SD 302 to camera

it is set to 48v. But this has nothing to do with the in camera levels. Im saying the levels in the mixer are set and well leveled, but it's in camera that even the highest line levels without attenuation doesn't record high enough.
 
it is set to 48v. But this has nothing to do with the in camera levels. Im saying the levels in the mixer are set and well leveled, but it's in camera that even the highest line levels without attenuation doesn't record high enough.

That's because the A1 uses a consumer line level that results in lower signal when used with an external mixer. I ran into this problem last few times I worked with the SD 302. My sound guy finally did something to the mixer setting that fixed the problem. His username is Alan H. Chang, you should send him a PM and ask him how he did it. Or maybe he can chime in here.
 
i messaged him, just gotta wait for a response, hopefully he can help me solve this once and for all.
 
Petrus did some tests on this and finds that 302 using line level out (302 default) into A1 line level in with the cam pots all the way up works well.
I have also used the 302 into A1 and I set the output of the 302 down by 50dB and ran into the A1 mic level input with the cam pots at about 12 o'clock or halfway open.
Either way turn the +48 phantom off.
 
I just ran some tests, and this was the only way i could figure out how ot get proper levels in camera:

In camera:

12 db XLR gain

SD302: Set the output levels in the setup menu to -20db

result: Good levels in camera, but so much hiss

I can't figure this out!
 
You are thinking too hard about this!!!!
Set the 302 for it's 0dB output (Line level Default).
Set Camera for Line Input and turn up pots all the way. (counterclockwise)
Turn on the -20 ref tone on the 302. It should read just below -20 mark on the cam meters.
If you are getting hiss, it's from your gain stage in 302 preamp not adjusted correctly,
or possibly a wireless mic not setup correctly, or a low battery somewhere.

What is the 12dB XLR gain you are referring too????????
 
Got your message P.

There are many configurations that will work, whether it be mic or line in. As you've stated, your limiters are set to -3dBFS and -2dBFS. I would suggest changing this. Mike's advice would be the best for this setup, however, the line ins on the A1 is a consumer line level. You need to feed a hotter signal to the A1 when the Line setting is engaged.

SD302:
Reset your SD302's settings to default.
Do not change the XLR Attenuation Level, just leave it at 0.
Adjust your Output Limiter Threshold to let's say +18dBu.

Canon A1:
Turn off phantom power.
Switch to Line.
Feed 1kHz tone from SD302 to the cam.
Turn your parameters/pots until the signal is hitting the 2nd bar from the left of the big green mark, which should be about -20.
 
i think i got something that works. Big thanks to everyone in the thread! Cheers guys, knew i could count on ya for help.
 
dude, just gotta add - you mentioned "good levels" somewhere being at -10 on the 302, but thats low... you want 0 for your average, at least. i run mine hotter - aiming for +8 on everything....
 
I was going to say just the same. The meters on SD302 have scales which show levels 20 dB lower than the camera. Your -10 dB on SD302 is -30 dBFS on the camera, and that's LOW. Set the levels on the mixer to hover on the yellow, sometimes hitting one red.

And I repeat: EVERYTHING on the SD302 at the normal, standard level, XH-A1 in at line level, pots ALL THE WAY OPEN. This gives PERFECT match! Believe me. And no quality penalties.
 
yeah Pablo spent a good amount of time setting this up with me and now the levels are pristine!
 
Hey Papa,
Could yoiu share how you finally got it set right? I have the A-1 as well and am looking into the SD302 but I don't want the headaches you went through with it. Thanks

Ed
 
If it makes you feel any better Papa I took like an hour to figure out how to set up the A1, even had to go on-line to download manual. The layout on the A1's audio is a frickin mess.

Glad you got it straighten out.

Cheers
 
By using the "Method Petrus" (TM) outlined above it takes only 5 minutes or less....
 
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