Mic Input Levels for Several Cams

[David Ennis]

Using a nice audio analysis program called Realtime Analyzer, a digital multimeter and some jumper wires, I've done some bench measurements of several camcorder makes and models. Here are the results in a nutshell. Thought they might be of interest to some.

The Canon GL2's nominal mic input spec is 1.8 mV (-55 dB)
--At the nominal -55 dB input, -12 dB recording level is achieved at about 30% of max. gain
--The GL2's input clips at 14-15 mV (-37 dB) with MIC ATT OFF
--MIC ATT ON reduces the input by -20 dB (1/10)

The Sony VX2100's nominal mic input spec is 0.338 mV (-69 dB)
--At the nominal -69 dB input, -12 dB recording level is achieved at about 60% of max. gain
--The Sony VX2100's input clips at about 27 mV (-31 dB)

The Panasonic GS200's nominal mic spec callls for a -50 dB (3 mV/Pa) mic
--The GS200's input clips at about 48 mV (-26 dB)

As I and others have often written, the clipping occurs even though cam gain can be turned down to give a good recording level indication on the cam's meters.

Compared with the VX2100, the GL2's relatively high input requirement together with its low clipping level makes it more of a candidate for the preamp and limiting capabilities of a Beachtek DXA-8 or similar device.