MixpreD or Marantz 661 or my cam

Doug_EX

Doug_EX

Well-known member
Hi,


First of all, English is not my first language..so bare with me.


I was wondering if I could get better sound than running my mics directly into my camcorder(s).
Here is what I use


Mics:
-Rode NTG3
-Audix SCX1/HC
-Sennheiser G3 wireless with ME2 and VT500


Cams:
-HPX250 and HPX170
-GH2 (GH3 soon)


As for now, if I were to shot a multi cam interview I would run the mic(s) in my HPX170 or 250 and have my GH2 for second cam.


I work almost always alone so I have to keep it as simple as I can. But I also want some clean sound too.


I find that my NTG3 into my HPX250 produce quite some noise. Would it be better running the mic through a MixpreD and output line level to the camcorder?
What about the Marantz PMD 661?


Here's another thing though, lately I am using more my GH2 than my other camcorders (mostly for corporate stuff and advertising)...would it be a good thing to run the mics in the MixpreD and out directly into the GH2 (GH3 soon)???


I have multiple set ups so I need a solution that will apply to most of them. And I want something durable...at least for 5-10 years.
 
The MixPre-D will improve your signal chain in front of your primary cameras, simply because of better pre-amps and line-level signal to the camera.

If you're shooting with a DSLR and have neither of your other two cameras running, then the MixPre-D in front of an external recorder will serve you well.
 
I use both, and love them. I agree with Alex. The pmd 661 is a great recorder. I can get a pretty clean signal into my 5d mkiii even without the mixpre d so i assume your gh2/3 will be fine with or without it, but you can more easily control the inputs with it.
 
If running cables into the camera isn't a problem, then definitely a mixpre before an external recorder. If you can benefit practically from being free from the camera, then the PMD661.
 
Thanks guys...really appreciate it.
One more thing, the PMD661 has RCA line output...is running cables (rca to XLR) from the marantz to my Camcorder is as good than xlr to xlr. In other words, do I lose quality by through those rca plugs?
 
RCA is an unbalanced signal, which means it can pick up noise and interference more than XLR if the cables are long. For short ones, not really. I don't know how clean the outputs of the 661 is though... Are you thinking of going to cam as a backup?
 
Aside from the RCA outputs being unbalanced and long cable runs could potentially be noisy, they're likely -10dB as well. The camcorders XLR 'line" level is likely +4dB, so the cams gain will have to be raised, which will probably produce noise. It would probably be better to pad the RCA's -10dB signal down to mic level for the camcorder, but if it's just a sync reference, there's no sense of making things more difficult then needed
 
Jema said:
RCA is an unbalanced signal, which means it can pick up noise and interference more than XLR if the cables are long. For short ones, not really. I don't know how clean the outputs of the 661 is though... Are you thinking of going to cam as a backup?
Click to expand...
For back up yes and for synching in post.
 
Idon't understand. Why do you think you need to use the RCA jacks? I never do. The 661 has a full complement of xlrs etc. you can download the manual online if you wish.
 
8string said:
Idon't understand. Why do you think you need to use the RCA jacks? I never do. The 661 has a full complement of xlrs etc. you can download the manual online if you wish.
Click to expand...

Rca are outputs and xlr inputs, no?
like I said, for back-up and sync.
 
I know, i guess i wasn't being clear. I rarely run out ofthe Marantz. With the mixpre, I go into the Marantz, and the camera, and then take the card out and into the NLE. But if you have to leave the Marantz, short run using RCA isn't usually going to cause a problem. An unprotected run of less than two feet, if careful, is usually fine, until it isn't (g). But it's all about how much money you want to spend.
 
I just received my MixPreD. Done some tests with a Audix SCX1/HC. I must say that I'm a little disappointed regarding the preamps. I did a test with my Audix directly in to my HPX250 and a second test going through the MixPreD and in (line) my HPX250.I don't ear any difference. The preamp seems to be quite equal. I monitored my test with a pair of M-Audio BS5a speakers...not the best but quite good for this test. I really don't hear any difference. In fact, the test was equal between the two when I engaged the HighPassFilter on mixPre-D. With no HPF, the sound was better running directly in the HPX250. Now for the good part...The sound coming from the headphone jack on the MixPre-D is WAY better than from the one on my HPX. The led meter is awesome. Also, the limiters work great, a lot better than the HPX. But I really thought I would end up with better sound (floor noise wise) with the SD MixPre-D.
 
First, be sure that the noise floor you hear is self-noise and not from the environment. Depending on the room or outdoor location, the two can sound very similar. If it's environmental noise floor, pre-amp quality will have no impact.

Panasonic has, since the DVX-100, had some of the best pre-amps available in prosumer cameras. That said, the functionality you gain from the MixPre-D is worth the price of admission: much more accurate meters, calibration tone, signal routing (L-C-R panning), and the "unclippable" signal limiting. These are things you will not get from your camera. And yes, the headphone amp in the mixer is miles above that of any camera.
 
Alex H. said:
Panasonic has, since the DVX-100, had some of the best pre-amps available in prosumer cameras. That said, the functionality you gain from the MixPre-D is worth the price of admission: much more accurate meters, calibration tone, signal routing (L-C-R panning), and the "unclippable" signal limiting. These are things you will not get from your camera. And yes, the headphone amp in the mixer is miles above that of any camera.
Click to expand...
Yep! and that's why I'll keep it anyway. I work almost always alone, but the day I'll hire a boom pole op, it will become quite handy. Also, the fact that it can be a audio interface to record on my pc is a great feature too!
 
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