Caleb, thanks so much for producing such great videos. You have wonderful production quality and your content is second to none. You provide a great resource for amateur filmmakers like myself. I'll be purchasing your G7 guide. Thanks again!
Hey Caleb, I'm currently using the Riggy Assist as recommended in your GH4 guide in my RUclips videos, so I'm wondering how Is this Saramonic compared to the Riggy Assist? Is it about the same buddy?
Cool. I think a good video would be testing the new Panasonic unit against others for noise. Curtis Judd wasn't as impressed with it as I had hoped, but I'd still like to hear more tests to put it in context of comparing it to other units / methods.
I know this is a bit late to the party, but how does this compare to something like the XLR-1 adapter from Panasonic? Is the Saramonic better because it's more widely compatible, or is there something about the XLR-1 that makes it special and better? Does it matter that this connects through the 3.5mm jack instead of a hotshoe? Would you recommend getting this or something like the Tascam DR-40X? Or would there be a reason to get both?
I've always worried about units like the Pansonic XLR unit and the similar one from Sony having a weird connection or falling off because the hotshoe gets loose or something wonky. Like it's witchcraft and not a legit cable ensuring my audio goes where I want it. But stuff like this Saramonic device seem awesome, especially for the price! I have a dedicated audio recorder I mount onto a cage and run an attenuated line-to-mic wire too already, since I like having a solo audio file as a backup at a higher sample rate/WAV file to edit if necessary and can place the recorder separate from the camera if needed. Still.....These are getting to be so easy to use and useful it's hard to resist. Plus they're getting so CHEAP.
Hey, Caleb. What makes you think that the +10db and +20db gain controls are "digital" ? I really don't think that Saramonic would convert the audio to digital just to add 10 or 20 db and then convert it back to analog before sending it into the camera. What I think is really happening when you add 10 or 20 db is that you are adding an extra *analog* gain stage to the amplification chain. While adding this stage will add *some* noise, it's certainly not digital noise.
Great review, Caleb, thanks! I have a dilemma, I hope you can help me. I own the G7. What is a better combo for audio: Zoom H5 + XLR Shotgun mic or one of the more expensive on-camera pre-amps you just showed (JuicedLink or Sound Devices). I have the Zoom H5 and I consider buying the Sennheiser 416 to make a lifetime investment. However, if any on-camera pre-amp could match/be better than the Zoom H5's pre-amps, I would love to buy it to avoid dual-audio system hassle. Thank you.
Hey, just read your comment. If you choose Zoom, go with the H5. I watched some comparison reviews, the H5 has much less noise as it is using the same pre-amps as the H6. BTW, great content on your channel!
Great video Caleb. Funny I was just looking for an XLR mic for my RUclips channel with 60,000 subs. After watching this I definitely want the NTG4/+. I have an a6500 and GH5. For a preamp I was leaning toward the Zoom H4N recorder where I could input XLR and output to the camera and Id get a recorder too. Do you think this would be a good setup? I'll get the NTG4 from your link. Thanks for everything.
Hi Caleb, do you use radio lav mics? If you could I would really love to see how you set up the levels and setting etc on a set for interview use. I use a sennhiesser wireless radio set for real estate agents and I still don't fully understand the settings. Over the last year I've somehow changed one of the settings and I'm now having trouble with my audio levels and the sound quality. I don't know whether to boost the sound in the lav or in my recorder. I want to swap from an audio recorder to a pre amp setup with my lav mics to record sound internally and save time in post which is why I'm watching this video. Thanks again for the content, I really appreciate the video you put out and you have helped my immensely since I found your channel about a year ago.
I wanted your opinion when comparing the Mix Mic to the Sony XLR-KM2. The thing that’s hanging me up is the KM2 doesn’t have a cold shoe on top of that would be my choice. I will be running this on a Sony AX700 for filming my hunts. If you have other options please let me know as well.
