Topic: Can I use the Marantz PMD-661 preamps to feed my camera?

[gswaim]

Hi,

I am making training videos using a Canon camcorder with a 1/8" mic input. In my office I use a Sennheiser HMD 25 headset (with XLR connection) along with a Mackie 802-VLZ mixer to feed the camera.

I now need to do some video recording out of the office. I need a portable preamp solution so I can continue to use my Sennheiser headset. I am sitting here looking at my Marantz PMD-661 recorder and thinking there might be a way to use it.

So the question is... Are the RCA line out connectors live when recording? This would allow me to send audio over to the camera. Or is there another way to skin this cat? I would test this myself, but I don't have any RCA to 1/8" adapters laying around. Would like to know if this would work before heading into town to buy some.

Thanks in advance for any ideas on this!

[datbrad]

Hi,

I am making training videos using a Canon camcorder with a 1/8" mic input. In my office I use a Sennheiser HMD 25 headset (with XLR connection) along with a Mackie 802-VLZ mixer to feed the camera.

I now need to do some video recording out of the office. I need a portable preamp solution so I can continue to use my Sennheiser headset. I am sitting here looking at my Marantz PMD-661 recorder and thinking there might be a way to use it.

So the question is... Are the RCA line out connectors live when recording? This would allow me to send audio over to the camera. Or is there another way to skin this cat? I would test this myself, but I don't have any RCA to 1/8" adapters laying around. Would like to know if this would work before heading into town to buy some.

Thanks in advance for any ideas on this!

Your camcorder has to have an A/V line level input switch or menu selection between line and mic level, or an adjustable attenuator if it just has an external mic in jack. The RCA line out will likely be too hot for the 1/8" mic input of most camcorders.

[gswaim]

Your camcorder has to have an A/V line level input switch or menu selection between line and mic level, or an adjustable attenuator if it just has an external mic in jack. The RCA line out will likely be too hot for the 1/8" mic input of most camcorders.

DATBRAD,

The camera has a mode where it handles the input level automatically, or you can set this manually. It also has a microphone attenuator setting if needed. I have used a sound board to send audio to the camcorder and it worked OK in the automatic mode. I am willing to give it a try, based on my observations from using the sound board.

I just don't know if there is any "live" output on the Marantz PMD-661 while it is recording. Unless someone knows "for sure", I'll grab some adapters the next time I can get to an electronics store and do some testing.

Thanks for the reply!

[su6oxone]

I just don't know if there is any "live" output on the Marantz PMD-661 while it is recording.

I think I let a guy patch into my 661 last year at a show in DC and it did indeed output 'live' via the RCAs.  I would be surprised if they didn't.  The attenuator suggestion is a good idea too.

[gswaim]

I think I let a guy patch into my 661 last year at a show in DC and it did indeed output 'live' via the RCAs.  I would be surprised if they didn't.  The attenuator suggestion is a good idea too.

Thanks, that's what I needed to know. I'll go buy the adapters/cables tomorrow!

[MULETAPER]

xlr out is live.  xlr to mini will work.

[gswaim]

xlr out is live.  xlr to mini will work.

MuleTaper,

I thought the 2 XLR ports were inputs only. How do you use them as an output?

Thanks.

[su6oxone]

Yep the XLRs are input only.  There is a digital coax in as well a mini line in as well.  The only outputs are the RCAs and the headphone jack, but I'm quite certain that the RCAs will output the live recording since that's how someone got a patch from my 661 (and he got levels on his recorder). 

[gswaim]

UPDATE:

Just as su6oxone reported, the PMD-661 sends a live signal to the RCA outputs. This setup worked like a champ:

• I plugged in my Sennheiser HMD 25 headset to the XLR connector on the PMD-661
• Used a conversion cable (2 RCA plugs to a single 1/8" stereo plug) to connect the PMD-661 RCA ports to the Canon camcorder 1/8" input port
• Set up PMD-661 to output Mono and activated Automatic Level Control
• On Canon camcorder: Turned on Microphone Attenuation, set microphone level to "Manual" and set the level manually
• Go to "Rec Pause" mode on the PMD-661 and record away on the camera!

Thanks for the help! This will allow me to add high quality sound to my field video recordings.