Michael Paul
Forum Replies Created
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The DR-40 has two xlr inputs, but you are plugging a single source into it.
If you want to record the sound from the microphone onto both channels, you’ll need an XLR “Y” cable which would have one XLR Female end to go into the mic, and that splits out to two XLR Male connectors to plug into the L and R inputs of the DR40.
All you are doing, however, is recording the same thing to both tracks, which isn’t really giving you any benefit.
Personally, I would advise plugging the Mic into the Left XLR Input. Press the REC MODE button on the front panel to open that menu. Change the Rec Mode to “MONO” and set the source to EXT.
By doing this, you’ll be recording a single track file, which is all you really need (plus, it will save space on the card, so you can record about twice as much audio compared to recording in Stereo).
when you go to edit your footage, just pan that track to the center position if you want to hear it in both speakers.
Michael Paul
Location Sound Corp -
Well, other than the manual, you might give the videos that Sound Devices has posted on their website a look.
https://www.sounddevices.com/products/552/videos/
Otherwise, the 552 pretty much operates like any other mixer, so a basic understanding of signal flow would help. There are several points along the signal chain from input to output that will affect levels, so when you are trying to troubleshoot a problem, always start with the source signal and trace its route through the mixer to see where you are applying too much (or not enough) gain.
For a PC Monitor interface, the 552 is a little bit of overkill (the USB Pre2 is much better suited), but if that’s what you have, then why not?
Michael Paul
Location Sound Corp -
Your cable might be wired wrong, but make sure you have CH1 on the 552 panned to the left and CH2 panned to the right. This is done on the little pop-up rotary knobs just above and to the right of each channel fader.
Michael Paul
Location Sound Corp -
On the 552, there are several points where gain can be adjusted, so start at the beginning with a signal coming out of the PC and with output volume set at about 50%-75%
1) Set the 552 inputs to Line Level
2) Turn the Master output of the 552 all the way down (it’s the little round knob to the right of all the input faders)
3)Push the PL switch of input one to the left, and adjust the pop-up gain control of input one until the signal reaches the -20db mark of the meters. Do the same for input two
4)Now, bring up the Master output to the “0”, or 12 o’clock position
5)bring up the output faders of each input (the big knobs)until the meters hit about the -20db mark again.
6)Adjust the Master output if the level is still too hotMichael Paul
Location Sound Corp -
Firstly, that microphone is of the Electret Condenser variety (thus the “EC” in the model number), and therefore it requires a phantom voltage sent from the mic input in order to work. Typically, for Electrets, this is about +5VDC.
I doubt the Beachtek provides power on the Aux port for the mic, which is the main reason it’s not working. If you use a mini-xlr adapter, and turn on the 48V Phantom power on the Beachtek (if it has that option), that is too much voltage and will most likely destroy the mic.
the second issue you’re running into is that this is a Stereo mic, so the mini connector carries Left, Right and Ground on separate pins, and may not be pin compatible with a mono Aux input.
Michael Paul
Location Sound Corp -
First, make sure that the 48V Phantom power switch for the Mic Input you are using on the camera is turned off.
If that has no effect, check the lav mic connector where it meets the transmitter. With the transmitter turned on, gently wiggle the mic connector and cable and see if the audio cuts in and out.
Michael Paul
Location Sound Corp