Hey Caleb, thanks so much for this and for all your videos - they’re awesome! If okay I have a question: Since these preamps are going into the camera, isn’t the camera’s preamp still being used? Therefore, aren’t we still gonna get noise? How does the camera’s built in preamp know to ‘stand down’ and let the external preamp do the work? I’m thinking of upgrading my current setup (I’m currently using a videomic pro straight to Canon M50 with my manual audio levels on the camera set only just above zero, but I’m still getting a bit of noise) I’d like to get a shotgun/XLR set up and a preamp is appealing because I don’t want to sync audio in post. Equally... I don’t want any noise. It’s a minefield! Thanks for any answer/thoughts you’re able to provide.
Hey Caleb, Thanks for another great video! I recently purchased the Saramonic Smartrig+ after watching your video review of it. Is the Smartrig+ comparable in quality to the MixMic? Thank You!
Another great review. Something I'm trying to figure out after having bought the Saramonic Smart rig based on your review, is how to mount everything cleanly to my rig while using a top handle. I can mount it easily to the top handle itself, but that makes the rig VERY top heavy and it looks super awkward. I think really the question is how to mount a shotgun on the camera while also using the top handle and so that it doesn't turn into a mini skyscraper.... Any ideas?
Get a flash braket that mounts under the camera. Here are a few examples (not affliated) *Limocamera Bracket* a.co/efW9Kad *Vello QuickDraw Rotating Flash Bracket* a.co/gO3uoR6 *Heavy Duty Photography L Bracket* a.co/4ZQOMdz
what would you suggest mixer wise for the new Sennheiser AVX ENG Dual Wireless Basic Kit. I am looking into the 2 body packs and the hand held micrphone and want to be able to have all 3 running at one time if needed. They said I will need a receiver for each one so I would need something to take 3 receivers and adapt them to the 3.5mm to the G85 I am getting soon. Thank you for your time and love your videos!
Jason Antwi-Appah ok thank you! Seriously been looking all over for answers, being told that I need a receiver for each speaker. Going to look that mixer up right now
Hello, I absolutely wanted to buy it but I read on amazon only negative opinions, parasitic noises, or a total stoppage of operation after 2 hours, and a really bad sound quality. how can i know if it's true?
I have a Sony a7r2 which I use for photos and video I will be going on vacation and I usually get my Audio via H4n and a diety shotgun microphone or sometimes I just use the mics on the H4N to record ambiance. Due to this setup with my cage and monitor it’s a very bulky setup is there any amps that you can recommend me purchasing that works well that will take up less real estate on my rig thanks I really appreciate it and I don’t want to use my rode microphone
WHAT?!?!?! YOU CAN SEND 48v to each plug INDEPENDENTLY?!?!? I wish I could do that with my Tascam DR-40. That way I could plug a shotgun in one port and give it 48v and use a lavalier in the other and not have it explode ... giving me a second mic to choose from for each take. Right now on my Tascam DR-40 phantom power is either on on both ports or off on both ports ... that's kind of annoying some times. The Saramonic mic isn't horrible ... totally usable but it doesn't even come close to the NTG4 ... not by a long shot. Then again, like you said, the NTG4 costs more than the entire Saramonic kit so ... Side note: You can totally hear your audio cuts on your voice-over bits LOL. like 9:59 "It's a a great UNIT". Not enough space between great and unit and a an un-natural change in tone for the word unit. Not complaining, I've just been slogging through cutting up some re-enactment dialogue scenes and doing ADR for a ww2 documentary so my brain is now trained to notice those inconsistencies. The curse of the film maker ... I can't watch a show or movie now without my brain analyzing lights, techniques, sound ... aaaaargh!
