Question about Zoom H4n and SD MixPre

K

Kent OGP

Active member
I'm filming my first feature this summer and want the best audio possible with my very small budget. I'm recording on a Zoom H4n (which I already own) and will be renting a Shoeps CMC641 and a good wireless lav.

I'm also renting a Sound Devices MixPre, because I've heard that the Zoom's pre-amps aren't as good as SD pre's, and I also want to be able to ride the gain for scenes that go from quiet talking to loud yelling.

Lately I've read that the MixPre has a different line out decibel level than the Zoom's line in (or something like that), which won't give the Zoom enough headroom to record good audio. I haven't been able to find a clear answer to it in the other threads, so here's the question:

Will I be better off recording with my boom mic plugged from the MixPre to the Zoom? Or should I not even bother with the MixPre and just plug the mic straight into the Zoom?
 
But what about this problem (posted by Gohonto)

" Sound Devices uses pro line level (+4dBu) and the Zoom is looking for consumer line level (-10dBV). Due to units being odd and bizarre, that's 11dB + change difference which makes the Zoom easier to clip than you'd hope for.

The Zoom clips at +18dBu though from the line level (volume set to 1.0). MixPre limiters naively kick in at +18dBu (which in this setting, makes the limiters worthless). However, you can set the limiters on the MixPre lower (it's just cumbersome and hard to do accurately) and make it work."
 
Kent OGP said:
But what about this problem (posted by Gohonto)

" Sound Devices uses pro line level (+4dBu) and the Zoom is looking for consumer line level (-10dBV). Due to units being odd and bizarre, that's 11dB + change difference which makes the Zoom easier to clip than you'd hope for.

The Zoom clips at +18dBu though from the line level (volume set to 1.0). MixPre limiters naively kick in at +18dBu (which in this setting, makes the limiters worthless). However, you can set the limiters on the MixPre lower (it's just cumbersome and hard to do accurately) and make it work."
Click to expand...


SD MixPre uses consumer Line level (-10dBv) in it's TAPE output jack. Just run a cable from the SD TAPE out to the Zoom's Line IN and you're set.

Adjusting the limiters on the SD is also a simply task. Just feed the Zoom's with the SD 1K tone and adjust the first at -12dB. Adjust the signal on the SD from now on depending on the desired level. Speak loudly to the mic and see if it clips on the Zoom. If it does, adjust the limiters on the SD with a suitable screwdriver. You're good to go!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top