Topic: H4 and AT822

[dogmusic]

Hello,

I recently bought an Audio-Technica AT822 stereo microphone to use with my H4.

I plugged it into the H4 line input using 1/4" plugs from the stereo XLR in the mic.

I was recording an acoustic piano at a close distance.

Even with the line input set at H [high], I got very low meter readings and a quiet recording.

Is this a characteristic of this microphone, or of the H4? Or is something broken in the AT822?

I had much better levels using a Sony ECM-MS957 stereo mic. However, the Sony mic was plugged in using a 5 pin XLR to L-R XLR's cable.

Anyone have experience with the H4/AT822 configuration?

Thanks,

Phillip

[rastasean]

Perhaps you need to change the battery in the AT822? I am wanting to buy one of these mics myself and I tried it out at a store with my minidisc recorder and experienced no problems recording. This is really my only advice. Anyone know much else?

[unclelouie]

The source may not have been loud enough.  I've never had a problem recording amplified performances with an 822, but I've never tried acoustic piano which is obviously, much quieter.  But it never hurts to to be safe and replace the battery on the 822. Also double check the preamp levels on the H4.

[rastasean]

The source may not have been loud enough.

This is possible but when I was recording with it, I was simply recording ambient sounds and the loudest thing would have been the traffic outside about 100 yards.

[unclelouie]

This is possible but when I was recording with it, I was simply recording ambient sounds and the loudest thing would have been the traffic outside about 100 yards.

Yes, the 822, with a good preamp, should be able to capture traffic, and it should be able to capture acoustic piano at "a close distance" but it's probably not going to zero the levels.

Dogmusic: what are the peak levels on that piano recording you made, and did you verify that you had the XLR-1/4 preamp set to [H].  (I don't own the H4, but i think I've read that you set the internals and the XLR-1/4 input gain independently, and I imagine that forgetting to could be an easy mistake to make).   
 

[dogmusic]

This is possible but when I was recording with it, I was simply recording ambient sounds and the loudest thing would have been the traffic outside about 100 yards.

Yes, the 822, with a good preamp, should be able to capture traffic, and it should be able to capture acoustic piano at "a close distance" but it's probably not going to zero the levels.

Dogmusic: what are the peak levels on that piano recording you made, and did you verify that you had the XLR-1/4 preamp set to [H].  (I don't own the H4, but i think I've read that you set the internals and the XLR-1/4 input gain independently, and I imagine that forgetting to could be an easy mistake to make).   
 

Thanks all for your responses.

The internal level control on the H4 is only digital and I never touch it.

The source was loud enough so that when I used the Sony mic, I had to set the level switch (analog) to "M", i.e., medium level, to avoid clipping.

However, when using the AT822, even with the same switch at "H", or highest level, I got a very low meter reading.

Levels with the Sony were -24 to -12 (I record at 24/96), but with the AT822 never reached beyond maybe -36.

It was a recently charged battery, but I'll try a new one.

My worry is that the AT822, bought on Ebay, arrived with green mould on the bottom battery terminal, and may be damaged.

(I did wipe the mould off with contact cleaner, but it looked like there was more mould beneath the terminal.)

[unclelouie]

  MOLD! - it's probably battery acid that leaked onto the terminal.  It's questionable, a really good concern, and probably the answer to the problem.  I would take the mic apart, inspect for more damage, and fix it. 

I also noticed over at the Zoom forum that impedance came up as a possible issue, but seeing as though the 822 has an output impedance of 200Ohms, and unbalanced input on the H4 having a 480kOhm impedance, you are doing whats called bridging, and it should result in very little signal loss.  However, the impedance on the H4 is extremely high, and I've never tried to bridge 200 Ohms to 480kOhms, so while i don't think it would be a problem, someone with more technical knowledge may be able to chime in and either correct, or confirm that.

I am also very hesitant to use a rechargeable battery in a mic because I fear it won't maintain 1.5 volts. Try alkaline.

Good luck