cheap alternative to beachtek/juicedlink

[Bamboopictures]

For DSLR users who want to monitor audio safely downstream on a Zoom recorder yet want to feed the output from an external mic directly in to the DSLR, do take a closer look at the ROLLS PM55 -Personal Monitor Amp. http://www.rolls.com/product.php?pid=PM55
It has one 1/4" input, one XLR input, one XLR thru-put, one 1/8" output and one 1/4" output. When using a single XLR mic/wireless, the thru-put can go directly to the camera and the phones out can go the Zoom or vice versa. There are independent levels control (powered by 9V ) for the XLR and the 1/8" input. Comes also with a stereo/mono switch but no pan options. The casing is very small (7.6x6x3.2cm) but you will need to attach your own hotshoe.
Got mine for only $119 at Hung Brothers

 

[superbeng]

Hi thanks for posting this.

What kind of cable goes to the DSLR camera? Are there any level indicators on this? How is the audio-monitoring with this compared to the Zoom?

Also, how does this compare to the Pinknoise cable? Thanks in advance!

 

[Bamboopictures]

Most DSLR take either 1/8" or 2.5mm stereo jack. The PM55 has a choice of 1/4" or 1/8" amped output and a XLR thru-put. There are no cables supplied so you are spoilt for choice what combination for cable you want to use. There are no levels indicator on this unit and it is NOT a recorder. I also do not recommend monitoring audio through the unit as it is upstream of the Zoom. If you need attenuation, you can still use the pinknoise pad. But the levels control are available for the XLR input and the 1/4" input. You will still need to record on a Zoom recorder and monitor from the Zoom for 100% certainty.(unless your DSLR has a phone jack) What the PM55 gives you is a very clean method of splitting and amplifying signal from any external mic you use with your DSLR so that you get more reliable audio into both your camera and the zoom recorder. I recommend plugging your mic into the PM55's XLR input and connecting the balanced XLR output to the camera. Use the levels indicator on the camera and control levels directly from the mic. This gives the highest probability of good audio without actually monitoring it directly. Plug the zoom recorder into the 1/4" unbalanced output of the PM55. If it is clean through the zoom, it is very likely to be clean on the balanced output. There is a good chance that the you will never need to use the backup recording from the Zoom.

 

[superbeng]

Whoa..

So this device is good for:
- plug in an external mic into this device
- connect to Zoom
- record into Zoom and monitor levels on Zoom
- line out from this device into the DSLR? but the audio would be what's going into the device and not the Zoom right?

OK I think I'm confused.. Pls correct me if I'm wrong.. Got diagram?

Thanks a lot for explaining! Still interested in figuring out if this is worthy to buy...

 

[Bamboopictures]

You understood correctly. The audio goes to your camera as well but you are still recording "deaf" technically. No solution for that one.

But what this device can do for you :

-split a balanced signal (eg. mic) into three outputs
-mix a balanced signal (eg XLR mic) input with another unbalanced stereo or mono (1/4" or 1/8" mic)
-control levels of each input independantly
-provide pre-amplification on the 1/8" and 1/4" output
-provide a clean XLR thru-put of the XLR input (no preamp)
-switch between stereo and mono ouput
-switch between ground and lift for hum reduction

DSLR users will welcome this because:
- you can simultaneously record your mic output on your camera and your zoom
-you can pre-amp signals going into your zoom, your camera or both at the same time(but not independantly controllable)
-you can use XLR mics.
- you can use two mics (one XLR and one 1/8") at the same time

You should buy a beachtek over this PM55 if
-you need seperate left and right channels when recording from two source
-you need to use 2 Xlr mics at the same time


You should buy a juicedlink over this PM55 if
-all reasons above
-your camera has no manual control for audio levels and its AGC is too aggressive

Caveat: I am only recommending the PM55 based solely a price-performance comparison. The PM55 is NOT intended for use with a DSLR. It is for singers who want to want to hear how their voice blend with a music track.

 

[superbeng]

Thanks so much for explaining & the details. Really appreciate it.

Guess I'll pass on it for now cos I can't imagine recording "deaf" with no level indicators.

 

[Bamboopictures]

That's why people use the Zoom recorder. The camera audio is just a bonus.

 

[AB5577]

Hi
When u mentioned 119, r u referring to e hotshoe or the pm55 ? And also does pm55 have AGC control ? Thks in advance !

 

[Bamboopictures]

$119 is for the PM55. Hotshoe is $10 from Orient. You must drill a 1/4" hole in the PM55 casing to screw in the hotshoe adapter. PM55 does not generate any AGC defeater tone like the beachtek or juicedlink nor does it have a limiter or AGC.