Better audio recording tips for DSLR filming. - DSLR Film NOOB

[@BebopVox]

Great as always for helping with tips. Got a splitter myself now

[@onelonedork]

@JTBproject Yes you could do that. The resulting audio on those tracks would no longer be stereo. Or if you can get your hands on a little 4 or 6 channel stereo mixer, just pre mix those 4 channels into 2 stereo channels on your recorder. That way you have preserved the right and left. You can also accomplish this with 2 splitters but I'd have to draw you a diagram.

[@onelonedork]

@LucidDreamTricks The lower level signal Wouldn't be degraded but if you need to raise the volume on the lower level signal in post you'll have a higher noise floor (which could still be just fine). But it is always preferable to to use the loudest signal possible with out peaking. This gives you a higher signal to noise ratio. Often I've found in practice a few minutes of room noise recording will easily cover up a high noise floor.

[@onelonedork]

You can use the battery or 48v phantom power. As long as things are wired correctly hooking up 2 48v phantom power sources in this manor will not double the voltage. If you parallel two equal voltages current capacity will go up but voltage will remain the same.

[@onelonedork]

@paltema I use my shot gun mic a lot more then the the H4n's on board mic, but the H4n's on board mic often comes in handy when I need to travel lite.

[@VisorBlue]

With Mono Mix you're getting the same signal to both channels without separate control of the channels. With the splitter you can control each channel separately which allows you to lower the input volume on one channel to cover for spikes, etc.

[@BebopVox]

Awesome job, was something I was asking you about too. Thanks for helping this n00b :D

[@onelonedork]

@shinviroz I like to get a recording directly off the board, and one from the back of the crowd (if I can). That way I can mix in the board audio with the live noise and get a good balance.

[@onelonedork]

@MJPICKify You can record directly into the 7d but the AGC will probably give you problems. It is the only model in canon's line up that doesn't have fix out. Which is sad because its my favorite camera. The splitter is wired a bit different from a mini jack to xlr Y cable. The unit i have just takes the output of the mic and doubles it.

[@onelonedork]

You would need some kind of preamp in between the mic and the connection to the camera to get decent audio. A juicedlink or beachtek device might be something to consider.

[@onelonedork]

@bbabybry Sescom makes a few cables with a built in resister for that. The magic lantern firmware should also help.

[@onelonedork]

@stacy6903 If I'm recording very subtle sounds I usually use the Y cable with a field recorder that has better pre amps, mainly the fostex fr2 with the oade Super MOD. If you're having problems with a weak input signal, you might want to take a look at something like the Juicedlink CX211. I'm guessing it has cleaner gain then the Art you mentioned and it's probably a better form factor. You'll probably see better results with the AT4053b, it has a very strong signal if I remember right.

[@LucidDreamTricks]

That's a great idea on the y splitter. One question though, let's say you have the low signal at half the volume of the normal audio signal. Will the lower setting be degraded much if you need to use it? Also, if it's not degraded (and it might not be since it's digitally amplified) then maybe you could just use that for the entire thing and not need the y splitter?

[@1001Hobbies]

I am sure it's been said many times already, but the use of the Y-splitter is precious!!! What a great "save your butt" idea.

[@onelonedork]

@toms900 built in mic works well, but you'll want to use a wind screen on it. Also the closer to the actors the better. If you just plan to use the on board mic, then the zoom h1 might be a better buy. I've got a video comparing both on board mic's. Check it out.

[@onelonedork]

Might check out my iRig pre hack. You can feed that directly into your camera and it's a lot smaller.

[@R0dan]

Thanks, I am really starting to like your quick, easy, to the point reviews.

[@YouGleIt]

Hey ZBP you can just use an audio cable from the h4n directly into the camera. For example, I do that with the 7d. This way you get great sound - still not as clean as the h4n - i usually have to do some noise reduction but for a quick edit- no need to sync. it also makes the sync work easy as you have a similar sound recording.

