Getting Correct Levels on Zoom H4N

[John Frey]

Do you monitor the output level of your wireless transmitter and the input level of your wireless receiver via headphones? Did you accidentally change the record levels of your Zoom? I know these are obvious details, but…

John D. Frey
25 Year owner/operator of two California-based production studios.

Digital West Video Productions of San Luis Obispo and Inland Images of Lake Elsinore

[Steve Crow]

Well, yes I have the headphones attached to the Zoom so I would say that yes I am monitoring the recording levels on the Zoom itself (not the output of the Wireless receivers)

However, the input levels were set to 37 which might be too low, so I just changed them to 51 which I read somewhere today is a good setting….let’s see how this impacts the issue….see your suggestion wasn’t too obvious at all.

[Jonathan Ziegler]

I’m no sound expert, but I’ve used the H4n.

First, make sure you have the correct mic selected – You want input 1/2 if you are recording from a mic. I’m assuming you are recording using an XLR input and not a 1/4″ jack. If it’s a 1/4″ jack, it may not be well-powered and may need amplification.

Did you adjust the recording level on the side?

Did you set the “level” in the menu?

If you’ve set levels and gain and the mic is still really quiet, replace batteries in the mic (if the mic is self-powered) and the Zoom or plug in with the adapter. Also, make sure you have phantom power ON if the mic needs phantom power.

Don’t forget to check your COMP/LIMIT settings: You can try COMP2 for vocals and Limit1, too. Also, try auto-leveling. If the everything works fine with auto-leveling, you need to adjust your levels manually. If it still doesn’t work, it’s not the levels, it’s the mic or something outside the zoom.

Hope this helps!

Jonathan Ziegler
https://www.electrictiger.com/
520-360-8293

[Steve Crow]

“Did you set the “level” in the menu?”

The only level adjustment I could find via the menu was auto level which I have set to “off” however I did just now adjust up the recording level on the side up to 51 which I am hoping will solve my issue.

I will report back with results!

Thanks everyone for the input!

[Phil Balsdon]

Steve is this a problem with only the wireless mic or is it a problem with all mics?

If it’s just with the wireless mic compared to a hard wired mic you may need to make the adjustment in the output levels of the wireless receiver.

I’m afraid I’m still using the older H4 but manual adjustment of levels is available separately in both channels there, I wouldn’t have thought they would have left that out of the newer version. The menu system in the H4 is very complex though, I hate going in there to change things.

Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/

[Doug Beal]

press the “red” light on the correct channel you are using for input. that will bring up the dialog to set input level. the +/- level set is on the same side of the device as the menu wheel.
You need to be in 4CH mode for the external lights to be on

Doug Beal
Editor / Engineer
Rock Creative Images
Nashville TN

[Bill Davis]

Just to try and clarify a bit more…

You have at least FOUR gain adjustment points in this kind of an audio chain.

The wireless unit on the talent has to be set to properly CAPTURE the sound (Gain setting #1) and then it has to properly modulate that signal onto the carrier and OUTPUT it at the proper level for transmission. (Gain setting#2)

Next, the Wireless RECEIVER must capture that signal properly – and demodulate it into an OUTPUT (Gain setting #3) which is then sent to the INPUT of your Zoom H4n which must be set to receive at the proper level (Gain Setting #4)

Now the more professional your wireless rig, the more control you’ll have over this with level controls available for at LEAST 3 of these 4 gain stages. (there may NOT be a control at Gain setting#2 since that is often pre-set at a fixed level that the receiver is expecting.)

In expensive rigs, you’ll have a mic sensitivity setting pot (potentialometer) for gain setting #1 typically on the wireless transmitter. And you’ll have a “sensitivity” setting (the gain of the reception) on the wireless receiver. And finally, you’ll have the INPUT LEVEL bars on the Zoom H4n. In less expensive units, these might all be INTERNAL settings that you can only adjust by accessing the software or firmware through menus.

To achieve the best sound, you have to set a GAIN STRUCTURE on this system, exactly as you would in order to set on on a mixer channel strip or any other audio chain.

First, set the WIRELESS MIC TRANSMITTER to output the proper level. Next, set the WIRELESS MIC RECEIVER to capture the incoming signal and output it at the proper level. AND FINALLY, set the Recorder’s gain controls to RECEIVE the wireless receivers output signal properly.

IF YOU SKIP ANY OF THESE STEPS or if something like a weak battery, a bad antenna connection or a failing component fails to deliver the signal properly at ANY stage of the signal – you’re NOT going to get optimal results.

So go back to square ONE. Start at the MIC. Set it’s level properly – then go through the gain stages one by one.

That’s the ONLY path to consistent good results in any audio chain. Period.

Good luck.

[Michael Locke]

Hey Steve, et al: Late on the post, but Zoom just released firmware (V1.7) to independently adjust the two XLR inputs. https://www.zoom.co.jp/english/download/software/h4n.php Don’t know if that makes a difference with one lav, but it’s much better with lav/boom. More adjustment, but more control. Hope this helps…ML

[Steve Crow]

Wow, thanks Michael!

[Lee Boot]

I updated my H4n to v. 1.72 but still can’t find the way to adjust mic 1 and 2 independently.

turning chaos into more chaos every day like clockwork