Thanks! You know what would be killer? If you guys came out with a small box with the guts of the Rode VMP. I would love a simple inline attenuator/preamp from Rode!
Agree on this one. In general, now when video recordings are going to get easier for everyone, some kind of "external" recorder like the H1, but with the RØDE VMP goodness inside would be perfect for the vlogger/TH-cam'r that doesn't have the money for DSLR + RØDE VMP, and since a lot of handycams doesn't have stereo input, a device like this would be GOLD!!
Looks like a decent upgrade! The biggest problem with the H1 is the plastic screw thread. Mine's already worn out, so I've been attaching it to other gear with elastic bands.
One more thing to add: The XLR inputs need to be fed line level signals. (Either from a mic that already does Line level, or a a preamp) Otherwise the audio signal will come in quiet, which may become very noisy when amplified in post.
No different from the H1 on its own. People seem pretty freaked out by adapters, but the tech and sci is pretty simple. The only problem with this stuff is when you start running long cables or have so many adapters that the grounding gets messy.
@@dslrvideoshooter Thank you for the video. But I'm not sure if I am understanding it correctly. So by doing this "hack", it allows the H1 to record the audio from the XLR Mics. While also sending that audio signal, over to camera of choice (Me=GoPro). But does the camera also record its own audio from its internal speakers? Or do both audio signals get overlayed on top of each other, into 1 file? Or is the camera, only recording the audio signals that are coming from the XLR Mics? Also wondering with this setup installed, do the on board microphones of the Zoom H1 also capture/record sound? Because the h1 is a dual track recorder? I'm sorry for all the silly questions. Your help would be greatly appreciated 🙏
Exactly! The splitter connects both outputs in parallel. Camera input is high impedance (it "reads" voltage), while headphones are low impedance (they draw current). This is additional load on recorder output is similar to shorting your signal to ground using coil/resistor. It will make your signal weaker. Also the headphones have different impedance at different frequencies, so they will affect lows more than highs. Also headphones work in reverse like dynamic microphones and they add to the length of cable, so they catch both acoustic and electromagnetic noise. Another problem is that you obviously can't control the headphone output volume, because it would also affect the camera input. If you have headphones with volume control integrated in cable, this can also interfere with recording in same way as headphones do (imagine connecting and disconnecting the headphones to the system as a worst case scenario).
Also i need to say that there is solution for all of this. You can add external headphone amplifier which will have the same high-impedance input as the camera has. So it will take the burden of powering the headphones and keep the recorder output happy. There will be only two high-impedance devices connected to Y splitter, which do not load the line very much.
@@harviecz I don't know if you can read this, but I have this one Problem, My problem is that DJ Person is bad and always forget to turn down Background music when Couple's Give speeches in the Reception ( I am Talking about Wedding Event), Now I want to connect a device to the microphone directly by splitting the xlr going to the mixer to my Zoomh1n and Zoomh1, that way I can only Record the Audio and not the audio with the background music? Is it possible? if it is, what device should I buy in order to achieve this? If you can reply, it would be a great help.
@@exogendesign4582 I don't really understand your setup, but XLR is ballanced signal and zoom needs unballanced. There are baluns to convert ballanced to unballanced, but i am not sure if that will work with splitter, that might not be possible. BTW do you know there are mixers which can automaticaly lower the volume of music, when microphone voice is detected? (But the music will come back almost immediately when they stop speaking, eg. when doing dramatic pause)
Caleb again!!! I don't believe I see all these pieces and i pass them for more expensive solutions. Imagine what it'd cost to have all this in one device. Thanks man!
And another great video :) Thank you! I did the same with 2 3.5mm inputs. Additional informations, as some people have problem with 3.5mm input splitters. These basic splitters you buy on Amazon are simply to duplicate the signal on both jack, to be used on a smartphone for example. You have to buy a specific splitter that separates left and right. During my searches (Amazon FR), I didn't have a lot of choices so I had to pick only between a Hosa and a Stagg splitter. I picked the Hosa splitter because the Stagg one had a loose input 3.5mm jack. I returned them 2 times but same problem with new splitters. So I kept one as a backup (Have 2 Hosa splitters). Hosa splitters are great because they are color coded (red/black for left/right channel) and they have a better build than the Stagg. Refs: - Hosa: YMM-261 - STAGG: YC-0.1/1J2JFH My 2cts.
As someone who used DSLR Video Shooter's link to buy the Dual XLR to 3.5mm Jack I can say with certainty this cable is crap. It's not wired correctly for stereo use. With one mic per channel. Instead the XLR connectors are wired in parallel and the 1/8" TRS is configured as a balanced audio connection. I don't own a DSLR but I can say this cable is wired wrong for a camcorder with a stereo wired 1/8" TRS connector. Fortunately this can be fixed if you know how to solder. Remove the 3 screws on each XLR connector. Remove the cover of the XLR by pulling back on it. Be sure to remove the metal strain relief first that you unscrewed. You'll find the XLRs wired like this. Pin Color 1 bare copper 2 Red on one XLR, orange on the 2nd. 3 White On the one with the orange wire, unsolder the orange wire, cut off the excess copper and pull it back. On the one with the red wire unsolder the white wire and move the red wire to pin2. Cut off the excess white wire copper and pull it back. Finally short with a short piece of wire pins 1+3 on each XLR. Now reassemble. Now each XLR will go with each channel. If you do leave a channel unplugged expect hum though. Does not seem to effect the other channel. I can't believe he recommended this cable. Did he ever try it? Pro tip I should have seen myself. If the XLRs are not marked with channel identifications by word or color, it is unlikely stereo. But then again are there any 1/8" devices with balanced audio?
