Are you looking to connect an audio mixer to your video camera?
In this article, we’ll show you two ways to connect your audio mixer to a DSLR-style video camera.
Quick Answer: There are two ways to connect the video camera to the audio mixer’s output. The first one involves using a camera audio interface. You could use an XLR to connect to the stereo output or one ¼” TRS to XLR cable to connect to the aux output or a copy of the cable to connect to the monitor. The other option replaces the audio interface with a dual ¼” TS to ⅛” TRS cable that will allow you to connect to either output on the audio mixer over a short distance. .
Pricing & Specs
- Sony A7iii: https://currentprice.io/sony_a7iii
- Yamaha MG10XU: http://currentprice.io/mg10xu
Mixer Outputs (Aux, Monitor, Main/Stereo)
Before we connect our audio mixer to a camera, we need to consider what output we want to use from the audio mixer.
- Stereo Output – Main stereo mix.
- Monitor Outputs – A copy of the stereo mix with an independent master volume control.
- Aux Output – Create a custom mix for your camera, but it’s only mono.
- Headphone Output – Stereo output using a 1/4″ TRS jack. Typically not the best option for connecting a camera.
Balanced vs Unbalanced Cables
Next, we must understand the difference between balanced and unbalanced audio cables. Does it matter when we’re trying to connect our audio mixer to a video camera? Yes! It does matter.
Balanced Audio Cables | Unbalanced Audio Cables |
XLR | RCA |
1/4″ TRS | 1/4″ TS |
Balanced cables are designed to run up to 1000ft (300m) without audio degradation and are much more reliable than unbalanced audio cables, which will degrade your audio quality after 10-15ft (3-5m)
When considering the three options for connecting your audio mixer to a camera, you must consider how far away the camera is.
Your video camera is not always close to your audio mixer, so in that case, you’ll want the first option, which offers a fully balanced audio solution. The second solution that we are going to show you is less expensive but will work if your camera is close to your audio mixer.
Mic Level vs. Line Level
There is an important difference between the line-level outputs on your audio mixer and the microphone-level input on your video camera. If you send a line-level signal from your audio mixer to your video camera, it will be distorted, clipped, and sound horrible.
The first method we are going to show you will address this.
The second method has a workaround that involves adjusting your audio mixer settings to work with the mic level input on your video camera.
Option 1: Audio Interface For Cameras (Balanced)
Audio Mixer > XLR Cable > Camera Interface > 1/8″ Cable > DSLR Video Camera
With this option, we will use a purpose-built camera interface. A camera-specific audio interface will allow you to send a balanced line-level signal from your audio mixer to your camera. The interface can accept the line-level signal and convert it to a mic-level signal for your camera.
Some common options for camera audio interfaces:
- Kopul CMX2: http://currentprice.io/kopul_cmx2
- Tascam DR60D MKII: http://currentprice.io/dr60d
- Sound Devices MixPre-3: http://currentprice.io/mixpre3
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
How To Connect Audio Mixer To Camera Using A Camera Interface
- Use an XLR cable to connect the output of your audio mixer to the input of a camera interface. You may need a 1/4″ TRS to XLR Converter.
- Adjust your camera interface to be “line level.”
- Connect camera interface to video camera using 1/8″ cable
- Turn down the audio input on your camera to the lowest setting possible
- Adjust levels to get an adequate level on your camera without clipping or distorting.
Option 2: Dual 1/4″ TS to 1/8″ TRS Cable (Unbalanced)
Audio Mixer > Dual 1/4″ to 1/8″ Cable > Video Camera
Option 2 works well if you need something inexpensive, but it will require a couple of compromises. The signal is unbalanced, so the camera must be within 10 feet (3m) of your audio mixer. You will also be sending a line-level signal from your audio mixer to your camera, so you will need to reduce the stereo output on your mixer to 10-15% (roughly).
How To Connect Audio Mixer To Camera Using A Dual 1/4″ To 1/8″ Cable
- Connect 1/4″ jacks to stereo output or monitor output of audio mixer
- Connect 1/8″ jack to microphone level input of video camera
- Adjust levels to get an adequate level on your camera without clipping or distorting.
1/4″ TS to 1/8″ TRS Cable: http://currentprice.io/14_to_dual_18
Audio Interface vs Dual 1/4″ TS to 1/8″ TRS Cable. Which is Better?
We compare which option is better when connecting your audio mixer to your video camera.
An audio interface is good for:
- Working with balanced cables. You can get longer runs with better audio quality.
- More control for the camera operator. They can adjust the audio level for the camera.
- More versatile
The Dual ¼” TS to ⅛” TRS cable works well if your audio mixer is close to your camera, and it is relatively inexpensive.
Connect Audio Mixer To Camera Price & Specs
Best Video Camera Audio Interface
- Kopul CMX2: http://currentprice.io/kopul_cmx2
- Tascam DR60D MKII: http://currentprice.io/dr60d
- Sound Devices MixPre-3: http://currentprice.io/mixpre3
Connect Audio Mixer To Camera Equipment
- Sony A7iii: https://currentprice.io/sony_a7iii
- Yamaha MG10XU: http://currentprice.io/mg10xu
- Audio Interface For Camera: http://currentprice.io/kopul_cmx2
- 1/4″ TS to 1/8″ TRS Cable: http://currentprice.io/14_to_dual_18
- Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- TRS Cable: https://currentprice.io/trs_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Rode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/boom_arm
Connect Audio Mixer To Camera Topics
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:20 – Pricing & Specs
- 0:38 – Balanced vs Unbalanced Cables
- 2:10 – Mic Level vs Line Level
- 2:48 – Mixer Outputs (Aux, Monitor, Main/Stereo)
- 4:55 – Audio Mixer Setup
- 5:40 – Option 1: Audio Interface For Cameras
- 12:00 – Option 2: Dual 1/4″ TS to 1/8″ TRS Cable
- 15:37 – Audio Interface vs Dual 1/4″ TS to 1/8″ TRS Cable
- 16:28 – Final Thoughts
