H4N Feed

[egproductions]

I shoot a lot of weddings where I use an H4n to get a feed from the DJ or Band. Occasionally (and more often latley) but not always, I recieve a feed from a mixer or an output from a speaker and the signal comes in distored. I usually have to lower my input levels to .5 in order to keep my levels from peaking but even without eh levels peaking, the 1 and 2 inputs flash as if they are overmodulating. When I check how the feed is sounding with headphones sure enough the feed sounds disotrted as if it's overmodulated even though my levels are under -6db. I usually take 2 1/4" lin outs from the mixer directly into the H4n. Why would this be happening and what can I do to prevent this?

Thanks!

 

[David W. Jones]

Sounds like an impedance mismatch. You might think about carrying a couple of vari-pads to keep things in check.

 

[TheDingo]

You need to add an inline pad to bring the level down to where the Zoom H4n can handle the "hot" signal. Something like this would do the trick...

Whirlwind IMPAD30 - In-Line XLR Barrel 30 dB Attenuator

If you want to stay with all 1/4 inch TRS connections, then you could use something like this...

Whirlwind DIRECTOR

I recommend a 30 dB pad because some LINE feeds are weak, and you may not need the full 50 dB to bring them down to MIC level.

 

[egproductions]

Sounds like (no pun intended) this is the problem. Are there any cases where a 30db pad is going to be too little?

 

[TheDingo]

Sounds like (no pun intended) this is the problem. Are there any cases where a 30db pad is going to be too little?

Not with the Zoom H4n which has adjustable pre-amp levels from 0.1 to 100 ( this covers a range of almost 60 dB )

Most other recorders have separate LINE and MIC inputs ( something the Zoom H1 and H4n don't have ), or have built-in 50 dB pads that can be switched in or out. ( LINE <---> MIC switch )

 

[Rick R]

The analog line/mic input levels on most budget portables are not adjustable per se... which could very well overload the recorder's input stage regardless of the 'digital' recording level.
A 30dB pad may be enough for most, though the H4n has a strange input config, to allow instrument levels also.