My main take away from this video (what works for me) was the dual headphone jack for use of recording to dual audio sources. Dual audio recordings equal less stress during a shoot. Brilliant and (slap myself on the forehead) simple!! Thanks!!
This is so pointless because the quality of audio that you feed into your camera/dslr is going to be noisy as hell. Creative yes but more research should have been done.
@Mugen00 someone has already made a video about this, just coming here and point it out as a warning for everyone else. not sure how much money/time has been wasted following this video just to find out the awful audio file that you have in post-production.
Doing this, You have blocked the front portion of the H1N unit. You wont get descent ambiance if you start recording with the stereo microphones mounted on this unit, u will get slightly muffed sound
Shut up! I'd like to give you a thousand likes for these videos. You can't imagine how curious i was to watch it and how i am excited with your gh4 mods. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. You have a fan in Brazil.
Looks nice.... But watch out for putting the XLR's right above the existing XY mic. It can sound like putting headphones on your ears and listening to the environment. It may cause less clearity and depth in the recording.
For using XLR mics with small recorders, I have to wonder if the Tascam DR-10X or Saramonic SM-VRM1 aren’t better suited for the task, though perhaps slightly more expensive. If you’re doing interviews and you already have a Zoom H1N, you’re probably better off just using its built-in mics instead of jury rigging something because it’ll look better on screen, and if you must use a better, XLR-based mic but don’t need to hide the equipment, you should probably just upgrade to a recorder that has phantom power and a dedicated line out. I get that people are trying to save money, but the major advantage of the H1N is that it’s compact and simple, so adding all this extra stuff kinda ruins its greatest strength.
+DSLR Video Shooter lol I was like that as a kid too, I have to see what upgrades I would want to do with my Canon t5i I already did the firmware upgrade that isn't apart of Canon specifically so I got a lot more things that it can do though shooting and editing video with its firmware isn't great cuz you have to convert the video to something that Adobe premiere can read
Fantastic Hack, great to add more functionality to the Zoom H1. However, will the audio quality be effected with so many adapters ? This can include additional noise for example.
So glad I came across this. I have been wanting to do this with mine, using a wireless for my buddy and wired for me keeping the unit in my backpack when we ride. Going to try in the very near future!! Thank you for this.
Thanks, Caleb. Does this setup allow for recording to the H1 and the camera simultaneously, essentially giving me two "copies" of the audio, one on the H1's media card and another in the camera? And what is a typical pre-amp that would provide phantom power of needed for a XLR mic that doesn't have batteries? Something compact.
The 2 XLR inputs for stereo are awesome. Great idea. However, XLR is balanced and H1 input (3.5 mm) is unbalanced. Does the XLR to 3.5 mm cable create a noise issue as I have been led to believe ?
Caleb, I actually have a question regarding this too. I'm very new to using the H1, how do you actually set the input + output level for the H1 and the input level on the camera so that I can get a good level of audio without clipping? Thanks in advance! I actually bought the H1 for my Panasonic GX8 because of this video, ha! :)
I bought the Rodelink system and want to feed the sound directly to my camera. Would it be better for sound quality if I plugged in a Zoom H1 to the camera and connected the Rodelink to that?
My God, I think you are the person that can really really help me... I got almost no idea about sound. I own a Fuji Xt-2 and use the Rode Videomicro which is great, I also have a Zoom H1, just saying... What I really want to ask you... is there a way to record SIMULTANEOUSLY SOUND FROM TWO DIFFERENT SOURCES LIKE 1)A PERSON WEARING A LAVALIER AND 2) A MICROPHONE ON CAMERA, WHILE HITTING THE RECORD BUTTON ON CAMERA AND EACH MIC RECORD ONLY WHEN YOU HIT THE RECORD BUTTON (OF THE CAMERA)... that way the sync of the sound would be easier right? Maybe what you show here is what I want, but if I understand well it is not, but it is close... I really hope that my question is clear , but I honestly have no idea what I should do or even if it is possible...I would really appreciate your opinion and any suggestion, I strongly believe you are the person that can really help me. Thank you!
Does the cold shoe fit on a Rebel T5i and a Zoom H2? Also, what cord would work with making the H2 an external mic for the T5i? I cant tell if I need a male to male 3.5 or a female to male, etc. Thank you!
Awesome Caleb!! I've been working on something myself along these lines. The only difference is the mic end. I am testing out some wireless devices instead of the XLR ports. Thanks for putting this video together!
