Zoom H4n recording issues at DVinfo.net

Anees Morkos · July 21st, 2014, 09:30 PM

Hi Guys,
if anyone can help i do wedding video and i have a issues with audio.
I have a Zoom H4n and zoom H1 (record ambient audio), basically i'm trying to connect the zoom h4n through a dj mixer (XLR to 3.5 mono or RCA) to get a clean audio. but I get noise and distort audio anyone can help me please will be much appreciated.

Thanks

Peter Riding · July 22nd, 2014, 01:32 AM

Sounds like you have far to hot a signal coming from the DJ mixer. What do you have the Levels on the H4n set to? I use this set up frequently but I always put a pad cable between the mixer and the H4n which reduces the signal by -25dB. Even then I have the Levels at around 30% for a typical mixer.

Pinknoise -25db Curly 3.5mm Cable w/Options | Pro Sound Equipment for Recording on Location & DSLR Audio Experts | Pinknoise Systems

Pete

Rick Reineke · July 22nd, 2014, 07:13 AM

Use the H4n's 1/4" input, it is line level @ -10dB (nominal), so the DJ mixer's RCA outputs would be a good choice, You will need a RCA to 1/4" cable or adapters.
If the mixer has XLRs or 1/4" outputs, they are probably +4dB and could clip the Zoom's input regardless of the record volume setting. Using any line level output to the Zoom's XLR mic level only input would severely distort. A line to mic pad (attenuator) would be needed if you go that route.
The 1/8" TRS jack is unbalanced mic level.

Jay Massengill · July 22nd, 2014, 09:55 AM

Also make sure the phantom power on the H4n is off. Phantom power also affects the 1/4-inch line input connectors that are part of the combo XLR/1/4-inch jacks.

I think inadvertently having phantom power on when using the 1/4-inch jacks may be the source of some long-standing complaints about noise and distortion even when feeding the proper level signal to the H4n line-level connectors.

It certainly was audible when I was setting up to record as I normally do with my H4n, by using the Tape Out of my MixPre. I had previously used phantom powered mics with the H4n, which was an unusual case, and I forgot to switch off the phantom when going back to normal operations.

Anees Morkos · July 22nd, 2014, 06:00 PM

First of all i would like to thank you guys for your response,
I'm so new to the zoom never used it before.

I will tell you what cables I have.
HOSA STEREO 1/4" PHONE (F) - TWO RCA (M) (1-TIP AND 1-RING), 6 in.
SENNHEISER | OUTPUT TO XLR CL-100

I found Shure A15AS Selectable Mic Attenuation cable is this good? as i can't find any quality attenuate cables in Sydney
how should i connect it to get the best of it

what other cables should i have?
I connected the Sennheiser cable from zoom H4n to the mixer. and i setup the recording level to 50 %
so should I setup my Zoom H4n to limit 3 studio? also what low cut filter value should i use?

Just want to confirm what is the right cable and settings to use and i will give it a try...
Also I'm using wav 44/24 is it good?

Thanks heaps

Rick Reineke · July 23rd, 2014, 09:24 AM

"STEREO 1/4" PHONE (F) - TWO RCA (M) (1-TIP AND 1-RING)"
Assuming (F) is 'female' that would NOT work. You need "TWO 1/4" TS (unbalanced, TIP AND RING) PHONE (M) - TWO RCA (M) (1-TIP AND 1-RING)"
Hosa Technology HPR-0010X2 Dual 1/4" TS Male to HPR-010X2

The Sennheiser CL-100 locking 3.5mm TRS plug to XLR is wired specifically for the EK100 portable receiver to an XLR input and in most cases will not work with other gear/configurations.. not to mention the 3.5mm plug's locking collar won't retract enough for full insertion into a standard jack.

