How-to Use a Zoom H4n as an On-Camera Mic Part 2

I test out a special kind of Sescom DSLR cable with a headphone output. I compare the sound of the built-in mics on the camera with the stereo mics on the Zoom H4n, and I show you how it sounds using the XLR inputs with a Tram TR50 lavalier mic, and with an Audio Technica 4053b hyper cardioid mic. You should also read my full blog post about this kind of DSLR cable at my website: http://www.sam-mallery.com/2011/02/using-a-zoom-h4n-as-an-on-camera-dslr-mic-...

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Sescom
• HDSLR
• Zoom H4n
• LN2MIC-ZMH4-MON
• Markertek
• PV-GS200
• GH2
• Canon 5D mkII
• Tram TR50
• Audio Technica 4053b

[GARCIA323]

Whats up Sam. Just what i was looking for ! quick question will this Sescom cable work on a regular HD camcorder with out a mic input ? Only having a headphone output , or vice versa using the line -in headphone output from the camcoder in to the mic input from the Zoom H4 would it work.

[HiddenDriveways]

@GARCIA323 Hi Garcia... I'm afraid not. If a camera doesn't have a microphone input, a Sescom cable is useless. Sorry!

[wroadhouse]

will this cable work for a Sony a33 or a55 DSLR (paired up with the zoom H4n)? thanks!

[HiddenDriveways]

@wroadhouse I just looked into it, and it appears that both cameras do indeed have a 3.5mm mic input, so yes, this will work on these cameras.

[KhawaFilm]

hello Sam, very nice tutorial.. just have quick question.. How do you adjust the noise cancellation on the background on Zoom H4N.. thanks

[HiddenDriveways]

@KhawaFilm You cannot adjust the noise cancellation in the background. What you need to do is use the proper microphone when shooting. Instead of using the built in mics, it's usually a better idea to use an external shotgun and/or a clip-on lavalier mic. These do a much better job of not picking up background noise.

[KevMull]

Why not simply use the headphone soc on the camcorder (assuming it has one) rather use the y-splitter?

[edlee83]

Hi Sam, thanks for doing this. It made me buy the cable for my GH2 and H4N.

But for some reason I'm getting this faint but audible static/feedback throughout the recording off my camera. I've recorded thru the H4N, a XLR shotgun and a 3.5mm shotgun. All the same results so it must be either my camera or H4N settings... any tips?

[katrinafox13]

Hi Sam. May I ask what the difference is with running the Tram50 mic through the Zoom and simply plugging it (or another XLR pro lapel mic) directly into the video camera? What is the advantage of going thru the Zoom if the lapel mic is already good quality? Would there be buzzing with a pro mic? I'm thinking of getting the Rode PinMic (Tram isn't sold in here in Australia). Thanks :)

[fishcricet]

@HiddenDriveways Hi Sam, do you think possible to connect cameras / videocameras having mic input to Zoom H2n (instead of H4n) ? thanks !

[Kuasaseni]

is it same to h2N sam..?

[Kuasaseni]

i'm using h2n with gh2 camera..is the sescom cable work for zoom h2n?

[nestorilian]

Hi Sam, thanks kindly for your videos. Your efforts are appreciated very much! Best to you!