I've seen some tutorials/ reviews saying that you can use the headphone jack to send the audio back to the camera to use as reference. Isn't the audio the audio that goes back to the camera the same that is saved in the recorder? Is there a quality loss?
Thank you for the video. Question: Connecting XLR mics to the rig will put a major pull and stress on the screw of, or worse, the actual hot-shoe. Why would you do that? Aren't there micro XLR mics that can do the same? You're not getting 48V anyhow. I love the idea... I just think it is risky for the hardware.... And one more thing: Do you record on the Zoom at all, or just use it as a pass through audio from the mics to the camera? Thanks again for the concept.
WOW, this is the bestest, super-est, most ingenious hack ever that I've come across! Thanks so much for sharing these tips Caleb, you da Man. The H1 is such a nice affordable piece of gear and this just takes it to next level.. for noobs like me. Your videos rock! A+++
I completed this exact same setup, hooked up two external lav mics to the inputs, and had issues with the sound in post production. The sound would ONLY play on laptops, and websites, but when playing through the phone, it was like the sound record wasn't even on. Did I do something wrong? That shouldn't have happened right?
I would buy a better splitter though. A lot of times these small compact ones are a bit loose so when you move, they jump connectivity, the better ones are not as cheap but it's worth for being reliable.
Cool tutorial! My only complaint about the Zoom H1 is the plastic tripod mount. Anyone have suggestions to prevent the mount from wearing out from daily use? I'm on my third unit.
I appreciate your videos. They are extremely educational and informative. I have one question though. How do you match the Zoom H1 and camera levels through the line out? I know that on the zoom H1n you can use a test tone to match the audio levels, which is a feature that the original zoom h1 lacks. Do you have to guess or is their a more scientific way to get the right volume setting from the the line out directly into the camera?
I appreciate your audio savvy. But either you have made a mistake or I am missing something. You indicate that by using the dual xlr to a 3.5 stereo splitter/combiner it will send the two signals to the left/right channels in one file. If so, each channel can easily be modified in post. But I purchased a splitter/combiner, and found that on the h1 it is simply combining the signals. There is no separating of the two mic signals into a left/right channel in the resulting file. Both signals are on both channels. Any thoughts?
Caleb nice video...... the cable you have from the H1 to the camera does that need to be a Sescom cable ?on my X-t2 there is no connection with an ordinary TRS cable.
there are also dynamic mics like te RE50 that have xlr connections. i use an old Beachtek xlr adapter. gives me 2 xlr connections and mini connector with some attenuation. no phantom power on that either.
Alas your placement of the XLR connectors negates the construction of the X/Y microphones - blocking the sound path and probably destroying the stereo perspective? Why take a excellent stereo recorder and physically turning it into mono? Perhaps hot gluing the adaptors to the sides?
Ever use the h1 as a field mic recorder? If its under 50 feet range to the subject(s) you want to record, I'm understanding its actually can be used as a shotgun mic? Any experience with this?
Nice tutorial of how to upgrade it. Seems very handy with an XLR port on this device but.... since maybe many is new to the game, you don't happen to have a video of XLR mic with internal batteripower? with a decent quality of the sound? or maybe any tip right down the comment?
Very nice upgrade for such a cheap price! Just a question, is it possible to do the exact same thing but instead of double XLR input to have double Mini Jack imput? I want to do an interview with two lav mics and want to connect them both, but a cheap adaptor that I found and tested was not splitting the two mics to left and right channel. Both mics were recording to the left channel, thus not giving me the flexibility I want in post.
Great hack! I loved my Zoom H1 recorder and would totally have done this. Unfortunately, a dirtbag in California stole it last summer so it was replaced with a Tascam DR-70D. Thanks for a great video, very well done.
Very neat Idea. But I guess only Dynamic XLR mics will work cuz XLR Condenser mics need that 48v.... But also who has 48v needing mics will most likely to have an H4n or DR-40... Also can you do a review of H4N pro or DR44wl?
Really neat idea thank you. Can't see me having a use for it though but I am sure lots of music people will. My TH-cams are hillwalking mainly and my issues are wind noise on my Sony and problems doing my piece to camera. Hopefully the zoom H1 will help. V1 any way radically different from the V2 to make it worth choosing the 2? Anyone know?
This is nice, I really like the split adapter on the headphone jack. However, this makes the zoom bigger, which kinda defeats the purpose. Plus, I use mine for ambient recording and also as a recorder for Lavs, so it needs to be concealed.
Just a newbie question -- what is the Short 3.5mm to 3.5mm male cable and the splitter for? I thought we can just plug in our headphones? why the need to plug audio into the camera?
I know theoretically its perfect to use a xlr mic with this set up.. but is it practically working. ? I really want to know this.. please let me know... rather If you post a comparison video with an XLR mic to H1 vs to zoom h5 ... that will be helpful . I have tried the NTG 2 with this set up 6 months ago. but It was too noisy to use as i had to crank the preamp of H1 to 70-80 to get a good voice from 2 -3 feet . Please reply.
