juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier
The JuicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier delivers quality audio to anyone using a DSLR camera for professional video applications. The DT454 features 2 XLR microphone inputs with 48V phantom power, and 12V (power saving mode) phantom power. In addition, a stereo 1/8" (3.5mm) input may be used as an unbalanced microphone input, or camera audio input for playback monitoring.
Its AGC (Automatic Gain Control) feature is manually controlled, and addresses the unstable gain issues that are common in some DSLR cameras. The JuicedLink DT454 features audio controls on the front, a 4-segment LED meter, 9V battery operation, and mounts onto any DSLR camera.
- 4 microphone channels (2 XLR, 2 unbalanced)
- Low-noise preamplifiers
Meters
- 4 segment LED (each right/left)
- 2 sensitvity settings; adjustable
- Meters are valuable for use with the new 5DMKII firmware, which does not show meters during recording
- Safety Mode (broadband noise)
Additional Features
- 30dB low-noise type max gain (single ended, stereo)
- Headphone Amplifier
- Playback Monitoring
- 48V Phantom, plus 12V power saving mode
| Power |
9V Alkaline Battery
No Phantom: 7 Hours 1x 2mA Mic @ 12V: 5 Hours 1x 2mA Mic @ 48V: 2 Hours iPowerUS 9V Lithium-Polymer 1x 2mA Mic @ 48V: 5 Hours |
| Case | Black-anodized aluminum enclosure for EMI protection and rugged use |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 3.2 x 1.5" (114.3 x 81.28 x 38.1mm) |
| Weight | 10 oz |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 45 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
88%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (17)
- Good audio (12)
- Easy to use (11)
- Improves performance (11)
- Well built / quality (10)
Cons
- Pricey / poor value (5)
Best Uses
- Shooting outdoors (7)
- Professional recording (6)
- Shooting indoors (6)
- Outdoor events / games (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (9), Film professional (8), Tech savvy (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (13)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great and necessary product/ DSLR prod.
This is a great product, having the meters and real tactile analog potentiometers is a great idea and necessary for professional work. The headphone amp has a volume control that is instantly adjusted as ...Read complete review
This is a great product, having the meters and real tactile analog potentiometers is a great idea and necessary for professional work. The headphone amp has a volume control that is instantly adjusted as well. There are options for either boosted XLR input or line in via headphone plug. This is a true stereo amp as long as you aren't using the auto ALC disabler.
Setup was easy and the product is solid and yet lightweight. I have My Zacuto 3X, an custom offset plate, and the 5D with a heavy lens mounted up on a follow focus with rails and you'd think that stack wouldn't be stable but it is.. thanks to the strength of the Juicedlink.
Ok, on the batteries. The door to the chamber is on the front so even mounted on the camera you can get to it easily. However, The batteries don't last long at all.. even with only one channel used. I got maybe 1.5 on a Duracell 9V. So, you better plan to buy rechargeable and bring extra batteries.
There are many settings and the unit is very versatile. The amp is very clean, although you will notice how loud the headphone amp is. Lots and lots of hiss, but that isn't represented in the recorded audio at all.
The casing, while well made, has a couple of gaps at the bending points. A little dust got in mine and is visible in the VU meter and there isn't an easy way to get that out of there now. The unit's functionality isn't affected, but it's still an annoyance.
Overall, I give this product an A+. If it were stolen tomorrow I'd go out and buy another.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Low Quality
I bought the JuicedLink DT 454 for my 7D. I was really excited to try it out and see if this method would be the best way to record audio for the 7D video flow...Read complete review
I bought the JuicedLink DT 454 for my 7D. I was really excited to try it out and see if this method would be the best way to record audio for the 7D video flow.
The audio quality was pretty bad. When the meter gets to -12 to -6db, it starts to distort. I feel like the AGC is still working even when the AGC is disabled.
I don't like not being able to use 1 channel or track when the AGC is disabled. The input gain was hot and also a bit weak... I had to have the gain turned up all the way to acquire a strong signal. Then, when I was getting a strong signal, the sound distorted.
The audio meter was not the best way to monitor. It has 4 lights, 3 green and 1 red. The best sound came when the signal was at 1-2 lights. When it reached 3 or 4, there was distortion. And when it was at 1 or 2 lights, the signal was low.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 45 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
We use this and disable the mic in the D5 and then mix it back in with this .
Saves a ton of time - The cheaper one works great too but this one has a headphone jack.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky/Heavy
- Pricey / Poor Value
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
I use this product for professional use in interviews. Best audio solution for 5D mark 2. Shape is a little awkward though.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Awesome! Great quality sound.
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
Cons
- Poor Sound Quality
- Pricey / Poor Value
Best Uses
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Tried to use it with a Canon 7D. I'm sad to say I was never able to get clean audio to my satisfaction. I sent an audio clip to the manufacturer and they did respond quickly with some tweaks that did improve my audio. But the audio still had too much hiss for me for the money, so I went back to the H4N. Could be that I just couldn't find the sweet spot. If you buy it, be sure to leave ample time for setting up the device before your shoot, with tools, the online manual, and a plan B. I've been in the vid prod biz since 1980.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Professional Recording
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Works great audio is clear with out having to record separate audio and sink later. Audio is still bad until you actually take out the right track in editing (was a bit worried when I watch the raw clip the first time, once right audio track out all was good).
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey / Poor Value
Best Uses
- DSLR filming
- Professional Recording
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Finally I can hear what is going into my DSLR's audio input!
I tried this out with my new Sennheiser wireless lav mic and I am so thrilled to be able to finally have control over my audio levels. I'm still learning about all the settings, but so far, I'm completely satisfied.
It feels solid and well-made, and adds a little weight, which makes handheld shooting a little easier.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Pricey / Poor Value
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Difficult to setup and the online manual could be a little clearer, but that's what you get with a product designed to be used with so many different cameras. But for me, that's a good thing. The money that I sunk into this will be worth it even as I change cameras (as long as I can figure out what settings to change. Isolating the left channel cannot be done in iMovie.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
I bought this adapter to use with my 5D Mark II it works great. I tested it right out of the box, after watching a video (see below), by speaking into a lav mic facing a window open to a noisy street with traffic. The sound is great. No hissing. Even the traffic noise wasn't that bad. The sound quality is far better than I used to get with my Beachtek adapter on a JVC camera. The only caveats are that you must read the instruction manual and watch the set-up video available on the Juiced Link website to calibrate the camera's sound meter. If you do both of those steps, you can figure out how to use it.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Interviews
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
This product works EXACTLY as advertised. The manufacturer's web site has a huge number of supporting videos and how-to content that makes the buying and setup very easy. Kudos to [@] for making products in the USA! After a simple hook-up to my Canon 5D, and watching the videos, my audio problems vanished! What a difference! Clean, clear audio with monitoring feedback into my phones! Thanks JuicedLink!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
This is a very good thing for those who work solo in video DSLR. It is a bit complicated and I'm still figuring it out. It has worked good with the canon 60D except for some noise at the bottom of recording that I haven´t been able to manage.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Have not done any audio testing yet with the device, but I like the options that it offers. Also, if you go to the website for the product the president of the company has several videos to help guide you for the best settings for your camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good interface with DSLRs
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Easy to set up!
Versatile!
It's a "must" have!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Interface With Camcorder
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
I am using this product to add quality sound to live performances. I did not expect the quality of these pre-amps to be great, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tested it out the first time. Having the ability to go from the sound board into the camera has saved me lots of time in post production.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Works very well so far with phantom powered shotgun mic, and dynamic stick mic. Levels are easily monitored with headphones - and when headphones are not practical - monitoring can be done using LED display.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Interface With Camcorder
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Travel
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
out door documentary with 5D
LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Travel
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Small and compact with great sound quality. I am a complete audio novice but I know what sounds good.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Interface With Camcorder
- Improves Performance
Cons
- Adds bulkiness to gear
- Runs through batteries
Best Uses
- Interviews
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Works like a charm. Really really works.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- None
Cons
- Flimsy Design
- Heavy
- Poor Interface
Best Uses
- NONE
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
I received this item and spent nearly an hour with it. I got it to work, although it drained a 9 volt in 10 minutes. After installing on my Canon 7D, I decided it was another layer of complication I didn't need and sent it back. Right now I have plenty of work-arounds and I've settled into a good routine. I use the RODE Videomic when I NEED to. I then use my Tascam DR100 when I want a different kind of audio.
I disliked the way the device attached to the camera - it didn't feel secure. The cabling was also awkward. Aside from determining I didn't want the extra complication, I also felt it wasn't worth the price. The adjustment pots didn't line up with the holes in the case and I felt like i could have stripped the adjustment screws without too much trouble. The videos the company offers to demo the device and help with the set up are not worth the time to watch.
Stick with the standard tools for now and upgrade when a decent device comes along that's worthy of a $400.00 + price tag.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Interface With Camcorder
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
This is used in conjunction with the Canon 5dii, in order to allow for XLR input into the camera. It worked well using two wireless mics and no hiss could be heard in the pre-amps. Once the levels are calibrated to the camera, the operation is relatively straight forward. The only thing to watch out for is that the cables between the camera and the box don't become unplugged.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Interface With Camcorder
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:
Most DSLRs provide little control over the sound recording when in Film mode. My Lumix GH1 has a 2.5 mm plug for external mics, and the sound recording is subject to Automaic Gain Control. The advantage of the Juicedlink Mic Preamplifier is the ability to plug in up to 4 mics and to set the sound recording level to your liking. Two of the inputs are XLRs. In addition, Automatic Gain Control can be disabled by feeding noise or a low frequency tone to the camera, so the sound system of the camera is fooled into assuming that there is constant input, even while the other channel is recording silence. I'm not a sound engineer, so it took me a while to read throough the instruction booklet and comprehend the wiring diagram. But using a lavaliere and a shotgun mic at the same time has allowed me to record first rate sound.
The box is small enough that it fits comfortably under the DSLR body. There is a headphone plug, and the sound level can be adjusted by checking the 4 LEDs that light up. The top LED is red and warns you of clipping.
If you go for high quality sound recording in your DSLR or you want additional tracks in addition to a separate recording device, this is the perfect pre-amp for you.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
- Price: $1.95
Cables
- Price: $19.99
Headphones
- Price: $19.99
What's in the Box
- 1 Year Warranty
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