Line Level & Mic Level audio inputs at DVinfo.net

Greg Schlueter · June 26th, 2007, 05:57 AM

Looking for clarity.

I have a couple Samson UH1's... with mini xlr's. Great for dedicated, directlav recording. Some of my shoots have multiple points, and it's better and more efficient to take the sound directly out of "the board" (source) via a line-out from the board.

Much of what I say here requires experimentation I have not yet had a chance to conduct-- so looking for advice. Speaking with folks at B&H I purchased a line-to-mic level converter... which (in theory) would drop the line signal to mic level... (-50db). Later I discovered with my new V1U's that they have the capacity to switch between line and mic levels...

1) Does that make the converter superfluous?
2) When I did a preliminary test (not using the converter, but setting my cam to line-level) the signal was way too low... ;
3) Out of another board I simply kept it at mic level and all was fine... not going through my UH1, but direct XLR cord.

Seems that many "line-outs" are actually mic-level? Any way of safely determining/testing this? Any considerations for using the UH1 in the mix, for direct audio, wireless (mobile) needs...? Settings for camera (line vs. mic, AND man/auto), UH1....

THANKS!

Lee Berger · June 26th, 2007, 07:44 AM

Greg:
Some boards have selectable mic/line level outputs. If the signal was too low then it is likely you got a mic level feed. If you switched your V1 back to mic level and it sounds good then even more so.

A professional line out is typically +4 to +10 db. Mic level outputs are around -40 to -60 db. It is better to receive a line level feed that is more resistant to hum and noise and bypasses the microphone preamps in your V1.

I would send the converter back as you don't really need it.

June 26th, 2007, 05:57 AM	#1
Greg Schlueter Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Erie, Pennsylvania Posts: 43	Line Level & Mic Level audio inputs Looking for clarity. I have a couple Samson UH1's... with mini xlr's. Great for dedicated, directlav recording. Some of my shoots have multiple points, and it's better and more efficient to take the sound directly out of "the board" (source) via a line-out from the board. Much of what I say here requires experimentation I have not yet had a chance to conduct-- so looking for advice. Speaking with folks at B&H I purchased a line-to-mic level converter... which (in theory) would drop the line signal to mic level... (-50db). Later I discovered with my new V1U's that they have the capacity to switch between line and mic levels... 1) Does that make the converter superfluous? 2) When I did a preliminary test (not using the converter, but setting my cam to line-level) the signal was way too low... ; 3) Out of another board I simply kept it at mic level and all was fine... not going through my UH1, but direct XLR cord. Seems that many "line-outs" are actually mic-level? Any way of safely determining/testing this? Any considerations for using the UH1 in the mix, for direct audio, wireless (mobile) needs...? Settings for camera (line vs. mic, AND man/auto), UH1.... THANKS!

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June 26th, 2007, 07:44 AM	#2
Lee Berger Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 326	Greg: Some boards have selectable mic/line level outputs. If the signal was too low then it is likely you got a mic level feed. If you switched your V1 back to mic level and it sounds good then even more so. A professional line out is typically +4 to +10 db. Mic level outputs are around -40 to -60 db. It is better to receive a line level feed that is more resistant to hum and noise and bypasses the microphone preamps in your V1. I would send the converter back as you don't really need it.