@DSLR Video Shooter Thank you for the video. But I'm not sure if I am understanding it correctly. So by doing this "hack", it allows the H1 to record the audio from the XLR Mics. While also sending that audio signal, over to camera of choice (Me=GoPro). But does the camera also record its own audio from its internal speakers? Or do both audio signals get overlayed on top of each other, into 1 file? Or is the camera, only recording the audio signals that are coming from the XLR Mics? Also wondering with this setup installed, do the on board microphones of the Zoom H1 also capture/record sound? Because the h1 is a dual track recorder? I'm sorry for all the silly questions. Your help would be greatly appreciated 🙏
This is great! I think I might do something similar but put the XLR jacks toward the back of the unit so I can still use the decent onboard mics when I need them. Also, using gaffe tape around the unit helps to reduce noise. I've been thinking of making a standard looking mic housing for the H1 for interviews.
You could definitely do that. I though about making a small box that would attach to the bottom of the H1 allowing use of the mics, but decided to keep this simple.
Good video and a useful tip if you are in a pinch. But there is couple of really bad sides to doing this. Obviously the phantom power to the microphone. But also the noise cancelling properties of an XLR cable. That's why we still use those big bulky shielded cables with XLR microphones... But you also can just use H1 as a microphone, as it was designed to be. You just need a shock mount to remove the handling noise. (I can recognize handling noise of H1 anywhere >
Very handy!
Thanks! You know what would be killer? If you guys came out with a small box with the guts of the Rode VMP. I would love a simple inline attenuator/preamp from Rode!
Agree on this one. In general, now when video recordings are going to get easier for everyone, some kind of "external" recorder like the H1, but with the RØDE VMP goodness inside would be perfect for the vlogger/TH-cam'r that doesn't have the money for DSLR + RØDE VMP, and since a lot of handycams doesn't have stereo input, a device like this would be GOLD!!
Right? I think it would killer.
Oh yes it would! Right now I am using a VideoMic Pro + H1.... If all of that was put into 1 device... would be freakin' awesome!
Looks like a decent upgrade! The biggest problem with the H1 is the plastic screw thread. Mine's already worn out, so I've been attaching it to other gear with elastic bands.
One more thing to add:
The XLR inputs need to be fed line level signals. (Either from a mic that already does Line level, or a a preamp)
Otherwise the audio signal will come in quiet, which may become very noisy when amplified in post.
great video thanks any other tips for the h1
Its a nice upgrade, but do the XLRs somewhat interfere with the audio signal if you wanted to use the internal mics?
Nice idea Caleb. How does the sound quality hold up?
No different from the H1 on its own. People seem pretty freaked out by adapters, but the tech and sci is pretty simple. The only problem with this stuff is when you start running long cables or have so many adapters that the grounding gets messy.
@@dslrvideoshooter Thank you for the video. But I'm not sure if I am understanding it correctly. So by doing this "hack", it allows the H1 to record the audio from the XLR Mics. While also sending that audio signal, over to camera of choice (Me=GoPro).
But does the camera also record its own audio from its internal speakers?
Or do both audio signals get overlayed on top of each other, into 1 file?
Or is the camera, only recording the audio signals that are coming from the XLR Mics?
Also wondering with this setup installed, do the on board microphones of the Zoom H1 also capture/record sound?
Because the h1 is a dual track recorder?
I'm sorry for all the silly questions. Your help would be greatly appreciated 🙏
@@alotl1kevegas860 when microphones are plugged in, the Zoom microphones are switched off due to the pushed aside pins inside the receptable.
Using an audio splitter will degrade the feed, fine in many cases, but not an 'HD' solution audio wise. Still, great idea!
Yes, you are right!
Exactly! The splitter connects both outputs in parallel. Camera input is high impedance (it "reads" voltage), while headphones are low impedance (they draw current). This is additional load on recorder output is similar to shorting your signal to ground using coil/resistor. It will make your signal weaker. Also the headphones have different impedance at different frequencies, so they will affect lows more than highs. Also headphones work in reverse like dynamic microphones and they add to the length of cable, so they catch both acoustic and electromagnetic noise. Another problem is that you obviously can't control the headphone output volume, because it would also affect the camera input. If you have headphones with volume control integrated in cable, this can also interfere with recording in same way as headphones do (imagine connecting and disconnecting the headphones to the system as a worst case scenario).
Also i need to say that there is solution for all of this. You can add external headphone amplifier which will have the same high-impedance input as the camera has. So it will take the burden of powering the headphones and keep the recorder output happy. There will be only two high-impedance devices connected to Y splitter, which do not load the line very much.
@@harviecz I don't know if you can read this, but I have this one Problem, My problem is that DJ Person is bad and always forget to turn down Background music when Couple's Give speeches in the Reception ( I am Talking about Wedding Event), Now I want to connect a device to the microphone directly by splitting the xlr going to the mixer to my Zoomh1n and Zoomh1, that way I can only Record the Audio and not the audio with the background music? Is it possible? if it is, what device should I buy in order to achieve this?
