Tascam DR 680 RCA Output to DSLR

S

Strouty

Well-known member
Hi all, I have a quick question on the Tascam DR 680's RCA outputs. Does anyone know if I can take an RCA and go directly into a DSLR type camera via 3.5mm? I know there will be some attenuation needed (the 680 RCA's output are -10dBv I believe), but is it simple enough to go RCA Ouput --> RCA to 3.5mm cable --> 3.5mm attenuation cable --> DSLR?

Why I'm asking:
I'm not really an audio guy (but try to do things right when I can), so bear with me. I'm currently involved in a no-budget documentary type production (we're a group of friends doing it, so nobody is getting paid) where we have a lot of multiple camera interview type shots (Canon 5d3's). Currently for audio, we run booms (AT 4053b or Rode NTG 3) or lavs (Rode Lavs either wired or via sennheiser G3s) through a SD 302 to a Tascam DR-40. We have been very, very pleased with the results thus far.

I was mainly looking for something a little bit more bag friendly to go along with the SD 302 (the DR-40 is a pain in the a**) so I just picked up a Tascam DR-680, with the added recording channels being a bonus. I've always been interested in sending a backup audio track to the 5d's (as a backup and also to help with syncing) but it was a pain to do with the DR-40 since I had to go out via the headphone jack. With the DR 680, I noticed the RCA outputs and was hoping that it might be possible, but wasn't sure if there were any issues I should be aware of.

Thanks!
 
Yes you would need about 25-35dB of attenuation to knock the RCAs down to mic level for the DSLR.
I've sent cam hop scratch track from the 680's RCA outs to a G2/3 for a and it worked OK... of course the G2/3 SK100 transmitter needs a specifically wired cable for line level.
 
It should, as long as the RCA to 3.5mm adapter is not designed for a mono (TS) 3.5 plug, as that would short out.
I have a R-Shack 3.5mm (F) to RCA (M) adapter, where the Tip & Ring are summed, so that would work.
One could also contact Markertek ( http://www.markertek.com/ ) and inquire about a specific or custom cable.
BTW, Markertek owns and manufactures Sescom products in the NY Hudson Valley.
 
There are complications if you want to record more than one channel. Each of the RCA outputs on the DR-680 is a single channel. Your DSLR has a STEREO input via the 3.5mm phone plug. So first, you will need to combine two of the RCA outputs into 3.5mm stereo, and then use a stereo 3.5mm attenuator cable as Comstock1 suggested.

Frankly, IMHO it isn't worth the trouble. After going to all that expense of buying adapters, attenuator cables, extention cables, etc. etc. You will end up with a rather crummy recording on your DSLR anyway. There are no conditions where it could be considered a viable "backup" recording compared to the quality of your SD and Tascam equipment upstream.

If all you need is a scratch/sync track, then just use the built-in microphones on the DSLR and save some money and frustration. That is perhaps the ONLY legitimate use of the on-board microphone(s).
 
Richard Crowley said:
If all you need is a scratch/sync track, then just use the built-in microphones on the DSLR and save some money and frustration. That is perhaps the ONLY legitimate use of the on-board microphone(s).
Click to expand...

Most of the time this is fine, but there are some exceptions. For example, if you are far away from your subjects, or if they are talking inside a car and you're shooting from the outside. Just saying.

Also, sometimes I have boom guys who are inexperienced (i.e. friends who agreed to help out), so I like to monitor the audio from the camera to make sure there's no handling noise, etc.
 
Thanks for all the responses guys. I agree that it's probably too much of a hassle most of the time, but there were a couple shots that we did (like Sumfun described) where we were shooting a subject fairly far away (using wireless lavs) and the camera didn't really pick up much of the audio.

I already have a couple of those exact Sescom cables linked above. Is it as easy as picking up a couple cheapie RCA male to 3.5mm female cables such as: http://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Stereo-Female-Y-Cable-6-Inch/dp/B000I23TTE/ (and maybe a 3.5mm extension cable?)
 
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