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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
Lav mic direct to XL1 COnfiguration?

 

 


mwieser
Novice

May 16, 2005, 11:27 AM

Post #1 of 4 (2026 views)
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Lav mic direct to XL1 COnfiguration? Can't Post

...Silly Simple question perhaps but, what's the best way to wire a lav mic direct to XL1 - I tried via audio 1 rca inputs via miniplug "coupler" adapter, very low signal (both line and mic) - can I use input normally used for onboard nose mic? I've always used wireless into ma200 and been happy with results but I'm told hard wired is superior...
Thanks,


Bob Hudson
User

May 16, 2005, 3:26 PM

Post #2 of 4 (2010 views)
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Re: [mwieser] Lav mic direct to XL1 COnfiguration? [In reply to] Can't Post

Just plug it into the mike jack: the RCA inputs are not designed for mike level audio.

Using an XLR adapter can reduce the chances of getting hum and other interference in your audio, but otherwise the quality is not any better.

As for "hard wired" - well that term implies something that is permanently wired as opposed to plugged into a jack.

If you like the MA200, just keep using that.


jarnesen
New User

Jun 17, 2005, 1:15 PM

Post #3 of 4 (1539 views)
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Re: [mwieser] Lav mic direct to XL1 COnfiguration? [In reply to] Can't Post

I recently completed shooting interviews last week for my current project and what I did was disconnect the on board mic. and plugged in my trusty beach-tek. From there I was able to control all my lav audio levels from the on board controls on the side without any noise whatsoever.


Waldemar
Enthusiast


Jun 18, 2005, 5:09 PM

Post #4 of 4 (1511 views)
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Re: [mwieser] Lav mic direct to XL1 COnfiguration? [In reply to] Can't Post

Just run your hard wired lav mic into the XLR iinputs of your MA 200.

Take a close look at the MA 200. It uses three cables to connect to the audio 1 inputs on the XL1/XL1s, which are RCA, and high impedance. Of the three cables, one has a mini-plug. IT supplies power to the MA 200 to effect the impedance from mic level to line level that Audio 1 needs.

Now look at the on camera mic connection at the front of the camera. Notice the extra mini plug socket? It supplies power to the standard canon on camera mic, which is a condeser mic, not a dynamic mic. It needs power to operate. Note. condenser mics are not the same as those requiring phantom power, which need much higher voltage. Another story for another time.

With your miniplug "coupler" adapter you are merely switching plug/socket configurations, adding a bit of additional resistance to the flow of electrons, but not making any significant change. A mic level signal is usually 600 ohms or less resistance. A line level is around 10,000 ohms. A 600 ohm signal fed into a 10,000 ohm receptor is barely going to make a blip on the "radar".

The big problem with wireless mics is that they use radio frequencies in what I sometimes call the totally "free zone". You and you don't know how many others have access to the same transmission/reception radio frequency. Quality wireless mic system manufacturers have taken great pains to make your system as reliable as possible, but the fact remains that as lon as you are wireless you are vulnerable to interference from somewhere.
Hard wired systems are closed in the sense that they do not allow interference, hence giving them the reputation of being superior. "More difficult to set up and less prone to compromise", is a much better description.

Must cut this dialog short due to a prior committment. Hope this helps.
G5 1.8. Final Cut/QT Pro/iMovie/Still Life. GL1. XL1-s