Field Mixer With Phantom Power.

T

thekillerbigmac

New member
Hello all!

I came here a little while ago searching for some good advice, and it is exactly what I had found! I asked about a starter audio setup, and I got some good advice to try a Rode VMP to plug into my Zoom H2. I had recently received my Rode VMP and hadn't had a chance to play with it when out of nowhere a deal landed in my lap! I snagged a Rode NTG1 with shockmount for $50 from craigslist. It seems in decent shape, and working well, but as of now, I have no portable means of recording outside my room.(I have a mixer in my room providing phantom.)

So I decided it would work well to return the VMP, and use the money to pick up a field mixer providing phantom to then record to my Zoom H2. I'll be getting back around $230 for the VMP and looking for a decent means of mixing/phantom for around that price. If need be, I can fork a little more out for a good mixer, but not looking to spend more than $300.

I thought to maybe look at the Zoom H4n, but I read somewhere that the phantom isn't "good" with it. I'm really not sure what to think about that, but besides, I ALREADY HAVE an H2 I can record to! So what may YOU recommend for me in this situation?

Much appreciation!
~Bill L.
 
The cheapest way I've heard of is over here. That user did it for a few bucks and it seems to work well.

Edit: sorry, I've misread it. I thought you were looking for a way to provide phantom power to your mic in order to use it straight into the H2.
 
Thanks anyway for replying.

Also, after doing a little MORE investigation, it's looking like most CHEAPER mixers/preamps aren't better than camera preamps. A little discouraging.

I kinda got looking at a Rolls MX124, and got some confusion from its 18v phantom power. Correct me if I am wrong, but that isn't enough correct? 48v seems to be the most common, including what the NTG1 uses right?

It looks kinda like the Sound Devices Mp-1 may be the cheapest, best choice correct? But then I just realized it has XLR out only. So this makes another thing I need, a field mixer/preamp WITH 1/4" or 3/8" output. So I MIGHT be able to use this MP1 with an XLR to mini converter on the output XLR, yes?

But regardless of the quality of the preamps, I still NEED a way to record, even if it is a flawed or not so clean way. So I'm still looking for good suggestions for a unit to mainly provide the phantom I need for my NTG1, and hopefully mix a bit as well.

Thanks again,
~Bill
 
If you can find a NTG-2 or AT897, they are self powered via internal battery.

Trade the H2 for something with phantom power. The H4n has a bad reputation with the NTG-1 and NTG-2. A Tascam DR-100 may be a it better in this regard. I have one and like it, though opinions vary on whether it is better than the Zoom. I know I can get enough gain with it and a AT897, though the paper specs say it isn't as hot (or cold in this case) as a NTG-2. With better mics like the NTG-3 it is no problem at all. Your mileage may vary.

There are a couple of pre-amp products out there, but for what you get for the money, aren't worth it IMHO.

You never mentioned what your capturing video with. Given your non-existant budget, knowing that may help drive your best solution.

Under the circumstances, if you are committed to the H2, I would stick the bargain NTG-1 in the closet for the future, and get the VMP back. It's the least expensive option.

Grant
 
thekillerbigmac said:
Also, after doing a little MORE investigation, it's looking like most CHEAPER mixers/preamps aren't better than camera preamps.
Click to expand...
I kind of disagree on that. I own 2x JuicedLink CX211 (doesn't provides phantom power) but the preamp are way better than the internal's camcorders ones. I use it with my HV40/T2i and get decent audio out of them. Check for the CX231, which does phantom power.

As for recording, I'm using a Zoom H2 and I use the other JuicedLink as a preamp on it, and get decent sound on it too using the line-in instead of the Ext Mic input on the recorder.
 
thekillerbigmac said:
Thanks anyway for replying.

Also, after doing a little MORE investigation, it's looking like most CHEAPER mixers/preamps aren't better than camera preamps. A little discouraging.
...
~Bill
Click to expand...

Really depends on the mixer and the camera. Can be true but on cheaper camcorders and DSLR's the audio section is pretty awful.
 
I have a Canon HF200. I actually like the idea of the juicedlink. So does anyone know of any other decent mixer/preamps around the $300 range with phantom? Most of what I found was either much more expensive, or doesnt have phantom power. :/

Thanks again,
~Bill
 
thekillerbigmac said:
I have a Canon HF200. I actually like the idea of the juicedlink. So does anyone know of any other decent mixer/preamps around the $300 range with phantom? Most of what I found was either much more expensive, or doesnt have phantom power. :/
Click to expand...
You could always check for a lower cost preamp and DIY the phantom power device I've linked in the 2nd post, you could save a lot.
Otherwise, the JuicedLink (from what I've read) are the best built/quality preamps available. I don't know about the beachteck's preamp which provides phantom power, but I can vouch for the JuicedLink's quality preamp.
 
Hmmm. I'm still deciding exactly what to get. I already sent back the VMP, so I'm kinda just waiting for that money to get back to me. Once that happens, I'll hopefully have made a descision. But I find some interesting things that I am not familiar with. Maybe someone can give their 2 cents?

I'm between a few things(Some have a time limit!) Originally, my choice was a new Juicedlink CX231 for $300. Then I saw on craigslist, a used DT454 for $350. I thought, "Hey!, it's only $50 more, go for it" while another part of me thinks, "Do I NEED it?" Finally I found a used FP33 on ebay, BuyItNow price is $375. But I read some opinions online about them being noisy. But noisy compared to what?! I believe one person was referencing it to a Sound Devices. But from Juicedlinks to the FP33, what kind of difference in sound are we talking?

So,
CX231 - $300
DT454 - $350
FP33 - $390(Including shipping)

I'd still only rather spend the 300(Not to mention I CAN'T put the dt454 or the fp33 on my credit card seeing as they are purchases from people. I'd have to fork out cash). And I'm trying not to miss out on a better thing at the same time. :/

Much appreciated,
~Bill
 
So I tried to get the FP33 on ebay. Ended up getting outbid in the last second. It went for ~300. So then I went for the next auction item and snagged the Juicedlink CX231 for almost 210 including shipping! Hopefully I get the results I want from it!

Thanks again to all of those contributing their opinions on the matter!
~Bill Ludwig
 
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