[Peter Groom]

How bad does it sound.
Do you want to post a short bit. We might be able to say what can be done before the bride fries you.

the -20db pad does just that. it drops the level by using resistors in the unit by 20 db. Used where line level is just too hot for the electronics.
eg
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20db-XLR-In-Line-Balanced-Attenuator-Adapter-Volume-Noise-Reduction-Audio-Amp-/310334543675?hash=item484161573b:g:k1AAAOSwD0lUkGW5

youd need to look at your connector types etc.

Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

Ok
1) did you listen to this record setup before the ceremony started?
2) did you make a test recording and check it back?

The audio level hitting the input electronics of the zoom h4n was too high (hot) therefore adjusting the recording levels up and down on the zoom will only adjust this already poor sound quality.

I generally pad down a line level output (desk etc) by -20db and find this brings the signal off the input stage buffers.

Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

Sounds to me like the level hitting the input electronics is too high.
Does it get any better if you decrease the input gain?
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

Hi – I dont have any of this kit, but:-

Do you have a new battery in the mic? Lithium or Alkaline?
You have NO other cables between the Rode and the H1
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

I have a zoom H4n and have never managed to get feedback of any sort. Also I fail to see any link to the lights re feedback issues. I could buy that lights may cause some interference / hum / buzz but not feedback.

I think I recall somewhere in the zoom menu some kind or “auto mute speaker” feature which might account for my lack of feedback, but I like to think fb isnt a regular issue anyway. lol.

Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

But , given that it was a Stevie Wonder performance, you have at least 2 other back up recordings and every camera was Iso’d to allow a complete rebuild? right!
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

You dont say what your micing was.
If the main dialogue you want is on 1 track and the other annoying dialogue is on the other, then its an easy fix on the faders.
If its all mixed then you are in big trouble, and whoever made the recording needs to explain their actions.
Izotope is a great tool but I dont think its going to help you , let alone are you going to want to buy it!
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

Here it is

Measured loudness shall indicate the average loudness of normally spoken dialogue during the body of the
program, and the resultant average must conform to -24 LKFS, +/- 2 LU. True Peak levels shall not
exceed -2 dBTP at any time. See Appendix A for guidance in measuring loudness.

https://www.netaonline.org/PBS-TOS2014-MediaSubmission.pdf

Your edit suites have this metering capability in house operated by your editors?
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

Do you have loudness metering in all your edit suites?

Im not familiar with Redbook standards you mention, but think its likely that there will be some spec governing levels and Loudness mixing. I agree with Shane. Although you may have issues with budget, I suspect that without
1) Specific metering
2) Suitably trained, able, and interested editors

,youll get the mixes back again. Id take a close look at this issue. The world has just gone through a widespread change in audio delivery standards, and I doubt this will be completely outside that.

Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

OK
Firstly wear headphones.
Second, before you start shooting for real, make a test recording and play it back and adjust based on that.

There isnt really any “set up” to be followed but ensure you are getting healthy levels on your meters. Id aim for around 2/3 on the scale. The dubbing mixer can work with that . That also leaves headroom for unexpected louder moments.
Make sure you wear headphones all the time youre recording.
The general rule is to get the mic close (within a 18 inches or so) for the best audio. You ask if distance can be created in post? Not really. Decreasing the level and eq ing in post has the “effect” of pushing the sound away but if you really want a distance then mic at a distance as this captures the distance effects of the room which is rather hard to replicate in post. Depends how good your mixer is! But be aware that youre committing to a style at the shoot which cant be undone so Id say record both close and distance! You could double mic where you close mic everything on 1 channel of the recorder and have a second mic at a distance for that style on channel 2?
Oh and did I mention to wear headphones throughout.
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer