tape out issues on MixPre

Patryk_Rebisz

Patryk_Rebisz

Veteran
So i'm trying to run double system. MixPre XLRs into Zoom H4 (not H4n) 1/4" inputs. And then also Tape Out from MixPre into Canon 7D (now that it has manual audio controls) using -50db 1/8" cable. The issues i'm running into is that Tape Out on MixPre is not as loud as XLRs. I just did a small test running tone from XLRs (through XLR to 1/8" adapter) into 7D and all looks good but when i keep on running the tone and switch the cable to Tape Out is barely half as loud. Am i missing something here?
 
"Tape Out" is a nominal -10dBv consumer line level, XLR output is a nominal 0dBu line level. Tape out will be markedly lower than the XLR.
 
Steve House said:
"Tape Out" is a nominal -10dBv consumer line level, XLR output is a nominal 0dBu line level. Tape out will be markedly lower than the XLR.
Click to expand...

Yes - and you have a whole load of optional outputs to fit almost every occasion:
  • Balanced Line on XLR
  • balanced mic. on XLR (switched on the same connector as above)
  • AES3 digital output (switched on right channel XLR as above)
  • unbalanced stereo mic. on mini-XLR
  • tape out (consumer level) on 3.5mm mini-jack

So you will always have the best output for whatever you are connecting it to. :thumbsup:
 
John Willett said:
Why?

The Mix Pre already has all this.

If the line out is too high, switch it to mic. level or use the tape out or use the stereo mic. out - no need to get a special cable.
Click to expand...

Wait John, you are loosing me. Without some kind of pad the Tape Out is too high for my mic level camera.
 
Mr. Willett is suggesting to use the 3.5mm mic-level output from the MixPre. This output was DESIGNED to be connected directly to the mic input of your DSLR. Any other arrangement seems like an unwarranted kludge. Is there some reason you are NOT using this output? It was designed SPECIFICALLY for your application. No adapters needed.
 
I recall the 'original' MixPre did not have a 1/8" mic output. So if using the MixPre's unbalanced Tape out, 20 or 25dB of attenuation would be necessary for a 'mic level' input.
 
Richard Crowley said:
Mr. Willett is suggesting to use the 3.5mm mic-level output from the MixPre. This output was DESIGNED to be connected directly to the mic input of your DSLR. Any other arrangement seems like an unwarranted kludge. Is there some reason you are NOT using this output? It was designed SPECIFICALLY for your application. No adapters needed.
Click to expand...

Sound Devices MixPre-D has the following outputs:

XLR-Line/Mic: active-balanced, 100 ohm output impedance
XLR-AES3: balanced, 110 ohm, two-channel, on right XLR connector
TA3: unbalanced Mic-level output, pin-2 left, pin-3 right, pin-1 ground, 200 ohm output impedance
Tape (3.5 mm) -10 dB Unbalanced, tip-left, ring-right, sleeve-ground, 2.1k ohm output impedance


The older Sound Devices MixPre has the following outputs:

XLR-Line: active-balanced, 120 ohm output impedance
Tape (3.5 mm) -10 dB Unbalanced, tip-left, ring-right, sleeve-ground, 2.1k ohm output impedance
 
Ok i run the test using MixPre (not D) feeding signal to Canon 7D.

XLR through -50db cable = clear signal (7D's preamps are only one notch above off)
Tape Out through -50db cable = noisy (7D's preamp has to be set to about 50%)
Tape Out through -25db cable = noisy (7D's preamp has to be set to about 35%)
Tape Out through regular 1/8" cable = overmodulated (even with 7D's preamps set to one notch above off)

What other options do i have????
 
XLR through -50db cable = clear signal (7D's preamps are only one notch above off)
Your test concurs with that of Sound Devices on the 7D camera setting. Options? Most would still recommended second system audio recording, and using the camera audio as a sync reference.
 
Rick R said:
XLR through -50db cable = clear signal (7D's preamps are only one notch above off)
Your test concurs with that of Sound Devices on the 7D camera setting. Options? Most would still recommended second system audio recording, and using the camera audio as a sync reference.
Click to expand...

Would something like -10db pad work (if there is such a thing)?
 
Patryk_Rebisz said:
Anyone knows if this -10db pad would work
Click to expand...

Inline XLR pads are easy to find, but how are you going to incorporate this with the 3.5mm TAPE OUT on your MixPre ?

This is the cable I used to connect my GH2 to the TAPE OUT on my old MixPre: Sescom LN2MIC-ZOOMH4N Cable for HDSLR Cameras : $27

This would give me a "hot" -35 dB signal from the MixPre TAPE OUT that I would then feed to my GH2 or a digital recorder.

The also make a 6 foot version: Sescom LN2MIC-ZMH4N-6 Cable for HDSLR Cameras : $33
 
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