GH5 GH5 audio input level

BobKo

BobKo

Well-known member
As far as I can figure out from the GH5's specs, the 3.5mm audio input is mic level, not line level. I'm looking at a new wireless mic setup, and the output of the receiver is line level -- and it's not adjustable. Has anyone had any success feeding a line level signal into the GH5 without resorting to an attenuator? Or maybe you have a lead on just the right attenuator for the job? (I would prefer not to use an attenuator, but you gotta do what you gotta do.)

Any thoughts on connecting a line level device to the mic input on the GH5?

Bob
 
I wrestled with similar questions on the GH5S and spoke with Panasonic UKs tech rep.

This doesn’t directly answer your question, but may be useful to you. We concluded the XLR module was the way to go. It also gives you on the fly gain adjustment and allows a small gun mic to be plugged in for on-cam ambient sound.

I’ve just done an intensive 2 week doc shoot and I’m happy with the results, in terms of quality. I used Smallrig cages with the “helmet” that gives a bit more physical security.

Ben.
 
I have both GH5 and GH5S and yes the GH5S does have the option of line level. Control is under the movie camera menu. Select for mic with power, mic, or line. Still think the XLR adapter is a better choice.
 
bengiles said:
I wrestled with similar questions on the GH5S and spoke with Panasonic UKs tech rep. We concluded the XLR module was the way to go.
Click to expand...

I thought about the XLR adapter and may want to get one someday. One problem is that the XLR adapter costs more ($400) than the microphone I'm thinking about ($250). The XLR adapter also adds bulk and weight, and I do a fair amount of run-and-gun shooting where it is good to keep the weight to a minimum. Still, the XLR adapter is an option to be considered.

I have a couple of audio attenuators that I made myself with some resistors. They both work, but I've had enough issues with them that I prefer not to use attenuators whenever possible. They do work in a pinch, however.

I just tested my GH5 to see what happened when I fed it a line-level signal. I updated my GH5 to the latest firmware (v2.5) a couple weeks ago, so it is up to date. I cranked the input level to its lowest number on the GH5 (-12), then fed it line-level audio. The result was that a line-level signal plugged into the 3.5mm input jack resulted in distorted sound, as expected. I wanted to conduct the experiment just to be sure.

Thanks for all the advice so far.

Bob
 
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BobKo said:
I thought about the XLR adapter and may want to get one someday. One problem is that the XLR adapter costs more ($400) than the microphone I'm thinking about ($250). The XLR adapter also adds bulk and weight, and I do a fair amount of run-and-gun shooting where it is good to keep the weight to a minimum. Still, the XLR adapter is an option to be considered.

I have a couple of audio attenuators that I made myself with some resistors. They both work, but I've had enough issues with them that I prefer not to use attenuators whenever possible. They do work in a pinch, however.

I just tested my GH5 to see what happened when I fed it a line-level signal. I updated my GH5 to the latest firmware (v2.5) a couple weeks ago, so it is up to date. I cranked the input level to its lowest number on the GH5 (-12), then fed it line-level audio. The result was that a line-level signal plugged into the 3.5mm input jack resulted in distorted sound, as expected. I wanted to conduct the experiment just to be sure.

Thanks for all the advice so far.

Bob
Click to expand...

The GH5 can't accept line level through the 3.5mm jack - the GH5s can though. I'm a huge advocate for the XLR-1 adapter. It the best way to get quality audio into that camera. It's not a clunky 3rd party add on like many other solutions. It feels completely integrated and a natural extension of the camera.
 
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