It still seems crazy to me that the preamp in a 23$ accessory is better than the internal preamps in most dslrs. Like seriously guys, get it together. Amazing video Caleb, love seeing you mod stuff.
I tried this on my Canon 90D. Compared mic directly into camera VS mic through SmartRig to camera. NO DIFFERENCE whatsoever. Sound quality and noise-floor exactly the same.
Awesome video and mod, thanks. If it's unclear to anyone, the headphone socket is only a return from the TRRS device that the smartrig is plugged into, it's not a live headphone monitor of the mic that's connected to the smartrig. So, for use on a camera or DSLR etc. if using a TRRS to TRS mic adapter, you would have no use for the socket anyway. This use of the headphone socket is awesome for camera/dslr users or anyone with a device that has a standard TRS or TS 3.5mm mic input. After the mod you can still use the modded smartrig with a TRRS smartphone etc. by using a TRS mic to TRRS cable/adapter.
You can also strap a Gopro tripod mount on it using the loops, or a cell phone tripod mount, like this one www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3W6Z2T/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Wp-2EbBE2FZVE You can also add additional shoe mounts with a bracket like this: www.amazon.com/dp/B002A92OVM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_tt-2Eb63S0GQ5 .
Loving your videos! I'm an 80-year-old USAF vet who learned to solder circuits in tech school and the only thing I would disagree with is the use of a "Godzilla" soldering tool. Suggestion:...If you could use a "low wattage" soldering tool, not 'Granpa's do-it-all soldering tool... (even el-cheapo from eBay), you will get not only quicker joints, but they're 'prettier too'! Also, ...less likely to melt the plastic wire coatings! Your presentations are, to say the least...AWESOME! For an 'old school, multi-format' lover of the art, I check you out to avoid all the "...in my opinion/experience..." experts, ...' you don't have to be a farmer to smell BS''....I'm in a South Kansas farm town we call the '4-corners' (Kansas-Oklahoma-Arkansas-Missouri) and we have some pretty strong, simple facts-of-life on everything (insert smile here)and that's just one! If I make it to the big 80, I may still sharpen my new digital DSLR chops! Thanks again! "Doc"
i did the exact same thing . but i didn't solder the red wire with the black and green , instead i soldered the red wire to a second 3.5mm female input and used it as a second mono hot input signal .so now i have 2 separate mono signals one is the XLR (LEFT) channel that i control with the knob and the other mono input is the (RIGHT) channel that i use for wireless system.
Hi Caleb, I was wondering what the difference was between the audio cable signal and the headphone jack signal. Why not go directly from the headphone jack to the camera, without the modifications? Also, how does the rewiring push the signal to the headphone jack? Thanks a lot, and great video!
Got this preamp for christmas and only now done this mod!! awesome video and the device works amazingly with my a6300 and Rode Micro!! Thanks :) keep up the good work!!!!!!
I'm a little confused.. so once you cut the wire and soldered them together, you just glued it to the pcb? why? that makes the headphone jack into a mic output? I'm a little confused
I think he uses the jack for the headphones, as out for the amp coming in the mic section of the camera, as camera comes with headphone jack itself, for monitoring. Those are just for troubleshooting purposes. An "official answer" would be much appreciated.
Just after finishing this, I left out the nob replacement and rewiring the headphone jack. I thought I'd be able to monitor the audio live via the headphone jack but it's only for playback. It would be great if you had a workaround so I could monitor the audio on my 70d while recording. Great video!
Ok, so when I mounted the shoes on mine, I filed down the "lugs" on the sides of the unit to make a flat surface first, then drilled 1/4" holes in the sides and bolted them through the battery compartment. I had to trim the inner layer of plastic to make room for the bolt heads in there, but the battery still fits perfectly.
Wow, such a simple explanation and pretty elegant solution for $23! I'm new to audio and video and people like you have really helped me learn fast! If you have time I have a question, I want to make a small diaphragm condenser shotgun like the mkh 416 since my budget is gone and I'm can machine the body. If my mic is simply a capsule and xlr connector will this preamp supply the 48v phantom power and any other tech needed to make it work? Thanks again!
I ended up buying a pro diety smic 2s, plugging this preamp inline and plugging it straight into the camera. The assembly is suspension mounted and has the same form factor and weight as the d3 pro, but with much better audio.
Hey Caleb! Huge fan of your work, your channel is easily my favorite resource on the internet for any sort of practical advice on digital filmmaking tools, so I must thank you for it, and for the hard work in making the absolute best DIY cameras for budget wannabes like myself! Regarding the Saramonic SmartRig, you’ve sold me on it, I just have two questions: -I find myself using my camera’s (the G7) audio on the minimum gain most of the time when I use my VideoMicro and still get decent levels. If I got the Saramonic, should I get an attenuator as well, then? That combo would significantly lower my audio noise-floor, right?; -What audio would the headphone jack on the Saramonic output when connected to a camera like the G7, which has no jack audio output? It can't be what the camera is actually recording, so I can't understand what it would be. Again, thanks a lot, whether you might get a chance to answer or not!
