Re: Getting Correct Levels on Zoom H4N

Just to try and clarify a bit more...

You have at least FOUR gain adjustment points in this kind of an audio chain.

The wireless unit on the talent has to be set to properly CAPTURE the sound (Gain setting #1) and then it has to properly modulate that signal onto the carrier and OUTPUT it at the proper level for transmission. (Gain setting#2)

Next, the Wireless RECEIVER must capture that signal properly - and demodulate it into an OUTPUT (Gain setting #3) which is then sent to the INPUT of your Zoom H4n which must be set to receive at the proper level (Gain Setting #4)

Now the more professional your wireless rig, the more control you'll have over this with level controls available for at LEAST 3 of these 4 gain stages. (there may NOT be a control at Gain setting#2 since that is often pre-set at a fixed level that the receiver is expecting.)

In expensive rigs, you'll have a mic sensitivity setting pot (potentialometer) for gain setting #1 typically on the wireless transmitter. And you'll have a "sensitivity" setting (the gain of the reception) on the wireless receiver. And finally, you'll have the INPUT LEVEL bars on the Zoom H4n. In less expensive units, these might all be INTERNAL settings that you can only adjust by accessing the software or firmware through menus.

To achieve the best sound, you have to set a GAIN STRUCTURE on this system, exactly as you would in order to set on on a mixer channel strip or any other audio chain.

First, set the WIRELESS MIC TRANSMITTER to output the proper level. Next, set the WIRELESS MIC RECEIVER to capture the incoming signal and output it at the proper level. AND FINALLY, set the Recorder's gain controls to RECEIVE the wireless receivers output signal properly.

IF YOU SKIP ANY OF THESE STEPS or if something like a weak battery, a bad antenna connection or a failing component fails to deliver the signal properly at ANY stage of the signal - you're NOT going to get optimal results.

So go back to square ONE. Start at the MIC. Set it's level properly - then go through the gain stages one by one.

That's the ONLY path to consistent good results in any audio chain. Period.

Good luck.