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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: mikesalvo on January 29, 2007, 03:10:24 AM

Title: HELP! Zoom H4-getting to heavy of a signal
Post by: mikesalvo on January 29, 2007, 03:10:24 AM

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

Title: Re: HELP! Zoom H4-getting to heavy of a signal
Post by: Ryan Sims on January 29, 2007, 10:37:24 AM

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 (http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=ATT%2D448&off=1&sort=prod) 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.

Title: Re: HELP! Zoom H4-getting to heavy of a signal
Post by: rePat on January 29, 2007, 10:42:21 AM

Doesn't the H4 provide phantom power?

Pat

Title: Re: HELP! Zoom H4-getting to heavy of a signal
Post by: Ryan Sims on January 29, 2007, 10:43:23 AM

Yeah, he has a point.

Title: Re: HELP! Zoom H4-getting to heavy of a signal
Post by: mikesalvo on January 29, 2007, 11:26:43 AM

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?

Title: Re: HELP! Zoom H4-getting to heavy of a signal
Post by: Will_S on January 29, 2007, 12:04:05 PM

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.

Title: Re: HELP! Zoom H4-getting to heavy of a signal
Post by: hummat on January 29, 2007, 12:05:00 PM

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.