Thank you for the kind words Jose. Means a lot! Let me start by saying this won't work with the VideoMicro. That mic needs low voltage from the camera which the SmartRig does not output. I don't know if the attenuator would help. Because at the end of the day, the camera levels can only go so low. But having a 48v mic or even a VideoMic from Rode would help since the mic would be cleaner from the start. The headphone jack would let you monitor the audio from the preamp which obviously isn't from the camera. So you wouldn't hear what is being recorded, but you'd at least have an idea of what is going on.
DSLR Video Shooter hey will the Rode VideoMic Go work with the smart rig? I was planning to buy this and use a rode VideoMic Go for my audio equipment. :)
Caleb, awesome job as always! I'm really qurios to know if it's possible to mod the headphone jack to actually work so you can monitor your recording on your dslr?? Thanks!
Because we need to convert the TRRS (for phones) to TRS (universal I/O). You could just use the adapter I talked about in the previous video. I liked using the headphone jack because I wanted the option to choose the cable length.
Hey Caleb! love your videos and thinking of doing this hack too, only i'd like to shorten the original cable and turn it in to a TRS. Any chance you checked which cable is which and what colour I should drop in the TRS? edit: I could get the multimeter out and check it but if you've already done it it would save me the trouble :p
Actually, I have the juicedLink RM-202 preamp. It's very silent but I still hope even quieter sound (noise floor is about -40dB, I'd like to have more like -50-60dB). I've read somewhere that when ntg-2 is fed from phantom it's 9dB more sensitive compared to AA option. And now I'm thinking could this small thing be better option because of phantom power... who knows. EDIT: Oh, I forgot to say: RM-202 doesn't have phatom power!
I'm trying the preamp out of the box first (I want to monitor through headphones) and running into some problems. My setup is: AT875r shotgun mic -> Saramonic preamp, built-in output cable (not a modded headphone jack) -> 3.5mm TRRS to 2.5mm TRS converter -> Panasonic GH2 (camera has a 2.5mm TRS jack for external mics). I don't get any signal from the mic. I've tried adjusting levels on both the preamp and the camera. And there's a hiss no matter what. In fact, when I plug headphones into the preamp, it records through the headphones! The whole thing is sort of absurd. Maybe modding the preamp would give me better results.
@Zach Lona I have the same issue although i modded the smartrig. When i connect my Rode Ntg4+ to saramonic and connect its "new trs" output to my Tascam DR-05, there is a constant hiss sound which drives me crazy. When i only use built-in microphones on Tascam recorder, i get much cleaner audio. Did you solve this already ?
Firstly, great video! Sorry If this is really simple I am just learning about all this stuff! With this setup does the microphone need to have an XLR connection? All of the shotgun mics that I look at have a 3.5mm to 3.5mm so would you just get a 3.5mm to XLR cable to run from the mic to the preamp? Thanks
Hello, I purchased this assuming this will also take line inputs via XLR but seems like it doesnt seem to work.. Could you please suggest if it can take Line Inputs. I record programs at Sikh Temples and usually take the audio Line output from the audio mixer already being used for PA purposes.
I was wondering does this mean you will have to manually adjust the gain of your audio from now on then? if so does that also mean that you would have to check the audio levels each time through the actual audio settings in say my 800D? and would you recommend this kind of setup for vlogging? THANKS!!! :)
In the first video, you used (with an adapter) the existing cable to connect to the camera. In this video, you look like you are cutting the original cable, shorting them out, then hiding them. Ok, so now how are you connecting the amp to the camera? Thru the headphone jack? If this is the case, why not simply cut the original wires off flush at the PCB?
Hey Danny, you're idea is probably best. Add a female jack to the case where the cable was. What I did was easier, but may not have been best. That said, at the end of the day I didn't notice a quality difference and it still sounds amazing.
Thank you for this video. I have modified my Saramonic SmartRig II and now I have more clear sound on my Canon 6D. Any advice on budget XLR phantom powered lavalier mic?
great video but I'd have to buy all the kit to do this is there a external amp I could buy that would improve my recordings on my DSLR and mean I don't have to sync separate sound files.
What is the purpose of cutting and soldering the wires together?? Is it to send better signal to the headphone jack or just to lose the old cable?? Couldn't you originally just used the headphone jack as output ???
Hi, sorry for the stupid question but I am not such an expert: once you do the hack, is the cable to connect the smartrig to the camera a trs-trs or a trs-trss?
Are you sure the headphone jack has the same output as the TRRS out? I feel like it could be a transistor/resistor somewhere on the pcb thats different with the outputs?
You could be right, but since this is such a cheap unit, I doubt they did much more than split the output. At the end of the day it still sounds great. I probably should have just turned the output cable into a jack.
How about, instead of cutting the cable turn it to female jack and have both output and monitoring female jack? is it technically possible and worth making it?
DSLR Video Shooter can you please make a video showing us how we can add another output jack? I need to monitor my audio when recording please or at least tell me what colors do I connect to the connectors?
Hey, I dont know if u ever used a a6000, but there is a mic from sony for the hotshoe and that is sadly the only option. However it has a mic jack, in which u can put another mic, and it will then use its audio. Do u think I can modify it so, that I only have the hotshoe and a little box with the audio jack and a coldshou on the top of it? Have you ever heard someone doing it?