If you can reply, it would be a great help.
@@exogendesign4582 I don't really understand your setup, but XLR is ballanced signal and zoom needs unballanced. There are baluns to convert ballanced to unballanced, but i am not sure if that will work with splitter, that might not be possible. BTW do you know there are mixers which can automaticaly lower the volume of music, when microphone voice is detected? (But the music will come back almost immediately when they stop speaking, eg. when doing dramatic pause)
This is super useful - I travel a lot for recording interviews etc and this is great for reducing the amount I have to carry
Caleb again!!! I don't believe I see all these pieces and i pass them for more expensive solutions. Imagine what it'd cost to have all this in one device. Thanks man!
And another great video :) Thank you! I did the same with 2 3.5mm inputs.
Additional informations, as some people have problem with 3.5mm input splitters. These basic splitters you buy on Amazon are simply to duplicate the signal on both jack, to be used on a smartphone for example. You have to buy a specific splitter that separates left and right.
During my searches (Amazon FR), I didn't have a lot of choices so I had to pick only between a Hosa and a Stagg splitter.
I picked the Hosa splitter because the Stagg one had a loose input 3.5mm jack. I returned them 2 times but same problem with new splitters. So I kept one as a backup (Have 2 Hosa splitters).
Hosa splitters are great because they are color coded (red/black for left/right channel) and they have a better build than the Stagg.
Refs:
- Hosa: YMM-261
- STAGG: YC-0.1/1J2JFH
My 2cts.
I saw those: tinyurl.com/jyr3mgr great idea for those looking for 3.5 instead of XLR. Thanks for the info!
As someone who used DSLR Video Shooter's link to buy the Dual XLR to 3.5mm Jack I can say with certainty this cable is crap. It's not wired correctly for stereo use. With one mic per channel. Instead the XLR connectors are wired in parallel and the 1/8" TRS is configured as a balanced audio connection. I don't own a DSLR but I can say this cable is wired wrong for a camcorder with a stereo wired 1/8" TRS connector. Fortunately this can be fixed if you know how to solder.
Remove the 3 screws on each XLR connector. Remove the cover of the XLR by pulling back on it. Be sure to remove the metal strain relief first that you unscrewed. You'll find the XLRs wired like this.
Pin Color
1 bare copper
2 Red on one XLR, orange on the 2nd.
3 White
On the one with the orange wire, unsolder the orange wire, cut off the excess copper and pull it back.
On the one with the red wire unsolder the white wire and move the red wire to pin2. Cut off the excess white wire copper and pull it back.
Finally short with a short piece of wire pins 1+3 on each XLR.
Now reassemble. Now each XLR will go with each channel. If you do leave a channel unplugged expect hum though. Does not seem to effect the other channel.
I can't believe he recommended this cable. Did he ever try it? Pro tip I should have seen myself. If the XLRs are not marked with channel identifications by word or color, it is unlikely stereo. But then again are there any 1/8" devices with balanced audio?
My main take away from this video (what works for me) was the dual headphone jack for use of recording to dual audio sources. Dual audio recordings equal less stress during a shoot. Brilliant and (slap myself on the forehead) simple!! Thanks!!
I have been holding out from getting a Zoom H1 because I am able to get by using my iPhone and adapter, and the Røde Rec app. It actually works well.
This is so pointless because the quality of audio that you feed into your camera/dslr is going to be noisy as hell. Creative yes but more research should have been done.
@Mugen00 someone has already made a video about this, just coming here and point it out as a warning for everyone else. not sure how much money/time has been wasted following this video just to find out the awful audio file that you have in post-production.
Doing this, You have blocked the front portion of the H1N unit. You wont get descent ambiance if you start recording with the stereo microphones mounted on this unit, u will get slightly muffed sound
Fantastic tips! Really awesome, thank you! Greetings from Japan!
How can I do this with two Lav mic to separate channels? great video thanks!
Nice, this seems really interesting. I might go and do this. How does this affect the regular Zoom H1 microphone usage tho, does it muffle the sound?
If you already have a Zoom F1, you can do basically the same things, but you also have the option of using an EXH-6 input capsule.
This is fantastic. I filmed a band last night and wasn't able to connect to the sound desk using a H1n because of no XLR input.Thank you!
What are you recording with now in this video , it's sounding like gold .
Nice ideas, thanks! You'd have to rotate the recorder 90 degrees clockwise in order to use the viewfinder.
This is REALLY AWESOME!!! but does splitting the sound going in and out of the H1 harms it's quality in any way?
Hi caleb..is zoom h1 has phantom power? Can i use reguler xlr mic which use phantom power to zoom h1?
Shut up! I'd like to give you a thousand likes for these videos. You can't imagine how curious i was to watch it and how i am excited with your gh4 mods. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. You have a fan in Brazil.
Thanks Samuel! Glad you're enjoying the DIY/Hacks!
Good stuff Caleb... What input is it on my Canon 7D Mark I?
This is one of the most handy hacks I've seen on TH-cam! Great idea!
