Topic: HELP! Zoom H4-getting to heavy of a signal

[mikesalvo]

hey there,

I run Audio Technica>Denecke PS2(phantm power)> right to my Zoom H4. The record level switch on the sides for input 1&2 are both clicked to their lowest setting, and I am still recieveing some distortion. I know this is a very beginner question, but is there something I can put between the mics and the H4 that can lower the level???

thanks!,
Mike

[Ryan Sims]

It's unlikely since you're running wtih phantom that your mics are overloading, so you probably would be well served with just an XLR attenuator between the phantom box and the H4. 

This attenuator has switchable levels of attenuation, 20, 30, and 40 dB, so you should be able to dial in the best level for you.  I hope this helps, just remember to get two, one for each channel.

[rePat]

Doesn't the H4 provide phantom power?

Pat

[Ryan Sims]

Yeah, he has a point.

[mikesalvo]

ya the H4 does have Phantom power, but I run my phantom power so I can save battery power on my Zoom. Does this make sense. Has anybody truly found out how long you can run the Zoom while recording and using Phantom power?

[Will_S]

Are you sure you have phantom turned off on the Zoom though?

I get over 3 hours of run time with the Zoom providing phantom, using 2700 mAh NiMH batteries.  The AT853s should run fine at the 24V setting, which saves a little juice.

The Zoom doesn't have an obvious line in setting but I believe you do get 10 dB less gain if you use unbalanced 1/4" inputs rather than XLRs.  Then you're back to using a separate box to provide phantom though.

[hummat]

In addition to the gain switch on the side of the unit, there are level controls on screen.  This may be something you alreayd know, but if not, now you do.  I don't have the unti in front of me now, but I think, you click the MENU button, then scroll with the jog wheel to levels.