Shure FP 33 mixer to Nikon D800e- best solution?

[Jonathan Levin]

Any advice for this? I just picked up a D800e and was wondering the best way to do this. I know, AGC OFF probably. I'm pretty sure the input on camera is line unbalanced.

Thanks.

Jonathan

[Brian P. Reynolds]

The Fp33 has a 3.5mm 'Tape Out' socket that would work, so all you will need is a 3.5mm - 3.5mm stereo cable to connect the 2 units together.

IF the camera is MIC level ONLY input and can't be switched to line level.... there are instructions of how to change the mixer to 'Mic' level in the Shure FP33 manual. (the FP33 is 'line level' as a factory preset)

Google 'Shure FP33 manual PDF'

[Stephen Brenner]

If you don't already have an FP33, maybe a Sound Devices Mixpre or MM-1 would do the job and save you some money.

[Jay Massengill]

The D800e manual only mentions microphone level and the ability to adjust the sensitivity manually.

[Jonathan Levin]

Thanks guys.

I already own the FP33. I can't find anything in the manual about line/mic input for that input. I did read on some other forum where someone thought that it was an unbalanced line in, but I can I can't confirm.

I'll try a 3.5mm stereo cable.

Jonathan

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Levin

Thanks guys.

I already own the FP33. I can't find anything in the manual about line/mic input for that input. I did read on some other forum where someone thought that it was an unbalanced line in, but I can I can't confirm.

I'll try a 3.5mm stereo cable.

Jonathan

Nikon specs describe the external audio input as being for an external stereo microphone such as Nikon's ME-1 mic. It is definitely mic level. The jack's wiring should be standard stereo unbalanced with left on tip, right on ring, common ground on sleeve. You'll need a hefty pad to avoid overloading the camera input if you don't adjust your mixer to provide a mic level output. As an FYI, you'll probably find that even if you do everything right, the sound you get is going to be fairly marginal anyway. DSLR's just don't cut the mustard on the audio side of things and you really need to go double system to obtain sound quality as good as the video they shoot.

[Brian P. Reynolds]

Another option is make / get made 2 x XLR(F) to 3.5mm stereo plug to go from the XLR o/p's of the mixer with it's o/p at mic level to your camera.

I have often made cables like this and the best way seems to wire up the 3.5mm plug (stereo) take this single cable to the first XLR (L) and wire the appropriate connections then with a short loop cable to the second XLR (R) ...with appropriate connections. This way its a very neat connection between the mixer to camera.

It might be simpler doing it that way than modifying your mixer at circuit board component level.

[Jonathan Levin]

Steve thanks. Brian, the xlr to 3.5 seems like a reasonable option if I use the D800 for any sound. To modify the FP33 so that the tape output is mic level involves some internal soldering work, or by using a pad as you and others have suggested.

I order a six foot xlr to 3.5 from Redco, tell them my intent.

Thanks.

Jonathan

[Rick Reineke]

If the FP 33 is like the other FP series mixers, there's mic/line switches by the XLRs, so no soldering should be needed unless you're making the cables. The XLR mic/line switches would have no affect on the 'Tape out' connection.
'Typically' when going from balanced to unbalanced XLR pins 1 and 3 are tied together, except on Sound Device's XLR outs, where they recommend floating pin 3.

[Jonathan Levin]

Rick,

Just to clarify, the xlr outs on the FP33 are switchable line/mic. It's the tape out on the mixer that is not switchable unless you do a little surgery. I believe the default for the tape out is line.

I ordered a six foot xlr l-r to 3.5 TRS so I'll see how that works. Cost: $35.00US

Jonathan

[Bill Davis]

That should handle the plumbing.

If you find yourself in a situation where you have to use the line outputs to feed a mic input, you should carry one or more 30db in-line pads. They will let you drop a line level low enough to feed a mic input with enough gain control left to be usable.

FWIW.

[Jonathan Levin]

Thanks for that Bill.

[Gary Nattrass]

Most people who do sound OP should have some attenuators and these are variable so should cover most things: ATT-448 Hosa XLR Mic Input Attenuator 3 20/30/40 dB Microphone Pad - 4-Pack! | eBay

[Rick Reineke]

The Hosa 448 are relatively cheap and handy to have. The 4-pack on eBay appears to be a good deal, but the $20 shipping is excessive and likely more expensive than buying form B&H; $11.60USD They and the usual suspect would likely give you a discount for multiples as well.

[Gary Nattrass]

Originally Posted by Rick Reineke

The Hosa 448 are relatively cheap and handy to have. The 4-pack on eBay appears to be a good deal, but the $20 shipping is excessive and likely more expensive than buying form B&H; $11.60USD They and the usual suspect would likely give you a discount for multiples as well.

I am in the UK so the shipping is shown for my region, to the USA it would be a lot less or possibly even free!