Vendetta V Haha yeah sorry for my englisch im not a native english speaker :) www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images2000x2000/sony_ecmxyst1m_stereo_microphone_for_multi_913245.jpg I want to drill a hole in that cube above the hot shoe and relocate the Mic out down there. And the rest will be removed. Im concerned that if u cut of the wires from the mic and leave only the cable for the Mic out, that it wont work anymore.
Hi Caleb, I made this mod and my "new trs" output works great. I get the audio output, but there is a constant hiss sound when i connect it directly to my Tascam DR-05 recorder. I shut down my Rode Ntg4+ mic which is connected to Saramonic, I keep only Saramonic open and record it, but there is a constant irritating hiss sound. When i unplug the 3.5mm cable and record through its built-in microphones hiss dissapears. Is it normal ? Did i do something wrong ?
I have just purchased a rode Videomic Pro for my 600D. Is it worth while getting the samaronic smart rig and connecting the two via an xlr input adapter to better my audio? Many thanks
I have a question. I have Shure SM58, and I can not use it on my dslr (Nikon d7100) with just plugin it in (i have XLR to 6mm and adapter for 6mm to 3.5mm, so i can plug it in camera) because sound is terrible. So, can I use Saramonic SmartRig for SM58 and then plug in 3.5mm into camera? (btw i have mono cable, not stereo)
what was the tool that you use to remove the wire cover ? can you link it plz ? is it reliable ? why you remove the headphone jack that was maybe perfect for A6300 users ! we can put another output jack beside the headphone jack
Hey Moamen! Here is a link to the wire stripper I use: amzn.to/2coKh7I It rocks my face off. I love that thing so much! I removed the headphone jack because I prefer using my own cable. That way I can keep it short or lengthen it if I wanted to. I also know that I wouldn't use the headphone jack because that only monitors the preamp, not the camera which isn't as safe. That said, you could just turn the cable into a jack on the box.
Does it not make sense to keep the headphone jack and just use the adaptor you used in the first video? I'm using a 70d that doesn't have a headphone jack.
Would this essentially turn a rode mic go into a " rode mic pro" DIY edition with the pre amp? And could you splice the mic out to another port and have a headphone jack as well as to my camera?
Or can you make another video making the trrs cable a jack for TRS ? If not I´ll have to figure it out ! Thank you in any case just open a world of options.
If I want to keep the headphone connection for headphone and to change the TRRS connector for aTRS connector. I'll say Copper and white makes ground, Green cut it and leave it off, Red Microphone Right channel, and Black left. microphone channel, Is that OK ?
You could definitely do that. Unfortunately the colors aren't universal (except the shielded wire) but you can easily figure it out. On a different project, I actually hooked everything up and used alligator clips to figure the wiring out while everything is powered on. Just keep 48v off and wear headphones turned down. You'll hear what you've got the combos right!
how about if I want to have access to live audio monitoring? should I use a Y splitter and connect one out to camera and headphones on the other? thanks
Hey I finally got my saramonic smart rig was hard to find in London. Amazon had one. Can I use phantom power with a non powered microphone.? Or just the on?
I'll do a Q&A since a lot of people have been asking this. This unit is essentially a better version of the preamps in your camera. You'll get MUCH cleaner sound, XLR input and you have smooth level adjustments instead of the menu levels on the camera.
5 reasons a tool like this is super handy: 1) the pre-amp in most DSLR type cameras are quite noisy. So, with this device you can turn your camera's input level down low. 2) this device also gives you a dedicated audio control, so no menus to dig through to adjust your audio level. 3) this gives you the ability use XLR mics. XLR connections are "balanced" this gives you the ability to conduct sound through extremely long distances even over 100' without picking up noise. 4) this device provides 48v phantom power that many condenser mics need to function. 5) you can use an external audio recorder (Zoom H4n, H5, H6, Tascam etc.)for reasons 1-4, but this audio lets you skip the step of organizing all of your audio and video files and syncing in post.
