B&H

The passive BeachTek units are great because they do not alter the characteristics of the audio, are essentially noise free, and provide you with pots to control the input levels of the two audio sources.
Click to expand...

Good advice, I will need to pull my beachtek out of retirement. I was under the impression you were able to turn off auto gain on the gh2, or am I thinking about the canon t3i?
 
Beachtek units always sound too quiet for me with a battery powered shotgun. I have not owned a unit with Phantom power onboard
 
plasmasmp said:
Beachtek units always sound too quiet for me with a battery powered shotgun
Click to expand...

I have never had a problem with my BeachTek unit as long as the mic signal is strong. ( some self-powered mics do not put out a great signal, I always prefer to use a mixer to power the mics and feed LINE level to the BeachTek adapter )
 
Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
I might go for an external recorder, but I need to record to the GH2 as well because I do ENG work and sometimes have super tight deadlines.
I like the Tascam DR-100 because of the analog gain controls and both line out and headphones out. I would love if it could pan the internal cardioids to the left and one of the xlrs to the right but it doesn't seem like that's possible?
I'll look into the Beachteks as well.
 
AndersM said:
Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
I might go for an external recorder, but I need to record to the GH2 as well because I do ENG work and sometimes have super tight deadlines.
I like the Tascam DR-100 because of the analog gain controls and both line out and headphones out. I would love if it could pan the internal cardioids to the left and one of the xlrs to the right but it doesn't seem like that's possible?
I'll look into the Beachteks as well.
Click to expand...

I'll toss a vote in for the H4n. You can use it in a few different configs with a VMP and a wireless lav:

1) VMP into main 2 tracks (mono -> dual mono) on H4n (via 3.5'' "ext mic' jack; this overrides the on-borad condenser mics) + wireless lav into Input 1 via XLR (single mono signal on left channel of second stereo track) + one mono track open on Input 2.
2) On board condenser mics on main stereo track + wireless lav into Input 1 + VMP -> 2.5'' stereo to 1/4' mono -> 1/4' mono to balanced XLR on Input 2 (note it needs to be on the XLR inputs and not 1/4' as 1/4' is assumed line level)

Then combined with the senscom GH2 cable:

http://www.markertek.com/Cables/Audio-Cables/DSLR-Audio-Cables/Sescom/LN2MIC-ZMGH-MON.xhtml

You can monitor audio via headphones and record reference audio to the GH2 at the same time.
 
The H4n is nice but I worry about not having analog gain controls for fast adjustments. Do you think this will be a problem?
 
maranfilms said:
I was under the impression you were able to turn off auto gain on the gh2, or am I thinking about the canon t3i?
Click to expand...

You cannot turn off the AGC on the GH2, you can just lower the audio level in three steps. It's a bummer, but on the bright side I haven't really found the AGC circuit on the GH2 to be very noisy or troublesome (like it is on the 7D).
 
I am using a few GH2's for ENG type work. We are plugging a handheld in to an xlr to mini and then adapted into the GH2. What I am getting is a split mono but the waveform is mirrored which cancels the sound out when played in camera. You can see the levels etc but when playing back there is no audio. When I get the footage to edit I just drop one channel and it is fine. I take it there is no way around this except running a H4n on each camera? I use this with HS students so it is not super high end work but it would be nice to have a simple way to get working audio in camera.
 
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