July 21st, 2014, 09:30 PM	#1
Anees Morkos Tourist Join Date: May 2014 Location: Sydney NSW Posts: 3	Zoom H4n recording issues Hi Guys, if anyone can help i do wedding video and i have a issues with audio. I have a Zoom H4n and zoom H1 (record ambient audio), basically i'm trying to connect the zoom h4n through a dj mixer (XLR to 3.5 mono or RCA) to get a clean audio. but I get noise and distort audio anyone can help me please will be much appreciated. Thanks

July 22nd, 2014, 01:32 AM	#2
Peter Riding Major Player Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Reading Berkshire UK Posts: 872	Re: Zoom H4n recording issues Sounds like you have far to hot a signal coming from the DJ mixer. What do you have the Levels on the H4n set to? I use this set up frequently but I always put a pad cable between the mixer and the H4n which reduces the signal by -25dB. Even then I have the Levels at around 30% for a typical mixer. Pinknoise -25db Curly 3.5mm Cable w/Options \| Pro Sound Equipment for Recording on Location & DSLR Audio Experts \| Pinknoise Systems Pete

July 22nd, 2014, 07:13 AM	#3
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,039	Re: Zoom H4n recording issues Use the H4n's 1/4" input, it is line level @ -10dB (nominal), so the DJ mixer's RCA outputs would be a good choice, You will need a RCA to 1/4" cable or adapters. If the mixer has XLRs or 1/4" outputs, they are probably +4dB and could clip the Zoom's input regardless of the record volume setting. Using any line level output to the Zoom's XLR mic level only input would severely distort. A line to mic pad (attenuator) would be needed if you go that route. The 1/8" TRS jack is unbalanced mic level.

July 22nd, 2014, 09:55 AM	#4
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	Re: Zoom H4n recording issues Also make sure the phantom power on the H4n is off. Phantom power also affects the 1/4-inch line input connectors that are part of the combo XLR/1/4-inch jacks. I think inadvertently having phantom power on when using the 1/4-inch jacks may be the source of some long-standing complaints about noise and distortion even when feeding the proper level signal to the H4n line-level connectors. It certainly was audible when I was setting up to record as I normally do with my H4n, by using the Tape Out of my MixPre. I had previously used phantom powered mics with the H4n, which was an unusual case, and I forgot to switch off the phantom when going back to normal operations.

July 22nd, 2014, 06:00 PM	#5
Anees Morkos Tourist Join Date: May 2014 Location: Sydney NSW Posts: 3	Re: Zoom H4n recording issues First of all i would like to thank you guys for your response, I'm so new to the zoom never used it before. I will tell you what cables I have. HOSA STEREO 1/4" PHONE (F) - TWO RCA (M) (1-TIP AND 1-RING), 6 in. SENNHEISER \| OUTPUT TO XLR CL-100 I found Shure A15AS Selectable Mic Attenuation cable is this good? as i can't find any quality attenuate cables in Sydney how should i connect it to get the best of it what other cables should i have? I connected the Sennheiser cable from zoom H4n to the mixer. and i setup the recording level to 50 % so should I setup my Zoom H4n to limit 3 studio? also what low cut filter value should i use? Just want to confirm what is the right cable and settings to use and i will give it a try... Also I'm using wav 44/24 is it good? Thanks heaps Last edited by Anees Morkos; July 22nd, 2014 at 11:03 PM. Reason: add important point

July 23rd, 2014, 09:24 AM	#6
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,039	Re: Zoom H4n recording issues "STEREO 1/4" PHONE (F) - TWO RCA (M) (1-TIP AND 1-RING)" Assuming (F) is 'female' that would NOT work. You need "TWO 1/4" TS (unbalanced, TIP AND RING) PHONE (M) - TWO RCA (M) (1-TIP AND 1-RING)" Hosa Technology HPR-0010X2 Dual 1/4" TS Male to HPR-010X2 The Sennheiser CL-100 locking 3.5mm TRS plug to XLR is wired specifically for the EK100 portable receiver to an XLR input and in most cases will not work with other gear/configurations.. not to mention the 3.5mm plug's locking collar won't retract enough for full insertion into a standard jack.