Hi Caleb, big fan of your work, keepup the good work! I was wondering if I can connect this Modified Preamp with a male XLR to female 3.5 adapter to a Rode VideoMic Cayote (wich has its own 9V battery). "GH4" to "3.5 male to male" to " Hacked Saramonic SmartRig" to "male XLR to female 3.5" to "Rode VideoMic". Got an image to explain here www.dropbox.com/s/0m5osmnst2esa0n/SMARTRIG%20MOD.png?dl=0
Wondering the same thing, I think it should work, since most PreAmps like the SmartRig having an XLR entry, are able to take a signal from a self ampl mic ( = without 48V phantom power), which might be equivalent to a shotgun mic with jack. 3.5 Jack & XLR transport the same signal, that's why we can convert 1 to the other passively. The phantom power is only here due to the sensitivity of condensers which need + amplification to work, but, before the required power is sent, the signal is of the same "nature" (in the case of self amp mics, this signal would be right before reaching the battery power, & in the case of power coming from the preamp, it's right before the preamp), then, once the power is delivered, the signal coming through the recorder (which may be the same as the preamp in the case of Recs like Zoom H4/5/6 & Tascam, since they're both in 1) is of the same nature too. The only difference in the story, is the mic itself, which might not react the same from the external preamps, but plugging as in your image, or in any non XLR device (cameras, smartphones, etc), is failry even, except of course the SmartRig preamps are far superior in quality. So this is all theory, leading me to the conclusion : Yes. Obviously, DON'T use phantom power on the VideoMic, it's not designed for that, & this is probably the only risk here... But I know it's been 2yrs since the question was asked, so if you've got any exprc so far, feel free to share for future readers :)
Изначально подумал: круто. А после понял, что он тупо изговнял устройство, когда можно было решить вопрос за 300 рублей, купив короткий кабель-переходник с TRRS на TRS, сохранив внешний вид, функционал и мониторинг звука, если потребуется использовать с мобильным телефоном. Сам юзаю подобное, но чтобы настолько извратиться... Вообщем - идиотизм.
It still seems crazy to me that the preamp in a 23$ accessory is better than the internal preamps in most dslrs. Like seriously guys, get it together. Amazing video Caleb, love seeing you mod stuff.
You'd think they could do better!!! Thank you for the kind words Leftcoast. Means a lot!
I tried this on my Canon 90D. Compared mic directly into camera VS mic through SmartRig to camera. NO DIFFERENCE whatsoever. Sound quality and noise-floor exactly the same.
@@captaincarl1603 did you cut the camera preamp in the camera settings?
Can I connect a XLR mic on to Rode Filmmaker Receiver and Transmitter and how?
Awesome video and mod, thanks. If it's unclear to anyone, the headphone socket is only a return from the TRRS device that the smartrig is plugged into, it's not a live headphone monitor of the mic that's connected to the smartrig. So, for use on a camera or DSLR etc. if using a TRRS to TRS mic adapter, you would have no use for the socket anyway. This use of the headphone socket is awesome for camera/dslr users or anyone with a device that has a standard TRS or TS 3.5mm mic input. After the mod you can still use the modded smartrig with a TRRS smartphone etc. by using a TRS mic to TRRS cable/adapter.
Ah! Got it now :)
You can also strap a Gopro tripod mount on it using the loops, or a cell phone tripod mount, like this one www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3W6Z2T/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Wp-2EbBE2FZVE
You can also add additional shoe mounts with a bracket like this: www.amazon.com/dp/B002A92OVM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_tt-2Eb63S0GQ5 .
Loving your videos! I'm an 80-year-old USAF vet who learned to solder circuits in tech school and the only thing I would disagree with is the use of a "Godzilla" soldering tool. Suggestion:...If you could use a "low wattage" soldering tool, not 'Granpa's do-it-all soldering tool... (even el-cheapo from eBay), you will get not only quicker joints, but they're 'prettier too'! Also, ...less likely to melt the plastic wire coatings! Your presentations are, to say the least...AWESOME! For an 'old school, multi-format' lover of the art, I check you out to avoid all the "...in my opinion/experience..." experts, ...' you don't have to be a farmer to smell BS''....I'm in a South Kansas farm town we call the '4-corners' (Kansas-Oklahoma-Arkansas-Missouri) and we have some pretty strong, simple facts-of-life on everything (insert smile here)and that's just one! If I make it to the big 80, I may still sharpen my new digital DSLR chops!
Thanks again! "Doc"
Just made it, working perfectly. Thanks very very much 👍👍👍👍
Man, you saved me, thank you very much!
Caleb, these tutorials are SOOOOO good. Thank you!
Thanks Data! (great name) I'm glad you're enjoying my content!
Thanks! Do you think this would yield a noticeably better result on my a7s using a Røde VideoMic Pro?
I would think so. You'll also have the added bonus of being able to smoothly change levels instead of clicky menu changes.
Could you provide a link for the XLR to female 3.5mm jack? I'm hoping to connect to my Rode vmp, but can't find the proper adapter
i did the exact same thing . but i didn't solder the red wire with the black and green , instead i soldered the red wire to a second 3.5mm female input and used it as a second mono hot input signal .so now i have 2 separate mono signals one is the XLR (LEFT) channel that i control with the knob and the other mono input is the (RIGHT) channel that i use for wireless system.
Awesome thanks!
Hi Caleb, I was wondering what the difference was between the audio cable signal and the headphone jack signal. Why not go directly from the headphone jack to the camera, without the modifications? Also, how does the rewiring push the signal to the headphone jack? Thanks a lot, and great video!
Im a huge fan of your work, but couldn't you just as used a TRRS to TRS cable with out taking it all apart
The Dymo tape makes this unit as a really professional equipment looks!! I like it!
But nowadays you would just use a TRRS to TRS Adapter, right?
Such a good video Kayleb. Thanks for the making it and putting links to everything. The links help so much.
Very cool mod approach! Messing with the innards to do all that wire work intimidated me, but this is a great solution.
Got this preamp for christmas and only now done this mod!! awesome video and the device works amazingly with my a6300 and Rode Micro!! Thanks :) keep up the good work!!!!!!
