Complexity will slow down your production– it may even kill it. Time is something most productions cannot afford to waste, and using an audio input option that is more complex than you need is a sure way to burn precious rocket fuel.<\/p>\n
What does complexity mean for your production?<\/p>\n
- \n
- Longer and more involved setup process<\/li>\n
- Increased level of expertise required to operate<\/li>\n
- More controls and settings that can be inadvertently changed<\/li>\n
- Additional power requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Some productions need a more complex solution, and these are some of the costs that they have to accept. If a simpler solution does the job, use it.<\/p>\n
\nBottom line:<\/strong> An all-in-one device sounds nice, but sometimes a simpler<\/em> audio input option will meet your project’s audio requirements just as well, without adding unnecessary complexity. Choosing the right input option saves you time and makes you more productive.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Starting Point: The GH4’s Audio Input<\/h2>\n
Small DSLR\/hybrid cameras like the Panasonic GH4 are not blessed with professional XLR audio inputs. Instead, like most small cameras, the Panasonic GH4 has a 3.5mm stereo jack for sending external audio into the camera.<\/p>\n
![\"Panasonic](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Panasonic_GH4_Audio_Input-Options_002_Panasonic-GH4-Mic-Input-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nA 3.5mm plug is easily unplugged, is prone to RF interference (unbalanced), and is not particularly robust.<\/p>\n
In short, the GH4’s audio input is not the ideal starting point for solid audio. That said, this is part of the deal when you’re working with any DSLR\/hybrid camera. It’s what we have to work with, and for the most part, it does the job<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nNote:<\/strong> The GH4 is unique in that there is a custom-built accessory that provides more robust audio input options (locking, balanced, etc.). We’ll cover this accessory later in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nBottom line:<\/strong> Any audio input device you use will need to output to a 3.5mm stereo plug to work with the GH4. You can use adapter cables, but just remember that every connection in your audio chain adds another potential point of failure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Here are the different audio input options, starting with the simplest option:<\/p>\n
Keep it Simple: Direct Input<\/h2>\n
\nAt a Glance<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Power:<\/strong> Self-powered or plugin-in power (provided by the GH4’s audio input)<\/li>\n
- Output:<\/strong> 3.5mm TRS<\/abbr> (adapter may be required)<\/li>\n
- Level Control:<\/strong> None\/Basic<\/li>\n
- Signal Strength:<\/strong> Strong signal required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Direct input simply means you plug the microphone directly<\/em> into the GH4’s audio input. As no additional equipment is required, this is the simplest input option of all.<\/p>\n
\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Simple<\/strong> — A single connection means quick setup and simple operation.<\/li>\n
- Plug-in power<\/strong> — Some mics can be powered by the GH4’s audio input, meaning that you don’t have to worry about having extra batteries on hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\nCons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- No control over levels<\/strong> — Most mics do not provide any control over levels, so you risk ending up with audio that is too quiet or too loud. Note:<\/strong> Some mics provide basic level settings (see examples below).<\/li>\n
- Self-powered<\/strong> — Some mics are self powered, so you’ll have to remember to pack extra batteries specifically for the mic. Thankfully, batteries for mics usually last a long time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\nExamples<\/h3>\n
Here are some examples of mics that can be directly connected to the GH4:<\/p>\n
Rode Videomic Pro<\/h4>\n
![\"Rode](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rode_Videomic-Pro_qtr-693x459.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Type:<\/strong> Camera-mounted shotgun<\/li>\n
- Directionality:<\/strong> Directional<\/li>\n
- Power:<\/strong> 9V<\/li>\n
- Level Control:<\/strong> Basic presets (-10db\/0dB\/+20dB)<\/li>\n
- Price (street):<\/strong> $229<\/li>\n
- More information\/Check current price<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Rode’s Videomic Pro is a standard fixture on my GH4, especially for documentary\/run & gun work. It does a good job of picking up natural environmental sound, but it is also directional enough for fairly clear outdoor interviews (use Micover’s windscreen<\/a> to block wind noise).<\/p>\n
