Mix Pre-D as a Pad?

[egproductions]

I'm going to be filming a dance recital again this year. Last year was really spur of the moment and the sound tech gave me a feed from his mixer into my H4N. I neglected to use a Pad so it didn't sound great. This year I plan on using a pad. I have a cheap one but I also have a Mix Pre-D that I could put in front of the H4N. Would the Mix Pre-D be preferable to use in order to get Line Levels inputs or is it overkill?

 

[GaryNattrass]

No not overkill it is actually a very good idea as it will allow you more control and act as a buffer between the other mixer.

 

[TheDingo]

And you will get the benefit of the MixPre-D limiters, which will prevent anything from clipping. Just make sure to set your levels with the MixPre-D 1 kHz tone generator.

 

[Jema]

It's a great idea, just make sure that you use the tape out from the mixpre and not the XLR outputs, or you might repeat the same mistake as the XLR outputs are too hot for the H4n.

Best of luck!

 

[Rick R]

The MixPre would be recommended, If the feed comes from the house, it will likely be +4dB live level so the MixPre input should be set accordingly. As Jema stated the XLR outputs on the MixPre are balanced pro line level, H4n's XLR inputs are 'mic' level. To confuse things more, the H4n's 1/4" inputs are unbalanced consumer level. (-10db) Make sure the MixPre and H4n are at the same balanced/unbalanced configuration and operating level.

 

[GaryNattrass]

And you will get the benefit of the MixPre-D limiters, which will prevent anything from clipping. Just make sure to set your levels with the MixPre-D 1 kHz tone generator.

Hmmm this was my post but it seems to have done it on TheDingo's forum tag.

 

[egproductions]

And you will get the benefit of the MixPre-D limiters, which will prevent anything from clipping. Just make sure to set your levels with the MixPre-D 1 kHz tone generator.

Thanks for the replies. Will the limiters help if the levels clip on the audio tech's mixer (or do levels not clip on a mixer in that way?)

 

[Rick R]

"Will the limiters help if the levels clip on the audio tech's mixer; or do levels not clip on a mixer in that way?[/I]"
> Overloading console's output stage is usually not a problem and the MixPre's limiter should catch occasional peaks. If limiting is excessive, your input level preamp and/or channel fader should be reduced
The house console's mic input(s) can be clipped and distortion will be audible your system as well. Unfortunately there's little you can do on your end and overloading mic inputs is common for inexperienced operators. That said, most consoles have 'Overload' indicators on the mic channel so there's a warning. 'Occasional' flashes shouldn't be a problem.. The safest configuration is a mic splitter system, but it's expensive in terms of gear and time.