I'm a little confused.. so once you cut the wire and soldered them together, you just glued it to the pcb? why? that makes the headphone jack into a mic output? I'm a little confused
UE853
Me too.
Yeah, me too.
I think he uses the jack for the headphones, as out for the amp coming in the mic section of the camera, as camera comes with headphone jack itself, for monitoring. Those are just for troubleshooting purposes. An "official answer" would be much appreciated.
Headphone jack = Mic output to the camera.
Just after finishing this, I left out the nob replacement and rewiring the headphone jack. I thought I'd be able to monitor the audio live via the headphone jack but it's only for playback. It would be great if you had a workaround so I could monitor the audio on my 70d while recording. Great video!
Yeah, unfortunately the headphone jack is only compatible with phones using TRRS jacks :-(
If you do rewire the headphone jack to act as the output, could you use a splitter and be able to monitor with headphones?
If only the A6000 would have a microphone jack, Really nice video ;)
also curious, How did you do the "in" and "out" labels?
Right?
I used one of those dope vintage Dymo label printers. You can buy one here: amzn.to/2cOrmd1 Super cheap and they give you that grunge A/V look.
Cheers man! :D
I know I'm late to the party but I've just completed this fantastic 'hack'. Brilliant, many thanks 👊🏻
Your videos are amazing!! Almost everything I search for video related, your videos pop up. Your a real inspiration! Keep it up!
Thanks VideoTechDude! Means a lot!
Always awesome and original camera content from you!
Thanks Jimmy! Means a lot.
Awesome work bro. Well done. Looking forward for the next vid. Cheers and greetings from Zurich Switzerland ;-)
I have done it !!! it's good, cheap and works great !!! Thanks Caleb,
for the excellent videos.
Nice Miguel! Happy preamping!
Might have to try this Thanks Caleb!
Thanks for watching!
Take a look at the Saramonic SmartRig+, you can connect it to both smartphones or cameras. Just a little bit expensive than the SmartRig
you should make a kickstarter for the modded version dude. what an amazing creation
100k subs lets go!
Ok, so when I mounted the shoes on mine, I filed down the "lugs" on the sides of the unit to make a flat surface first, then drilled 1/4" holes in the sides and bolted them through the battery compartment. I had to trim the inner layer of plastic to make room for the bolt heads in there, but the battery still fits perfectly.
Nice Scott!
Wow, such a simple explanation and pretty elegant solution for $23! I'm new to audio and video and people like you have really helped me learn fast! If you have time I have a question, I want to make a small diaphragm condenser shotgun like the mkh 416 since my budget is gone and I'm can machine the body. If my mic is simply a capsule and xlr connector will this preamp supply the 48v phantom power and any other tech needed to make it work? Thanks again!
I ended up buying a pro diety smic 2s, plugging this preamp inline and plugging it straight into the camera. The assembly is suspension mounted and has the same form factor and weight as the d3 pro, but with much better audio.
Hey Caleb! Huge fan of your work, your channel is easily my favorite resource on the internet for any sort of practical advice on digital filmmaking tools, so I must thank you for it, and for the hard work in making the absolute best DIY cameras for budget wannabes like myself!
Regarding the Saramonic SmartRig, you’ve sold me on it, I just have two questions:
-I find myself using my camera’s (the G7) audio on the minimum gain most of the time when I use my VideoMicro and still get decent levels. If I got the Saramonic, should I get an attenuator as well, then? That combo would significantly lower my audio noise-floor, right?;
-What audio would the headphone jack on the Saramonic output when connected to a camera like the G7, which has no jack audio output? It can't be what the camera is actually recording, so I can't understand what it would be.
Again, thanks a lot, whether you might get a chance to answer or not!
Thank you for the kind words Jose. Means a lot!
Let me start by saying this won't work with the VideoMicro. That mic needs low voltage from the camera which the SmartRig does not output.
I don't know if the attenuator would help. Because at the end of the day, the camera levels can only go so low. But having a 48v mic or even a VideoMic from Rode would help since the mic would be cleaner from the start.
The headphone jack would let you monitor the audio from the preamp which obviously isn't from the camera. So you wouldn't hear what is being recorded, but you'd at least have an idea of what is going on.
Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply, and for saving me from making a dumb mistake. Not the first time!
DSLR Video Shooter hey will the Rode VideoMic Go work with the smart rig? I was planning to buy this and use a rode VideoMic Go for my audio equipment. :)
Thanks (a lot) for your work, Caleb.
Thank you for watching and for the kind words Juan!
You forgot to tell us about the adapter you used to plug in a 3.5mm microphone into the pre amp
Caleb, awesome job as always! I'm really qurios to know if it's possible to mod the headphone jack to actually work so you can monitor your recording on your dslr??
Thanks!
would of liked to keep the headphone jack to monitor audio. Any work around?
great video as always
other than the cheap feeling converter cable you showed in the last video
Hey chad! You could just turn the cable I cut into an output jack and leave the headphone jack alone. I knew I wouldn't use it, so I did what I did.
