what size in line barres do i need? for a sd mixpre to h4

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burning holmes films

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what size in line barres do i need? for a sd mixpre to h4, they come in 10db, 20,30,and 40,,,hers the info on them from sweetwater The Whirlwind IMP Pad 40dB gives you the perfect amount of signal attenuation to effectively input a line signal into a mic pre or match levels between two pieces of gear. Attenuation is a critical part of recording and signal matching, ensuring that an overly "hot" signal won't hit the input of the device it's going into too hard. In short, attenuators are effective at avoiding unwanted distortion. An audio toolkit essential, the IMP Pad 40dB is also available in 10, 20, and 30dB attenuation versions. Take control of your signal with the Whirlwind IMP Pad 40dB.

Whirlwind IMP Pad 40dB Attenuator Features:
40dB of attenuation
Inline design
Compact design
is there an easier way to do this with a xlr cable that has them built in?
 
I'm not so sure you need a pad at all. The output of the mixpre should provide line level output to the H4.

Doesn't the H4 have a line in?
 
To go from line-level to mic-level, you want as much pad as possible. Generally speaking, the difference bewtween line and mic is anywhere from 40dB to 60dB, with mic-level being roughly -50dB (or -60dB) and line-level being either -10dB (consumer) or +4dB (professional).

So get the -40dB inline pad barrel.

Now, are we truly talking about the H4, or are we talking about the H4n?

If it's the original H4, just get a 1/8" TRS to dual 1/4" TS cable and use the tape out from the MixPre. Connect to the 1/4" H4 inputs and set the H4 to line-in.

If it's the H4n, there is not a line-in setting and you'll need the inline barrels. The more attentuation you have, the more headroom you'll have with the least chance for distortion. Try a -50dB attenuator.
 
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you can call up trew audio and they can make you some xlr cables with a mic to line pad in it for around $30 each. had them do that for some colleges of mine who use mixpres and zoom h4 and h4ns.
 
Why get inline pads? I believe the mixpre and 302 both can attenuate the output level via the setup menu. Here's what the 302's manual says:

"Attenuation is set from 0 to 16 dB in 2 dB increments, and 40 to 56 dB in 2 dB increments. The
common attenuation levels of -10 dB (Aux level), -40 dB (hot Mic-level), and -56 dB (low Mic-level)​
are available."

If I'm wrong, please tell me b/c I use a similar setup (302 into an H4n via an attenuate output from 302)
 
The H4 (not the H4n) is "Line" level when you plug into the combo jacks using 1/4" connectors. So from the MixPre, use XLR female to 1/4" male.
 
pete, the 302 is a bit more advanced than the mixpre, so yes you can adjust the output level, but with the mixpre, you're stuck with line level output.

and also, i think its a good idea to invest in some line to mic pads, even just to have in your kit because you'll never know when you'll need to use them.
 
c2v-ooppssss.....yeah i have the h4 ...i went ahead and bought two -40 db in line barrels and 4 -1 foot xlr cables, i did`nt receive it yet so i will just return it. thanks for the input. but i am getting 2 answers 1- is to get the 1/8 trs to a dual 1/4 ts cable and the other is to get xlr female to a 1/4 male? which one do i need to go from my sd mixpre to my h4...not h4n..just plain ol h4. thanks again.
 
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manglerBMX said:
pete, the 302 is a bit more advanced than the mixpre, so yes you can adjust the output level, but with the mixpre, you're stuck with line level output.

and also, i think its a good idea to invest in some line to mic pads, even just to have in your kit because you'll never know when you'll need to use them.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the FYI. I figured the MixPre would have close to the same level parameters as the 302 does. I think I'm going to have to get some inline pads when I use a dual system. The tape out/mix output is set at -15dbu and can't be adjusted.
 
Another thing to consider with the H4 (not the H4N) is that it loses sync rather quickly when syncing with video. When I record something like a play I use the Edirol R4Pro, but one time we has an actor come in from the back of the house and speak from the back for part of a scene. I had my H4 to catch that, and I had to cut up the wav file to keep the audio in sync with him moving mouth on the video. It lost considerable sync within just a few minutes. There may have been a firmware update that fixed it - I'm not sure, as I just don't use that recorder for video any more. It's something to consider and test before you go recording something important.
 
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