Using a field mixer with an HVX

K

kapplerphoto

Member
I have an HVX and sometimes need more than the 2 mic inputs it has. I was wondering if getting a 3 or 4 channel field mixer and running the output of that to one of the camera inputs would work until I can afford a field recorder to the job 100%. If so what mixer would you suggest? Should I get a mixer that has a tone that I can use to set the level on the camera?
 
You are on the right track. The answer to your question is yes. And yes it would be wise to purchase a mixer with tone to set the camera levels.

Which mixer you choose depends on your budget. The Sign Video ENG-44 is a low-priced nicely featured 4 channel mixer for around $500. Sound Devices 302 is an industry standard 3 channel high quality mixer which will set you back around $1300 but can later be sold for nearly $1000. Higher prices mixers may have more features but more importantly provide cleaner audio, better durability, and serviceability, and higher resale value.
 
+1 for the SD302 though it is only 3 channels. If you need more, you could get two and double your fun and really empty your wallet.

Grant
 
Woould uit be safe to assume that the line/mic switch on the camera be set to line when using this type of equipment. Also, my budget only allows for the $500 range, will I still be able to get good quality fr that amount of money.
Thanks for evryone's help
 
Kappler,

Yes, one of the advantages is that a good mixer will have better pre-amps than your cam, and when you use line in, you'll be bypassing them. The other benefits are better limiters, better control, and much more. Many here believe that in most cams you are not bypassing the preamps using line in, just turning them down, I don't know for sure. Having said that, opinions differ (mostly negative) on mixers in the $500 category, so buyer beware. gpforet and a few others seem to like the ENG-44 and it has 4 channels. If you save for a SD302, you won't regret that, it is lifetime equipment. The SD mixpre is a great option at about $650, but has only two channels.


Grant
 
The SignVideo ENG-44 is a great mixer for the money. I tested it with the HPX170 and was hoping to hear that the pre-amps of the mixer would sound astonishingly better. They were pretty dang close. PSC also makes some pretty decent mixers for the money and as ggrantly mentioned, you can't go wrong with the SD302. Look at getting a break-away cable too. It's nice to be able to untether from the camera with one connection real quick. Markertek has one for a good price and Remote Audio makes some too as well as Peter Engh.


You'll definitely want to get a mixer that can produce tone so you can calibrate the camera's levels. Other features to look for are good limiters, clean pre-amps, bright VU's, long battery life or the ability to run off of NP1 style batteries, some will say, "Make sure it's bag friendly", you'll want easy access to frequently used buttons/switches. Hopefully more folks will chime in...and help out, you're on the right path askin' on here.
 
Thanks for all of the info. The video was great. I ordered a ENG-44 from B&H. I think it will suit my needs for now. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience
 
ggrantly said:
Guy,

You did a great job of selling so Kappler could buy from BH....sorry pal.

Grant
Click to expand...

LOL. Yeah, the $10,000+ that I've given away in dvxuser prizes over the years and 50+ tutorial videos I've produced really helped huh? B&H has gotta love me. Cant' win 'em all, but I certainly try!

On another note, I'm thinking of creating a field mixer tutorial video. Basically, it would drill down on the ins and outs, let you hear limiters/clipping, noisy vs. clean pre-amps, improper gain, VU meter set-up and just show some basic tips and tricks. Whaddya think? Wanna help? Maybe it'd be a 6 minute mixer tutorial non-model specific?
 
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