VideoMic only recording to left side at DVinfo.net

Scott Hamilton · December 1st, 2008, 06:05 PM

It records fine when plugged directly into the camera, but when I use the 10 foot extention cable (1/8 inch female to 1/8 inch male) for boom mic use, I only hear it through my headphones through the left channel. That's the way it plays back too. Not a huge problem since I just adjust the pan in Final Cut, just wondering why it does that.

Also, on the subject, I've heard that you should not use an unbalanced cable longer than 10 feet. Is that more of a guide line or hard fact? It can be difficult using the VideoMic on a boom pole with only 10 feet of cable. I'd like to get a longer one, but the next size up (that I could find) was 25 feet.

Scott

Rick Reineke · December 1st, 2008, 09:04 PM

Are your extension cables stereo. (Tip-Ring-Shield= 3 conductor) If not, the center conductor (ring) could be shorting out.

"I've heard that you should not use an unbalanced cable longer than 10 feet."

- Mic level: No way! Don't even bother with HighZ mics.
- Line level: As long as you can get away with... I've run 100' unbalanced -10dB without issue in midtown NYC. You've got to keep on top of it though, in that hostile RF environment. Good cable is a must though. (Canare or Belden Star-quad)

December 1st, 2008, 06:05 PM	#1
Scott Hamilton Regular Crew Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wichita Falls, TX Posts: 101	VideoMic only recording to left side It records fine when plugged directly into the camera, but when I use the 10 foot extention cable (1/8 inch female to 1/8 inch male) for boom mic use, I only hear it through my headphones through the left channel. That's the way it plays back too. Not a huge problem since I just adjust the pan in Final Cut, just wondering why it does that. Also, on the subject, I've heard that you should not use an unbalanced cable longer than 10 feet. Is that more of a guide line or hard fact? It can be difficult using the VideoMic on a boom pole with only 10 feet of cable. I'd like to get a longer one, but the next size up (that I could find) was 25 feet. Scott

December 1st, 2008, 09:04 PM	#2
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,038	Are your extension cables stereo. (Tip-Ring-Shield= 3 conductor) If not, the center conductor (ring) could be shorting out. "I've heard that you should not use an unbalanced cable longer than 10 feet." - Mic level: No way! Don't even bother with HighZ mics. - Line level: As long as you can get away with... I've run 100' unbalanced -10dB without issue in midtown NYC. You've got to keep on top of it though, in that hostile RF environment. Good cable is a must though. (Canare or Belden Star-quad)