Won't the xlr ports going to block the microphone?
this hack isnt meant for using the built in mics
Looks nice.... But watch out for putting the XLR's right above the existing XY mic. It can sound like putting headphones on your ears and listening to the environment. It may cause less clearity and depth in the recording.
For using XLR mics with small recorders, I have to wonder if the Tascam DR-10X or Saramonic SM-VRM1 aren’t better suited for the task, though perhaps slightly more expensive. If you’re doing interviews and you already have a Zoom H1N, you’re probably better off just using its built-in mics instead of jury rigging something because it’ll look better on screen, and if you must use a better, XLR-based mic but don’t need to hide the equipment, you should probably just upgrade to a recorder that has phantom power and a dedicated line out. I get that people are trying to save money, but the major advantage of the H1N is that it’s compact and simple, so adding all this extra stuff kinda ruins its greatest strength.
I think this upgrade (by Caleb) is only relevant in moments when we shoot on dslr while relying on the dslr built-in mics.
man I been watching your videos for a little while and I have to say you are very tech savvy
Why thank you George! You'll have to thank the 10 year old Caleb. Took a lot of things apart as a kid ;-)
+DSLR Video Shooter lol I was like that as a kid too, I have to see what upgrades I would want to do with my Canon t5i I already did the firmware upgrade that isn't apart of Canon specifically so I got a lot more things that it can do though shooting and editing video with its firmware isn't great cuz you have to convert the video to something that Adobe premiere can read
+DSLR Video Shooter the raw video comes out as an mlv file
Fantastic Hack, great to add more functionality to the Zoom H1. However, will the audio quality be effected with so many adapters ? This can include additional noise for example.
Not that would be noticed. I haven't seen a quality difference.
Super awesome tip! But will my audio degrade if I use the XLR to 3.5 jack like this set up?
So glad I came across this. I have been wanting to do this with mine, using a wireless for my buddy and wired for me keeping the unit in my backpack when we ride. Going to try in the very near future!! Thank you for this.
Nice! Thank YOU for watching John!
Thanks, Caleb. Does this setup allow for recording to the H1 and the camera simultaneously, essentially giving me two "copies" of the audio, one on the H1's media card and another in the camera? And what is a typical pre-amp that would provide phantom power of needed for a XLR mic that doesn't have batteries? Something compact.
The 2 XLR inputs for stereo are awesome. Great idea. However, XLR is balanced and H1 input (3.5 mm) is unbalanced. Does the XLR to 3.5 mm cable create a noise issue as I have been led to believe ?
I feel like for that splitter to send line to camera you would need an attenuated cable... No?
Most cameras can handle low level line inputs. At least I haven't had any issues.
Caleb, I actually have a question regarding this too. I'm very new to using the H1, how do you actually set the input + output level for the H1 and the input level on the camera so that I can get a good level of audio without clipping? Thanks in advance! I actually bought the H1 for my Panasonic GX8 because of this video, ha! :)
I bought the Rodelink system and want to feed the sound directly to my camera. Would it be better for sound quality if I plugged in a Zoom H1 to the camera and connected the Rodelink to that?
My God, I think you are the person that can really really help me...
I got almost no idea about sound. I own a Fuji Xt-2 and use the Rode Videomicro which is great, I also have a Zoom H1, just saying...
What I really want to ask you...
is there a way to record SIMULTANEOUSLY SOUND FROM TWO DIFFERENT SOURCES LIKE 1)A PERSON WEARING A LAVALIER AND 2) A MICROPHONE ON CAMERA, WHILE HITTING THE RECORD BUTTON ON CAMERA AND EACH MIC RECORD ONLY WHEN YOU HIT THE RECORD BUTTON (OF THE CAMERA)... that way the sync of the sound would be easier right? Maybe what you show here is what I want, but if I understand well it is not, but it is close... I really hope that my question is clear , but I honestly have no idea what I should do or even if it is possible...I would really appreciate your opinion and any suggestion, I strongly believe you are the person that can really help me. Thank you!
Does the cold shoe fit on a Rebel T5i and a Zoom H2? Also, what cord would work with making the H2 an external mic for the T5i? I cant tell if I need a male to male 3.5 or a female to male, etc. Thank you!
Awesome Caleb!! I've been working on something myself along these lines. The only difference is the mic end. I am testing out some wireless devices instead of the XLR ports. Thanks for putting this video together!
Nice! Keep me posted! I'm about to start working on a cheap wireless option too.
I've seen some tutorials/ reviews saying that you can use the headphone jack to send the audio back to the camera to use as reference. Isn't the audio the audio that goes back to the camera the same that is saved in the recorder? Is there a quality loss?
There isn't a quality loss. But this setup is great for camera with no headphone jack or for any camera if you want a backup of the audio.
Thanks. I shoot with a 70d and this is much cheaper than everything else that i was considering!
Really helpful Caleb. With this setup my zoom h1 will be recording on the card AND on the camera?
Fantastic upgrades Caleb! This may inspire me pull my H1 out of retirement.
