24Aug JuicedLink PreAmp Tests vs BeachTek vs Zoom H4n
Lengthy video from Robert at Juicedlink.com, but helpful in explaining how to get better sound directly into your DSLRs. If you’re not using a preamp with certain microphones, the silent parts of your video will have a slight hiss. If you’re often shooting at loud events with background noises, you probably won’t notice this annoying sound as much.
Most shooters will record to a portable recorder like the Zoom H4n because the internal amps of the camera can’t deliver enough clean gain. Here, Robert shows that not only can the JuicedLink save you time from syncing audio in post, but it can also sound better by offering more gain to some mics than the Zoom H4n. Check out more of Robert’s videos and various products at the JuicedLink website (click here).
JuicedLink RM333 & RA333 Low Noise PreAmps for DSLR Video
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August 24th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
That all good and well but your not changing the bitrate or frequency.
August 24th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
@marcus warner – True. If bitrate is a concern, there’s another video at the Juicedlink blog that shows how to use a Preamp into a Zoom H4n. You get clean gain from the JL and the recording bitrate of the Zoom H4n. Different tools for different occasions, and a well equipped shooter should have both a preamp and a portable recorder in their tool kit.
August 24th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
I use the JL DS214 and I’m very happy with it. I get clean audio and I can monitor it with headphones.
August 24th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@marcus, I’m at about to purchase a Juicedlink so I do want to a know a bit more about what you said. What applications would require a higher bitrate than the internal Canon codec? Is it a TV or film specific thing?
Also to anyone who owns a juicedlink like this, can I use one of the XLR ports to go out into the my h4n?
August 24th, 2012 at 9:25 pm
@Carlos – The Juicedlink does not have XLR output. The output is a 3.5mm cable which can connect to H4n 3.5mm input.
August 25th, 2012 at 12:52 am
@Emm very true, I just see so often in the debate people fail to mention anything directly into the camera is not going to get you 24/96 or or 48 for those who dont believe in 96. Separate audio is industry standard. That said do what you can with the tools you have…but with the price of a dr40 and even a cheap shotgun at higher bit rate and frequency response is gonna get you more latitude in post then a crummy codec. Speaking as a audio engineer and musician IMO sacrificing bitrate and frequency is real similar to those trying to attain color via picture profiles in camera… You may get a good look but your shooting yourself when it comes to latitude in post… All that being said it depends on your project and your needs.
August 25th, 2012 at 1:59 am
Hi, is there a possiblity to connect Juicedlink directly to the Tascam Dr-40? Thanks.
August 25th, 2012 at 2:03 am
The H4N was never a great recorder, it was just first with 4 channel portable recording for $300. Tascam later came out with far better products. I use the DR-680 on set and its preamps are more than fine, its conversion is much better than the camera’s.
But Juicedlink with any recent Canon (T3i not T2i, etc.) is not going to be so bad as long as AGC is off (manual audio mode). AGC is like AWB for video…it will make the rerecording mixer walk on shifting sands like AWB would do for a colorist. Most cameras record their audio at 48KHz linear PCM either 16 bit or 24 bit, and those formats are fine in capturing all the value their converters can produce regardless of what preamp you hoist in front of them.
Noise reduction technology is advanced enough today that as long as it’s continuous and stable it’s not a problem. For very long recordings there may be a clock drift issue requiring re-sync when using dual system. So I have no problem recording into a camera provided there is a competent re-recording mixer downstream. But if your metering is on the camera the camera operator will have to pay attention to many different things at once…if you have a seperate sound recordist on set you really ought to work dual system because clipping is a significant problem that camera operators aren’t likely to be on top of as well.
So if you’re flying solo then sure the Juicedlinks are fine products and the demo summarizes the benefits. But a sound recordist will want Tascam (or for higher budget work, Nagra or Sound Devices) and should work dual-system. Regardless, turn AGC off just like you turn AWB off. Happy shooting!
August 25th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
I own the JuicedLink DT-454 and it delivers great audio. I actually bought the Beachtek from the Video, but quickly sent it back as it was VERY noisy. JuicedLink is hands down the best on the market, clean audio and great customer service.
August 25th, 2012 at 10:26 pm
I was wondering if you guys think a preamp such as the JL DS214
and a mic would on a GH2 would be good for a portable set up?
I have a Zoom h4n that i’ve been using the last few years and might connect a mic to that. thanks!
August 25th, 2012 at 10:29 pm
@Note – That’s a common setup and would work well. If you need to keep all those items together, check out the P&C GearBox http://cheesycam.com/new-gear-pc-gearbox-dslr-cage-video-accessory-bracket/
August 26th, 2012 at 7:51 am
@note, The GH2 works really well with the DS214. I use the Sennheiser SE 66 with an XLR to 3.5mm adapter, no issues
August 28th, 2012 at 6:57 am
Has anyone used the RM333 Riggy Micro with a Canon T2i with magic lantern installed… I’m assuming this would be fine since magic lantern allows audio monitoring and levels on the t2i
August 28th, 2012 at 8:15 am
@Adam – If you cam monitor with headphones, then you can use the RM333 and you will get significant gains for many high end microphones.
August 29th, 2012 at 8:20 am
much thanks guys!
that’s what I was thinking
will get a gh3 soon so I will probably sell the gh2 and put cage + h4n + ds214
August 30th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Just got the RM333 in the mail and was really disappointed to learn that the cold shoes that make the RM333 riggy are “accessories” you have to buy separately for $25 bucks a pop.
Pretty easy to include those in a $400 dollar product, Juicedlink.