Zoom H2 Audio Noise
 

Put a GH1 on backorder, but I was a little worried about the GH1's autogain for audio.

I have a Zoom H2, however, so I didn't think it was too big a deal - that I could simply record dual-system and have inputs going out of my mixer (a Juicedlink) and into both the camera and the Zoom H2.

I tried out this setup with my current camera, a Canon HG20, today, to see how feasible it would be.

Here's the problem though - I had to put the H2 on medium gain in order to get any sort of signal, even while keeping the pre-amp on the Canon HG20 to the low levels it usually enjoys. My Juicedlink Mixer's pre-amp was set to "high" & the trim turned all the way up.

Now - the Canon and the Zoom H2 are both getting the SAME signal out of the Juicedlink, split, and the Zoom H2 has more noise on it. I can't go lower on the ZH2's gain, I can, however, go higher.

What do you think - is this something that might be solved by going to the Zoom H4/H4n, or an Edirol, or something like that? Is moving to high gain a good answer? Or am I stuck with it?

Are you using the line or mic input on the H2?
What level comes out of the Juicedlink? -40-60dB (mic) or -10 or +4dB (line)

The juicedLink outputs mic level. It has something like 18dB gain when turned up 100%.