Zoom H4 - any way to mount to HV20?

[marshallarts]

still trying to find audio solution to HV20, mostly because i'm too busy working to just get one. i'd like to keep it under $300. the title says it all. ideally getting a Zoom unit would enable me to do record 4-tracks (including 2 external mics) and it appears i could line out into the HV20. I could also clap-sync it for PCM audio.

Is this a complete hairbrained idea? any thoughts on using it permanently with the HV20?

[Mal]

No the idea is a good one, and a practice that will serve you well. Keep in mind that there still might be a syncing/timing issues, so you might have to limit takes to under 10 minutes or so.

The zoom could be mounted to the tripod? Or put the HV20 on a shoulder mount (if you like handheld) and mount it somewhere on there.

[alanz]

I have a Zoom H4, but I haven't tried feeding its line-out into the mic jack of the HV20, I'll give that a try later today and report back. Note that you can't record 4 tracks at once... if you're using the built in mics, you can only record stereo. If you use 4 track recording, I believe it's a two pass process (record instruments on two tracks then record vocals, etc).

So using something like a Rode Stereo VideoMic is a more straightforward and compact solution but the H4 give you standalone recording capability.

[marshallarts]

Great feedback guys, much appreciated!

Alanz, that would be great if you are able to test that out, seems like a viable option. I didn't realize the Zoom couldn't record 4-track at once but it makes sense, something to consider. Either way I guess it could act in place of a BeachTek if this works and that's exciting (when using lavs or other mics since it has XLR inputs). One device like this being capable of replacing multiple units would be great. Ideally I guess this could replace a camera mic, BeachTek, and field recorder capable of PCM if needed although this is a bit more cumbersome.

Since you brought up the Rode Stereo Mic, do you have an opinion on it versus the VideoMic? I know this has been discussed to death, i'm certainly adding to it. Mal has covered his opinion but I guess i'm still trying to decide. I can't afford both and of course I'd prefer the Zoom H4 if that ends up working.

In short: If the Zoom works with Line In, I want to go with that and maybe getting the cheaper Azden SMX-10 if I want a smaller solution for grab and go. Or I could get one of the Rode's... For long term it would be nice having a more expensive boom mic be XLR (guessing that would be better in a boom situation when I use it off camera).

[alanz]

Ok, it seems to work fine.

Connect the H4's line out to the HV20's microphone in
Turned on the HV20's microphone attenuation
Set the recording level on the H4
Set the recording level on the HV20

Tah dah. Recorded sound seems nice and clear.
Note that you can record live, or play back prerecorded material into the HV20, an interesting twist.

[alanz]

As far as the Rode Stereo VideoMic goes, I rather like it. I had the mono version but I didn't like its form factor (it wobbled greatly in its shock mount and was too long for my camera case), and for me the stereo mic is a better solution. I got the Rode mic before I got the H4, and haven't used the Rode mic much yet.

I've mounted the Rode mic on the HV20 and its sound is much cleaner than the built in mic (no surprise there). It doesn't seem to pick up the motor whine, but I can hear very faint clicks of the joystick. To get around this I've played with mounting the mic on a "flash bracket" typically used by photographers to mount the flash several inches above the lens. This has two advantages: it gets the mic off the camera (further away from the toggle), and also gives me a left hand grip. I'll play with this combination some more soon.

[sp8ce07]

As far as the Rode Stereo VideoMic goes, I rather like it. I had the mono version but I didn't like its form factor (it wobbled greatly in its shock mount and was too long for my camera case), and for me the stereo mic is a better solution. I got the Rode mic before I got the H4, and haven't used the Rode mic much yet.

I've mounted the Rode mic on the HV20 and its sound is much cleaner than the built in mic (no surprise there). It doesn't seem to pick up the motor whine, but I can hear very faint clicks of the joystick. To get around this I've played with mounting the mic on a "flash bracket" typically used by photographers to mount the flash several inches above the lens. This has two advantages: it gets the mic off the camera (further away from the toggle), and also gives me a left hand grip. I'll play with this combination some more soon.