Nice! Every H1 deserves love!
Super creative. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you for the video. Question: Connecting XLR mics to the rig will put a major pull and stress on the screw of, or worse, the actual hot-shoe. Why would you do that? Aren't there micro XLR mics that can do the same? You're not getting 48V anyhow. I love the idea... I just think it is risky for the hardware.... And one more thing: Do you record on the Zoom at all, or just use it as a pass through audio from the mics to the camera? Thanks again for the concept.
This hack is 7 years old but I think I'm gonna try it. :) Thank you
WOW, this is the bestest, super-est, most ingenious hack ever that I've come across! Thanks so much for sharing these tips Caleb, you da Man. The H1 is such a nice affordable piece of gear and this just takes it to next level.. for noobs like me. Your videos rock! A+++
THANK YOU!!!! Diy projects rock & being able to upgrade my handheld recorder for under $20.... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Keep up the great content
I was contemplating buying the Zoom H4 but after seeing this i'm having second thoughts!
what volume level do you use on the headphone jack that you connect to the camera?
Thanks for sharing, will the audio be synced with the recorded video, or are they recorded separately?
The audio is recorded in the camera and on the recorder for backup.
***** no syncing needed?
So cool! Would this hack allow the Zoom H1 to theoretically then become a pre-amp for the camera?
Thanks for your response to my comment. Soo stoked on this possibility!
Yep!
Thanks so much for making this video. You are a gem.
No, YOU'RE a gem ;-) Happy preamping!
i dont understand the part where you send the headphone out to the camera in. then still use the headphone
I completed this exact same setup, hooked up two external lav mics to the inputs, and had issues with the sound in post production. The sound would ONLY play on laptops, and websites, but when playing through the phone, it was like the sound record wasn't even on. Did I do something wrong? That shouldn't have happened right?
Looks nice but I wonder will I loose quality with xlr to 3.5 mm ?
You won't lose quality. The only issue with splitting XLR signals and going down to 3.5 is if you were running 30+ feet of XLR cable.
I would buy a better splitter though. A lot of times these small compact ones are a bit loose so when you move, they jump connectivity, the better ones are not as cheap but it's worth for being reliable.
What mic would you recommend to use with this setup? Mainly record instrument and some vlog or interview. My budget is under 200. Thank you!
Nice! Noticed you're trying it a new lens?
The autofocus at the beginning? Yes, loving the 16-50 kit with the a6300.
Cool tutorial! My only complaint about the Zoom H1 is the plastic tripod mount. Anyone have suggestions to prevent the mount from wearing out from daily use? I'm on my third unit.
You might be able to find a small metal cheese plate, attach that to the bottom and use the metal threads for mounting and leave the plate on.
I appreciate your videos. They are extremely educational and informative. I have one question though. How do you match the Zoom H1 and camera levels through the line out? I know that on the zoom H1n you can use a test tone to match the audio levels, which is a feature that the original zoom h1 lacks. Do you have to guess or is their a more scientific way to get the right volume setting from the the line out directly into the camera?
I appreciate your audio savvy. But either you have made a mistake or I am missing something. You indicate that by using the dual xlr to a 3.5 stereo splitter/combiner it will send the two signals to the left/right channels in one file. If so, each channel can easily be modified in post. But I purchased a splitter/combiner, and found that on the h1 it is simply combining the signals. There is no separating of the two mic signals into a left/right channel in the resulting file. Both signals are on both channels. Any thoughts?
Caleb nice video...... the cable you have from the H1 to the camera does that need to be a Sescom cable ?on my X-t2 there is no connection with an ordinary TRS cable.
Can you make a video showing how to make a DC coupler for a DSLR?
It is on the list!
there are also dynamic mics like te RE50 that have xlr connections. i use an old Beachtek xlr adapter. gives me 2 xlr connections and mini connector with some attenuation. no phantom power on that either.
Alas your placement of the XLR connectors negates the construction of the X/Y microphones - blocking the sound path and probably destroying the stereo perspective?
Why take a excellent stereo recorder and physically turning it into mono? Perhaps hot gluing the adaptors to the sides?
Caleb, please try to test vlogging on the Canon EOS M3 with the Rode VideoMicro
Ever use the h1 as a field mic recorder? If its under 50 feet range to the subject(s) you want to record, I'm understanding its actually can be used as a shotgun mic? Any experience with this?
Caleb, When you are monitor the sound through the headphone splitter. What channel are you hearing?
Left channel on left ear and right channel on right ear.
Yes, but doesn't running the headphone splitter half the impedance thereby doubling the volume of the output and potentially straining the zoom amp?
Nice tutorial of how to upgrade it. Seems very handy with an XLR port on this device but.... since maybe many is new to the game, you don't happen to have a video of XLR mic with internal batteripower? with a decent quality of the sound? or maybe any tip right down the comment?
Very nice upgrade for such a cheap price! Just a question, is it possible to do the exact same thing but instead of double XLR input to have double Mini Jack imput? I want to do an interview with two lav mics and want to connect them both, but a cheap adaptor that I found and tested was not splitting the two mics to left and right channel. Both mics were recording to the left channel, thus not giving me the flexibility I want in post.
