Okay, I'll betray my ignorance on this stuff, but here's the setup:
I want to use a SD MixPre with a Canon Xh-A1 camera. The Canon is a bit weird in its audio section, in that it wants a +10dB line in signal. I sent a query to Sound Devices that went like this:
<<You inquired:
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I'm hoping you have a good solution to the problem of connecting the Line level outs from the MixPre into the Canon XH-A1, which if I understand correctly, wants a +10dB line in signal, whereas the MixPre puts out a +4dB line level. Ideally I would like to avoid using the camera's so-so mic preamps to get the best sound possible into the camera. Do you guys have an easy solution for this? I don't have the MixPre yet, but will buy if I can be assured of a good solution. I plan to mount the mixer more or less full-time to the cam. Thank you for your help!
SD Answers...
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The MixPre is a Mic level In, Line Level Out device. There really is not any way to boost or attenuate the outputs. Our slightly larger mixers have the capability, but not the MixPre. Is there any way to attenuate the input of your camera without switching to Mic? +10 seems like a very hot level to default to.
Reply.
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So, Looking around the video sites, I see some people using the combo with usable results. But not a lot.
I'm inclined to leave well enough alone. Well, actually I'm not. Not after seeing/hearing some of the results you guys are getting by hot rodding your kit.
So I'm wondering is there something obvious I could/should do to calibrate the MixPre to my camera? Furthermore, if such a solution exists, would it be possible to make it switchable/undoable so I can readily use it with other recorders?
I'm a bit awestruck by the level of the conversation around here. Any advice on this will be appreciated.