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Kevgarlic · Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Posts: 12 Location: Southern Illinois

I do a lot of creative voice-work outside in the woods using my Handy Zoom H4N portable recorder using my Rode NTG-2 shotgun microphone.
I am wanting to get cleaner recordings by putting a preamp between the Rode and the H4N.

I have done quite a bit of research and, in my price range, I have my choices narrowed down to 2:

(1) Cascade Cloudlifter CL-1 and CL-2

(2) juicedLink RM202 Riggy-Micro Dual-XLR Preamplifier

I've always liked the straight, no bs answers on here, so my question is,

which one should I buy?

Many thanks...
Kevin
Illinois

kevinboucher1989@yahoo.com

https://voicebykevin.wordpress.com/

graemespicer · Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 4:23 am Post subject:

I don't know much about the second option, but the Cloudlifter isn't a solution for your problem - it works only with passive (dynamic) microphones. It doesn't transfer phantom power, which is required by your Rode shotgun.
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

micport pro

Bish · Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 8:36 am Post subject:

If you are wanting to cleanly lift the input level to the H4n, then there are simple alternatives to the Cloudlifter (which, as has been pointed out, does not pass the 50v phantom). I use the FetHead which is a functionally the same as the Cloudlifter except that it's an in-line unit (rather than a box that needs cables on both sides) that can be connected directly to the mic or the recorder without additional cables.

However... they make a "Broadcast" model that DOES transmit the phantom power:

FetHead BC

They're in The Netherlands and it's 139 Euro. I purchased my regular FetHead from them and no problems with the transaction.
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Zach Meissner · Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 9:42 am Post subject:

This is a very popular field preamp used alot for on location audio and/or foley work.

Sound Devices MixPre-D

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/mixpred/

They also have several other models as well.
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heyguido · Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 11:02 am Post subject:

The Sound Devices Mix Pre-D is a great rig..... But $899.

Instead, I recommend ditching your Zoom for this.....

Tascam DR-680 Field Recorder..... 8 tracks of 24/96 recording, S/PDIF and Usb 2.0 outs, pro-quality pre's, phantom power, SD/SDHC storage..... and it runs on a handful of AA's in the field, and AC or 12v when more civilized. Standard kit for field audio pros.

$699 at Sweetwater.

'Nuf said. Ninja

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Bish · Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 11:19 am Post subject:

I owned the H4n... and wish I hadn't sold it. It's a great field-recorder, with multiple (usable) options. Recently, it's almost become a standard for low/med budget movie making. It's compact and pocketable has multiple inputs and is also a very creditable USB interface. I think Kevin just wants to up the input level a tad and was using the Cloudlifter as a functional (and budget) reference point.

As much as I like spending someone else's money... Smile

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dwpthe3rd · Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 11:57 am Post subject:

As the NTG-2 can operate from an internal 1.5v battery, the cloudlifter may be an inexpensive and viable option. I have no experience with it as such and cannot comment further.

Dave

graemespicer · Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 12:00 pm Post subject:

Good catch, dwp! I forgot that the Rode could operate with an internal battery. In that case, the Cloudlifter provides the cleanest 25 dB of gain you'll ever find.
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georgethetech · Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 7:59 pm Post subject:

Never would have thought to use the CL1 with a Rode NT2, but with battery power it could very well work nicely. Maybe the Fethead BC would be an even better choice, hadn't heard about that one. I have a SoundDevices MM1, but it's pricey at over $300. I love my Tascam DR40, poor man's H4n.
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Kevgarlic · Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Posts: 12 Location: Southern Illinois

As always, I've completely learned a LOT from your feedback about my wanting to increase the signal of my Rode going into my H4N......I'm trying to do what, well many of us are constantly wanting to do
-- get rid of as much darn circuit hiss in my recordings without breaking the budget!

Appreciate it -- Bish, especially like your comments.

Kev