This is amazing, so easy and cheap to add xlr inputs to one of my fav bits of gear, totally doing this
I'm using a 70D. Can you suggest anything that I can watch on how I can improve my equipment's? Mic's, Rig and etc. :)
Great hack! I loved my Zoom H1 recorder and would totally have done this. Unfortunately, a dirtbag in California stole it last summer so it was replaced with a Tascam DR-70D. Thanks for a great video, very well done.
Awesome video! Subbed. I am a beginner and was thinking of getting an h4n or h5 but budget was prohibiting. I have an h1 and this should help! Thanks!
Did you record the audio for this video with the Zoom H1?
Very neat Idea. But I guess only Dynamic XLR mics will work cuz XLR Condenser mics need that 48v....
But also who has 48v needing mics will most likely to have an H4n or DR-40...
Also can you do a review of H4N pro or DR44wl?
Good option if you've got good mics to start with. I might try it.
How would this work using the USB to an iPhone? Would it send all the audio?
Hi Caleb. Great video. Question though. Could you link to some XLR mics you would use with this set up please? Thanks again
Really neat idea thank you. Can't see me having a use for it though but I am sure lots of music people will. My TH-cams are hillwalking mainly and my issues are wind noise on my Sony and problems doing my piece to camera. Hopefully the zoom H1 will help. V1 any way radically different from the V2 to make it worth choosing the 2? Anyone know?
This is nice, I really like the split adapter on the headphone jack. However, this makes the zoom bigger, which kinda defeats the purpose. Plus, I use mine for ambient recording and also as a recorder for Lavs, so it needs to be concealed.
Could this be done with the splitter on the mic side? looking to add another 2 xlr mics too. We are going to try this set up for a podcast.
Great idea! What headphones are those?
Senal SMH-1000.
Senal headphones: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/755659-REG/Senal_SMH_1000_STUDIO_MONITOR_HEADPHONES.html/BI/6566/KBID/7173
Ah, beat me to it! I should hire you to moderate my site comments! ;-)
Just a newbie question -- what is the Short 3.5mm to 3.5mm male cable and the splitter for? I thought we can just plug in our headphones? why the need to plug audio into the camera?
Update for the Zoom H1n please ?
I know theoretically its perfect to use a xlr mic with this set up.. but is it practically working. ? I really want to know this.. please let me know... rather If you post a comparison video with an XLR mic to H1 vs to zoom h5 ... that will be helpful .
I have tried the NTG 2 with this set up 6 months ago. but It was too noisy to use as i had to crank the preamp of H1 to 70-80 to get a good voice from 2 -3 feet .
Please reply.
I thought you were supposed to use that attenuating cable for sending audio directly to the camera?
What an upgrade! Actually, I expected a little more, than plug in a few adaptors when I read the headline.
@DSLR Video Shooter Thank you for the video. But I'm not sure if I am understanding it correctly. So by doing this "hack", it allows the H1 to record the audio from the XLR Mics. While also sending that audio signal, over to camera of choice (Me=GoPro).
But does the camera also record its own audio from its internal speakers?
Or do both audio signals get overlayed on top of each other, into 1 file?
Or is the camera, only recording the audio signals that are coming from the XLR Mics?
Also wondering with this setup installed, do the on board microphones of the Zoom H1 also capture/record sound?
Because the h1 is a dual track recorder?
I'm sorry for all the silly questions. Your help would be greatly appreciated 🙏
This is great! I think I might do something similar but put the XLR jacks toward the back of the unit so I can still use the decent onboard mics when I need them. Also, using gaffe tape around the unit helps to reduce noise. I've been thinking of making a standard looking mic housing for the H1 for interviews.
You could definitely do that. I though about making a small box that would attach to the bottom of the H1 allowing use of the mics, but decided to keep this simple.
Great idea, just need a way to provide phantom power to xlr mics now.
Someone else mention using the iRig preamp which would give you phantom power.
Really helpful Caleb. I will do this to my Tascam DR 05 and I am sure it will be great as a pre amp when my DR 40 is in use
Love the idea! I'm sure it will sound great!
Thank you for the tip. I use this setup for my podcast for a one-on-one interview
Masa For The Raza Does the sound goes in equal level ?
I did something really similar with my H6 and a G7, but I found the weight to be a problem. Maybe I should try this out.
Go for it!
Great rig Caleb!
What mic and cable length work the best. Are not most mics line powered? What can this little device handle?
For live studio session audio which do u recommend? Mostly hip hop music straight from the speaker.
Good video and a useful tip if you are in a pinch. But there is couple of really bad sides to doing this. Obviously the phantom power to the microphone. But also the noise cancelling properties of an XLR cable. That's why we still use those big bulky shielded cables with XLR microphones... But you also can just use H1 as a microphone, as it was designed to be. You just need a shock mount to remove the handling noise. (I can recognize handling noise of H1 anywhere >