FP33 adjust output

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No need for volt meters, etc.

Set the Camcorder’s audio input(s) to LINE-level.

Send tone out of the FP33 mixer at “0” VU.

Set the adjustable (manual) audio level on the camcorder to about -10 or -12 (or -18) dB.

Make sure that your input TO THE MIXER is set correctly for the type of source being sent.
As in, if you have a LINE level from the house console, make sure you are feeding a line input setting on the FP33.

Do a test before the shoot and listen with your headphones coming first directly from the FP33 MIXER… then, listen coming from the CAMERA’S audio output.

Everything should sound “clean.”

[Craig Alan]

Thanks Matte,

I do all the steps you outline.

However: what I want to do is

“…set the VU Meters to a value other than the factory setting (0 VU = +4 dBm)…”

OSX 10.4.7; Quicksilver Dual 1 gig; FCP 4.5, 3.0.4; Sony camcorder vx2000/pd170; write professionally for a variety of media;teach video production in L.A.

[Edward Chick]

Matte is right on with his advice. Another option(s) are to set the outputs of your fp33 to Mic level, set input levels on your 170 to mic as well. Some prosumer cameras can not handle a true (+4db) line level signal. I have an XL1 that does not like line level, it distorts very easily, with hardly any head room. When I use it in mic level, I get a good, clean signal, with lots of head room. Always test before you shoot and monitor at camera or via a return line from camera.
FWIW.

[Craig Alan]

Thanks,

Yes, if coming from a house board, I often go line level into the mixer and then mic level out and mic level in to the pd170.

However, I am trying to get the mixer’s output line level to be adjusted to the level the camera likes. As you say the default is +4, which is too hot for the camera. But the advantage of line level is it will cut the need to boost the pd170s preamp, which is not all that great.

According to the mixer’s user manual, it is possible to adjust the line out level. So far, I only use this mixer with my camera, so I have no need for a +4 line out.

I

[John Fishback]

All the advice above is good. Another idea is to have a couple of line pads in your kit. These attenuate any signal by -10, -20 or -30db. This means you can leave you mixer at 0=+4, stick an attenuator after the mixer and your output is now -10 with a 0 reading on the mixer.

Here’s an example of an attenuator I found at Markertek. I’m sure there are more out there.

https://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=BB%2DPAD%2D10&off=1&sort=prod

John

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Here’s a simple low-cost line-level adjustable pad that you can build.
Vary the amount of padding by adjusting the VR (Variable resistor or potentiometer.)

Use one for each channel, between the mixer and the camera.

You’d use XLR connectors for Input and Output.
XLR Pin 2 & Pin 3 are the Input and Output lines.
XLR Pin 1 is the shield.

[Bouncing Account needs new email address]

REVISED the DRAWING-

Wiper on VR (potentiometer) is shown connected properly.

Here’s a simple low-cost line-level adjustable pad that you can build.
Vary the amount of padding by adjusting the VR (Variable resistor or potentiometer.)

Use one for each channel, inserted between the mixer and the camera.

Use XLR connectors for Input and Output.
XLR Pin 2 & Pin 3 are the Input and Output lines.
XLR Pin 1 is the shield.

[Craig Alan]

Thanks.

I could add several of these to my next order and it would help regardless with the line in from other over-modulated boards. However, I’d like to set the FP33 to -10 out. Why add weight to the xlr lines and spend $90 when the mixer has adjustable output? The FP33 has been an industry standard for a long time. I’d like to learn how to adjust the output. However, if it does take expensive gear to make the adjustment, then I guess the attenuator is the way to go, for now. It is what Rose recommends in his book.

Does the attenuator plug into the mixer directly or elsewhere in the XLR path?

OSX 10.4.7; Quicksilver Dual 1 gig; FCP 4.5, 3.0.4; Sony camcorder vx2000/pd170; write professionally for a variety of media;teach video production in L.A.

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[eyecamiam] “Does the attenuator plug into the mixer directly or elsewhere in the XLR path? “

Makes no difference as far as quality or effect.

Connected in the output jack of the mixer.

Connected in-between two XLR cables.

Connected in the input jack on the camera.

All the same.

I’d suggest the second choice so that you don’t put any extra weight on either the mixer or the camera.

[Craig Alan]

THANKS

OSX 10.4.7; Quicksilver Dual 1 gig; FCP 4.5, 3.0.4; Sony camcorder vx2000/pd170; write professionally for a variety of media;teach video production in L.A.