Would you put it on your GH5?? I would love to see this up against the Panasonic DMW-XLR1 XLR Microphone Adapter. Could you compare the cheaper per amps from saramoinc to this one in sound quality? Check out my channel and let me know what you think
still a bit pricey, im looking for the cheapest thing that will convert xlr to 3.5mm jack while providing phantom power, and having better preamps than the stock ones in my canon
Caleb, thanks so much for producing such great videos. You have wonderful production quality and your content is second to none. You provide a great resource for amateur filmmakers like myself. I'll be purchasing your G7 guide. Thanks again!
Hey Caleb, I'm currently using the Riggy Assist as recommended in your GH4 guide in my RUclips videos, so I'm wondering how Is this Saramonic compared to the Riggy Assist? Is it about the same buddy?
Caleb, I know you have more, but I love the fact you're rocking that Velbon tripod head. That's my current one.
I'm really impressed.... 4 quality videos in one week!
Yea I might buy this! I was looking at all the other ones that cost alot. Great find!
Cool. I think a good video would be testing the new Panasonic unit against others for noise. Curtis Judd wasn't as impressed with it as I had hoped, but I'd still like to hear more tests to put it in context of comparing it to other units / methods.
+1 I'm very curious what you have to say about that Panasonic unit, Caleb! Maybe future video?
Another excellent review, complete with all the information I need and with clear explanations: Thank you Caleb !
I know this is a bit late to the party, but how does this compare to something like the XLR-1 adapter from Panasonic? Is the Saramonic better because it's more widely compatible, or is there something about the XLR-1 that makes it special and better? Does it matter that this connects through the 3.5mm jack instead of a hotshoe? Would you recommend getting this or something like the Tascam DR-40X? Or would there be a reason to get both?
Does it have lower noise than the Saramonic SmartRig+ ?
Great video Caleb! Very Informative!
I've always worried about units like the Pansonic XLR unit and the similar one from Sony having a weird connection or falling off because the hotshoe gets loose or something wonky. Like it's witchcraft and not a legit cable ensuring my audio goes where I want it. But stuff like this Saramonic device seem awesome, especially for the price! I have a dedicated audio recorder I mount onto a cage and run an attenuated line-to-mic wire too already, since I like having a solo audio file as a backup at a higher sample rate/WAV file to edit if necessary and can place the recorder separate from the camera if needed. Still.....These are getting to be so easy to use and useful it's hard to resist. Plus they're getting so CHEAP.
Another great video, thanks for all of your efforts!
Hey, Caleb. What makes you think that the +10db and +20db gain controls are "digital" ? I really don't think that Saramonic would convert the audio to digital just to add 10 or 20 db and then convert it back to analog before sending it into the camera.
What I think is really happening when you add 10 or 20 db is that you are adding an extra *analog* gain stage to the amplification chain. While adding this stage will add *some* noise, it's certainly not digital noise.
Great review, Caleb, thanks! I have a dilemma, I hope you can help me. I own the G7. What is a better combo for audio: Zoom H5 + XLR Shotgun mic or one of the more expensive on-camera pre-amps you just showed (JuicedLink or Sound Devices). I have the Zoom H5 and I consider buying the Sennheiser 416 to make a lifetime investment. However, if any on-camera pre-amp could match/be better than the Zoom H5's pre-amps, I would love to buy it to avoid dual-audio system hassle. Thank you.
Hey Techline. I'm in the same saturating as you. I was thinking about getting the Zoom and NGT4 and Zoom H4. More info in my comment above.
Hey, just read your comment. If you choose Zoom, go with the H5. I watched some comparison reviews, the H5 has much less noise as it is using the same pre-amps as the H6. BTW, great content on your channel!
I think I might buy this.
Yet another great video and gear I need to pick up. I'll support via affiliate link! Thanks!
Great video Caleb. Funny I was just looking for an XLR mic for my RUclips channel with 60,000 subs. After watching this I definitely want the NTG4/+. I have an a6500 and GH5. For a preamp I was leaning toward the Zoom H4N recorder where I could input XLR and output to the camera and Id get a recorder too. Do you think this would be a good setup? I'll get the NTG4 from your link. Thanks for everything.
