HI Guys, So i have a question about using the ZOom H4n for capturing great dialog. I am using a Rhode NTG2 shotgun mic as well. I am a bit confused using this product ( hence why I am in the Noob Section) Would it be possible for anyone to give me a simple step by step process on how to capture great audio for dialog?
Zoom H4N question
- Thread starter mrpink89
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The NTG-2, the Audio Technica AT897 and other mics that use a battery to power the internal phantom power circuitry ALL have a problem with low volume output levels. The balancing act is that the batteries of low budget recorders (and mixers) like the H4n and Tascams DR-series drain very rapidly when they are supplying the phantom power to the mic. Mics that DO NOT get their phantom power from an internal battery supply are cheaper, however, so you just use the "saved" money to buy battery packs for the low budget mixer/recorder.
You plug the mic into the mic splitter and then use two mic cables to connect it to both inputs on the H4n. This sends the same signal to both channels. Adjust one lower channel to account for loud transients (screams, for example).
AGC (limiting and compression) increases the volume of the ambient noise, something that you want to avoid at all costs; you want to record the dialog and ONLY the dialog.
Do some experimenting. Set up your mic in your kitchen and record a conversation. Do it once with the AGC engaged and once without the AGC engaged and listen to the difference.
AGC (limiting and compression) increases the volume of the ambient noise, something that you want to avoid at all costs; you want to record the dialog and ONLY the dialog.
Do some experimenting. Set up your mic in your kitchen and record a conversation. Do it once with the AGC engaged and once without the AGC engaged and listen to the difference.
Alcove, I appreciate your advice but I am confused on the set up of what you just said. Is there a video online somewhere? I only have 1 XLR cable am I going to have to buy more for this? HOw can I have the Mic plugged in to the Mic splitter when it is being boomed from above?
No, there aren't any dedicated videos. Most apply to broadcast applications. For example, a musical group sending mics to the FOH mixing console and to a multitrack recording system; think American Idol, The Voice, etc. They have to feed a house audio mix system and a broadcast audio mix system.
You run the cable from the mic into the mic splitter. You can use as long a cable as you need. You then run two (2) cables from the mic splitter into the H4n, so yes, you will have to buy two (2) more cables. They can be as long (50') or as short (6") as you need them to be.
Here's the WhirlWind mic splitter:
Yes, it's exactly the same as the ART splitter, but it costs $80.
This is the sort of multi-mic splitter for broadcast (also by WhirlWind) that I mentioned:
BTW, you can use a simple "Y" cable to split the signal.
The problem is that you will experience a -4dB to -8dB loss of signal (which is actually a lot), a real problem when you already have weak, noisy preamps like in the H4n. That's why you use a mic splitter, so you do not experience degradation of signal.
The problem is that you will experience a -4dB to -8dB loss of signal (which is actually a lot), a real problem when you already have weak, noisy preamps like in the H4n. That's why you use a mic splitter, so you do not experience degradation of signal.
If they're passive, I have to wonder how they prevent signal loss...
Alcove, this looks like a solid piece, by that I mean, there is nothing really to it right? no SD Cards no screen? just put the cables in and press some buttons? I would assume you would have to push something on the H4N to let it know it is being split. Now when you said I need to run two cables into the mic splitter, will I still be able to record it in Mono when I have Both inputs on the H4N filled with cables? also am I better off just buying two cords instead of the Y cable? also how does this piece exactly work. I feel like a dumbass but I am having trouble understanding how it affects the audio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jwh_5Nr1YQ
here is the youtube Video I posted before. He puts it in Mono
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jwh_5Nr1YQ
here is the youtube Video I posted before. He puts it in Mono
The set-up shown in the video will give you the EXACT same signal levels on both channels. Using the splitter the H4n will read it as two (2) distinct mono signals. The idea behind using a splitter is so you can set different levels on each channel, one quieter than the other as a safety channel, so you will have a "clean" track in case there were nasty transients on the set distorting the primary channel.
Yes, you will record a stereo file (both channels). Do not link them when using the splitter. As for the level, you try to get a strong signal, without clipping (the MIC input light will flash when clipping). You give it a bit of headroom. On the display, that level should be around -6db. For the second level, that level could be between around -12db.
We can sit and talk about this all day, but you should take the recorder out and record some examples. Play them back in your headphones and get to know it, even before buying anything extra. As I said, you can use 4 track mode (with different levels) and use the built in mics for that back up track.