Topic: Inline Attenuators for Zoom H4n

[Jacklaster]

Hey guys-

Recently got a Zoom H4n... The mics sound great, but the XLR and 1/4" inputs always seem to run very hot. I know this is a common complaint with the H4n, so I know I don't have a faulty unit. I've elected to use the 1/4" instead of the XLR's because it's LINE instead of MIC.

I'm working with a band right now that the majority of their shows are small and they use their own PA. I run RCA out from their 'tape out' to 1/4" adaptors into my Zoom. The tape out does not have it's own volume control, it's controlled by the over-all volume of the speakers.

I've upgraded my firmware to the latest version so now I can record below 1, but that is just a trick, it doesn't help with any clipping or brickwalling at all. That was a pointless addition if they weren't going to make it actually do anything useful.

Anyway, the sound I'm pulling from the PA is always too hot. I figure that I need a way to cut the signal down before it gets to me.

I've found plenty of options, ranging all the way to 100 bucks a channel, which is way too much for a such a simple process.

Would this work?
http://cgi.ebay.com/RCA-Attenuator-for-Audio-or-Video-Cameras_W0QQitemZ220416546908QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCA_Cables_Adapters?hash=item3351d9985c&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Preferably I'd like to use an RCA type adaptor since that's what I'm mainly using. I run 25ft of RCA with whatever adaptor I need on each end.

I've also seen those ipod headphone volume controllers, similar to something like this... http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/smartshare

I know thats not exactly what I've seen, but it gets the idea across. Would something like that work?

What do you guys think? Do you need any more information from me? Thanks!

[Jacklaster]

By the way, before I bought the Zoom, I recorded the band plenty of times using the line-in on my Macbook. The signal was always very strong, and I was fearful of clipping or distorting, but it never did.

[mloewen]

check this http://www.arcade-electronics.com/detail.aspx?ID=21749 it works good on my h2