Setting reference level on camera

[Brian Parker]

I see. So with my marantz recorder, and assuming matched level input/outputs, I could use the reference tone from the mixer to find that unity gain and thus learn the best gain setting for that recorder.

Assuming I have the inline pads, should I keep the mic attenuation switch at 0 or -20db? Would setting it to 0 allow me to find the unity gain of the recorder, and the -20db setting just useful for exceptional circumstances when i need more headroom?

[Ty Ford]

Originally Posted by Brian Parker

Hi,
Hopefully this question only needs a really simple reply.
I have a shure fp24 and sony dsr-250 camera. When outputting the 1khz reference levels to the camera, should I adjust the camera gain so that the levels hit 0db, or should they be hitting -12/-20db?

I don't really understand if the 1khz signal is a maximum being output from the mixer, meaning that no clipping can occur to the camera audio as long as the levels are ok on the mixer.

Thanks

Hello Brian,

Let's go back to the top. You have a camera that only accepts mic and -10 consumer level audio. Your mixer (now discontinued by Shure) only outputs pro line level. I don't know how you arrived at that combination of mixer and camera, but that's the source of your problem.

Pads are the easiest answer, or stepping up to a mixer that has mic level outputs. The only one that I spec is a Sound Devices 302. It can be set to output mic level. I think you can also plug the fp24 into the 302 so you could have as many as five inputs, should you need them. Call sound devices to verify that and find out what cable you may need. They are nice folks and are ALWAYS helpful.

Regards,

Ty Ford