Rode Videomic Go<\/h4>\n
![\"Rode](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rode_Videomic-Go_rqtr-693x365.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Type:<\/strong> Camera-mounted shotgun<\/li>\n
- Directionality:<\/strong> Directional<\/li>\n
- Power:<\/strong> Plug-in power<\/li>\n
- Level Control:<\/strong> None<\/li>\n
- Price (street):<\/strong> $99<\/li>\n
- More information\/Check current price<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Rode’s Videomic Go is a simplified version of the Videomic Pro. While it lacks the Pro’s gain presets, it is also fully powered by the GH4’s audio input and does not require any batteries.<\/p>\n
Rode Lavalier<\/h4>\n
![\"Rode](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rode_Lavalier-693x426.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Type:<\/strong> Lavalier<\/li>\n
- Directionality:<\/strong> Omnidirectional<\/li>\n
- Power:<\/strong> Plug-in power<\/li>\n
- Level Control:<\/strong> None<\/li>\n
- Price (street):<\/strong> $249<\/li>\n
- More information\/Check current price<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A lavalier mic like the Rode Lavalier is ideal when you need to get the mic as close to the speaker as possible (e.g. interviews). These small mics clip to a person’s shirt or tie, allowing you position the mic closer to the mouth for optimal clarity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nBottom line:<\/strong> Directly connecting microphones to the GH4 keeps things simple, but the lack of control over audio levels can be limiting in many situations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
A Dash of Control: Passive Attenuator<\/h2>\n
\nAt a Glance<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Power:<\/strong> None required<\/li>\n
- Output:<\/strong> 3.5mm TRS<\/abbr><\/li>\n
- Level Control:<\/strong> Yes (decrease only)<\/li>\n
- Signal Strength:<\/strong> Strong signal preferred<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
A passive attenuator adds some much needed control over audio levels compared to directly connecting a mic to the GH4. With an attenuator, you can lower a strong signal into optimal range for the GH4’s audio input.<\/p>\n
For example, the Rode Videomic Pro’s +20dB gain setting provides nice clean audio, but it is way<\/em> too strong for the GH4. An attenuator allows you to take control over this strong signal, and dial it down to the proper level.<\/p>\n
\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Control levels<\/strong> — A strong audio signal gives you flexibility to set your audio levels anywhere along the GH4’s range.<\/li>\n
- No power required<\/strong> — Passive attenuators do not require any power, which means one less set of batteries to manage.<\/li>\n
- Compact<\/strong> — Provides control over your audio without adding a lot of bulk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\nCons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- No gain<\/strong> — Audio levels can only be decreased, not increased. A passive attenuator cannot make a mic louder than it is by default.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Examples<\/h3>\n
Beachtek MCC-2 Audio Adapter<\/h4>\n
![\"Beachtek](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Panasonic_GH4_Audio_Input-Options_003_Beachtek-MCC-2-693x552.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Power:<\/strong> None required<\/li>\n
- Level Control:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n
- Price (street):<\/strong> $89<\/li>\n
- More information\/Check current price<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Beachtek’s adapter is a regular part of my camera setup when I’m using self-powered mics like the Rode Videomic Pro or a wireless system like the Sennheiser G3<\/a>. With this adapter, you can fully dial in the levels for these mics, providing you with very nice in-camera audio.<\/p>\n
As a bonus, the MCC-2 also combines two mono audio inputs into a single stereo output, allowing you to connect two mics to the GH4 simultaneously.<\/p>\n
\nFurther Reading:<\/strong> Beachtek MCC-2 Review<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nBottom line:<\/strong> Passive attenuators provide you with control over audio levels when working with strong audio signals. A simple option that delivers solid results, as long as you don’t need to increase<\/em> levels beyond a mic’s native output.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Going Up: Preamp<\/h2>\n
\nAt a Glance<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Power:<\/strong> Self-powered<\/li>\n
