Peak Levels w/Oktava MK102 + Zoom h4n Question

They Live

They Live

Well-known member
Hey guys, I've been searching but haven't found an answer yet about this.

Here's the scenario/question:
I'm a newb with the Zoom h4n. I just did some tests with my Oktava MK102 running straight into the Zoom, pulling phantom power from the Zoom. I was recording in Stereo Mode, Record Level 100. I had the Oktava about 16" - 20" from my mouth and spoke at a normal speaking volume. HERES THE QUESTION: The levels were peaking inbetween -18 and -12. Is this okay? That seems pretty low to me. I'd like to see the peaks more around -6, or at the very least past -12.

Are there some settings I'm missing? Will these levels for dialogue in the Zoom be okay in post?

Any and all advice greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.
 
Your levels are about where you want them. Occasional peaks at -6dB are okay, but averaging around -12dB is good. Assuming that the level setting on the H4n is the same as the H4, "100" is not maxed out. Is this correct? If that's true, and your record levels are hitting -12, you're good. Be sure to record in 24-bit.

Just remember that the rule of dialog mics is "closer is better." 16" - 20" is okay, but for a hypercardioid indoors, 12" is much better if you can swing it. You may have to reduce your recording level if the mic is closer... but that's exactly what you want to have to do.
 
Thanks C2V. On the H4n, 100 is maxed out. And it's only occasionally hitting -12, but I'd say it's averaging more around -18. But what you're saying makes me feel better. I just know that level readings aren't always consistent across devices.
 
Ben Haslup said:
On the H4n, 100 is maxed out. And it's only occasionally hitting -12, but I'd say it's averaging more around -18. But what you're saying makes me feel better.
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Then you may benefit from an external pre-amp such as the Sound Devices MM-1. That's a pretty low recording level for an input gain that is maxed out. Moving the mic closer will help, but you're still all the way up which means that pre-amp noise is amplified as well.
 
Thanks again C2V. I'm surprised there aren't more posts about this given how popular these two pieces of equipment are on DVXuser. I should be good at rec level 100 at about 12" - 16" from the mouth though. Still, not a whole lot of latitude there. Good thing I'm prepping for a shoot where I can lock down the boom.
 
There've actually been several posts about it lately (one active today, in fact), though the others have been in regards to the H4n and the Rode NTG-2. I guess we add the Oktava to the list.

The issue seems to be a combination of the lower output of the mics in question and the weaker pre-amps in the H4n. You wouldn't happen to have a -10dB pad on that Oktava, would you?
 
I have been using my Oktava with an Edirol R-44. I do own a Zoom as well so I'll try that combo out and get back with you. The Oktava/R-44 works great. I have used my Zoom a huge amount over the past year with an AT875R, a Senn 416, Senn MKE400 and several wired lavs. I have found that the shotguns and boom mics do require a higher level setting on the Zoom. And then it's also how loud someone's voice too.
 
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