I'm a bit unsure why we're modding the cable, when in the end you just use the headphone output anyway?
Because we need to convert the TRRS (for phones) to TRS (universal I/O). You could just use the adapter I talked about in the previous video. I liked using the headphone jack because I wanted the option to choose the cable length.
But couldn't you use the headphone jack directly without ever modding the cable? Or is the headphone jack also TRRS?
This is also what im wondering about!
Working Perfectly. Thank you... :)
Very cool, But Can you add a split cable to TRS port so that you can send signal to camera and monitor at the same time.
You should be able to yes.
Caleb, is there something you can not do? amazing hacking skill dude
Hey Caleb! love your videos and thinking of doing this hack too, only i'd like to shorten the original cable and turn it in to a TRS. Any chance you checked which cable is which and what colour I should drop in the TRS?
edit: I could get the multimeter out and check it but if you've already done it it would save me the trouble :p
So this little thing and the NTG-2 will be a good combination when it comes to noise levels? What you think? And again, really great video!
But a phantom powered shotgun is better (lower noise levels) compared to one with batteries.
So better to use phantom power!
I would bet that combo would sound fantastic. Thank you for the kind words! Means a lot Miikli.
I honestly don't know if one is better than the other, but I like only needing to change one battery! So 48v it is for me.
Even if the setup takes more power from one battery.
Actually, I have the juicedLink RM-202 preamp. It's very silent but I still hope even quieter sound (noise floor is about -40dB, I'd like to have more like -50-60dB). I've read somewhere that when ntg-2 is fed from phantom it's 9dB more sensitive compared to AA option.
And now I'm thinking could this small thing be better option because of phantom power... who knows.
EDIT: Oh, I forgot to say: RM-202 doesn't have phatom power!
Can you add a 9v battery to let it send out phantom power at 48v?? Great video!!
I'm trying the preamp out of the box first (I want to monitor through headphones) and running into some problems. My setup is: AT875r shotgun mic -> Saramonic preamp, built-in output cable (not a modded headphone jack) -> 3.5mm TRRS to 2.5mm TRS converter -> Panasonic GH2 (camera has a 2.5mm TRS jack for external mics). I don't get any signal from the mic. I've tried adjusting levels on both the preamp and the camera. And there's a hiss no matter what. In fact, when I plug headphones into the preamp, it records through the headphones! The whole thing is sort of absurd. Maybe modding the preamp would give me better results.
@Zach Lona I have the same issue although i modded the smartrig. When i connect my Rode Ntg4+ to saramonic and connect its "new trs" output to my Tascam DR-05, there is a constant hiss sound which drives me crazy. When i only use built-in microphones on Tascam recorder, i get much cleaner audio. Did you solve this already ?
Firstly, great video! Sorry If this is really simple I am just learning about all this stuff! With this setup does the microphone need to have an XLR connection? All of the shotgun mics that I look at have a 3.5mm to 3.5mm so would you just get a 3.5mm to XLR cable to run from the mic to the preamp? Thanks
Ah. I just realised that there is a 3.5mm to XLR adaptor in the frame at ruclips.net/video/997z3f0Vzho/видео.htmlm16s. Thanks!
Hello, I purchased this assuming this will also take line inputs via XLR but seems like it doesnt seem to work.. Could you please suggest if it can take Line Inputs. I record programs at Sikh Temples and usually take the audio Line output from the audio mixer already being used for PA purposes.
I was wondering does this mean you will have to manually adjust the gain of your audio from now on then?
if so does that also mean that you would have to check the audio levels each time through the actual audio settings in say my 800D?
and would you recommend this kind of setup for vlogging?
THANKS!!! :)
In the first video, you used (with an adapter) the existing cable to connect to the camera. In this video, you look like you are cutting the original cable, shorting them out, then hiding them. Ok, so now how are you connecting the amp to the camera? Thru the headphone jack? If this is the case, why not simply cut the original wires off flush at the PCB?
Hey Danny, you're idea is probably best. Add a female jack to the case where the cable was. What I did was easier, but may not have been best. That said, at the end of the day I didn't notice a quality difference and it still sounds amazing.
Thank you for this video. I have modified my Saramonic SmartRig II and now I have more clear sound on my Canon 6D. Any advice on budget XLR phantom powered lavalier mic?
great video but I'd have to buy all the kit to do this is there a external amp I could buy that would improve my recordings on my DSLR and mean I don't have to sync separate sound files.
What is the purpose of cutting and soldering the wires together?? Is it to send better signal to the headphone jack or just to lose the old cable??
Couldn't you originally just used the headphone jack as output ???
I knew I wouldn't use the jack for headphone use myself, and I wanted to be able to change the cable length using my own 3.5mm cable.
Hi, sorry for the stupid question but I am not such an expert: once you do the hack, is the cable to connect the smartrig to the camera a trs-trs or a trs-trss?
Is it possible to use this with a mic that is powered (9v battery) but the cable is not XLR? (TRS I think).thank you
Hi Caleb! I've decided to go with the Irig unmodded. Is it possible to use a trs to xlr cable for rode camera mics without problems?
Yes, I use 3.5mm to XLR adapters all the time without issue.