[@onelonedork]

While that could be true on two very long mic cables using a passive mic, It isn't really a problem when using a self powered, or phantom powered mic especially if the Y cable is only a few inches long.

[@stacy6903]

@onelonedork Thanks for your response! Great content! Yeah on recording subtle vs. louder sounds, it seems the smaller recorders are better suited for recording lively concerts than classical music - where I suppose a weaker preamp arguably has an actual advantage of not so easily getting overloaded. That will be cool if you're right about the AT4053b having a strong signal. You mention the Fostex. Have you heard of the new and (more or less) unreleased Fostex DC-R302 (con't)...

[@monzavideo]

The ME 80 is a great Mic. Television news crews used them for years. I got great results. Make SURE the capsule is screwed on to the power supply 100%. Static and hiss I found came from either low battery or a bad connection. Sennheiser also makes a ME 20 and ME 40. They fit that power supply along with the excelent MKE2 lavalier.

[@DroletB1]

I don't recommend using an XLR splitter to achieve the stagger stance, you can accomplish that in MTR mode setting two tracks to the same input.

[@atr8126]

should i use the zoom to record in stereo mode or stereo mode with monomix on or the multichannel mode when recording more than one actor? also do i have to move the zoom on the pole to point it at actors when they speak rotate it during dialouge ?

[@onelonedork]

@Vertigokev If you upgrade your Zoom H4n to the latest firmware version. You'll be able to adjust the levels on channel 1 and channel 2 interdependently. I have a video on it.

[@mcspargeslarg]

This seems like a good idea but I tend to just turn on mono mix and then put a general comp on. Never really had too much trouble but this is a smart idea.

[@onelonedork]

@flow1ner I don't compress the audio. It's recorded into my zoom at 44.1 16bit.

[@videosmithlaguna]

I purchased a Seinhauser ME80 for my Canon 60D at home.and I really love the deep, rich . I purchased the Hoya XLR to mini stereo. I also put a battery in the shotgun because I know that the Canon has no phantom power. I shot some video and all I get is hiss. I tried another xrl mic on the Hoya and it worked fine. The Seinhauser works good to in a pro video camera to. Why am I getting the hiss and no audio. I can see the audio levels in the preview mode.

[@monstertunes]

Great Tip. I can't believe I've never thought of this... and I've owned the H4n for 2 years.

[@onelonedork]

@Ashinobio Yes your zoom would work just fine.

[@onelonedork]

Might be better to plug the output of a mixer into your h4n. That would give you more control over the inputs.

[@williamburkholder769]

Audio compression and limiting are well worth your time to study and learn about! The dynamic range of virtually all professional audio is carefully controlled with compressors and limiters. So for better results, buy a decent portable mic mixer with a built-in compressor-limiter (about $400). If you use the mixer to pre-amplify the mic signal, then compress it gently before feeding it into the camera or a Zoom to digitize it, you can record a HIGHER average sound level, AND avoid distortion at the same time... just like the pros do it. You may need a -25 or -40 db attenuation pad (adapter) between the mixer and camera to drop the mixer's line out to mic level...

[@SynergyStudiosPDX]

I posted on your other link on this topic as well. Just wanted to have my bases covered: I have an H4n with the new firmware and an xlr splitter with the Azden sgm-1x. I have followed all the steps and I can adjust the two input levels, but it just mixes them as one stereo track with the L and R inputs at different levels. How do I adjust it so I can get two separate stereo tracks from the xlr inputs?

[@stacy6903]

Onelonedork, and others: I like this approach, but I've heard that the pre-amps can be quite weak in recorders that are small enough for mounting on a camera rig that use XLR like your H4N and my DR-100. This is not a problem for recording loud sounds but for recording soft sounds it's been shown this can cause audible problems of too much noise over signal. I'm guessing a simple measure of adding a little extra pre-amp power might help?

