Lav mics with Zoom H5. What do I need?
- Thread starter alohype
- Start date
Yes, sorry, I should be more specific. Dialog and narration, I'm just not sure how to connect lav mics to H5 which I already own.
Rick R
Veteran
Wireless or wired? Pros and cons to both. Wired are lower cost and, more reliable but can't be as mobile as a wireless. VO/narration.. lots of choices there... mic preamps and the recording environment are equally important. Typically a large diaphragm condenser is the go-to, but others can be used effectively.
Search here and read the 'Sticky' threads. Search other audio forums as well.
Search here and read the 'Sticky' threads. Search other audio forums as well.
I currently have no spare money to get a proper setup so instead was thinking about wiring lav mic to H5 and treat it as a "remote". Later on I plan on investing in wireless setup that will feed audio directly to camera.
I've read that I will need XLR adapter for 5V, but that can be expensive. Is there any way to bypass this? For example by buying Rode SmartLav?
I've read that I will need XLR adapter for 5V, but that can be expensive. Is there any way to bypass this? For example by buying Rode SmartLav?
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The RØDE Lav does allow easy adaptation for XLR and various wireless transmitters through swapping its Micon connection adapters, so you can buy one lav and several adapters and be prepared for just about anything.
Other lavs can be purchased wired for XLR with no adapter needed, but if you want to use that lav with a wireless transmitter you will have to send it in to be re-terminated.
Rick R
Veteran
The H5 manual indicates a "MIC/LINE input jack (supports plug-in power)" on the internal mic module, so an XLR equipped mic should not be needed. I don't know if an external 3.5mm connector mic input and the internal mics can be used at the same time, which is possible with the XLR inputs.
5 volts is for bias current voltage (aka, Plug-in Power.) which most lavs need. An XLR adapter/power supply transforms Phantom Pwr. (typically 48 volts) to bias voltage. The two are different animals and not compatible without the module.
Some XLR power supplies have an internal battery to supply bias current, in which case Phantom Pwr. is not needed.
5 volts is for bias current voltage (aka, Plug-in Power.) which most lavs need. An XLR adapter/power supply transforms Phantom Pwr. (typically 48 volts) to bias voltage. The two are different animals and not compatible without the module.
Some XLR power supplies have an internal battery to supply bias current, in which case Phantom Pwr. is not needed.
Throwback
Well-known member
The OP was asking about the Rode Smartlav, not the Rode lav: the former is much cheaper, but designed for smartphones/tablets via headset socket and not suitable for the H5 as it is - it has a TRRS plug - BUT the cheap Rode SC3 TRRS to TRS adapter will allow the Smartlav (or Smartlav+ as the current model is named) to be used with a recorder such as the H5 with plug-in power, giving you a very affordable wired lav.
The rather different Rode lav (which I use) is more flexible - as Alex describes - and a better bet (inc. less self noise and greater sensitivity) if you can afford it.
Cheers,
Roland
Whoops. Missed that.
As Throwback said, you'll need an adapter. The lead on the SmartLav+ also isn't very long, though there is a 20' extension available. All this, however, adds noise through the various connections and adapters and extensions. Plus, only one SmartLav+ could be connected to the H5, whereas proper lavs wired for XLR allow for two mics to be in use, and recorded to separate tracks.