- Output:<\/strong> 3.5mm TRS<\/abbr> (adapter may be required)<\/li>\n
- Level Control:<\/strong> Yes (increase & decrease levels)<\/li>\n
- Signal Strength:<\/strong> Works with a range of signal strengths<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
If you want to increase<\/em> audio levels beyond a mic’s native output, you need a preamplifier<\/strong>. A preamp adds gain to boost an existing audio signal, and like a passive attenuator, it can also lower audio levels if necessary.<\/p>\n
\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Control levels<\/strong> — Full flexibility to increase or decrease audio levels sent to the camera.<\/li>\n
- Robust connections<\/strong> — High-quality preamps have XLR inputs that are more robust than consumer-grade 3.5mm inputs.<\/li>\n
- Mic selection<\/strong> — High-quality preamps provide phantom power<\/em> to mics that need it for operation. In addition to XLR inputs, this gives you access to a wide variety of professional mics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\nCons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Requires power<\/strong> — A preamplifier adds another battery to your setup that you need to keep track of.<\/li>\n
- Bulky<\/strong> — Most preamps will add a fair amount of bulk to your setup because they must accommodate batteries, larger XLR inputs, and more complex circuitry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\nExamples<\/h3>\n
Preamps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but it’s important to choose a high-quality preamp, as a low-quality preamp will introduce more noise into your audio.<\/p>\n
Here are some examples of preamps for various needs and budget levels:<\/p>\n
Budget: IK Multimedia iRig Pre<\/h4>\n
![\"iRig](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IK-Multimedia_iRig-Pre-693x551.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Input:<\/strong> XLR x 1<\/li>\n
- Output:<\/strong> 3.5mm TRRS<\/abbr> (adapter required<\/a>)<\/li>\n
- Power:<\/strong> 9V<\/li>\n
- Level Control:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n
- Price (street):<\/strong> $39.99<\/li>\n
- More information\/Check current price<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The iRig Pre is actually intended for using professional XLR mics with smartphones, but with the right adapter cable, it’s actually a decent preamp for the price.<\/p>\n
As it wasn’t built for use with cameras, the iRig Pre’s gain adjustment knob is small and recessed. Furthermore, the iRig Pre does not have any built-in mounting points, so you’ll need to figure out a way to attach it to your camera rig (cable ties?).<\/p>\n
That said, if you need to use XLR mics with the GH4 and your budget it extremely limited, the iRig Pre might be a good fit.<\/p>\n
If you don’t like the idea of using an adapter cable, here’s Deejay Scharton explaining how to hack the iRig Pre so that it can be directly connected to the GH4:<\/p>\n
- Output:<\/strong> 3.5mm TRRS<\/abbr> (adapter required<\/a>)<\/li>\n
- Bulky<\/strong> — Most preamps will add a fair amount of bulk to your setup because they must accommodate batteries, larger XLR inputs, and more complex circuitry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
- Robust connections<\/strong> — High-quality preamps have XLR inputs that are more robust than consumer-grade 3.5mm inputs.<\/li>\n
- Output:<\/strong> 3.5mm TRS<\/abbr> (adapter may be required)<\/li>\n
- Level Control:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n
- Power:<\/strong> None required<\/li>\n
- No power required<\/strong> — Passive attenuators do not require any power, which means one less set of batteries to manage.<\/li>\n
- Output:<\/strong> 3.5mm TRS<\/abbr><\/li>\n
- Directionality:<\/strong> Omnidirectional<\/li>\n
- Directionality:<\/strong> Directional<\/li>\n
- Directionality:<\/strong> Directional<\/li>\n
- Self-powered<\/strong> — Some mics are self powered, so you’ll have to remember to pack extra batteries specifically for the mic. Thankfully, batteries for mics usually last a long time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
- Plug-in power<\/strong> — Some mics can be powered by the GH4’s audio input, meaning that you don’t have to worry about having extra batteries on hand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
- Output:<\/strong> 3.5mm TRS<\/abbr> (adapter may be required)<\/li>\n
- Power:<\/strong> Self-powered or plugin-in power (provided by the GH4’s audio input)<\/li>\n
![\"Panasonic](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Panasonic_GH4_Audio_Input-Options_002_Panasonic-GH4-Mic-Input.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n