[@djthedadiofficial]

Why would you not just use the internal comp/limiter? And if you're using a good quality XLR mic it usually doesnt bring out any noise to gain it up a little in post, but if it clips theres no recovering - so I just make sure the loudest noise that could happen will still fall short of unity.

[@tokenasiankowboy9078]

hi DFN. when using the splitter to record separate, different levels, does playback play one level in the left ear & the other level in the right ear? or are both sets of levels mono-mixed to mimic stereo playback? Please & Thank you, T.A.K.

[@MaghoxFr]

wow, great tips mate, the splitter is really clever!

[@stacy6903]

...(con't).. 3-channel preamp/recorder/mixer for DSLR use? I'll probably go with a low cost solution that includes the Juicedlink DS214 and your adapter for it until this new unit comes out! The CX211 you mention would be great for more $, and similarly I think would the Beachtek DXA-SLR active DSLR adapter. I'd use the latter device or the cheaper solution you demonstrate for monitoring headphones right from the camera!

[@PerSjoborg]

Great tip! I will definitely use this for my podcast recording! Is there a software that can automatically replace the parts in the high volume channel that have clipped with the corresponding part of the low volume channel part, that hopefully is OK?

[@brandnutopian]

@onelonedork I think you meant independently, but which video describes which mode(s) you can perform this splitting technique with different levels? Also, why not just use the built-in limiter to achieve a clean signal without peaking? Is there some sort of lost quality as a result of using the limiter?

[@peteagassi]

CAN YOU DO A VIDEO THAT SHOWS THE SETUP WITH THE XLR SPLITTER? STEP BY STEP WITH THE BEST SET UP POSSIBLE FOR AUDIO ON THE H4N WITH SPLITTER? THAT WOULD BE REALLY REALLY HELPFUL.

[@EITRPRODUCTIONS]

You said something about a field monitor. What is a good on to get? And can you go over usinging one with a boom mic, or point me in the right direction. Thank you great stuff.

[@KRProductionsUNK]

Right. But will a better mic help with that? I just have a cheap I right now. Wondering if I should upgrade and if you have suggestions.

[@monzavideo]

You want your audio to match. Use the same mic for both. If you use a lavalier on camera sit the person down for the naration.

[@ZakarooNetwork]

Is there a tutorial to set up a Zoom H4N and cannon DSLR together for correct inputlevels for recording on to the card in the camera?

[@bbbballis]

The guys at B&H and other sound guys I've talked to say you shouldn't split mic signals because you lose half the signal quality. What do you think?

[@filmkring]

I thought you meant the XLR-splitter had attenuation in one of the connectors. How do you get different recordering levels when patching straight into the dslr, without adding extra hardware like fieldrecorders, mixing consoles and other stuff that gets in the way? If I have to build such a lead myself, what value should the resistor have?

[@bbabybry]

How would I connect the H1 to my t2i so I don't have to go through the hassle of syncing. Like what hardware would I need?

[@ZBPhoto6]

Not sure if this has been asked before, but could you use an XLR Splitter from the zoom h4n to an XLR to 3.5mm adapter straight into the DSLR mic input? I believe this would eliminate the task of matching up audio to video in post production.

[@librarianeric]

So then do I understand correctly that the only advantage to using the splitter with the Zoom H4n is that it gives you independent control of each channel? And if I'm using a mixer anyway, would this just be completely unnecessary? Thanks!

[@turnipsan]

Please help me i just got the h4N and its on board mics work but whenever i attach the shotgun mic it doesnt pick up any sound! I also do not use the y connector thing and i dont know if its the setting i need to change or something.

[@onelonedork]

@toms900 XLR inputs or built in mic?

[@thebiketube]

Can you record from one DSLR input to two audio tracks with the H4N. I know you can do it with the Marantz PMD661, but just wondering.

