Zoom H4N Phantom Power - also high pitch noise

S

shortnstout

Well-known member
Hi all,
I'm running my new NTG-3 into the Zoom H4n. I'm assuming I should use 48v phantom? I can set the zoom to 24v and the mic works, though I believe the mic is a little bit more sensitive when I set it to 48v. Why is this?
Also, I'm getting a little bit of a faint high pitch squealing noise in my headphones. Not loving that- any idea what it's from or what to do to avoid it. I've been testing with a 1 ft xlr cable.
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Use 48v for the Rode, just better choice. Also don't completely judge the recorded audio quality simply by what you hear through headphones, it's headphone out quality is not that good. Judge audio quality on a computer with a good set of monitor speakers. The Zoom can do an OK job, just don't expect wonders.
 
I noticed that when I was running a single micrphone into input one on my H4n, and nothing on input 2, I was getting a high pitched squeal type of noise on the right side of the headphones. I figured it was because I wasn't running anything on input 2.
 
Have you tried turning the non used XLR levels to 0? Unfortunately the H4n can't send phantom to just one channel.

davefisk said:
I noticed that when I was running a single micrphone into input one on my H4n, and nothing on input 2, I was getting a high pitched squeal type of noise on the right side of the headphones. I figured it was because I wasn't running anything on input 2.
Click to expand...
 
davefisk said:
I noticed that when I was running a single micrphone into input one on my H4n, and nothing on input 2, I was getting a high pitched squeal type of noise on the right side of the headphones. I figured it was because I wasn't running anything on input 2.
Click to expand...

You are RIGHT! The high pitch is gone when I plug a mic into input 2. Interestingly, if I just plug an XLR into input 2 the high pitch goes away also. I tried just putting in a 1/4" into it and the high pitch changed to a slight soft warble of noise. I'm wondering if there's something in setting we can do to fix it. Otherwise I'm just going to have to stick a short XLR into input 2 for the meantime.

I know the sound is recorded and real because it plays back on the headphones after recorded, and there is no such sound when I record just with the on-board mics. glad i have a temporary solution, but there's gotta be a better fix.
 
I would also like to extend my thanks to shotnstout (and also you davefisk). That solution really does work!
It's a bit of a strange one, but hey if it works :)


PS: sorry for bumping an old thread, but I was about to post a new thread inquiring about the very same problem. I thought it best to thank everyone here for saving me a lot of hassle! :D
 
Is this because of high frequencies bleeding? I know that there is bleed between the pres but never heard it. I've just seen it from running tests.
 
It has to do with impedances/loads. Most electronics need a load on them for the circuit to behave properly. Phantom powered circuits are notorious for noise when not loaded.

The way I describe it is think of your car. You rev it up in neutral (turn on phantom power with no mic), it going to be loud and noisy because the engine has nothing to resist it. Put it in gear and rev it (connect a mic and turn on phantom), you are going to hear a noticeable noise difference.

It is not a 100% correct analogy, but it gives you the idea.
 
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I had the same issue with my old H4(pre N) I don't think the sound records. Anyway, this is another reason why it's better to feed the H4N (or any recorder) from a proper preamp like the SD MixPre-D.
 
I had issues feeding the h4n from a SD MixPre.... it clipped to easy and distorted...

I just went direct sanken cs-3e into h4n on lower budget projects
 
Also in the Rode manual, you should always connect the NTG-3 to the recorder then power on the 48volts, same in reverse, turn the power off .. then unplug the mic.

Underpowering the NTG-3 won't, or shouldn't do any damage to the mic itself, but currently there's a guy who has damaged 2 in succession, we're checking it out.

Cheers.
 
Blackout said:
I had issues feeding the h4n from a SD MixPre.... it clipped to easy and distorted...

I just went direct sanken cs-3e into h4n on lower budget projects
Click to expand...

Were you using the XLR connections? Those are line level on the MicPre, and Mic Level on the H4N. Best to use the 3.5mm Line-In on the h4n from the tape out on the MixPre. Also have the h4n on low or medium gain.
 
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