Zoom H4N to DJ Mixboard for wedding Ceremony?
- Thread starter RebelD
- Start date
What would be the reply if I posted this?
Can anyone lead me to a tutorial or vid where it shows how to set up my Camera to a for a wedding ceremony and toasts and what settings should I use to record? Thanks in advance
Maybe your out of your depth?
Steve House
Veteran
You need to know what mixer the DJ is using, what outputs he has available, and what levels he's going to be able to send you. Then, once you know all that, you need to set the levels etc on the Zoom at the time of recording and monitor it continuously. You don't try to shoot with one standard setting for framing, focus, and exposure on your camera, do you? No, you look through the viewfinder and fine-tune as you go. What makes you think audio is any different?
littletiger2010
Active member
You'll need to bring a cable (and carry some XLR adapters), to connect the recorder to the mixer. Just ask the DJ for assistance where to insert the cable into the mixer. Most DJs are willing to help and some don't like videographers touching their mixboard.
Rick R
Veteran
Do a search of the this forum as well as the DVi audio forum, much has been covered in depth already.
That said, the H4n's XLR are MIC LEVEL ONLY! The 1/4" are unbalanced line level (-10dB). Some use a $30 passive DI box to feed the XLRs. Don't expect the DJ or house engineer or other to have adapters, pads, cables or know anything.
That said, the H4n's XLR are MIC LEVEL ONLY! The 1/4" are unbalanced line level (-10dB). Some use a $30 passive DI box to feed the XLRs. Don't expect the DJ or house engineer or other to have adapters, pads, cables or know anything.
Just a thought, what would you think if it was your wedding or your children's wedding was being shot by a videographer that has the same level of experience that you have..... Weddings are ONE off events with no ability to do it again.
You may think I'm harsh but the video production industry at the moment is having big problems with newbies coming in with low cost equipment but with minimal production experience and undercutting the prices. Many things in this industry need to be learnt by doing it rather than by watching instructional videos.
I assume you are being paid a fee by the couple being married believing you are capable and experienced to do the job, if so what backups and safe guards have you taken to minimise the risk of failure. Just saying sorry just doesn't cut it, potentially they could come back at you for false representation and seek compensation.
You may think I'm harsh but the video production industry at the moment is having big problems with newbies coming in with low cost equipment but with minimal production experience and undercutting the prices. Many things in this industry need to be learnt by doing it rather than by watching instructional videos.
I assume you are being paid a fee by the couple being married believing you are capable and experienced to do the job, if so what backups and safe guards have you taken to minimise the risk of failure. Just saying sorry just doesn't cut it, potentially they could come back at you for false representation and seek compensation.
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RebelD
Well-known member
Hmmm I thought this was an online COMMUNITY for learning and filmmaking but with reply's like that, I see it's a place for sarcasm and keyboard bullies. Thanks anyways
This is a community of people sharing information. There are pros and amateurs and everything in between. A lot of times, the pros teach everyone else. Sometimes, as in this case, they complain about questions being asked, sometimes inappropriately, as in this case.
Do you ever see Barry Green or MattinSTL or David Jimerson ever writing anything remotely similar to what you posted? No.
If you believe that the only way to learn this particular skill is with a hands-on approach, there are better ways of expressing it.
I'm sorry but education is a step by step process.... in the original post it showed VERY little knowledge of the H4n and connection to other audio equipment, to teach someone from that level is extremely difficult, and FAR more than a video could ever provide, due to the number of possible combinations and that's before we discuss how the DJ or audio person sets up that / their system.
I have been teaching students for probably more than 20 years and enjoy it and it is inspiring to see them come through the ranks and produce great material.
Forums are often used as the 'easy way to get info' rather than actually searching, reading, absorbing and learning yourself using trial and error methods that often produce far more lasting knowledge.
A quote that was mentioned to me many years ago and now framed on my office wall is....
"The difference between Knowledge and Wisdom is... Knowledge is the knowing of facts.... Wisdom is the sensible application of good quality knowledge..."
I have been teaching students for probably more than 20 years and enjoy it and it is inspiring to see them come through the ranks and produce great material.
Forums are often used as the 'easy way to get info' rather than actually searching, reading, absorbing and learning yourself using trial and error methods that often produce far more lasting knowledge.
A quote that was mentioned to me many years ago and now framed on my office wall is....
"The difference between Knowledge and Wisdom is... Knowledge is the knowing of facts.... Wisdom is the sensible application of good quality knowledge..."
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Let's stay on topic, folks
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Many of us have the ability to vote posts up or down. If you see that feature ("Did you find this post helpful?"), vote negative posts down.
This will be the only warning in this thread. If you can't be helpful, and you don't have anything productive to contribute, please move along.
A couple of reminders:
This is a place to build up and support. Negativity and non-informative shamings don't do anything to benefit anyone around here. If you'd like a refresher, please see the Forum Guidelines, especially the section about pissing in the pool.
Many of us have the ability to vote posts up or down. If you see that feature ("Did you find this post helpful?"), vote negative posts down.
This will be the only warning in this thread. If you can't be helpful, and you don't have anything productive to contribute, please move along.
DannayZay
Well-known member
I have found that most DJ mixers have RCA out only available. The best thing to do is come prepared to any wedding/event with an arsenal of cables/pads.
Some of mine include:
2x XLRs (male to female)
2x RCA to XLRs
2x 1/4"
2x switchable attenuater Pads (-20db, -30db, -40db) -- great for lowering a line level
Some of mine include:
2x XLRs (male to female)
2x RCA to XLRs
2x 1/4"
2x switchable attenuater Pads (-20db, -30db, -40db) -- great for lowering a line level
Richard Crowley
Veteran
I have found the Rolls DB-25 "Direct Box" to be very handy for exactly this kind of thing. It has 1/4 inch T/S mono input and low-impedance, mic-level balanced XLR out. It also has a variable attenuator for handling all sorts of source levels. Street price around $25. I keep several of them in my stock of gear.
For a practical kit I would have at least a Rolls DB25, a long (25 to 50 ft) XLR cable or TWO, a RCA to 1/4 inch phone cable, and an RCA to 1/4 inch adapter. That way you are prepared to get audio from XLR (direct into your XLR cable), from RCA using the RCA-phone cable and the DB25, and from 1/4 inch phone (with the addition of the adapter).
For a practical kit I would have at least a Rolls DB25, a long (25 to 50 ft) XLR cable or TWO, a RCA to 1/4 inch phone cable, and an RCA to 1/4 inch adapter. That way you are prepared to get audio from XLR (direct into your XLR cable), from RCA using the RCA-phone cable and the DB25, and from 1/4 inch phone (with the addition of the adapter).
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