[@Vertigokev]

Hey I like your idea of using a Y cable for staggering two different channels but I'm confused about how you're doing that on the H4n. What mode do you have it in? Is it in Stereo mode or 4Channel or MultiTrack? If you wouldn't mind walking me through your set up on the H4n I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[@kb24crazylaker]

what kind of mic is best for a commercial where the person talking may not lways be on screen

[@bbbballis]

Thanks. What's an example of a passive mic? I'm wondering about splitting one mic to go to my Canon HV20 and the other to either a mixer or a computer interface or an H4n. Do you see any problems with that? Thanks again.

[@Rickandmorty_com]

thanks for the great video! do you recommend anything for concert taping?

[@mariocomeq1961]

Could you please give me an idea how good would be this recording machine you have in a university lesson? Professor ina distance of 15 meters. Thanks.

[@CanonProductionz]

So if i dont have that xlr splitter, can i still get stereo audio with my shotgun mic plugged into the input 1 on the zoom h4n? I noticed that when my shotgun mic is plugged in, only the "L" audio bar is moving, the "R" is doing nothing unless i turn on Mono Mix. whats the deal??

[@rs8342]

Hey is it possible to have a mic double adapter, so i can plug two mics into one input? I'am new to this kind of stuff so i have a feeling that it wont work but can you PLEASE help me. Thanks

[@tiagoespindola]

Very, very clever, the splitter idea!!! Awesome!

[@asianpancho]

I'm planning on recording interviews with a handheld mic , right now I have the mic and recorder but I am looking for a wireless connection between the two is there any suggestions on which to get?

[@CommiePinko101]

would each of the two channels through that XLR splitter be in mono ? and would it work with the Line-out from a mixer desk in live music venue ?

[@abletonideas]

when using an ntg2 with this technique, should i use battery or phantom power? i just called my local music store to buy a splitter and the guy said that if im using 48v phantom power then the splitter will double the voltage going into my zoom ... ?

[@MJPICKify]

Hi, I have tried to use an XLR splitter like this with a mini jack into the camera, but this didn't work. Am I right in thinking that the 7D isn't capable of recording from an external mic? even if it was capable I couldn't tell as I couldn't turn off the on board mic, so got terrible sound. I usually record separately but sometimes it would be handy to record audio without all that kit.

[@Makeaff]

HI, i have a dilemma,i shoot with a 5d mark II ,i need the sound from a sennheiser g100 and the other sound from a stereo microphone, i need to record on 5 d left chanell from microphone and other fron sennheiser g100, the problem is i don't know if Zoom h4n will solve that,thank's

[@SpazztasticGamers]

I have a Nikon D3100 camera and a h4n. I do a lot of videos and moving around using a monopod. I need something light, but also need something to synch my audio and video together, Basically I just need expertise help on what will be the best for me to use that won't be so big and bulky. I am in a wheelchair btw. Any ideas or advice will help. Thanks

[@KRProductionsUNK]

How to you remove so much of the static background noise. I have an h4n and mine sounds terrible with background noise.

[@stacy6903]

(con't): Maybe something like an ART MP Pro (and velcro) could fix the problem, but I have yet to try tha(just ordered a very good hypercardioid for indoor recording to try all this on - the AT4053b). Have you had similar experience with degradation. Any degradation from using the Y-split XLR cable (someone told me it might be more prone to degradation than a passive adaptor box, but I'd rather use a small cable too).

[@Aquinoamigo]

so what if i plug the 3.5mm plug from the slr to the audio interface headphone output?

[@jsadorra]

Do you think I can plug in a pair of mics per input at the bottom of the H4n using a splitter (like the one you used in the video) to have, theoretically, a 6-ch recording?

[@onelonedork]

Film in a quieter room. If you have fans, air conditioning, or running appliances they can add noise to your recording.

[@theryaner]

how do you work with 2 separate channels of audio? like if your high channel volume peaks, how do you transition smoothly to the low channel? Sorry if this question seems dumb cus i really can't process on how its done in my editor. I don't own a h4n yet so maybe thats why i'm confused.

