Canon XH-G1 mic/line connectors at DVinfo.net

David Morgan · October 13th, 2006, 08:11 AM

According to what I've read so far, the higher end XH series camera has a serious oversight (in my opinion) regarding the choice of signals on the mic/line XLR connectors. It appears that they operate in tandem. If you select line, then both connectors are in the "line level" mode. Visa versa for mic level select. Obviously, this is s short coming and puts a real crimp in field acquistion.
Anyone know if the "A" or "G" series cameras have the same issue?

thx
dave

Pete Bauer · October 13th, 2006, 08:42 AM

Both the XLR Ch1 and Ch2 do operate in tandem on one line/mic switch in the XL H1, and it appears that the XH series uses the same swtiching scheme for XLR input.

If one cannot arrange to input to both XLR inputs as either mic or line level, and must have the camera accept XLR line level in one channel and XLR mic level in the other, Canon cameras may not be the right choice. I'd think this would be an extremely rare circumstance, though. One could either use two mics connected onboard OR just pass both signals through a sound board at line level, as required, rather than do one of each.

Bill Pryor · October 13th, 2006, 08:57 AM

I don't see that as a problem. There are times I will use a camera mic to record ambient sound, while the person I'm shooting will have a wireless lav or I'll use a shotgun mic through a mixer. The mixer can provide line or mic outputs. If I mic directly to the camera, then obviously the mic input is used.

The only situation I can think of where this might be an issue is if you were shooting some event where you took a house audio line feed and want to run a camera mic at the same time. I have done that numerous times. However, in all cases, I take the house feed into my mixer (it would be folly not to, in my opinion), and in that case I can always take mice out of the mixer. So, unless you have a mixer that only gives you line out, I don't see how it could ever be a problem. If you wanted line in for the remote mic, run a cable from the camera mic to the mixer and take both of them as line in.

Greg Rothschild · October 13th, 2006, 05:07 PM

For $35 you can get an in-line pad that will take your line level and knock it down to mic level.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

David Morgan · October 13th, 2006, 07:44 PM

Thx for the replys gents.
However, I want separate input switching. Been there and done all the suggested ways.
IMHO there is no excuse for this design oversight. Well, maybe two. Either there engineers need to get out more, maybe actually USE a camera, or the company really is saving 2 cents on the switch for every camera. That adds up you know!!

Bill Pryor · October 13th, 2006, 08:58 PM

What kind of situations do you shoot in where you have to have line level for one input and mic on another?

Pete Bauer · October 13th, 2006, 09:01 PM

Well, that's a particular feature you want and Canons don't do it. It's not a concern for the vast majority of us. If none of the suggested solutions would work for you, you'll have to shop around.

October 13th, 2006, 08:11 AM	#1
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	Canon XH-G1 mic/line connectors According to what I've read so far, the higher end XH series camera has a serious oversight (in my opinion) regarding the choice of signals on the mic/line XLR connectors. It appears that they operate in tandem. If you select line, then both connectors are in the "line level" mode. Visa versa for mic level select. Obviously, this is s short coming and puts a real crimp in field acquistion. Anyone know if the "A" or "G" series cameras have the same issue? thx dave

October 13th, 2006, 08:42 AM	#2
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Both the XLR Ch1 and Ch2 do operate in tandem on one line/mic switch in the XL H1, and it appears that the XH series uses the same swtiching scheme for XLR input. If one cannot arrange to input to both XLR inputs as either mic or line level, and must have the camera accept XLR line level in one channel and XLR mic level in the other, Canon cameras may not be the right choice. I'd think this would be an extremely rare circumstance, though. One could either use two mics connected onboard OR just pass both signals through a sound board at line level, as required, rather than do one of each. __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

October 13th, 2006, 05:07 PM	#4
Greg Rothschild Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Los Angeles, Ca Posts: 120	For $35 you can get an in-line pad that will take your line level and knock it down to mic level. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation __________________ Greg Rothschild Photography http://www.gregrothschild.com

October 13th, 2006, 07:44 PM	#5
David Morgan Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 466	Canon XLR Thx for the replys gents. However, I want separate input switching. Been there and done all the suggested ways. IMHO there is no excuse for this design oversight. Well, maybe two. Either there engineers need to get out more, maybe actually USE a camera, or the company really is saving 2 cents on the switch for every camera. That adds up you know!!

October 13th, 2006, 09:01 PM	#7
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Well, that's a particular feature you want and Canons don't do it. It's not a concern for the vast majority of us. If none of the suggested solutions would work for you, you'll have to shop around. __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

October 13th, 2006, 08:57 AM	#3
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I don't see that as a problem. There are times I will use a camera mic to record ambient sound, while the person I'm shooting will have a wireless lav or I'll use a shotgun mic through a mixer. The mixer can provide line or mic outputs. If I mic directly to the camera, then obviously the mic input is used. The only situation I can think of where this might be an issue is if you were shooting some event where you took a house audio line feed and want to run a camera mic at the same time. I have done that numerous times. However, in all cases, I take the house feed into my mixer (it would be folly not to, in my opinion), and in that case I can always take mice out of the mixer. So, unless you have a mixer that only gives you line out, I don't see how it could ever be a problem. If you wanted line in for the remote mic, run a cable from the camera mic to the mixer and take both of them as line in.

October 13th, 2006, 08:58 PM	#6
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	What kind of situations do you shoot in where you have to have line level for one input and mic on another?