Are you saying that the rode videomic wobbled in its form while in the shock mount? Or are you referring to a different mic.

[alanz]

Yes, the Rode (mono) VideoMic I received was mounted sort of off center and would easily flop from side to side. The Stereo VideoMic has an entirely different mounting system and is centered.

[CJDaniels]

I was excited about the 4 tracks at once scenario, is that available any way around?

[sp8ce07]

Flop from side to side???? Wow! I have not heard that from anyone with the videomic over at least 50 or more posts. could it be possible that it was incorrectly mounted? Are you interested in selling this is you are not going to be using it?

[alanz]

It appeared to be correctly mounted. Looking at the mic, and its offset design, I'm surprised others didn't have the same impression. It wasn't a deal breaker for me, but the Stereo VideoMic was a better solution for me, so I returned the mic and bought the stereo version. It's more costly, weighs twice as much, but seems fine.

[marshallarts]

Thanks alanz for all your input. Since it works I think I want the H4 and then a good mono mic (although your input on why you choose the stereomic makes sense). I'm just thinking with the H4 I can record stereo when I need, and a good mono mic would be great for all other situations. At least thats what i'm thinking now.

I wish the Rode Videomin looked like the Stereomic. I think it would fit better with the HV20 and not have the wobble issue you mention.

[Skrytsson]

I see that this thread is a bit "old" now... but anyway
I have heard, from different sources, that when you have a external mic, like the Rode Video Mic, connected to the hv20 you also hear some kind of irritating hum. Have you the same experience with the h4.. or how is it going? Anyone who has a soundtest?

[marshallarts]

I have since bought the H4 but still have not attached it to the HV20 to give you my feedback on your question. I also bought a Rode NTG-2 mic but have been too busy to really even give that a try. Sorry but no feedback for you

[Hypnotic]

Flop from side to side???? Wow! I have not heard that from anyone with the videomic over at least 50 or more posts. could it be possible that it was incorrectly mounted? Are you interested in selling this is you are not going to be using it?

I definitely have that problem too. I think there is a way to wrap the cable around it to stop it from wobbling so much. At least I think there is, since there seems to be cable mount points all around the mic, although this just might be for cameras that have a mic input on the left? :hv20-smilie51:

But wrapping the cable around the mic and the support made the mic less floppy... lol.

there is nothing in the instructions about it either...It seems to be a little more extreme than it should...

Maybe the reason that most people haven't mentioned it is because it doesn't flop around on a tripod, only for run and gun...

[geekd]

I was excited about the 4 tracks at once scenario, is that available any way around?


It is quite common for a multi track recorder to only be able to record to 2 tracks at once. Always check the specs for that.

I record on a Fostex MR8HD. It can record to 4 tracks at once, and has phantom power. However, it's much bigger than the Zoom H4, and audio is recorded at "only" 16-bit/44.1kHz.

On the plus side, it's only $349 new. I got mine on eBay for $250.

I find the audio gets a few frames off after 10 or 15 minutes.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fostex-MR8HD-8Track-Digital-Recorder-with-40GB-Hard-Drive?sku=240341


-geekd

[CJDaniels]

Thank you for answering my old post. I already bought the H4. I wish I had bought the H2 cuz of size so I may sell the h4, I don't need all it has to offer.

[geekd]

Thank you for answering my old post. I already bought the H4. I wish I had bought the H2 cuz of size so I may sell the h4, I don't need all it has to offer.

Heh. I hadn't noticed your post was from way back in June. :hv20-smilie01:

[CJDaniels]

Heh. I hadn't noticed your post was from way back in June. :hv20-smilie01:

hey no worries, I am glad you were there to help.

Hey we're somewhat neighbors.

[Terfyn]

The H2 will record four tracks at the same time. The output is two stereo pairs of tracks. A number of software based audio editors will handle the four tracks and convert the output to Dolby 5.1 (or 7.1 with faked up tracks).
Most editors such as Audacity (free to pensioners (and others)) will stretch or compress the audio tracks to a limited extent, in order to fit a piece of video for example.