[Keith Miller]

I’ve had the same problem with my h4n.

I’ve got the new firmware and can adjust inputs 1 and 2 separately, however, even with zoom gain set to 100 I get such horrible signal to noise that it’s barely usable.

I’m using two mics: Rode Videomic Pro and AT-3350 wired lav mic. Both are 3.5mm TRS jacks I am converting to XLR with a converter cable.

I’ve scoured forums and found many H4n users suffer from this roadblock. Apparently XLRs are not that sensitive and TRS cables are not that hot. Maybe someone can fill in the fine details on this point…I saw the exact dB specs on both somewhere and the difference is–I think a loss of maybe -10 dB if I remember right. You’d think you could easily just boost this in post but by that point so much noise is already picked up it’s too late in the chain.

Here’s where I’m stuck: How to remedy.

There’s a great demo by JuicedLink showing how irrelevant the h4n is if all you’re trying to do is get high quality signal to tape. https://vimeo.com/45043808

I’m sold on this and will bypass my zoom in the future to write audio directly to the dslr and avoid the post audio sync circus. However the JuicedLink box costs $399.

What about using a direct box instead of my 3.5mm to XLR cable adaptor? Apparently these knock the signal up to the necessary line level for XLR input.

Do I need the preamp or the direct box to boost my signal to the zoom? Thanks!