sound mixer

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crot0019

Well-known member
Hey guys atm I am using a zoom h4n to record my audio for movies. I plug a boom mic into it and thats that. I'm wondering about the benefits of using a sound mixer. Someone mentioned to me that i could use a mixer then from the mixer into the zoom. Is this right?

Are there any reasonably priced ones out there?

Cheers
 
Using a soundmixer is always the best solution, it gives more control for the boom...

What soundguys actualy do is holding the fader or knob with two fingers (mouth was to easy) and pretending they're turning it. When there is a silence scene, you bring up the level. It doesn't has to reach the 0dB but it has to be understandable. As suddenly the screaming mother in low enters, you can turn back the knob or fader very fast.

A H4N has touching volume control knobs, which are to slow.

About prices.... you won't get a car for 1 $.... same for mixers. But renting is also a good solution.

Using a mixer should be a rule without explanation (same as foley and ADR)
 
crot0019 said:
Hey guys atm I am using a zoom h4n to record my audio for movies. I plug a boom mic into it and thats that. I'm wondering about the benefits of using a sound mixer. Someone mentioned to me that i could use a mixer then from the mixer into the zoom. Is this right?

Are there any reasonably priced ones out there?

Cheers
Click to expand...

Depends on your definition of "reasonable."
 
Sound Devices Mixpre (665) might be a good one to start out with. Its very small/lightweight with good pre amps and decent metering. It seems like a lot, but its worth it, and if you are serious about your craft and want future work, you should think about making the investment. You may be able to pick up a used one at a good price. This way when you buy a wireless system, you can mix the two. I have done entire features with one boom and one lav, wouldn't recommend it, but its possible. Less setup, but less control.

To answer your other question, a mixer is always good to have so you have control over your dynamic range. Meaning if its a quiet line, gain, if they yell, you can cut back. Smooth changes are better sounding than a notch gain structure L-M-H. The post sound team will be grateful.
 
The thing here is that if I'm not mistaken the Zoom H4N doesn't have Line INs.

I have a 1st generation Zoom H4 and used to record with it with a loaned 302 in front with great results. Later went the Tascam HD-P2 route and now bought a MixPre for it.

I've read many mates stating that previous Zoom recorders are best suited for mixers but in the last case I think you have to buy some -40db pads for H4N if you want to use a mixer like MixPre or you are going to end frying your Zoom preamps with the overboost in sound signal
 
dre83 said:
Using a soundmixer is always the best solution, it gives more control for the boom...

Using a mixer should be a rule without explanation (same as foley and ADR)
Click to expand...

Using a mixer is NOT "always the best solution". There is NO "always the best solution", beyond the topic of mixers or even audio. There is NO "rule without exception". This is the kind of "indy-lore" that passes for "advice" in places like this.

Can a mixer provide extra control, metering and monitoring? Sure. Can it also be an added source of noise for no benefit, and even a distraction to keep you from getting a good recording? Yes again. Can you spend $$$$ on a mixer instead of on a couple more (maybe different) microphones for your collection which would provide far greater benefit to your recorded sound track? Indeed.
 
Yeah I dont think its worth the cost for me atm. I'll be shooting in a very controlled situation and the work i'll be doing isn't what i'd call complex. I can't justify it.
 
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