Strange clipping on Zoom H4n file at -12db

[Peter Groom]

That’ll be on the front end inputs. I had very similar problem with mine when fed from a line source. Even when input gain was correctly setup I get that flat lining.
Get 2 z 20 DVD pads fir the inputs and that fixed mine
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Daniel Byrne]

Thanks Peter for help.

However, I’m pretty new to audio, so could you explain what you mean when you say front end inputs.

Also I tried to google ‘z 20 DVD pads’, but didn’t have any luck. Could you send me a link or let me know what i should be searching for.

Thanks
Daniel

[Peter Groom]

Sorry I meant -20db.
Distortion can happen at many stages. At the mic capsule, the mic transmitter sensitivity , the receiver, or the recorders input electronics, (this case) or the recording level settings. All must be aligned optimally.
The clue to yours us that the level is not high and a flat line clip has taken place so I guess it’s the input stage.
Plus I had exactly same with a Zoom.
The -20 dbpads will bring a hot (pro level ) feed back a touch and stop it hitting the inputs too hard .
Mine were off eBay .
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[John Fishback]

This happened all the time with the Sony BVM35 Beta recorder. The front end would clip very easily. If I saw the inputs to the deck set lower than 5 (out of 10), it was time for a pad. It’s always worst with high output mics.

John

MacPro 8-core 2.8GHz, 16 GB RAM, OS 10.8.4, QT10.1, Kona 3, Dual Cinema 23, ATI Radeon HD 5870, 24″ TV-Logic Monitor, ATTO ExpressSAS R380 RAID Adapter, PDE enclosure with 8-drive 6TB RAID 5
FCS 3 (FCP 7.0.3, Motion 4.0.3, Comp 3.5.3, DVDSP 4.2.2, Color 1.5.3)
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Pro Tools HD 10 w SYNC IO & 192 Digital I/O, Yamaha DM1000, Millennia Media HV-3C, Neumann U87, Schoeps Mk41 mics, Genelec DSP Monitors, Prima CDQ120 ISDN

[Daniel Byrne]

The Lav’s that i use are Seinnheiser G3’s. I haven’t explored them too much, however I wondered if the sensitivity on the transmitter would work like a pad if it dialed it down enough? (-20db)

I just watched a youtube video where someone suggested setting the Sensitivity (transmitter) and AF Out (on the receiver) both to roughly around -12db (where the Sensitivity was already).

The Sensitivity adjustment I understand what it is doing, but can anyone give me a simple explanation of the AF Out setting?

thanks

[Brian Reynolds]

Were you running compressors or limiters on the Zoom?
I’ve had similar looking waveforms on some recordings done both the H4n and the H6 when the compressor / limiter was ‘on’

[Daniel Byrne]

No, compressors or limiters were off.

[Peter Groom]

I had no precessing in on mine either, just plain too hot from a pro level mixer for the electronics.
This is what i bought
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190680441716?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer