DIY cheap microphone preamp for Canon DSLR #1 component selection and tools
24Step-by step tutorial on how to build a cheap (25Euro) microphone preamplifier for Canon DSLR cameras in order to improve the audio quality, reduce the hissing noise and also flatten the piercing S sound in your videos.
The build is rather simple, so it can be easily put together by hobbiests. Total costs around 25 Euros.
For the impatient:
00:00 -to- 01:29 Introduction and motivation
01:29 -to- 06:18 Requirements and gathering ideas
06:18 -to- 16:03 List of components and ideas for the build
16:03 -to- 21:23 Working principle and circuit diagram explained
21:23 -to- 25:29 Tools needed for the build
Component lists:
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Microphone: clip-on lapel microphone of an old Samsung mobile phone headset
The headsets from old mobile phones are good and inexpensive options.
You just need 2 minutes to figure out which leads are going to the microphone with a multimeter.
Conrad microphone preamplifier kit: 11.99 Euro
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/197688/Conrad-mono-microphone-preamplifier-kit
Plastic case: 2.69 Euro
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/522066/Module-casing-64-x-53-x-28-Polyamide-Black-AMG-2-1-pcs
Schielded audio extension cable, optional: 2.5 meters, 6.99Euro
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/325051/Jack-Audiophono-Extension-cable-1x-Jack-plug-35-mm-1x-Jack-socket-35-mm-250-m-Black-SpeaKa-Professional
3.5 mm audio jack Socket with fixing screw: 2.09 Euro
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/738619/35-mm-audio-jack-Socket-vertical-vertical-Number-of-pins-3-Stereo-Black-Lumberg-KLB-4-1-pcs
3.5 mm audio jack Plug: 1.99Euro
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/738920/35-mm-audio-jack-Plug-straight-Number-of-pins-3-Stereo-Black-Lumberg-KLS-40-1-pcs
9V battery: 2.5-4 Euros, depending on location/manufacturer
9V battery leads: 0.35Euros:
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/490660/T-Style-9V-Snap-Clip-With-150mm-Wire-Leads
Power On/Off switch with a slider switch: 0.79Euro:
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/708046/Slide-switch-50-Vdc-02-A-1-x-OnOn-SS-12-05-1-pcs
Optional for power indication:
LED for indicating PowerON, and a series resitor for the LED.
However, it will deplete the battery faster. Instead, I use Magic Lantern, where I can visually see when the preamp is turned on from the audio bars at the top of the screen during recording.
Audio setting in Magic Lantern for my Canon T3i, aka Rebel 600D:
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Override audio settings: ON
Analog gain : 0dB
Mic Bosst: 0dB
Digital Gain -- go inside the submenu
Record Effect Mode: Notch filter
Record digital volume: 0
Left digital gain: 0dB
Right digital gain: 0dB
AGC: OFF
Input source: External stereo !do not forget to select this!