Can we get audio monitoring with this or is the headphone jack useless in this case?
Are you sure the headphone jack has the same output as the TRRS out? I feel like it could be a transistor/resistor somewhere on the pcb thats different with the outputs?
You could be right, but since this is such a cheap unit, I doubt they did much more than split the output. At the end of the day it still sounds great. I probably should have just turned the output cable into a jack.
Nice Work!!
How about, instead of cutting the cable turn it to female jack and have both output and monitoring female jack? is it technically possible and worth making it?
Yes that is definitely possible. I knew I wouldn't use the headphone jack, but I should have mentioned it.
and how do you connect female jack to those cables?
I would use something like this: amzn.to/2dxBqUx and just glue it in place of the original cable.
DSLR Video Shooter can you please make a video showing us how we can add another output jack? I need to monitor my audio when recording please or at least tell me what colors do I connect to the connectors?
Ivan Fedorych how do I cut the cable a solder the new connector? I dont know what colors to match
Hey, I dont know if u ever used a a6000, but there is a mic from sony for the hotshoe and that is sadly the only option. However it has a mic jack, in which u can put another mic, and it will then use its audio. Do u think I can modify it so, that I only have the hotshoe and a little box with the audio jack and a coldshou on the top of it? Have you ever heard someone doing it?
Vendetta V
Haha yeah sorry for my englisch im not a native english speaker :)
www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images2000x2000/sony_ecmxyst1m_stereo_microphone_for_multi_913245.jpg
I want to drill a hole in that cube above the hot shoe and relocate the Mic out down there. And the rest will be removed.
Im concerned that if u cut of the wires from the mic and leave only the cable for the Mic out, that it wont work anymore.
Hi Caleb, I made this mod and my "new trs" output works great. I get the audio output, but there is a constant hiss sound when i connect it directly to my Tascam DR-05 recorder. I shut down my Rode Ntg4+ mic which is connected to Saramonic, I keep only Saramonic open and record it, but there is a constant irritating hiss sound. When i unplug the 3.5mm cable and record through its built-in microphones hiss dissapears. Is it normal ? Did i do something wrong ?
I have just purchased a rode Videomic Pro for my 600D. Is it worth while getting the samaronic smart rig and connecting the two via an xlr input adapter to better my audio? Many thanks
Will this preamp work with my Takstar SGC-598 microphone?
I have a question. I have Shure SM58, and I can not use it on my dslr (Nikon d7100) with just plugin it in (i have XLR to 6mm and adapter for 6mm to 3.5mm, so i can plug it in camera) because sound is terrible. So, can I use Saramonic SmartRig for SM58 and then plug in 3.5mm into camera? (btw i have mono cable, not stereo)
what was the tool that you use to remove the wire cover ?
can you link it plz ?
is it reliable ?
why you remove the headphone jack that was maybe perfect for A6300 users ! we can put another output jack beside the headphone jack
Hey Moamen! Here is a link to the wire stripper I use: amzn.to/2coKh7I It rocks my face off. I love that thing so much!
I removed the headphone jack because I prefer using my own cable. That way I can keep it short or lengthen it if I wanted to. I also know that I wouldn't use the headphone jack because that only monitors the preamp, not the camera which isn't as safe.
That said, you could just turn the cable into a jack on the box.
thanks 😊☺:)
How well does it work on the a6300? Can you mod it so a6300 owners can actually use the headphone jack for monitoring?
LOVE this!!!
Does it not make sense to keep the headphone jack and just use the adaptor you used in the first video? I'm using a 70d that doesn't have a headphone jack.
Would this essentially turn a rode mic go into a " rode mic pro" DIY edition with the pre amp? And could you splice the mic out to another port and have a headphone jack as well as to my camera?
see previous comment
which one sorry I cant see the relevant one :(
Or can you make another video making the trrs cable a jack for TRS ?
If not I´ll have to figure it out !
Thank you in any case just open a world of options.
buy it...
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1048150-REG/rode_sc3_trrs_to_trs_adaptor.html
Just connected to a 3.5 mm TRS connector cut the cable and solder.
MUCH STRONGER CONNECTION
smitthone I was going to comment the same thing. If you don't want to put anything apart just buy an adapter.
Would you recommend applying this modification when using with a Zoom H1?
If I want to keep the headphone connection for headphone and to change the TRRS connector for aTRS connector.
I'll say Copper and white makes ground, Green cut it and leave it off, Red Microphone Right channel, and Black left.
microphone channel, Is that OK ?
You could definitely do that. Unfortunately the colors aren't universal (except the shielded wire) but you can easily figure it out. On a different project, I actually hooked everything up and used alligator clips to figure the wiring out while everything is powered on. Just keep 48v off and wear headphones turned down. You'll hear what you've got the combos right!
THANK YOU
But wouldn't adding a mic on top of the pre amp make it too hight to receive audio directly from your subject ?
you could write first
I guess, I never use a mic on top for recording people unless I'm just getting b-roll. I mainly showed that for those who use that setup often.
I gonna ask you again - can i use this preamp for amping signal from jack-plug mics (lav)? Do you recomend this?
