juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier

  • Price: $419.00
  • B&H # JUDT454
  • Mfr# DT454

Product Highlights

  • AGC Disabling
  • 2x XLR Microphone Inputs
  • 1/8" 3.5mm Stereo Unbalanced Input
  • Headphone and Mic Level Outputs
  • 48V & 12V Phantom Power
  • 4 Segment LED Meters
  • Channel & Headphone Level Controls

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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
juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier
 
4.2

(based on 45 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (26)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (12)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (3)

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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5.0

Works with Canon D% improves the sound

By OlsonCorp

from Philadelphia pA

About Me Experienced

Verified Buyer

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.

    Comment on this review

     
    4.0

    Best purchased made

    By webhead

    from Visalia, ca

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    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.

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone P

    By Almightywhit

    from Dallas TX

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Compact
    • Lightweight

    Cons

      Best Uses

        Comments about juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier:

        Awesome! Great quality sound.

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        2.0

        Never got clean audio.

        By JC

        from Chapel Hill, NC

        About Me Experienced

        Verified Buyer

        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.

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Good Solution

          By Ryan

          from California

          About Me Experienced

          Verified Buyer

          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).

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            A must for the DSLR filmmaker

            By Hangar 21

            from Twin Cities, MN

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            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.

            Comment on this review

             
            4.0

            Does the job

            By Jk

            from syracuse, NY

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            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.

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Adapter works great with 5D MarkII

            By World Camera

            from Brooklyn, NY

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            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.

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                Works like a charm

                By Ric T

                from Lansing, MI

                About Me Experienced

                Verified Buyer

                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!

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                good

                By nicolasvanh

                from bogota, colombia

                About Me Experienced

                Verified Buyer

                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.

                      Comment on this review

                      (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Nice Pre amp

                      By EMT-P

                      from Valdosta Ga

                      About Me Tech Savvy

                      Verified Buyer

                      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

                        Comment on this review

                         
                        5.0

                        It's a great asset!

                        By Helio Abdal

                        from Greenwich, CT

                        About Me Film Professional

                        Verified Buyer

                        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!

                            Comment on this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Great equipment

                            By Music Teacher

                            from Long Beach, CA

                            About Me Tech Savvy

                            Verified Buyer

                            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

                                Comment on this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                so far, so good

                                By mfromnj

                                from NJ

                                About Me Pro photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                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

                                  Comment on this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  thank's mr juice

                                  By JF JULIAN

                                  from PARIS FRANCE

                                  About Me Film Professional

                                  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

                                    Comment on this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Great Preamp!

                                    By redsquarephoto

                                    from Florida

                                    About Me Aspiring Film Maker, Tech Savvy

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    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

                                      Comment on this review

                                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      A must have.

                                      By Producer Tom

                                      from Detroit

                                      About Me Film Professional, Video Producer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      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

                                      Comment on this review

                                      (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      1.0

                                      Returned

                                      By Richard Arthur

                                      from Carbondale, Illinois

                                      About Me Film Professional

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      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

                                      Comment on this review

                                      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      Good add-on to 5dii

                                      By lovebags

                                      from Melbourne

                                      About Me Film Professional, Tech Savvy

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      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

                                        Comment on this review

                                        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                         
                                        5.0

                                        Add exterrnal mics to your DSLR

                                        By Ed

                                        from Winter Park

                                        About Me Aspiring Film Maker

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        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

                                          Comment on this review

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                                          What's in the Box

                                          juicedLink DT454 4-Channel DSLR Camera Microphone Preamplifier
                                          • 1 Year Warranty
                                           
                                           
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