Post Four - Guide to using an SQN Mixer

For this blog post I have decided to create a step-by-step guide to using an SQN-Mixer! By doing this I hope to help others learn how to use this piece of equipment, as well as a refresher for my own knowledge :)

This is what the standard SQN-4S Mixer looks like:

Some of the benefits of an SQN-Mixer are that it can be used for recording multiple microphone sources, and it is more portable and easier to mix the sound recording on location and the controls are not attached to the camera.

Guide to using an SQN-Mixer

Step 1

Start by plugging in the umbilical extension cable, then plug in umbilical cable to the extension.

The umbilical cable has 2 XLR outputs and an AUX jack

Step 2 

Plug in the CH1 XRL output from the SQN into the INPUT 1 port on the camera, then plug the CH2 XRL output into the INPUT 2 port, and finally plug in the AUX jack into the headphones port

The settings for both audio inputs on the camera should be set to MIC +48V Phantom Power

At this point we are ready to plug in the first microphone that is being used (in this case, a condenser rifle mic)

Step 3

On the front of the SQN, switch the PHONES dial to L+R so we can hear both channels

Also, switch the red switch to MXR so that we can monitor the sound (you can occasionally switch to RET to test the camera output)

Step 4

Looking at the side of the SQN Mixer, we can see these switches:

Each switch relates to the channels on the camera, positioning left goes to CH1 and positioning right goes to CH2, the middle position is going to both - its best that we record the rifle mic to CH1 and the radio mice to CH2 so that the recordings aren't on top of each other

Step 5
To check that the batteries are working, press the BATT button, the needle will move accordingly

At this point, also make sure the MASTER control is set

For Mic Powering, CH1 and CH2 should be set to 48V Phantom Power on the underside of the SQN Mixer

Step 6

Now we'll set a line up tone so that the recording on the SQN Mixer is the same as the camera - make sure you take your headphones off, then switch to T and take note of the needle reading

Fun Fact! There is an on board mic on the SQN Mixer which can be used to make quick recordings e.g.. Scene 4 Take 1!

Step 7

Camera Set Up: Switch the outputs on both the camera and SQN Mixer to line level signal

Turn on the camera and begin to look at the audio settings. Set both CH1 and CH2 to MANUAL

Then look at the Audio Settings on the camera Menu, make sure the channel input is selected to INPUT 1 for CH1 and INPUT 2 for CH2

Set the HEADPHONE OUT setting to STEREO, so that you can hear both channels through the headphones

Make sure the AUDIO LIMIT is turned OFF

Finally, we'll set the tone to around halfway (-18db) by turning the dials until the bars come up to the middle on the display screen

Step 8

Setting up Radio Mics - Plug in the receiver to the SQN Mixer to CH3 or CH4 

(Radio Mics don't need Phantom Power, but they do transmit a mic level signal) so we can also switch the output level to MIC

Then continue to set sensitivity levels on the Radio Mics and clip on the microphone to your acorn as you normally would in Studio. 

Step 9 

This is the set up complete! 

Here are some extra notes for mixing: when mixing on shoot, the needle levels for both mics should be meeting the zero 0 (not peaking into the red section)

We can open and close the mics according to when dialogue is being spoken. Below is an example of the dials - the dial on the left shows a closed mic, and the right shows an example of an open mic.

Thanks for reading my beginners guide to using an SQN Mixer!