Thanks for the review. Helped a lot.
Hi Caleb, do you use radio lav mics? If you could I would really love to see how you set up the levels and setting etc on a set for interview use. I use a sennhiesser wireless radio set for real estate agents and I still don't fully understand the settings. Over the last year I've somehow changed one of the settings and I'm now having trouble with my audio levels and the sound quality. I don't know whether to boost the sound in the lav or in my recorder. I want to swap from an audio recorder to a pre amp setup with my lav mics to record sound internally and save time in post which is why I'm watching this video. Thanks again for the content, I really appreciate the video you put out and you have helped my immensely since I found your channel about a year ago.
how come you don't use a zoom?
what was the tripod and the mount? it names Vxxxxxxx
Should I get this or the Smartrig+?
how does this compare to the Panasonic GH5 one?
Are you sure the gain switches aren't analogue as well? I doubt there's anything digital in that box.
So this preamp will send a STEREO signal to the camera with 2 mics plugged in correct?
Thanks Caleb! How does this MixMic unit compare to the SmartRig+ ? Equivalent dynamic range, noise floor, etc?
This looks great.Is there a pre-amp that records internally? As a back up?
I wanted your opinion when comparing the Mix Mic to the Sony XLR-KM2. The thing that’s hanging me up is the KM2 doesn’t have a cold shoe on top of that would be my choice. I will be running this on a Sony AX700 for filming my hunts. If you have other options please let me know as well.
Great video man & thanks!!
Hey Caleb, what's with your homepage? Not available....
Hey Caleb, thanks so much for this and for all your videos - they’re awesome! If okay I have a question: Since these preamps are going into the camera, isn’t the camera’s preamp still being used? Therefore, aren’t we still gonna get noise? How does the camera’s built in preamp know to ‘stand down’ and let the external preamp do the work? I’m thinking of upgrading my current setup (I’m currently using a videomic pro straight to Canon M50 with my manual audio levels on the camera set only just above zero, but I’m still getting a bit of noise) I’d like to get a shotgun/XLR set up and a preamp is appealing because I don’t want to sync audio in post. Equally... I don’t want any noise. It’s a minefield! Thanks for any answer/thoughts you’re able to provide.
So, did you say it's stepped volume control? Not potentiometer controls? So while you're filming, you cannot SMOOTHLY, ride the volume?
Is there a headphone out?
Hey Caleb, Thanks for another great video! I recently purchased the Saramonic Smartrig+ after watching your video review of it. Is the Smartrig+ comparable in quality to the MixMic? Thank You!
Another great review. Something I'm trying to figure out after having bought the Saramonic Smart rig based on your review, is how to mount everything cleanly to my rig while using a top handle. I can mount it easily to the top handle itself, but that makes the rig VERY top heavy and it looks super awkward. I think really the question is how to mount a shotgun on the camera while also using the top handle and so that it doesn't turn into a mini skyscraper.... Any ideas?
Get a flash braket that mounts under the camera.
Here are a few examples (not affliated)
*Limocamera Bracket*
a.co/efW9Kad
*Vello QuickDraw Rotating Flash Bracket*
a.co/gO3uoR6
*Heavy Duty Photography L Bracket*
a.co/4ZQOMdz
what would you suggest mixer wise for the new Sennheiser AVX ENG Dual Wireless Basic Kit. I am looking into the 2 body packs and the hand held micrphone and want to be able to have all 3 running at one time if needed. They said I will need a receiver for each one so I would need something to take 3 receivers and adapt them to the 3.5mm to the G85 I am getting soon. Thank you for your time and love your videos!
Charlie Brown Photography Try the Roland GO MIXER. it's a nice portable mixer
Jason Antwi-Appah ok thank you! Seriously been looking all over for answers, being told that I need a receiver for each speaker. Going to look that mixer up right now
Hello, I absolutely wanted to buy it but I read on amazon only negative opinions, parasitic noises, or a total stoppage of operation after 2 hours, and a really bad sound quality.
how can i know if it's true?
