mic level into camera

[Jordan Wolf]

Could you clarify your signal chain more?

This is what I gather from your description:

EITHER Microphone–>Camera Input (XLR) @ Mic Level

OR Microphone–>Mixer–>Camera Input (XLR) @ Line Level

Which, if either, is correct?

Wolf
<><

[Robin Probyn]

Sorry not to be clear..

I first tried 416 straight into rear XLR of camera HDX900… with rear input switch set to +48 mic .. but was a very hot signal… had done this on my Sony Digibeta with no problem.. So I put that through the mixer which is line level out… set rear XLR to line.. and no problem.. the usual set up..

Then tried radio mic,direct to camera.. set rear XLR to mic level.. plugged in receiver direct to camera.. again very hot signal…. was ok as a back up track(interview shoot) with the camera volume switch set very low… almost nothing.. but sounded ok.. just wonder why the panasonic camera doesnt seem to like mic level direct.. where as the Sony is ok.

The radio mic receiver has an attenuator in 3db segments.. maybe I could put in 6 db attenuation next time if this happens… and put in an XLR pad in the cable if I want to use the 416.

99% of the time Iam with a sound recordist with line level coming in from the mixer and there are no problems.. but was surprised the HDX900 had to be turned down so low to make mic level direct ok.

[Jordan Wolf]

Aha…there’s a problem I’m familiar with.

You need to set the camera’s input to LINE when using the wireless microphone. If you don’t, you’ll overload the input with too strong of a signal. We have the Sennheiser ENG wireless kit and I noticed this exact problem.

The Sennheiser 416 shouldn’t be too hot since it’s going direct, but if that’s what you experienced, I guess that’s how it is.

Here is what I usually do: Shotgun Mic–>Shure FP24–>Camera Inputs (LINE LEVEL). If we need a wireless, I’ll go directly to the camera since the receiver’s output is too hot for the camera’s inputs to handle even at LINE level. I guess I could pad it down/reduce the AF OUT, but this keeps it easier for those times when I’m not on the set.

Best of luck!

Wolf
<><

[Robin Probyn]

Unfortunately the line level was too low… looked like nothing coming through.. think if i do it again will but in attenuation from the transmitter???

Not sure why the 416 was high either… are the sound circuits so different between Sony and Pana camera,s so different..??

[Bouncing Account needs new email address]

It is possible to PAD a higher-output mic (like your new one) so that it does not “over-drive” the pre-amp on a more sensitive camcorder.
A pad with a selectable attenuation is like this one:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=68600&is=REG

These pads fit between the mic output and the input of the camcorder.

The main draw-back is they add about 3 to 4 inches to the total mic length when connected directly to the mic, or stick out by that much if connected directly to the camcorder, or “dangle” if you use a short XLR cord to attach it.

According to the Shure specs, you can use this pad and still use Phantom Power for your mic.

[Ty Ford]

“You need to set the camera’s input to LINE when using the wireless microphone. If you don’t, you’ll overload the input with too strong of a signal. We have the Sennheiser ENG wireless kit and I noticed this exact problem.”

Careful Jordan. There are wireless mic receivers that are adjustable to mic level.

Regards,

Ty Ford

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[Robin Probyn]

I always presumed radio mic,s were always mic level inputs? is that not the case?

So the Panasonic camera,s are more (sensitive) for sound input levels..???

Line level was nothing.but mic was way over???

Thanks

[Robin Probyn]

Hi Matt

Thanks.. yes I have one of these.. but have never used it!!! if I have to do an interview without sound person will go that route … My sony camera DVW790 is fine mic level in for both 416 and radio mic.. but new camera HDX900 doesnt seem to like it.. although it has a rear XLR setting for mic level and mic +48.

Strange?

[Ty Ford]

You mean mic level outputs, right?

There are some wireless receivers that have line level outputs.

As to the specific problem here, I don’t know for sure. I have seen audio inputs with on-camera mics get over loaded in a noisy environment.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Want better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
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[Robin Probyn]

Yes my radio mic is definitely mic level… just tried on my digibeta and line level is no signal at all,on the meter anyway… but mic level is totally fine.. going direct into camera this is..

For some reason the HDX900 seems to be at some different mic level…. or is super sensitive ? with same radio mic ,camera set to mic at the rear XLR.. signal is really high.. have to turn the camera volume/input control way down…. same for the 416 direct to camera rear XLR set to Mic +48…

Just wonder why the HDX900 would be set like this.. maybe audio is not the best forum to ask the question as when there is a sound person you wouldnt be plugging in direct? From the mixer at line level the HDX900 levels are also normal..

Thanks again