[@TobyCostaRica]

Wow...great idea on the splitter. Thumbs up

[@BeatBum805]

What do you use to compress your audio? Like, how does it sound so good? Love your videos too my dude!

[@Ashinobio]

@onelonedork what device would you recommend for taping directly from the board? And for back of crowd? could I use my zoom?

[@Aquinoamigo]

is there a way of recording sound coming out from my studio monitors to my 60d

[@MBooneFamilyVids]

So I just bought the H4N, and I have a t2i.. I have been experimenting, but have just used the open Stereo option when recording. When using the splitter.. does it correlate w/ your Sennhieser G2 Wireless mic system..?

[@fuckthisnick]

Nice, very helpfull. I'll be shure to pick up one of those splitters, thanks!

[@clacki]

well i think its a little bit late to ask, but would you recomend a rode ntg 2 with a h4n or something diffrent? i need it for short films and much more... sometimes outside.

[@Crazybel]

Thanks a lot for the info awesome tips! Can I use the xlr on Zoom H2n?

[@CarlosRosalesRoca]

Can you say me what`s the best "Rec Format" in the Zoom H4N for dslr films ? thanks for yours coments. regars from Japan.

[@keithhopkin]

Hey, great videos! What mic setup are you typically using in your videos?

[@TheAdminSlayer]

For the Tascam-DR 40 will the dual mode recording be able to cover enough range or is the XLR splitter still a better option?

[@leesadean]

Good tip. Question: What volume levels would you suggest for the high/low channels? Also, any tips on reducing background noise? Thanks!

[@onelonedork]

I set one track at a good strong level while having my subject deliver lines. I then set the second channel -8db or -12db below that. -8 is usually enough unless you end up with people screaming on set.

[@leesadean]

onelonedork thanks so much for the info and the speedy reply! I'm a DSLR newbie (haven't bought my first camera yet) and just subscribed. A lot of cool info!

[@petenicezz]

how to i go about video recording over the head while showing something on a table

[@onelonedork]

a two channel camera mount mixer like the units sold by Juicedlink or beachtek will probably solve your problem.

[@fergsworld7]

I need a good wireless mic to go on a shirt collar. I will be using this to record audio of a live singer. any suggestions??? oh I'm not trying to go broke by buying it... cheapest as possible

[@theguyinthefunnyhat]

Brill tip about splitting the audio into 2 separate channels at different levels.

[@global001]

What zoom settings do you use to sync audio to 24fps 1080x1920p on 5DM3? 24bit/48khz?

[@onelonedork]

@CYNFELYN23 Rode makes some very good value mic's. If you want the cheapest "usable" mic then the nady sgm-12 is it. Self powered very strong signal and usable audio. I'm not in love with it but at the price of $24, there's nothing else even close in that price range.

[@leeokami22]

can you hook up 2 lavs to the zoom h4n?

[@pablix809]

what shotgun mic do you recomend to use directly into the H4n XLR INPUT? tHAT SOUND POWERFUL AND CRISP WTHOUT ADDING PRE AMPS? tHANKS

[@toms900]

how good is the quality of the h4n when recording audio directly from it?

[@EITRPRODUCTIONS]

On the last comment was going over field mixers. I notice that nobody talks about them that much for dslr.

[@onelonedork]

@CanonProductionz No because your recording mono (single channel of audio).

[@thinkourlife]

can i put for my Nikon D5100/D7000?

[@zactivix]

Great tips... I will do this with my H4N & T3i.

[@rafbass]

The "subscribe holy sound" on the end of the video should be captured with the XLR splitter using the lowest volume possible :P It's too loud, dude! Awesome video, this trick of duplicate the XLR input was awesome! Thanks!

[@blossombogart2]

I just subscribed...mainly just to see the end of all your vids....it makes me laugh....

[@zZsmithXx]

What were you using to record sound in this video?