Sennheiser G3 wireless w H4n setup advice

[JacePhoto]

Hi all, looking for advice on the above setup. I had just bought the G3 series.

When i plugged in direct to Nikon D800. The sound was quite good. When i plugged in to H4n and then to the D800, there were alot of feedback noise (too sensitive). I tried to reduce the mike level but doesnt seem to help.

Do you guys use the G3 direct or with the H4n?

Thanks.

 

[Deunamist]

I always use G3 with H4N, but I don't line into my camera. I've always heard mixed reviews (usually negative) about the H4N's capabilities as a preamp so that could be the case

 

[JacePhoto]

I always use G3 with H4N, but I don't line into my camera. I've always heard mixed reviews (usually negative) about the H4N's capabilities as a preamp so that could be the case

K. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Bamboopictures]

K. Thanks for sharing.

The better way for dual recording is to split the signal at the AV out of the G3: one for the camera and one for the H4n. Hopes this help.

 

[JacePhoto]

The better way for dual recording is to split the signal at the AV out of the G3: one for the camera and one for the H4n. Hopes this help.

Thanks. Food for thought. Need to hit the stores to find this device to split signal.

 

[Bamboopictures]

Thanks. Food for thought. Need to hit the stores to find this device to split signal.

I use a walkman headphone splitter.

 

[JacePhoto]

Ok ok. Thanks.

I finally figured out that I need 1 female to 2 male adaptor.

 

[Bamboopictures]

If you need super secure connection, you can mod one of the included locking 3.5mm cables and split that out to one XLR male and one 3.5mm male.
That way two jacks are secured leaving only the camera end vulnerable.

 

[kandinsky]

When i plugged in to H4n and then to the D800, there were alot of feedback noise (too sensitive). I tried to reduce the mike level but doesnt seem to help.

Can you describe your connection chain so we can get a better idea?
My guess based on what you described on the receiving end:
G3 Receiver (AF OUT /3.5mm) >> (XLR input) Zoom H4n (Line out/3.5mm) >> (Mic in/3.5mm) D800)

If this sounds like what you're doing, you may need to use a cable that attenuates the line level (amplified signal) to mic level (unamplified signal).
Something like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749722-REG/Sescom_DSLR_MIC_MON_3_5mm_Mic_to_Mic.html

Also, there should be 3 levels you need to take note of:
1. Input/recording level on the H4n
2. Mic sensitivity on the G3 transmitter
3. AF Out (Gain) on the G3 receiver.

I don't use a H4n, maybe you can try following this guy's setup video to see if it works for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od4tHSoBb3c

(This is fairly new to me too, so this is roughly what I've figured out so far. I defer to the experts if any of this turns out to be wrong ;p)

 

[hamanoshun]

The G3 packs come at a default of -12db for receiver and -18db for transmitter.

Depending on the requirement of the project, if it's not entirely critical that the sound be of a certain audiophile quality, direct to camera is more than enough with a bit of noise removal.

But since the question here is about the noise generated supposedly by the H4n, play around with the levels of all 3 devices as stated by kandinsky.

If there's still noise at a proper signal then it's really the preamp that's rubbish.

I did away with H4n because of that reason. I now use a DR-40.

 

[djarth]

You will need a Y-cable from H4 into D800. From H4 mini jack male--- one side mini jack female (for earphones) other side mini jack male Pad down -20db into D800

 

[JacePhoto]

Thanks everyone. I havent replied for so long because i cant find the right Y-cable even at Sim Lim Tower. May have to order from ebay.

 

[hamanoshun]

Search Sescom.

 

[kandinsky]

If you're talking about the Sescom LN2MIC-ZMH4-MON, looks like CP has it for S$60: http://www.cathayphoto.com.sg/offer...c-25db-att-zoom-h4n-headphone-monitoring-jack
I'd also check with Hung Bros. Sells in US for about US$36, approx S$46. Unless you can find a seller who can ship it here for less than S$14, may make sense to get locally.

 

[JacePhoto]

Wow! The one I saw on eBay is only $1.19. Of course I think cannot compare on terms of quality....

 

[kandinsky]

Wow! The one I saw on eBay is only $1.19. Of course I think cannot compare on terms of quality....

Hmm, is that just a normal splitter? Could you share the link to the item?

 

[JacePhoto]

Hmm, is that just a normal splitter? Could you share the link to the item?

sorry. I shld have done so. Its here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171020960336?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

[kandinsky]

sorry. I shld have done so. Its here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171020960336?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Ah, just as I thought. This is a normal splitter. You can find this at most shops selling hp accessories, SLS and all, maybe even Daiso. It's not just a matter of quality, it's a different tool altogether. Without the 'pad' or the attennuator, your line out volume will likely be too hot for the D800, resulting in the same scenario you described in your opening post:

...there were alot of feedback noise (too sensitive).

Assuming even if you can lower the relevant levels considerably, your monitoring volume may be too low to be useful.

 

[Bamboopictures]

I love my Beachtek MCC-2!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxTzXyXK_t4

 

[JacePhoto]

I love my Beachtek MCC-2!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxTzXyXK_t4

nice! more things to buy! hee hee