Extremely Low Audio with Azden SMGx1 with XLR-PRO

[Black Lotus Studio]

Hey guys,

It's been awhile but I'm back (unfortunately with an issue rather than success). I have an Azden SMG-1x and a XLR-PRO, but I get extremely low audio (the negative 30 range). If I turn my audio up on camera, I get a really annoying hum. Same on the XLR-PRO. I've tried plugging the mic into a Zoom but the levels were the same, although my friend running audio was sleeping on the job.

Thanks,
Stockton

[Janke]

Mic's battery OK?
Cable OK?
Camera mic attenuation on or off?

[Almohada]

Could be the cable(s) or something causing interference... XLR box touching metal or cell phone or whatever.

[Black Lotus Studio]

The batteries and cables seem to be fine. I'm not quite sure what the camera mic attenuation is but I'll look at my settings when I get the camera in hand. The XLR box is mounted to the bottom of the camera. Do I need to put some sort rubber insulation around the XLR box?

[cgbier]

Are you still using the stock battery?
What battery brand is in there? Use Duracell or something similar***.

I had an issue the other day with my wireless sure. The mic turned off right after we switched it on.
Intern:"but I just changed the batteries" Turns out she used "some battery" she found in the office stock room. Exchanged them with Duracell and it worked.

[Black Lotus Studio]

I'm using Duracells. Janke, the mic attachment is on.

[Almohada]

Janke, the mic attachment is on.

attachment or attenuator? What HV model are you using?

[Black Lotus Studio]

The HV40. Sorry I should've made that clear in the first post.

[Janke]

If the attenuator is on, then you will get a low level.

Swich mic att to OFF.

[Almohada]

If the attenuator is on, then you will get a low level.

Swich mic att to OFF.

Exactly. Attenuator decreases the level of the input sensitivity.

[cgbier]

Did you solder your cables yourself? Hum is motley a sun of a bad ground and/or A/C line interference. You got any neon lights on the set?

[Black Lotus Studio]

Swich mic att to OFF.

Thanks, I didn't know it would still register the mic.

Did you solder your cables yourself? Hum is motley a sun of a bad ground and/or A/C line interference. You got any neon lights on the set?

I actually bought the box. I do happen to have some neon lights.

[Almohada]

Any update as to resolving this problem?

[Black Lotus Studio]

I'll do some testing first thing when I get out of class and let you guys know how it went.

[Black Lotus Studio]

The attenuator was the issue. Just out of curiosity, what is the point of the attenuator.

[cgbier]

To cut down your levels in an environment that is too loud (Heavy Metal concerts and stuff).

[Black Lotus Studio]

Thank you. That's good to know.

[Almohada]

Great! Glad it worked