I don't see why not! Just make sure 48v is off ;-)
Great project!!
Thank you!
Where did you get dat perfect length 90 degree 3.5 male to 90 degree 3.5 male?!?
Here it is: geni.us/short35mmcable :-) Great Cable!
Is there a delay in sound from the mic to the headphones... planning to us one for song recording
how about if I want to have access to live audio monitoring? should I use a Y splitter and connect one out to camera and headphones on the other? thanks
What tool did you use to cut off top thread of bottom cold shoe?
That was an old dremel tool with a cut off wheel. Here is the current model and bit: amzn.to/2gpLi5u
Hey I finally got my saramonic smart rig was hard to find in London. Amazon had one. Can I use phantom power with a non powered microphone.? Or just the on?
Don't use phantom power if your microphone does not require it. You could wreck it. The on switch will work fine
I didn't how you did cut the sticker . you could stick your logo down or something .
what is the name of the tape you used on top that you burned with the lighter and the other one you added on top. Thanks.
dtechlogic heat shrink
Thanks. I was able to get it together and now I can use my xlr mic with gh5
So this basically becomes like a beachteach dxa adapter?
¿hey what if instead of loosing the cable inside you instal a new trs cable and use the 2 outputs?
is there a way to split the signal and monitor audio with headphones?
Cant you just use a TRRS to TRS adapter cable and it would do the exact same thing?
Does this work better than using the TRRS to TRS cable?
Haven't tried, but I'd imagine it would work.
Can you monitor audio with this set-up please?
Can i adapt this to be used with a rode video mic pro via an adapter?
Do this mod but both mic input line and output line and connect those into a usb soundcard and you have now audio interface for computer
hey caleb what's that kopul xlr ?
вы лишились мониторинга звука - у меня сони 6500 и я покупал эту штуку для контроля звука тоже
Will this work on rode ntg 5?
can this mod be used in the blackmagic pocket?
I don't see why not!
Great!
Thanks Alex!
Great way to up the audio game for cheap.
For sure!
how would this make audio better? im learning... if someone could explain me... thanka
I'll do a Q&A since a lot of people have been asking this. This unit is essentially a better version of the preamps in your camera. You'll get MUCH cleaner sound, XLR input and you have smooth level adjustments instead of the menu levels on the camera.
5 reasons a tool like this is super handy:
1) the pre-amp in most DSLR type cameras are quite noisy. So, with this device you can turn your camera's input level down low.
2) this device also gives you a dedicated audio control, so no menus to dig through to adjust your audio level.
3) this gives you the ability use XLR mics. XLR connections are "balanced" this gives you the ability to conduct sound through extremely long distances even over 100' without picking up noise.
4) this device provides 48v phantom power that many condenser mics need to function.
5) you can use an external audio recorder (Zoom H4n, H5, H6, Tascam etc.)for reasons 1-4, but this audio lets you skip the step of organizing all of your audio and video files and syncing in post.
Does anyone know of a preamp that will provide power to a normal plug and play mic like the rode videomic go?
Hi Caleb, big fan of your work, keepup the good work!
I was wondering if I can connect this Modified Preamp with a male XLR to female 3.5 adapter to a Rode VideoMic Cayote (wich has its own 9V battery). "GH4" to "3.5 male to male" to " Hacked Saramonic SmartRig" to "male XLR to female 3.5" to "Rode VideoMic".
Got an image to explain here www.dropbox.com/s/0m5osmnst2esa0n/SMARTRIG%20MOD.png?dl=0
Anyone?
Wondering the same thing, I think it should work, since most PreAmps like the SmartRig having an XLR entry, are able to take a signal from a self ampl mic ( = without 48V phantom power), which might be equivalent to a shotgun mic with jack.
3.5 Jack & XLR transport the same signal, that's why we can convert 1 to the other passively. The phantom power is only here due to the sensitivity of condensers which need + amplification to work, but, before the required power is sent, the signal is of the same "nature" (in the case of self amp mics, this signal would be right before reaching the battery power, & in the case of power coming from the preamp, it's right before the preamp), then, once the power is delivered, the signal coming through the recorder (which may be the same as the preamp in the case of Recs like Zoom H4/5/6 & Tascam, since they're both in 1) is of the same nature too.
The only difference in the story, is the mic itself, which might not react the same from the external preamps, but plugging as in your image, or in any non XLR device (cameras, smartphones, etc), is failry even, except of course the SmartRig preamps are far superior in quality.
So this is all theory, leading me to the conclusion : Yes. Obviously, DON'T use phantom power on the VideoMic, it's not designed for that, & this is probably the only risk here...
But I know it's been 2yrs since the question was asked, so if you've got any exprc so far, feel free to share for future readers :)
Изначально подумал: круто. А после понял, что он тупо изговнял устройство, когда можно было решить вопрос за 300 рублей, купив короткий кабель-переходник с TRRS на TRS, сохранив внешний вид, функционал и мониторинг звука, если потребуется использовать с мобильным телефоном. Сам юзаю подобное, но чтобы настолько извратиться...
Вообщем - идиотизм.
can you make me one?