Having come back from a recent project where I needed to place Lav microphones on three subjects, it's always a good idea that you have some type of backup plan. Here's an audio tip I thought i'd share using the new Alzo 3.5 mini stereo to XLR adapter.
The Alzo 3.5 Mini Phone Female to XLR Stereo Adapter Cord is simply advertised as a way to connect a basic stereo microphone into a camera that offers dual XLR mic inputs. One important feature I think they missed in their product description is the ability to use the cable for backup audio recordings. By splitting your signal into separate tracks you can record one at a normal level and one at a lower level in case your original audio becomes distorted from peaking (clipping).
So the next time you place a microphone to a subject, think about making sure you have a backup audio in place. I highly recommend you consider this tip in your future audio setups. You can find this Alzo Stereo to XLR Y Cable (click here)
ALZO 3.5 Mini Phone Female to XLR Stereo Adapter Cord
It's a good idea to always carry a few of these cables in your audio kit, and if you're working with XLR body packs or microphones, there are also XLR splitters available (found here).
XLR Female To Dual XLR Male Y Cable
Kenny Ta
Wow! This is great trick. Love cheesycam stuffs. I learned a lot for your website.
Thanks,
Semper Fi
Emm
Post author@Rob S. - Two separate tracks, one lower gain than the other.
Arno
nice tip, however id solder the seenheiser jack directly on the 2 xlr's.
way too many jack connectors in this setup
Rob S.
So this cable is splitting a 1/8" stereo track into two XLR stereo tracks? Or four total mono tracks? And one XLR stereo track is padded down some how? Or are you just lowering the gain on one track?
Emm
Post author@ElBurke - If your mic requires Phantom power it would be the same result splitting the audio. If your mic does not require Phantom power, you should leave it off.
ElBurke
Great tip, Thanks a lot
do you think it would work with Phantom power?
do you know if it affects the quality of the sound?
Emm
Post author@Moe - The DR-60D has a backup audio track also, but you have a limited amount of inputs. So if you have to mic up three people, then the DR-60D may not work with this tip.
Moe
i don't need this if I'm using the tascam DR 60D correct?
Nikita Pavlov
Awesome tip, thanks