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Preamps for 7D
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“It also means that if you loop your master audio out of the H4n to the camera (you should use a padded cable to do this to convert line level to mic level) you will have a usable back up audio track on the camera in the event of a problem.”
Thanks, Phil. But – if I plug my h4n into the camera to record audio, won’t the AGC hiss still persist since there’s no way to turn off the camera’s preamps?
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Stephanie
https://www.theculinarylife.com -
Yes Stephanie it will, but as an emergency back up it can be used. Also that hiss is less evident in noisy uncontrolled environments so you can get away with it in certain circumstances and because it’s a constant it can be EQ’d out in audio post if necessary.
Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://philming.com.au
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/ -
With regard to the “Why use a preamp?” and “You don’t need a preamp” comments – perhaps we are looking at two separate issues here. One is AGC disable, and the other is audio quality. These consumer grade external recorders (Zoom and Tascam) are not designed for film and video production. They are designed to record amplified music in practice sessions or on the road. That means strong signals going in and the ability to capture strong signals without turning the input gain very high. When you are recording dialog in a quiet setting with a lower output mic, you end up needing to crank the input gain all the way on the recorder to get a usable signal, even with proper mic placement and boom technique. This results in audible hiss from the relatively cheap internal preamps of the recorder. That’s why you need an external preamp when using a consumer grade external recorder. Granted you have camera mounted shotgun mics like the Rode Video Mic Pro that put out a very hot signal to combat this particular issue, but you aren’t going to use that to do location sound on a film.
All that being said, if your project demands audio be recorded in camera and you can’t control the gain (as on a 7D), the DT454 is really your best bet. I saw one sell used on eBay the other day for $235. Pretty sweet deal.
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Very good points. Question – any reason you prefer the DT454 over the Beachtek?
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Stephanie
https://www.theculinarylife.com -
Not really. I have only used the old Beachtek units that were passive, so didn’t actually have preamps in them. I haven’t used the new ones. I did however just get back from demo’ing a Juicedlink DT454 in a local camera shop. It was awesome. They let me bring in my own shotgun mic and headphones to compare to the ART preamp, and there was really no comparison. You can crank the Juicedlink all the way with no audible noise floor. Crystal clear and a very strong signal. This little $69 unit is so going back.
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Just saw a notice that there may be a software update for the 7D that will enable audio control! I hope it’s true.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
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[Stephanie Joan] “Where did you see this?”
https://forums.creativecow.net/readpost/280/9079 😉
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“Tragedy is a close-up; comedy, a long shot.” – Buster KeatonMe on Twitter (english/german)
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