Audio Recorder Clipping When Plugged Into Soundboard

[Matt Whittemore]

Thanks, I’ll look into the pads. I appreciate your help.

[Brian Reynolds]

Don’t forget you will need one pad for left channel and another for the right channel if you are taking stereo from the DJ mixer.

[Al Bergstein]

I do a lot of ‘off the board’ recording and have never had a problem. I would assume it’s your H2N. I recently used a H5 (which is nice!) and ran two XLRs from a line board out feed, and had to lower the dB about 10%. If you are looking for a good recorder for board feeds, it’s been my experience that Zoom pre’s are a bit harsh. I tend to go with my PMD661 Marantz. It has the most neutral sound. No harshness at all. Just sayin’ in case you are looking for a new recorder.

Al

[Al Bergstein]

Just did a quick read of the manual, and yes, the line in is meant only for microphones, not a true line in. I would recommend buying a better tool for the job you want to do. High quality recorders are very cheap these days. I was not happy with the H4N for the same reason, in that the line in needed padding. The H5 and Marantz have never needed one. (though I’m sure there’s some situation that might warrant it).

Al

[Matt Whittemore]

Thanks Al, I’ll check it out for sure. It doesn’t always happen, but seems to be happening more and more.

[Matt Whittemore]

What about using a mixer to get a suitable level, instead of going straight to the recorder?

[Matt Whittemore]

Also, I just read that the Zoom H1 has a true line in, but I have a feeling that my H1 would handle the signal even worse than my H2n. Any thoughts?

[Ty Ford]

Hello Matt,

Great advice you’re getting here, from Brian and Al. (Thanks guys!)

I know you’re using a recorder, but if I’m taking a board feed I usually use a mixer in-between the board and camera to control levels. Pre-fader outputs are best because the gain doesn’t change unless someone tweeks the input tim.

If you’re getting a post-fader signal, you may have a busy day ahead of you.

When I get a line level board feed, it’s usually low and I have to choose between the mic or line level inputs on my mixer.

Mic input may be too sensitive, Line input may require more mixer preamp gain.

Having some adapters can give your the opportunity to take the output from the mixer at a better point.

If there’s a podium mic, I also bring a small foam pop filter because most podium mics pop like crazy.

Regards,

Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum Leader

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[Matt Whittemore]

Hi Ty, thanks for the info. I was going to buy either a better recorder or a mixer this week because this past weekend it happened again, audio from the DJ feed being distorted. Do you have any recommendations for a portable field mixer that won’t break the bank?

[Matt Whittemore]

Oh, and what kinds of adapters do you suggest?