line to mic (hi-z to lo-z) adapter?

[Eric Lagerlof]

Just got a FDR-AX100 camcorder. The audio input is for 'mics' and after testing I can verify that while it has a pretty wide input adjustment range, the expected distortion from a line level signal can happen real fast with this input. Anyone know of a slick, under $200 solution for a stereo transforming adapter. Keep in mind that Beachtek and similar devices nearly all output line level. I need the opposite, to go from line to mic level, preferably to a stereo 1/8" trs plug. Right now I'm looking at the Samson S direct box and th Ebtech Line Level Shifter. Any cool device I'm missing?

[Richard Crowley]

Originally Posted by Eric Lagerlof

Keep in mind that Beachtek and similar devices nearly all output line level. I need the opposite, to go from line to mic level, preferably to a stereo 1/8" trs plug. Right now I'm looking at the Samson S direct box and th Ebtech Line Level Shifter. Any cool device I'm missing?

Every Beachtek product I have ever seen outputs mic level. Dunno where you got the idea that they "nearly all output line level"?

You did not identify where/what your line-level signal is coming FROM? Do you also need transformer isolation along with attenuation? The Rolls DB-25 is my favorite little box for combining isolation along with line-to-mic attenuation.

[Rick Reineke]

Yes, where/what your line-level signal is coming from?
The cheapest is a simple attenuation cable, about $10 in parts.. of course some soldering skills would be needed. Wouldn't be transformer isolated though, if that's a requirement.
"The Rolls DB-25 is my favorite little box for combining isolation along with line-to-mic attenuation"
> Same here. It has a ground lift and a 0-20-40dB pad switch as well. The 'B' series has variable attenuation. The balanced output is easily converted to unbalanced. It's a single channel though..again.. where/what your line-level signal is coming from?

[Bruce Watson]

Originally Posted by Eric Lagerlof

I need the opposite, to go from line to mic level, preferably to a stereo 1/8" trs plug.

What you're looking for is called a "pad". Something like http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/287412-REG/Remote_Audio_CAFPTPAD_Stereo_1_8_Mini_Output.html.

That said, you probably don't need even that. The Beachtech equipment will almost always output a mic level signal -- most of it is designed to work the DLSRs, which only take mic level signals. Only use a pad if you really need it.

[Eric Lagerlof]

My Bad, I mis-read specs on one of the Beachteks and assumed that like my little Behringer Eurorack mixer, (where the signal is coming from), that the Beachteks sent out line level. Also looking at the Samson-S stereo DI and the Ebtech Line Level Shifter. Sorry for the sloppy first post. The Rolls looks like a good, inexpensive option and I'm glad it performs well.

[Rick Reineke]

The Samson stereo DI may be a good option> two channels and active, (preferable for musical instruments). Though I haven't used one, so an uncertain candidate for line level (to mic) applications.
FWIW, I prefer the Countryman Type-85 DI for acoustic-electric guitars.

[Jay Massengill]

The Ebtech Line Level shifter is a fine device, but not for what you want. It is a bi-directional +4db to-and-from -10db line-only level shifter. It has transformer isolation and also converts bi-directionally from balanced to unbalanced. I use several of them, but they don't have anything to do with mic level signals.

You really need a BeachTek-type device. It easily mounts under the camera and also has provision to defeat the Plug-In-Power on your camera's mic jack. If you make or buy a simple pad, it would also need to be constructed to defeat this voltage. Otherwise it will cause substantial noise problems, especially if the 3.5mm plug is moved or tugged.