NTG-2 --> DT454 --> H4N, which cables?

M

MOKHAN

Member
Rode NTG-2 --> JuicedLink DT454 Preamp --> Zoom H4N

EDIT: I've changed the thread title to get some opinions on the setup.

A few forum members have warned me that putting a DT454 into the equation may actually degrade audio quality. Though, I am also aware that an NTG-2 and H4N combination isn't ideal due to the H4N's weak preamps. What can I substitute for the DT454 that would compensate for the H4N's weak preamp, considering my budget is around $200 used/new?

Does the DT454 really pose no advantage at all? (Would I be better off using a standalone NTG-2 to H4N setup?)

Note: This is for an external recording rig, audio will be synced in post.
 
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The NTG2 o/p is xlrm so you will need an xlrf to go to the mic....... why are you going to the jucied link? (its not needed) go straight to the H4n xlr input..... so all you need is a single xlrf -xlrm cable.

Every time you split a signal you will lose some level and as the NTG2 is not a high o/p mic you need all the level you can get, If you want to record onto 2 tracks (which is NOT stereo) its better to switch the H4n to MONO mode (page 72 of the H4n manual) to get it to 2 channels on the recorder.

A stereo microphone actually has 2 microphones in a single case giving 2 separate o/p's...... A single microphone (like the NTG2) can NEVER be, will NEVER be, or ever be made into stereo.......

When you do your recording ALWAYS monitor the o/p of the recorder...... ALWAYS. If you don't it's like using a video camera without using the viewfinder, and you wouldn't do that.
 
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Use a standard XLR-F -> XLR-M mic cable to connect the mic to the DT454. Use a 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRS to connect the DT454 to the H4n. The Juicedlink does not have an XLR output. Also note that the DT454 outputs a mic level signal, NOT line level like would be expected from a true preamp or mixer so if the objective is to bypass the H4n's internal mic preamps this combination won't do it. There is a switch on the Juiced that will send a single mic simultaneously to both the left and right output channels but note again, this is NOT stereo. Simply putting the same signal on both channels is dual-mono. Stereo requires two separate mics positioned in one of a number of different arrangements that make up a stereo pair.
 
In this case I would concur that using the Juicedlinks would be of little advantage and would may actually make matters worse, with more connections, gear and such.
 
I was told the H4N and NTG-2 combination isn't the best, due to the H4N's weak preamp. So a JuicedLink preamp was recommended. Isn't this the case?

What would you guys recommend instead of the DT454, with phantom power, to compensate for the H4N's weak preamp?
 
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Can't think of anything in that budget range. Should you find something that cheap, it's not likely that it will be any better than the H4n's own preamps and as Rick pointed out, adding it to the signal chain is likely to make things worse rather than better. You get what you pay for.
 
Sell the Zoom and get a Roland R-26 or a used Marantz PMD661. Far better pre's. Or sell the NTG2 and preamp and buy an NTG3. Much more sensitive mic.
 
MOKHAN said:
So in my case, I would see no improvement in audio quality using a DT454, versus an ART USB Dual Pre-Amp?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/615405-REG/ART_USBDUALPREPS_USB_Dual_Pre.html

This is unfortunate! :(
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IMHO using the DT454 in front of the H4n would make it worse, not better. The ART preamp is a computer recording interface, basically a sound card, and not a field preamp as such. Its output is for headphones or speaker playback, not a proper line level as would be suitable for sending into a recorder. While you can kludge it together and get sound, IMHO it's not the right tool for the job and is likely no better than the H4n's own preamps.
 
Not just the H4n's weak preamps. That coupled with the low output of an NTG2 is what makes this combo not optimum. Instead of the Juicedlink, you need an actual field mixer to get usable levels without loads of background hiss.
 
Doc Bernard said:
Not just the H4n's weak preamps. That coupled with the low output of an NTG2 is what makes this combo not optimum. Instead of the Juicedlink, you need an actual field mixer to get usable levels without loads of background hiss.
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Wasn't Robert's test on dvinfo, using the JuicedLink, fairly satisfying?
 
What I will say is this: I use the H4n and a field mixer. My record levels are usually "1" or "0.4" on the H4n. Main output on the mixer is 30% Input channel for my mic is at 75%. Granted I am not using an NTG2, but you get the idea. I usually try to maintain a -12 to -6db on the H4n. I would rather them have to bring my levels down in post, than for them to bump up my amplitude.

I use an odd gain staging setup, but I found it gives me the best results into the H4n. If I were to use an NTG2, more than likely, I would bring the main output up, or even bring the H4n up, as I have plenty of headroom left. And I monitor at 100.

This is just how I do it. YMMV.
 
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Steve House said:
IMHO using the DT454 in front of the H4n would make it worse, not better
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Most of the JuicedLink pre-amps offer +30 dB of clean gain, so it would definitely help make up for the weak pre-amps in the Zoom H4n.

I would use the gain controls of the JuicedLink FIRST, and then if necessary apply further gain to the signal using the H4n level controls afterwards.

The JuicedLink unit will also supply longer lasting phantom power to your mics compared to the Zoom H4n by itself.
 
TheDingo said:
Most of the JuicedLink pre-amps offer +30 dB of clean gain, so it would definitely help make up for the weak pre-amps in the Zoom H4n.

I would use the gain controls of the JuicedLink FIRST, and then if necessary apply further gain to the signal using the H4n level controls afterwards.

The JuicedLink unit will also supply longer lasting phantom power to your mics compared to the Zoom H4n by itself.
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Ah, DANG. That's what I was trying to figure out. So using a JuicedlLink preamp will improve quality!
 
MOKHAN said:
So using a JuicedlLink preamp will improve quality!
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Yes, if used properly. ( Mic ---> JuicedLink ---> Zoom H4n )

The Zoom H4n is my least favorite low-cost recorder, mainly because of the weak pre-amps and high noise-floor. ( most of the Tascam / Sony / Olympus recorders have 10 dB LESS noise compared to the H4n )
 
TheDingo said:
Yes, if used properly. ( Mic ---> JuicedLink ---> Zoom H4n )

The Zoom H4n is my least favorite low-cost recorder, mainly because of the weak pre-amps and high noise-floor. ( most of the Tascam / Sony / Olympus recorders have 10 dB LESS noise compared to the H4n )
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Dang, so the biggest mistake I made was going with the H4N. I'll look into something like the DR-100.
 
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