Using an H4n with 1/8inch DSLR Mics via xlr...possible?

sdeming

sdeming

Member
So you've got an H4N
You've got a wired LAV with a stereo TSP connection. AND you have a Boom mic (intended for DSLR) also with an male 1/8 inch connector.

Is it possible to use the XLR inputs on the H4N so you can have two separate levels (one for the LAV the other for the Boom)?

I purchased a simple 1/8 to XLR adapter from Rode via B&H but I'm not getting a signal.
 
XLR inputs do not supply bias current (aka, 'plug-in power'), which is very common with (unbalanced) 3.5mm mic level inputs. If your mics do not need it, and can be disabled, adapter cables are a possibility.
NOTE: Plug-in power is not to be confused with 'Phantom Power', two different and non-compatible animals.
 
TSP? That is an internet protocol, I think you mean TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve), and it's not stereo, it just sends the same thing to both channels of a 1/8" stereo jack.

Nitpicking aside you can't go direct unless the mics are self powered. There are adapters that will convert and XLR with phantom power to a 1/8" connector with "Plugin power" so that could work. You can, I believe, also plug one in to a 1/8" in jack on the H4N. I was told you could do that on the H4 but I have never done it. I believe it ends up going to tracks 3/4 so...

About $31 a pop here
http://naiant.com/studio-electronics-products/inline-devices/pfa-phantom-power-adaptor/
 
As above, but what actual mics are you using? "DSLR mic" like a Rode videomic, typically implies powered, if it's a lav like an ATR3350, also (to mention probably the two most common for someone in your position). You just plug them into jack plugs in the center of the XLR connectors on the H4n, no need for an adaptor. Apologies if you knew this already, just covering all possibilities.
 
"You just plug them into jack plugs in the center of the XLR connectors on the H4n"
> AFAIK, the 1/4" input on the H4n 'combo jack is line level (-10dB), so a mic would not work. Channels 3/4 have a 1/8" jack w/ Plug-in pwr.


NOTE: on the other hand, The Tascam DR40's combo jack is wired in parallel, so either would work and mic/line is selected by a switch.
 
Thanks guys,
I am indeed using a Non-powered LAV with an (ahem) TRS connection. (sorry about that, quite tired when I made the original post). I'm also using a powered Rode shotgun Mic (powered via nine-volt). That cable looks interesting, but I'd really like to have one mic for each channel.
 
Rick R said:
> AFAIK, the 1/4" input on the H4n 'combo jack is line level (-10dB), so a mic would not work. Channels 3/4 have a 1/8" jack w/ Plug-in pwr.
Click to expand...
I understand they're Hi-Z rather than line level. I've got an old unbranded lav which does work, but you're quite right, most mics dont work. Powered mini jack mics do work with an XLR adapter like Rode sells, but it's easy to make your own, there's enough room in the XLR plug to fit a jack socket, or if you're commited enough just replace the jack plugs with XLR's. Maybe you could also use a dual mono to stereo plug in the back mic input?
 
sdeming said:
Thanks guys,
I am indeed using a Non-powered LAV with an (ahem) TRS connection. (sorry about that, quite tired when I made the original post). I'm also using a powered Rode shotgun Mic (powered via nine-volt). That cable looks interesting, but I'd really like to have one mic for each channel.
Click to expand...

By "non powered" I'm guessing you mean it needs power. There are not a lot of dynamic lavs floating around and the ones I have seen are pretty large. I have an old Sure one that is bigger than the CAD cardioid and literally hung from a cord around your neck, which is of course why they came to be called "lavalier" microphones.

Anyway, that lav will need an adapter than can give it power so one like I linked to earlier. The Rode only needs a wired adapter to go from the 1/8" to XLR so it should be cheaper.
 
You need much better detail about exactly what microphones you are using and how their output plugs are wired.
Without that information, we can only take wild shots in the dark.
 
Many use the below type of 'Y-cable' for feeding separate Left/Right into a stereo 3.5mm TRS jack. But as Richard stated, without your specific mic/connector info, we can't say it'll work.

3.5 Y-cable.jpg
 
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