Hi Caleb, what would you recommend for audio setup for a Sony a6500 shooting bands on local gigs?
hi, great review, i want to know how you compare this and one for GH5?
Hi there, thank you for the review. Did you test out how long the battery last while supplying phantom power?
so I'm assuming this would work nicely on the gh5? The Panasonic xlr thing-a-ma-gig is just so absurdly expensive.
Thanks for your review! Could you please tell me what the autonomy of the 9V battery with phantom power on?
Looks great that little preamp, also here so early only had 162 views
Thanks, Caleb. Is there a way to monitor audio through the MixMic? I am using a G7.
Hi Caleb
How would you compare this preamp with the Tascam DR-60DmkII?
a6500 actually has pretty decent preamps...but this opens up a lot more options!
Would this work with 5d mark3 or canon 7d ?
I would think so, but definitely use Magic Lantern. You will get the best results that way.
hi Bro.
please do compare video about BESTVIEW S7 vs Feelworld F7 Monitors
Can you review the Roland GO:MIXER?
Mixpre 3? Amp and recorder in one!
Remco Ardui that's where my money is going
I have a Sony a7r2 which I use for photos and video I will be going on vacation and I usually get my Audio via H4n and a diety shotgun microphone or sometimes I just use the mics on the H4N to record ambiance. Due to this setup with my cage and monitor it’s a very bulky setup is there any amps that you can recommend me purchasing that works well that will take up less real estate on my rig thanks I really appreciate it and I don’t want to use my rode microphone
WHAT?!?!?! YOU CAN SEND 48v to each plug INDEPENDENTLY?!?!?
I wish I could do that with my Tascam DR-40. That way I could plug a shotgun in one port and give it 48v and use a lavalier in the other and not have it explode ... giving me a second mic to choose from for each take.
Right now on my Tascam DR-40 phantom power is either on on both ports or off on both ports ... that's kind of annoying some times.
The Saramonic mic isn't horrible ... totally usable but it doesn't even come close to the NTG4 ... not by a long shot. Then again, like you said, the NTG4 costs more than the entire Saramonic kit so ...
Side note: You can totally hear your audio cuts on your voice-over bits LOL. like 9:59 "It's a a great UNIT". Not enough space between great and unit and a an un-natural change in tone for the word unit.
Not complaining, I've just been slogging through cutting up some re-enactment dialogue scenes and doing ADR for a ww2 documentary so my brain is now trained to notice those inconsistencies. The curse of the film maker ... I can't watch a show or movie now without my brain analyzing lights, techniques, sound ... aaaaargh!
very helpful
I Think the røde has more lowend which is really nice, But If i had to choose i would choose the saramonic preamp, Cuz its just worth it.
Take a Tascam DR60, it will do the same job and it will also record...and the price is lower
Would you put it on your GH5?? I would love to see this up against the Panasonic DMW-XLR1 XLR Microphone Adapter. Could you compare the cheaper per amps from saramoinc to this one in sound quality? Check out my channel and let me know what you think
Found this randomly 7 years later…you cannot damage a microphone with phantom power…that’s the whole point of phantom power.
£300! thats a lot! Anyone can suggest me a preamp that has 48v and is cheap?
Gershon Dharmanandan tascam 60d mkii
still a bit pricey, im looking for the cheapest thing that will convert xlr to 3.5mm jack while providing phantom power, and having better preamps than the stock ones in my canon
Saramonic Smart Rig+ (plus or non plus version depending on budget)
thanks, thats more about my budget...
No worries
Their shotgun mic is not good enough. They should not bother to including one in their package and lower the price of the package instead.
Rode destroys Saramonic.
So they have a product like this?
Would love if Rode made something like this, but alas, they do not.
Well it IS Aussie!