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Audio (mixer) questions from a video guy
I hope this is not a too dumb question, but I am very inexperienced in the whole audio field and so I hope someone might be kind enough to help me or give me a hint…
I have a small 4-channel mixer, that I use with a condenser microphone for voice recording. I normally record through an external sound-card (fire-wire) directly into my computer. So far no problems.Recently I bought a Zoom-H1 for field recording purposes (mainly atmo sounds) and voice recording with a lav. I am quite happy with it, cause the quality is more than adequate for me.
I wondered, if it’s possible to record through the mixer directly into the Zoom instead of the computer. So I plugged the main-mix into the line-in of the Zoom, but what I got was way(!) too loud. I almost thought, I blew my Zoom.
I had to decrease the input level of the Zoom and the output level of the main-mix from the mixer almost to zero, to get the right volume.Is this the way to do it? Or am I totally doing things wrong?
Is there another way (e.g. another output to use, another device to put between the mixer and the Zoom…) to record directly to the Zoom-H1?As mentioned before, I hope this question is not too dumb!
Any help greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
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12 Replies
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What mixer are you using, does it have a built in tone generator? The normal way to calibrate the mixer/recorder would be to send a “0” level tone from the mixer to the recorder and set the recorder input level to -20dbfs.
From what you say it almost sounds like your recorder is set for mic level input. Is there some switch or menu setting that changes the input from mic to line?
Eric
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Found your problem. The external input is for a microphone only not for a line level signal. You could always add a 40-50db pad to your mixers line out connection or if you can, set the mixer for mic level out.
The problem is the “line in” designation on the recorder leading one to think it’s a line level input. I gueess that’s why they have a picture of a mic next to the input connector. In cases like this it’s always a good idea to RTFM.
Eric
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Thanks for your reply, Eric!
I was so slow trying to write understandable english, that you were faster with your second post than I was with my answer to your first!
I did read the manual – but the wrong one (the one of the mixer)… Shame on me!
Again: Thank you very much! Greatly appreciated!
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Your english is fine. I would think your problem is now more understandable. Glad I could help.
Eric
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Problem/solution is crystal clear now, thanks again!
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Eric, I’ve got one more question.
Is there a difference concerning line-levels between the “Main Mix” of a mixer and say a “CD/Tape” output mix. Couldn’t find anything about that in the manuals (english and german).
If it matters, I have a (please don’t laugh – I know it’s anything but professional) Behringer XENYX 802 mixer.Any information greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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By the look at the block diagram of the 802 mixer they are both the same….. except for the type of connector.
https://www.behringer.com/EN/downloads/pdf/802_P0575_V_YY.pdfThe 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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Thank you, Brian!
Since I don’t know nothing about electronics and diagrams, I appreciate it very much, that you translated it for me.
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Peter, Even you have no idea of electronics, spend some time looking at the block diagram, follow the path from the input connector through to the output. If you can get grasp of why and how the mixer works you will benefit with a greater knowledge in future jobs.
https://www.behringer.com/EN/downloads/pdf/802_P0575_V_YY.pdf
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Thank you, Brian!
Hope you didn’t understand my answer as an offense. Really wasn’t meant that way. I’m very thankful for any input, since I have so much to learn about audio.So, thanks again! Much appreciated!
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