Low audio level on DVR with XLR mic at DVinfo.net

Kenny Shelswell · March 22nd, 2006, 06:56 AM

Problem:
Resulting movie has very VERY low audio level

Equipment:
+ Sennheiser K6 with ME64 cardioid
+ Studio 1 XLR-BP 3 Pro XLR adapter
+ nNovia Quickcapture A2D

Hookup:
+ Mic to XLR cable to XLR adapter
+ XLR adapter has stereo 1/8" jack
+ 1/8" jack to adapter to stereo 1/8" jack cable with two RCA plugs
+ Two RCA plugs to two RCA sockets on nNovia DVR

Diagnostic attempts:
+ Checked all cables
+ Checked all settings on XLR adapter
+ Hooked up miniDV cam to XLR adapter (rather than DVR) and audio comes out fine (grr)

Please help! Any suggestions welcome.

Jay Massengill · March 22nd, 2006, 08:07 AM

The DVR inputs are probably expecting a -10db line-level signal. You need to use a preamp to boost the mic-level signal.
If you're in a fixed location you can do this with a common audio mixer.
If you're mobile you need a battery-powered preamp like a BeachTek DXA-10 or a field mixer like a SoundDevices MixPre.

Kenny Shelswell · March 22nd, 2006, 11:56 PM

Jay thank you for your information. Larry at nNovia confirmed the DVR is expecting line level.

This setup is going into a racecar so size, weight and space are a premium. I'd prefer something that has it's own power too. Suggestions for a pre-amp I can get my hands on quickly?

If I understand you correctly then this Beachtek DXA-10 could replace this Studio1 XLR-BP 3 Pro for my purposes?

Rob Wilson · March 23rd, 2006, 11:06 AM

Kenny,

Yep, the DXA-10 will give you the levels you're looking for plus the ability to adjust for what I expect will be pretty high audio levels in a race car.

Kenny Shelswell · March 26th, 2006, 07:32 AM

Jay, Rob, thank you very much for your help, much appreciated.

March 22nd, 2006, 06:56 AM	#1
Kenny Shelswell New Boot Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sydney Posts: 17	Low audio level on DVR with XLR mic Problem: Resulting movie has very VERY low audio level Equipment: + Sennheiser K6 with ME64 cardioid + Studio 1 XLR-BP 3 Pro XLR adapter + nNovia Quickcapture A2D Hookup: + Mic to XLR cable to XLR adapter + XLR adapter has stereo 1/8" jack + 1/8" jack to adapter to stereo 1/8" jack cable with two RCA plugs + Two RCA plugs to two RCA sockets on nNovia DVR Diagnostic attempts: + Checked all cables + Checked all settings on XLR adapter + Hooked up miniDV cam to XLR adapter (rather than DVR) and audio comes out fine (grr) Please help! Any suggestions welcome.

March 22nd, 2006, 11:56 PM	#3
Kenny Shelswell New Boot Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sydney Posts: 17	Jay thank you for your information. Larry at nNovia confirmed the DVR is expecting line level. This setup is going into a racecar so size, weight and space are a premium. I'd prefer something that has it's own power too. Suggestions for a pre-amp I can get my hands on quickly? If I understand you correctly then this Beachtek DXA-10 could replace this Studio1 XLR-BP 3 Pro for my purposes? Last edited by Kenny Shelswell; March 23rd, 2006 at 12:43 AM.

March 22nd, 2006, 08:07 AM	#2
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	The DVR inputs are probably expecting a -10db line-level signal. You need to use a preamp to boost the mic-level signal. If you're in a fixed location you can do this with a common audio mixer. If you're mobile you need a battery-powered preamp like a BeachTek DXA-10 or a field mixer like a SoundDevices MixPre.

March 23rd, 2006, 11:06 AM	#4
Rob Wilson Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 473	Kenny, Yep, the DXA-10 will give you the levels you're looking for plus the ability to adjust for what I expect will be pretty high audio levels in a race car.

March 26th, 2006, 07:32 AM	#5
Kenny Shelswell New Boot Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sydney Posts: 17	Jay, Rob, thank you very much for your help, much appreciated.